yogis Archives - Page 2 of 2

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 Extended Side Angle, or Utthita Parsvakonasana.

Extended Side Angle, Utthita Parsvakonasana

Start in Warrior Two.

Bend towards the right leg (which should be maintained with a 90-degree bend in the knee), bring your right hand to the ground inside of your right foot. Alternatively, the hand can rest on a block, or you can rest your forearm on the thigh.

Your left hand extends from your body, sweeping over your left ear. Be careful not to over-extend to the point where the shoulder is reaching out of the shoulder socket.

With each inhale, lengthen, and then with the exhale, twist to shine your heart towards the ceiling.

You can look towards the ceiling, out in front of you, or towards the ground if it is more comfortable.

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.

Triangle, Uttihita Trikonasana

Start in Warrior Two. Shorten the stance so that your feet are about three feet apart.

Straighten the bent leg, maintaining a gentle bend in the knee.

Bend towards the right, bringing your right hand towards your right foot. The hand can rest on the ankle, on a block, or on the mat.

Your left hand extends from your body straight up.

With each inhale, lengthen, and then with the exhale, twist to shine your heart towards the ceiling. Imagine you are between two panes of glass—you want your body to fit nicely in that plane of space.

You can look towards the hand that is stretched overhead, out in front of you, or towards the ground if it is more comfortable.

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.

Warrior Two, Virabhadrasana II

This pose exudes fierceness

Feet are on the same “track,” roughly 4-5 feet apart. The right foot turns 90 degrees sideways, towards the right, while the left foot is ground down at a 45-degree angle.

Bend into the right knee at a 90-degree angle. The left leg stays straight.

Raise the arms in line with the shoulders, palms face down. Feel a line of energy running through the tips of your fingers, stretching them out in opposite directions. Keep your gaze on the third finger of the hand that stretches over your bent leg, or gently close the eyes.

Bring the shoulders up towards your ears, and then gently roll them back, bringing the shoulder blades together and shining the heart.

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.

Check that your hips are square. On this side, the left hip has a tendency to push forward, pull it back so that both hip points face out equally in front of you.

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.

Calling all MINT yogis! We’re excited to announce FIVE new yoga classes, all of which will start this weekend (October 8 and 9). The first three classes, which will take place on Saturdays, are geared towards young families at MINT (prenatal yoga and MINTkids classes!) The next two classes, which will happen on Sundays, are for yogi newbies and yoga lovers who need some extra time to sleep in on Sundays! Read on for more details!

NEW on Saturdays:

Mamas at MINT – Prenatal Yoga – Sunday class recently moved to Saturday at 9 in the main studio at MINT Dupont with Kate Miller. Prenatal yoga gives mamas the important time and space to relax and feel more comfortable with their changing bodies, as well as to deepen the growing relationship with their baby. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience, during any stage of pregnancy. Each class includes alignment based yoga instruction to help with the common aches and pains associated with with being pregnant. While building strength and flexibility in the body, concentration and mindfulness techniques will help prepare for birth and parenthood. This class is lead by Kate Miller, certified prenatal yoga teacher, professional birth doula and childbirth educator. As a birth worker, Kate weaves her knowledge of comfort measures and laboring techniques into her classes. If you’re expecting, you won’t want to miss this class to help support your pregnancy, birth and baby!

MINTkids: Yoga for Movers and Tots (crawling – age 4) – new time, new location, new teacher! Saturdays, 10:15 am in the new Barre Studio at MINT Dupont with Moriah Childers. Yoga for Tots is a class for crawlers, movers, and preschoolers along with parent or care-giver. Explore yoga together! Learn yoga songs, games and poses that you will enjoy together and be able to practice at home! For children from crawling to age 4.

MINTkids: Yoga for Big Kids (age 4 to 6) – new class for MINT’s slightly older kiddos. Saturdays, 11:15 in the new Barre Studio at MINT Dupont with Moriah Childers. Yoga for Big Kids is a class for kids around 4 years old and up with a care-giver. Older siblings are welcome, but please let your instructor know first. Explore yoga together! Learn yoga songs, games and poses that you will enjoy together and be able to practice at home!

NEW on Sundays:

Fundamentals of Flow (beginners welcome!) – new class to introduce students to the basics of vinyasa flow class, Sundays, 10 am (i hour) in the main studio at MINT Dupont with Kristin Adair.

Vinyasa Flow (mixed levels) – Sunday flow class with adjustments for all levels, Sunday, 11:10 am (75 min) the main studio at MINT Dupont with Kristin Adair. We will start this class as mixed levels and if we find that we can ramp up to a more intermediate or advanced class we can make that adjustment as needed.

Both of these classes (and all yoga classes at MINT) are included with MINT class-access memberships. Non-members can purchase our traditional class packages.

Learn more about our yoga program, our amazing yoga instructors and browse our full yoga schedule at both studios here.