Jul 08

How to Get Started with Aerial Yoga

  • July 8, 2016

get started with aerial yogaAerial yoga can be a little intimidating the first time you see someone doing stretches and inversions in the air. However, this is an area of yoga that is more accommodating than you might initially think. To be prepared and ready for your first aerial yoga class at our Vacaville studio, remember the following:

1. Wear the right clothing to class.

Loose clothing can bunch up during inversions and get in your way. Wear clothing that fits tight against your body. Avoid items that have zippers or buttons. A long sleeved shirt or a tight-fitting jacket can help protect your skin against fabric burns.

2. Take off shoes and jewelry.

Aerial yoga is performed barefoot. Take off your shoes and socks before entering the studio. You should also avoid jewelry, watches, hair clips and any other items that can get caught in your hammock.

3. Hammocks are provided.

No need to buy a yoga hammock before starting class. They are provided by the studio. Once you have been practicing a while and know what you like, you can start shopping for a hammock for your own practice at home. Some people prefer hammocks with only a little stretch because of the stability they provide. Others like the flexibility of a hammock with more give.

4. Be aware of scents.

Wear deodorant to class, as it is easy to work up a sweat during an aerial yoga workout. Do not wear strong smelling perfumes, as they can cause irritation to people during class. If you have applied any of the studio’s essential oil sprays before class, wash them off before entering. The oils can damage the fabric of the aerial hammocks.

5. Wait for the instructor.

For safety reasons, instructor supervision is required when getting on or moving around on an aerial hammock. You should also limit yourself to a single person per hammock. Participants using hammocks should be under 300 pounds.

6. Discuss any physical limitations with your instructor.

If you have any injuries or limitations, take a few minutes before class to talk to your instructor. There may be modified or alternative postures you can do if you have trouble with any that are included in the class.

Once you are started, you will start to feel more confident in your aerial yoga abilities. Aerial yoga skills transfer well to other areas of practice. For instance, if you also engage in ballet bar workout, you will find that the flexibility and balance you gain from aerial yoga will make you more effective in this area, as well. Check out our class calendar and add this exciting variation to your workouts.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/get-started-aerial-yoga/

Jul 01

How Did Aerial Yoga Get Started?

  • July 1, 2016

how did aerial yoga get startedIt seems like not too long ago, yoga classes were a novelty. Now, you have a wide variety of styles to choose from, including hot yoga and now aerial yoga. How long as aerial yoga been around and where did it start?

If it seems to you that aerial yoga is something that wasn’t around all that long ago, you are right. This form of practice got started in 1991 in New York. The Broadway choreographer and former gymnast Christopher Harrison pioneered the first aerial yoga workouts with a group of gymnastic athletes who wanted to continue to do aerial moves after they retired from competition. His exercises included elements of yoga, dance, aerial acrobatics, Pilates and calisthenics. Together, the group became known as Team AntiGravity.

Soon, the practice caught on with other entertainers. Aerial yoga shows became common in venues that ranged from local Renaissance Fairs to art gallery openings to TV award shows and the opening ceremonies at the Olympic Games.

Since its inception, aerial yoga’s popularity has soared. Aerial yoga is now practiced all over the world. You can take classes in this style of yoga in Vacaville, New York or Paris.

Aerial yoga, which you will also see called, anti-gravity yoga, provides some benefits and sensations that cannot be found in other forms. There are aerial moves that can fit any level of fitness. People who are just getting started can benefit from a beginners’ workshop while there is plenty of room to grow and learn more complex moves as you advance.

This is a form of yoga that works very well in tandem with practices of other areas. People who do traditional floor yoga styles will find that they flexibility and strength they gain through those styles can help them achieve the positions they will use in aerial yoga. In turn, aerial yoga removes the compression that can make it difficult to achieve the proper posture and alignment that allow you to do each pose most effectively. Many practitioners find the acquisition of this new set of skills exciting and exhilarating. They also find that they get the benefit of a total body workout that makes them stronger and more fit.

