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Yoga Alignment Workshop Series: Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, Janusirsasana

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Disclaimers: Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime. Never force a pose.  Stop if you feel pain or intense discomfort.  Yoga is meant to be yummy.

 

I love vinyasa yoga and I am obsessed with good alignment.  This obsession doesn’t stem from a need for perfection, which would be very “un-yoga-like” of me, but from a passion for protecting the body from injury.  Most bodies can safely practice yoga on a daily basis, but maintaining sound alignment is essential to your physical wellbeing.  In this series, I will break down some common poses—explaining how to stay safe and fully enjoy each posture.  Finally, remember to BREATHE consistently while practicing yoga to receive the full benefits of the practice … otherwise, you’re just stretching in Sanskrit.  Today’s pose is Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, or Janusirsasana.

Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, Janusirsasana
Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, Janusirsasana
  • Begin by sitting with both legs stretched out in front of you on your mat.
  • Bend the right leg, bringing the right foot in towards the groin.
  • Sit firmly in your seat, ensuring contact between your sits bones and the mat. It might help you use your hands to lift the buttocks.
  • Engage uddiyanabandha, bringing the belly button in and up towards the spine. This will help you fold more deeply. This is not an instruction to hold the breath. Continue to breathe fully.
  • Fold over the extended leg.
  • Hands can rest on the thigh or shin, or grip the feet. For a deeper stretch, you can hold a block behind your feet or use a strap.
  • Release any unnecessary tension in your neck and face.
  • After you are done, try the pose on the other side to even out the body.

 

Practicing yoga on your own can be a ton of fun, but taking a class is a great way to explore new poses under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor; check out MINT’s yoga offerings, here.

 

Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.
Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.

Full Body Workout You Can Do Just About Anywhere

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Build a full body workout you can do just about anywhere!

Looking for some full body, dynamic, heart-pumping exercises to add to your workout routine? We’ve got you covered! Woman Makers Brooke

One of our HIIT instructors, Brooke, shares her favorite total body moves in a YouTube video.

Master these exercises:

  • (Wo)man makers
  • Side lunges with bicep curls
  • Renegrade rows to standing rows
  • Everest Hops
  • Squats with tricep overheads
  • Tuck jumps
  • … and more!

Watch the video and master these total body exercises! 

Setting New Year’s Resolutions for 2017!

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Setting-Blogging-Goals-is-Very-Important-make-things-happen
As 2017 approaches, it is around that time of year when people start to think about new years resolutions and goals they want to set for the upcoming year. Whether it means taking on a new hobby, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone in a new adventure or activity, or changing old habits to replace them with healthier and more mindful ones, you can never go wrong by reflecting on what is important to you as this new year approaches
While you start to think about your objectives and aspirations for the coming 365 days, check out this interesting post regarding “what will be big in 2017” based on opinions of top fitness and wellness experts. Perhaps something on this list jumps out at you – now is the perfect time to start planning ways to get more involved in a healthier, fitter you!
Melanie Rubin is a Physical Therapist in DC and a group fitness instructor at MINT.
Melanie Rubin is a Physical Therapist in DC and a group fitness instructor at MINT.

“Best of 2016” Themed Ride – January 4

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Best of 2016Make your plans now to join Melanie for a sweat sesh that gives one final nod to the best music of 2016.

While you begin creating your list of new years resolutions, finish this year out strong by riding along to some of your favorite artists & hits from this past year in music. Music played at this spin party will be based on songs who were most streamed on Spotify, and are guaranteed to get you moving and feeling good.

If this post-NYE party sounds up your alley, then sign up HERE for a ride with Melanie on Wednesday, January 4th at 7:45 pm at MINT Dupont! See you on the bike!

5 Creative Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays

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Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, etc, etc, etc. Whatever it is you celebrate, we hope you truly enjoy it and spend time with family and friends. But that doesn’t make you have to halt your active lifestyle.

MINT Ambassador, Erika, rounded up some creative ways to stay active during the holiday season!

5 Creative Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays

1. If you’re staying in DC, check out an indoor neighborhood pool.

2. Play with the kids! Got cousins, nieces and nephews? Put them to work!

  • Play TAG! volunteer to be “IT” for a few rounds and see how many steps you can rack up.
  • Everyone (read: kiddos) love a good human jungle gym! Get low, offer piggy back rides and superman flights  (Note: Some height and weight restrictions may apply!)

3. Make your holiday gatherings a game!

  • Every time you get asked an awkward question, do 5 pushups. (You know what we’re talking about! “When will you two get married?” “No kids yet?” “Do you really need another glass of egg nog?” and on, and on, and on….)
  • Every time you go to a retail store, do 5 burpees
  • Every time you hear a child crying, do 5 squats
  • Every time you get asked, “Did you eat yet?” do a 60-second plank
  • Every time you meet a new relative (baby, spouse, distant cousin…), do 5 jumping jacks
  • Every time you go to a bar, 50 crunches

4. Dust off mom and dad’s throwback VHS/DVD workout videos and get your sweat on, old school style. Jazzercise, anyone?

5. If you’re heading out of town, or back to your hometown, pop into your local fitness club or studio (solo or grab a family member or friend) and ask about a visitor pass or short-term access membership.

Enjoy the upcoming holiday season – no matter what you’re celebrating!

Yoga Alignment Workshop Series: Boat Pose, Navasana

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Disclaimers: Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime. Never force a pose.  Stop if you feel pain or intense discomfort.  Yoga is meant to be yummy.

I love vinyasa yoga and I am obsessed with good alignment.  This obsession doesn’t stem from a need for perfection, which would be very “un-yoga-like” of me, but from a passion for protecting the body from injury.  Most bodies can safely practice yoga on a daily basis, but maintaining sound alignment is essential to your physical wellbeing.  In this series, I will break down some common poses—explaining how to stay safe and fully enjoy each posture.  Finally, remember to BREATHE consistently while practicing yoga to receive the full benefits of the practice … otherwise, you’re just stretching in Sanskrit.  Today’s pose is Boat Pose, or Navasana.

Boat Pose, Navasana
Boat Pose, Navasana
  • Sit on the mat, stretching the legs straight out in front of you.
  • Engage uddiyanabandha, bringing the belly button in and up towards the spine. This is not an instruction to hold the breath. Continue to breathe fully.
  • Raise the legs, bringing your body into a “V” shape. If this is too intense on your back, generously bend your knees. If this is still too intense, you can gently rest your feet on the floor, keeping your knees bent.
  • Toes are spread wide and feet are flexed.
  • Arms are stretched out in front, palms face up.
  • Spin is straight, shoulders roll back and down the spin, should blades come together at the midline. The heart shines towards the ceiling.
  • Release any unnecessary tension in your neck and face.
  • This pose is a great for abdominal toning, and also helps improve back strength.

 

Practicing yoga on your own can be a ton of fun, but taking a class is a great way to explore new poses under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor; check out MINT’s yoga offerings, here.

Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.
Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.