If you haven’t heard about the latest trend of “goat yoga,” you likely will soon. It’s new, but it is catching on quickly. Goat Yyoga was started pretty recently (in August 2016) by Lainey Morse in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and is quickly becoming a trend.
What is goat yoga, you might ask? It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like—it’s a yoga class with goats! And adorable, snuggly, curious baby goats, at that.
OK, I know that sweating is generally viewed as, well, gross. But it turns out, sweating is actually really good for you and it benefits your body in a big way.
Trail running is often a reprieve from more than just the hard-impact roads and tracks that I occasionally run–it’s also a respite from noise, traffic and congestion, and a welcome back into nature, soft trails, technical terrain, and peace. Even if you don’t run, walking along trails can often be a far more serene experience than walking on sidewalks or along the road. Don’t believe me? Here are 7 reasons why you need to get off the concrete and back onto trails.
Benefits:
Calms and clears the mind.
Helps strengthen arms and shoulders.
Helps with balance.
Foundation and general alignment:
Start in normal Downward Facing Dog, put weight on both hands and one foot, raise other foot up into air and line it up with back and arms.
Weight is evenly distributed through hands and foot.
Arms are straight but not hyperextended.
Benefits:
Great hip opener.
Helps open chest.
Grounding pose.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start standing with feet wider than hip distance apart. Squat until backs of thighs are resting on calves. Elbows are pressing into inner thighs and hands are at heart center.
Weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
Feet are pointed outward slightly.
Back is straight.
When you first start going to the gym, it may seem like absolutely everything poses a challenge. However, over time, those workouts tend to get a bit easier. Then, at some point, you’ll have to stop, and ask yourself—has my workout gotten too easy for me? Every person who goes to the gym wants to see results. So, you’ll have to figure out if your current workout is still helping you move toward your goals—and if not, switch it up and intensify things. Here's what to ask yourself.
Benefits:
Helps relieve stress.
Stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion.
Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Feet are in Warrior 2 postion.
Front leg is straight with toes pointing forward.
As a practicing yogi, I full-heartedly enjoy feeling into every yoga asana (position) from day to day and moment to moment because I know that with every asana I practice, my positive attitude toward mindful alignment offers me an opportunity to reconnect with my body, mind and spirit. As a whole, all yoga positions offer the practitioner re-alignment with their spine, while improving cardiovascular and respiratory health, weight loss and strength building -- granted the asanas are conducted with proper form.
Okay—so I recently started doing jujitsu, and regardless of the challenges I’ve faced—I’m hooked! But why? Jujitsu, also sometimes known as “the gentle art,” is more than just an ancient Japanese grappling style -- it is a life-altering practice that can truly heighten a person physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Read on to find out more about the martial art of Jujitsu, and its benefits for the mind, body, soul and spirit.