Are you ready to add something new to your practice? Our Vacaville yoga studio has aerial yoga classes, as well as many others that can fit your specific needs. Check out our calendar to pick a class today.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/how-did-aerial-yoga-get-started/

Jun 20

Can Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

  • June 20, 2016

lose weight with yoga

Busy lives often mean that we don’t dedicate as much attention as we should to getting enough exercise and eating the right foods. Many of us try diets, only to gain the weight back again as soon as we return to old habits. To take excess weight off and stay healthy, we need a consistent lifestyle change. Yoga can be an important ingredient in the changes that can help us get to a healthy weight, increase our energy levels and feel much better.

Despite its gentle nature, with slow stretching and deliberate breathing, yoga has excellent potential to help you burn the calories needed to lose weight. On average, you can burn anywhere from 180 to 360 calories for every hour spent engaged in your practice. The calorie level you burn will depend on the type of yoga class you are taking. Power yoga styles like vinyasa and yoga fusion workouts can give you the best calorie burning boost.

No matter which style of yoga you choose, you get the benefit of deep breathing techniques. These help boost the performance of your lymphatic system, helping your body work more efficiently. This breathing also helps with stress relief and can help cut down on stress hormones like cortisone. People who suffer from chronic stress also use calories inefficiently. They are more likely to gain weight or to have trouble losing weight. When you are feeling more calm and centered, your body is able to metabolize the foods you eat the way that it should.

Another benefit that you take from any yoga class is a greater sense of focus and awareness. When you are fully present in your life, it is easier to make healthy choices. Consider the difference between absentmindedly grazing while you work and deliberately cooking and savoring a well-balanced and healthy meal. When you are more tuned into your body, you are more aware of the sluggish feeling that fast food or heavy meals can give you and how much better you feel when you choose lean proteins, whole grains and other nourishing foods instead.

Yoga is not just an exercise system. It is a mind and body connection that allow you to be more present and deliberate in your life. Sign up for a class yoga in Vacaville studio today. We have classes available for people at all skill levels and classes that can help you move toward any of your health and wellness goals.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/can-yoga-help-lose-weight/

Jun 13

What Are the Benefits of Hot Yoga?

  • June 13, 2016

benefits of hot yoga

When you begin the process of choosing the right yoga class for you, you’ll find that there are many styles available. One of the most popular right now is Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga. Hot yoga is performed over a 90-minute period in a studio where we maintain a temperature of 105 degrees and about 40 percent humidity. The higher temperature can provide practitioners with a wealth of benefits, including:

1. Improved balance.

Researchers at Colorado State University tracked yoga students through eight weeks of Bikram yoga. They found that, at the end of that period, those who practiced this style had greatly improved balance than when they began.

2. Increased flexibility.

The warm room helps warm your muscles, making it easier to stretch than it would be in a cooler studio. The heat helps you attain poses that you may otherwise struggle with and can help protect against injury.

3. Cardio benefits.

People performing hot yoga have a higher heart rate than people who are practicing in a cooler room. This makes even gentle stretches a good cardio workout, allowing you to work toward better cardiovascular health and better endurance.

4. Increased strength.

The Colorado study also found that people who are doing hot yoga enjoy an improvement in their level of strength, as well. Plus, yoga is a low impact exercise, so you have less chance of injury while you are building up your strength. These exercises are especially good for building strength in your core muscles, leading to better posture, more resistance to injury and less of the daily aches and pains so many of us deal with.

5. Weight loss.

When you are working harder, you burn more calories and lose more weight. If you are exploring yoga as a way to help yourself shed a few unwanted pounds, hot yoga could be the right fit for you.

6. Focus.

A hot yoga class is meditative and deliberate. Usually, you will repeat the same twenty-six poses and two breathing exercises. These help build enormously strong focus over the span of your class. And, you will find that that deep sense of stillness and focus extends to your everyday life even outside of class. You’ll be more capable at work, calmer when handling stress and enjoy a greater sense of peace.

We offer the hot yoga Vacaville residents are eager to learn. Our class schedules fit your busy life, with sessions available throughout the day on most days of the week. Take a look at our calendar and book your first class today.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/benefits-hot-yoga/

Jun 06

What to Expect at Your First Ballet Barre Pilates Class

  • June 6, 2016

first ballet barre pilates class

If you are ready for a more varied and challenging workout, ballet barre pilates may be a great fit. In these fast-paced classes, you build endurance and strength through lengthening and strengthening exercises. They can be intense, but the upbeat music and camaraderie can make it some of the most fun you can have while breaking a sweat. A few things to know before your first class:

1. Start off by introducing yourself to your instructor.

You’ll get a quick rundown on the set-up and the opportunity to talk about any injuries or restrictions. When your teacher knows where you are starting, she can help you with modifications of moves and help you out with extra attention if you need it.

