June 10, 2014

As summer approaches, there are lots of outdoor yoga classes throughout the country that offer instruction for a variety of skill levels – many of them for free! Consider stopping by your local park for some yoga fun in the sun.

1. New York City – Bryant Park
   Tuesdays at 10:00am, Thursdays at 6:00pm
   Admission: FREE!
   Vinyasa Flow under the trees with YogaWorks instructor Lindsay Ashmun. These athletic classes focus on alignment and graceful flow.
2. Seattle – Seattle Center
   Wednesdays at 11:30am
   Admission: FREE!
   Have fun learning the basics of Hatha Yoga as you gently stretch and breathe your stress away.
3. Boston – Boston Common
   Thursdays at 6:00pm
   Admission: FREE!
   Enjoy the beauty of trees, grass, and water found at historic Boston Common while practicing power Vinyasa flow. Classes are geared towards students of all levels.
4. Chicago – Millennium Park
   Saturdays at 8:00am
   Admission: FREE!
   A variety of area instructors offer classes throughout the summer on Millennium Park’s Great Lawn.
5. Miami – Bayfront Park
   Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Saturdays at 9:00am
   Admission: FREE!
   These classes offer a unique atmosphere to relax and invigorate, with a stunning view of the bay!
6. San Francisco – Golden Gate Park
   Saturdays at 11:00am
   Admission: By donation.
   Enjoy rejuvinating flows and meditation for your mind, body, and spirit in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful parks.
7. Los Angeles – Runyon Canyon
   Daily at various times
   Admission: By donation.
   These classes have been held at Runyon Canyon for over a decade, with a casual vibe that is welcoming to yogis of all ages and fitness levels.

For yoga supplies to maximize your practice indoors and out, visit www.barefootyoga.com!

June 6, 2014

OMgirl’s Summer clothing collection has arrived. Browse and buy at www.barefootyoga.com for the latest in warm weather yoga chic!

June 5, 2014

Sitting for hours every day can take its toll on back muscles and vertebrae, affecting the rest of the body as well. Let’s do some stretches at our desks focusing on the mid-torso.

Cat-cow stretches

• Seat with your feet flat on the floor.
• Place your hands on your knees and keep them there while you do the stretches.
• On an inhale, and sitting tall, arch your back and look up at the ceiling.
• On the exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest. Repeat for a few breaths.

Seated Spinal Twist

• Seat sideways on the chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Twist from the waist toward the back of the chair, holding the back with both hands if you need to. Keep your seat bones planted on the chair and your head aligned to your sternum. Keeping your body where it is, then gently turn your head to the direction of your turn. If your chair has armrests, use them as you would the back of the chair.
• After a few breaths, gently turn your head to the opposite shoulder for a neck stretch. Repeat on other side.

Seated Forward Bend

• Push your chair away from your desk.
• Plant your feet flat on the floor.
• Interlace your hands behind your back, straighten your arm, keeping shoulders back.
• Fold at the waist, reaching forward as you fold.
• Keep your interlaced hands over your back.
• Set your tummy on your thighs and release your head.

For yoga essentials to continue your practice at home and in the yoga studio, visit www.barefootyoga.com!