Here Maddie demonstrates one of our November Five, the Open Leg Rocker.
As with all of the rolling exercises (and spine stretch and half roll back for that matter) the challenge is flexing your spine, or rounding your back, while keeping your shoulders down away from your ears.
If you find yourself “clunking” your back on the way down pull your belly button in and look at it. Imagine wrapping your front ribs internally.
What does your Thanksgiving menu look like? This year our group is doing seafood instead of a bird (with all the sides of course). My favorite part of thanksgiving is the side dishes and you could easily make a meal just out of these.
Are you hosing vegetarians this holiday? If so here are some good ideas from the New York Times. Each Thanksgiving they showcase meat free recipes. Check out this recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts for a pacific northwest style Thanksgiving side dish. It’s super easy, you just toss the sprouts in olive oil and roast them. Check it out and let me know what you think.
It’s been a tough election season with both sides battling it out. Well for most of us here in Oregon the ballots are in and the tough choices have been made. Hooray! You no longer have to decide between…..Pilates or Yoga.
You know your girlfriend who claims Pilates is “too slow” for her and she ONLY does Bikram Yoga? How bout your Pilates devotee who thinks Yoga is for skinny 19 year olds?
Can’t we all just get along?
Yes!
Join Anne this Thursday November 8th at Sellwood Yoga from 7:30 to 8:45 pm for an exploration of Pilates and Yoga. There is much crossover between the two – the focus on breathing and alignment, creating dynamic fluid movements, strengthening and lengthening your muscles and improving your balance just to name a few
We start with Pilates stabilization exercises to wake up the small muscles that support your spine. We then flow through a vinyasa style yoga series to build strength and flexibility and improve your balance. We finish with a specific flexibility program to loosen hips and shoulders and a short guided meditation.
Space is limited. To reserve your spot head over to Sellwood Yoga’s website. Drop ins welcome, preregistration is encouraged. This class is suitable for all levels.
Here Maddie Demonstrates King Arthur, or a variation on Crescent Lunge. Try this yoga pose for one minute every day this month and you will quickly notice improved balance, leg strength and hip flexibility.
See how her front knee is stacked right over her ankle and her back is nice and long? Place a towel under your back knee if this is painful.
And the front view. She has space between her shoulders and ears plus a big smile on her face. Go Maddie!
My buddy Laura and I headed out for a lunch time hike at the Hoyt Arboretum last week. Here are some shots of the fall color…
Can you see Mt. St. Helens?
Yup she’s in a tank top in October!
It looks like today (Thursday) is our best bet for sun this week. What are your favorite in town hiking spots? Could you get out for a quick walk at lunch or after work? Call me if you would like motivation or a walking buddy.