2. Wear the right clothing for an easier class.

Fitted tops keep your shirt from riding up if you bend over. Leggings and a tighter top also allow your teacher to observe your form and offer corrections. And, put aside your shoes as you enter the classroom. Ballet barre pilates is always performed without shoes. Regular ankle socks are okay for a first class. If you decide to continue, invest in a pair of socks with grips on the soles for a better workout.

3. There will be props.

The barre is the main prop that you will be using during your class. There may also be straps for stretching, a small, soft ball that you can squeeze between your inner thighs or balance under your feet and small hand weights for working muscle groups that cannot be worked through body weight workouts. Don’t worry about bringing props with you. We can provide what you need for your class.

4. Make sure you are well-hydrated.

Bring water to class so you can sip between moves to keep yourself from getting dehydrated. You may also want to bring a banana or another snack to eat afterward. This can help boost your potassium levels and help you recover after a tough workout.

5. If you can hold a ballet barre, you can do ballet barre pilates.

This is a challenging workout, but, there are modifications you can do while you get in the groove. The moves are easy to pick up once you have a bit of experience. By the time you have a few classes under your belt, you will feel right at home.

Looking for a full body workout that keeps you engaged and challenged? Check out the ballet barre pilates Vacaville, Hollywood and New York is crazy for. We have classes daily to fit your busy schedule.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/your-first-ballet-barre-pilates-class/

May 30

Can Yoga Make You Better at Your Job?

  • May 30, 2016

yoga makes you better at your job

In the west, we tend to think of things as discrete and unconnected. We have our work lives, our personal lives, our families, and we don’t often think about how these spheres connect. Because of this, people are often surprised to learn that, when they start taking yoga for exercise, they can also benefit on other areas of their lives, including in their careers. A few of the ways that the yoga that you do on your own time can enhance your performance at work:

1. Yoga can help improve your focus.

The focus that you bring to your practice extends throughout the day. You’ll have better concentration and be able to complete tasks more accurately and quickly.

2. Yoga can help you get along better with your coworkers.

When you are tense, it’s hard to stay patient with the people around you. Yoga reduces your stress levels, allowing you to stay more calm and open when you are at work. And, because your focus is increased, you will be better able to listen and understand the people around you, making them feel better about working with you.

3. Yoga makes you more resilient and calmer in the face of change.

In a high-paced workplace, you have to be able to adapt quickly as situations change and new opportunities present themselves. You’ll have an inner stability that can keep you centered even when things around you are uncertain. That calm can help you handle any disturbances with grace, making you a more valuable asset to your workplace.

4. Yoga helps enhance your memory.

In a study on mindfulness meditation, they discovered that people who engage in regular meditation are more able to multitask because of their stronger memories. This allows you to move from task to task fluidly without losing track of what you are doing.

5. Yoga gives you more energy and enhances your health.

Between lost days at work and lower productivity when we aren’t feeling our best, illnesses cost the US workforce $576 billion every year. When you get more physical exercise, you reduce your susceptibility to illness as your body gets stronger. And, the lower stress levels that regular yoga practitioners enjoy also enhance health and improve your immune system. When you are feeling your best every day, you do better at work and often manage to skip whatever cold is going around the office this week.

By increasing your personal wellness, you can enhance other seemingly unrelated areas of your life, as well. Visit our Vacaville yoga studio to find a class that fits your life and your needs.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/yoga-makes-you-better-at-your-job/

May 23

What to Expect at Your First Yoga Class

  • May 23, 2016

yoga classes

First Yoga Class

Doing something new can be both exhilarating and intimidating. If you are considering your first yoga class, you may be hesitant because you don’t know what to expect. Where should you set up? Will you be wearing the right clothes? What happens if you can’t keep up? Learning a little bit in advance can help you get prepared and put yourself at ease:

1. You’ll be more comfortable in the right clothes.

No matter what stock photos tell you, you don’t need to be wearing gorgeous and fashionable clothing. What is most important is comfort and range of movement. Layers are a good idea on your top half. This allows you to shed clothes if you get too hot during class. Pick a top that is somewhat fitted so that it doesn’t ride up when you are bent over. High-waisted leggings or yoga pants can keep your pants from riding down during stretches.

