The Upside of Doing Nothing

There’s something about the new year that inspires a go-go-go attitude in most of us. But if the urge to take a break and hibernate strikes, give in, says Stephanie Brown, PhD. Turns out, there are some big benefits.   "In our society today, doing nothing is often associated with being lazy ...

Guard Your Heart

Here's how yoga not only opens your heart, but also protects your ticker in the long run.   Yogis know the poses that "open" the heart, but did you know that regular practice can also help protect your ticker over the long term? 1. Love how you feel after class? That's your stress ...

7 Easy Tricks for Better Digestion

Use simple yogic principles in diet and lifestyle to feel your best and boost your health.  Stave off indigestion with simple yogic principles in diet and lifestyle. 1. Portion Size & Diet The stomach will expand to fit a gallon of ice cream, but that doesn't mean it should. The best measurement ...

Plow Pose (Halasana): Step by Step

Plow Pose reduces backache and can help you get to sleep. (hah-LAHS-anna) hala = plow Plow Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 From Salamba Sarvangasana, exhale and bend from the hip joints to slowly lower your toes to the floor above and beyond your head. As much as possible, keep your torso perpendicular to the floor ...

Stoke Your Spirit: Achieve the Superpowers of Yoga

Nicki Doane, co-owner and director of Maya Yoga Studio in Maui, shares tips for achieving (and transcending) the superpowers of yoga. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: Vibhuti Pada Vibhuti Pada is the name Patanjali gave to the third Pada, or chapter, of his yoga sutras. Vibhuti means negating and transcending earth-based consciousness. Of ...

Plank Pose: Step by Step

Nurture your love-hate relationship with Plank Pose. A beginner's best friend, it's the perfect precursor to more challenging arm balances. Plank Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana. Then inhale and draw your torso forward until the arms are perpendicular to the floor and the shoulders directly over the wrists, ...

King Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana): Step by Step

Kapotasana invigorates your body and gives your spirits a lift. This extremely deep backbend is appropriate for advanced practitioners only. King Pigeon Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Kneel upright, with your knees slightly narrower than hip width apart and your hips, shoulders, and head stacked directly above your knees. With your hands, press ...