Why’s Getting to Yoga So Difficult?

As a yoga teacher I perpetually have these two conversations: Scene One: Around town I run into a former student. They profusely apologize and confess, “Forgive me o’ yogi for I have sinned. It has been three months since my last class.” Then I hear about life’s onslaught: The kid’s soccer practice, work schedules, the sub teacher, the studio is too far. We declare ourselves victims of  “busy.” Scene Two: Meeting someone who has heard the yoga PR but hasn’t Continue reading

Conscious Movement vs. Mindless Exercise

This week I happened across a blog post entitled “Conscious Movement vs. Mindless Exercise” It reminded me of the seismic shift occurring in the fitness community. The elite Equinox gym launched entire program entitled “Conscious Movement” as contrasting modalities like barefoot running, Pilates, Zumba, and Crossfit flourish. My colleagues in movement medicine are shifting what, why, where, and how we exercise. Although I usually eschew dualistic thinking, it’s fascinating to contrast the old and emerging paradigms of fitness: What other qualities could Continue reading

Why I Never Promise Weight Loss

In fitness advertising I constantly hear claims about weight loss and promises to change your flawed parts.  As a personal trainer I will never sell the possibility of weight loss.  Let me explain why… I’m unable to: Diagnose sleep, hormonal, or food sensitivities that can stagnate a metabolism. Control your genetic expression. Manage your behavior in our obesogenic environment.   I’m unwilling to: Prescribe a one-size-fits-all diet. Having studied nutrition in graduate school, I don’t believe in them. Lead punishing, Continue reading

The 4 Causes of Injuries

The New York Times article “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body” sent waves through social media this week. My teacher, Glenn Black, was prominently featured warning against the perils of yoga asana. The article describes practitioners who took yoga beyond the edges of safety and sanity. Yoga reveals how our personality permeates our tissues. When we see ourselves clearly, we notice common and potentially injurious behaviors. Beyond the yoga mat, here are four ways to get hurt: The ego overcompensates. Continue reading