2. It’s best to show up about 10 minutes early.

Your teacher will probably want to ask you a bit about your previous yoga experience and whether you have any injuries that they should be aware of. Showing up early gives you a chance to set up your mat. For beginners, a place near the back is best.

3. You should find out about gear in advance.

Most studios have mats, straps, blocks and other yoga props that you can borrow or rent for the day. Once you have a few classes under your belt, you’ll probably want to buy your own mats that fit your preferences.

4. Take off your shoes and socks before class.

When you are entering the studio, you should take off your shoes and socks. There may be cubbies or a storage area for them. Yoga is practiced barefoot. If you have issues with circulation and cold feet, look into yoga socks that have grip material on the soles.

5. Don’t forget to breathe.

Breathing is the core of yoga. You may find yourself holding your breath during more challenging poses. Remind yourself to continue breathing steadily. Steady breath can help make poses more comfortable. If you have trouble breathing, you may be pushing yourself too hard. Consider doing a modified version of a pose instead.

6. Stay through Savasana.

The class will end with what is known as Savasana or corpse pose. This is a time where you lie on your back and relax. When you are new, it can be hard to force yourself to calm yourself and be still. But, this recentering is important if you want all the benefits of yoga.

Remember that yoga is not competitive and there is no way to be bad at yoga. There will always be people who are stronger and more experienced than you are. Go into our yoga Vacaville CA class open to learning and you will soon find your comfort level there.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/expect-first-yoga-class/

May 16

Cut Stress and Make Time for You

  • May 16, 2016

stress relief

Stress Relief

You have a million demands on your time. Work, home and family all need your attention. If you’re like most people in the area, you also have a lot of unpredictability and uncertainty in your days. Plus, about half of all Americans say that they’ve experienced some sort of major stressful event in the past year such as the loss of a loved one, a job or another big negative event. Over time, this all drains you and pulls you out of balance. Stress can have a major effect on your emotional wellbeing and your physical health.

Physical Effects of Stress

Our body’s stress response is designed to protect us. It gives us the ability to act quickly if we are in danger. But, when stress is ongoing, the effect of pumping all that cortisol, the fight or flight chemical, into our brains takes its toll. You can experience high blood pressure, headaches, muscle aches and stomach distress. Stress can lead to sleeplessness, which only compounds the toll on your body.

Chronic stress upsets our emotional stability, as well. We’ll find ourselves getting frustrated more easily than usual. We react more intensely to negative situations. Over time, it can harm our senses of self-worth and self-esteem. This can have a negative effect on our relationships, perpetuating the cycle of high stress.

Finding Your Center with Yoga

Often, there isn’t a lot that we can do to remove outside sources of stress. But, we can strengthen our own inner peace and develop the tools to deal more effectively with whatever stressors life throws your way.

Yoga can be a highly effective tool for developing an inner sense of calm and emotional resilience. When most people think of yoga, they think of stretching and exercise. And, they are right that these are both effective for combating stress. Regular stretching helps relieve the muscle tension that can build up during a hectic day. The endorphins released during a good workout can be extremely soothing and calming. Exercise also reduces your levels of cortisol. Over time, your brain becomes able to utilize what you release more effectively, meaning that your body produces less of it.

The meditative quality of yoga is arguable an even more important benefit. Researchers have found that, after just eight weeks of regular mindfulness and meditation, people felt less stressed out and more able to handle aggravating situations. People who meditate regularly have more gray matter than those who do not. In one study, they found that 50-year-olds who meditate on a regular basis have the same brain health as people half their ages. This increased gray matter improves your cognitive function and memory. Less time spent hunting for your keys means less time feeling harried, late and uncertain.

At Yoga Core Fit, we have classes for every practitioner, from the novice to advanced. Come to us for classes like the hot yoga Vacaville residents say is effective at managing their stress. Pick a class from our schedule today and take some time for self-care and stress relief.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/cut-stress-make-time/

May 09

Increase your Energy Levels with Yoga

  • May 9, 2016

energy levels

Energy Levels with Yoga

Do you find yourself hitting the snooze button over and over each morning or reaching for an afternoon cup of coffee every day? You don’t need to feel constantly fatigued. Yoga can act as a more effective pick-me-up and allow you to feel more energized without those extra caffeine boosts.

