Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cranking it up: April Classes

Erica gets into position for Ardha Chandrasana at the wall (Half Moon Pose, ardha=half,  chandra=moon/shining, asana=pose). Now just straighten the front foot - that's what the line on the special "alignment mat" is for!
See a step-by-step description on the Galfromdownunder Yoga blog

Welcome back yo-lati's! 

The New York Cycle Clubbers are deep into their SIG program, and our students report that they are noticing good results. 

We've intro'd some new things for April - come and join us! 

On the Pilates front, Karin, also a trained MELT practitioner, brought out some new balls for stretching, massaging and rehydrating the fascia (connective tissue) in our hands and feet. It feels sooooo goodI. MELTing hands and feet relaxes and energizes the whole body. 


Karin says: "Carry a MELT ball on your next bike ride, and massage your hands when you stop.  And don't forget the feet... can you imagine the pressure we put on our feet when pedaling?" Read about the Melt Method and why it makes a real difference. 

On the Yoga front, Lynette's moving us into deep space - taking "air" with some balancing poses. Ardha Chandrasana (half moon) is tricky for beginners to get right, and feel right - the tendency is to buckle forward as you try to balance. Hence, the wall is your friend. See the above photo of Erica doing the move.


Here's an illustrated step-by-step for Ardha Chandrasana against the wall.


For those who aren't able to join us this week, here's a reminder video of a great sequence for cyclists by Finding Sukha owner Sarah Coleman. Sarah was one of my trainers, and is currently in India doing further schooling - where all of this began ... 



Before and after class ...

Before class we've been heading over to Grandaisy for the butternut squash slice, then after, to the Soom Soom falafelry (is that what you call it?) for their terrific manic Monday 2-for-1 pitas and divine juices. You're welcome to join us of course. 


Can you eat stuff if you exercise right? 
Yes you can!