108 Sun Salutations/Yoga and weights

We're doing 108 Sun Salutations at the WRAC on December 22nd at 9 am till around noon.   So if you are in Wenatchee, WA on that Saturday you are welcome to join us.  The event is free and you will be with some incredible people.   We're discussing whether we should take turns leading it but I'm more into letting people just count their own and practice at their own rate.   If you are reading this, what do you think?   If you've done it before, what worked.   I'm hoping this turns into an annual event.  

Okay, I read a post from a yogi I follow and admire that was saying that you couldn't weight train and do yoga.   I haven't written to him yet but I get this all the time.  Yes, doing squats makes my hips tight but it also gives me strong legs and increases my lean body mass which burns more fat.   I then lengthen those muscles doing yoga and feel my strength and flexibility.   Yes, I know it isn't the same kind of strength you get from the muscles you develop doing yoga.  However, it is okay to have big biceps and be flexible.  Lifting weights and doing yoga is YOGA!   It is the union of the opposites from which something new can be born---deeper awareness and acceptance of my body and the ultimate truth that my body isn't real.   

To add to this paradox, I'm going to take my intention to lower my body weight some more into my 108 practice and I'm going to lead a weight lifting class the hour before we start!

Namaste,

Dean

I'm back!

I'm back and I'm leaner. I've lost weight, about 30 lbs, and yes, it has changed my practice. Some poses are more difficult and some are easier.

I used Joel Fuhrman's 6-week plan from his book, EAT TO LIVE, as my food guide. I started out vegan but now I'm even more clean, ever lean, and totally unprocessed vegan Dean!

I'm still strong and brawny---I'm not giving that up----and the journey continues to unfold.

If you are interested, I'll keep you posted.

My first hint for weight loss is you not only have to practice yoga on your mat but also at the dinner table. Commit to consciously breathing before you eat, while you eat, and after you eat.


Namaste,


Dean

2012 Yoga Predictions

Here are my predictions for the state of yoga for 2012!

1. MRT, Metabolic Resistance Training, will hit yoga. MRT is anytime you use supersets or circuits and train with an elevated heart rate and insufficient recovery---think fast Sun Salutations and lots of them---Ashtanga!

2. Arial/hammock/trapeze/swing/hanging yoga will be showing up in more studios and draw a whole new crowd in the doors.

3. Hot classes will continue become the norm and get hotter.

4. More and more mainstream products will be marketed directly to yoga practitioners----remember coconut water?

5. Yoga teacher trainings and the certification money machines will dry up. You are your own guru.

6. The go to diet will be raw, gluten free, and vegan.

7. More yoga classes will be shorter, 30-40 minutes.

8. There will be Personal Trainers that advertise and exclusively use yoga for training.

9. High School sports teams will require yoga classes like they used to require time in the weight room.

10. Yogis, including me, will have better intentions because the road to hell is paved with good ones.

Have the happiest year ever!

Namaste,

Dean

WRAC Class is moving!

We've outgrown the studio space at the WRAC! Class will be in the gym this coming Monday night. Same time, same building but in the room next door. It won't get as hot---which might be a relief to some people.

Moving to the gym will also solve the problem of the basketball noise going on during class. The best news is that the back row just got lots bigger!

Please come try it out and let me know what you think.

Namaste!

Dean

Walk outs!

Metabolic Training is HOT! Here is a move that incorporates asanas that will get you going.

Start in Uttanasana (yoga hangover) and then as quick as you can, walk your hands out to Down Dog. Keep going into plank and then keep going by walking your hands as far out as you can. Reach your max and then walk your self back to Uttanasana and repeat. See if you can work up to 10 times. Keep breathing and keep going is your mantra.

You can also do it starting from your knees for an easier version.

Here is a YouTube to inspire you from Roman Fitness Systems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxIb4T60-cU&feature=player_embedded

Namaste,

Dean