How yoga increases energy levels

When you stretch, you let go of tension that can cause lethargy and fatigue. Poses which require balance make you focus and increase your level of alertness. The deep breathing involved in yoga can increase your oxygen levels and blood flow. There are also poses that can increase cortisol levels, which make you feel more aware.

Poses to Increase Energy

Instead of recaffeinating mid-afternoon (and dealing with potential sleeplessness later at night) try performing a few yoga poses when you are feeling tired and overwhelmed. A few that can do wonders for your energy levels:

Tree Pose

This is a pose that requires balance, which can sharpen your focus and make you feel more awake. The pose also works muscles in your lower extremities, increasing blood flow.

Mountain Pose

Bringing your hands into prayer position in front of your chest allows you to rest and gather a calm feeling as you breathe. When you raise your hands over your head and tilt your head back, you can feel the stretch in your upper arms and neck.

Downward-Facing Dog

This yoga pose allows for an all-over stretch. Perform it slowly and hold the pose for many breaths to enjoy the full benefits.

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

The twist of this pose lengthens your spine, relieving tension and allowing you to feel more energized. It can also help with digestion, which can be just the thing you need after a heavy lunch. Go into the pose slowly and gradually turn to increase the intensity of this pose.

Corpse Pose

Sometimes, simply breathing and being still is what is needed to help you recharge. Lie down flat and let your shoulders relax into the mat. Focus on your breathing. If thoughts intrude, acknowledge them and release them. Spend at least 10 minutes breathing slowly and holding this pose. This can help you recharge nearly as well as a mid-afternoon nap.

Include at least a few of these into your practice each day to keep your energy up. Many can be done anywhere, no matter what you’re wearing.

At Yoga Core Fit, we offer a wide array of yoga, ballet barre pilates and other classes that can help you gain strength and increase your energy levels. Sign up for a class today to start building your best, most capable self.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/increase-energy-levels-yoga/

May 02

Exercise to Relieve Back Pain

  • May 2, 2016

relieve back pain

Relieve Back Pain

Back pain regularly plagues many Americans. A Gallup-Healthways poll found that 80% of adults in the U.S. had suffered back pain at some point in the past year. Thirty-one percent said that they suffered from chronic pain in their backs. Back pain does not discriminate between sedentary people and athletes. You can develop pain from spending too long sitting or from overexertion. The good news is, there is a lot that you can do to heal your body and control pain naturally. Exercise, especially yoga, can stretch and strengthen your body while providing relaxation and pain relief. A few of the best types of exercises to incorporate:

Yoga Breathing

One of the core principles in yoga centers around the breath, also called pranayama. Smooth and steady breathing helps relax muscles and allows you to let go of the tension that can contribute to pain. When you are practicing yoga, you should always ensure that you are moving slowly and smoothly enough to keep your breathing steady. For pain relief, start cross-legged in the meditation pose. Inhale while focusing on spots where you feel tension, then blow out and relax. Relief will start within around 10 breaths.

Gentle Stretching Exercises

Stretching your back, hamstrings and other muscles helps relieve the muscle tension that can lead to tightness and pain. Beginning with a sun salutation stretches your hamstrings and elongates your spine. Sphinx pose allows you to concentrate on your lower back. Thread the Needle continues to stretching through your lower back and thighs. If you are new to stretching exercises, be sure to take it easy at first and use modified versions of poses when necessary. It can take some time to get the full range of movement necessary without injury.

Core Strengthening Exercises

When you build stronger muscles, they are better able to support your body properly and help prevent back pain. Yoga positions like downward facing dog help build your abdominal muscles, will help support your back. The plank or dolphin plank pose works muscles all throughout your core, increasing your strength and building better posture.

By adding regular soothing exercise to your routine, you can release stress and build the strength that can help combat pain. Yoga Core Fit offers classes yoga Vacaville Ca. residents can fit into their busy lives. We have classes for every level for beginners to advanced. Check out our schedule to find a class and start feeling better today.

Permanent link to this article: https://yogacorefit.com/exercise-relieve-back-pain/