Gaiam TV: A Library of Yoga Videos & Documentaries You Don't Want to Miss (Beginners, This Means You!)

/
Gaiam TV is the resource that beginners and yogis with a strong home practice have been waiting for. From yoga videos to fitness and workout videos, inspirational films and wellness videos, and many other health and wellness-related media, Gaiam TV has you covered. 


Their website is easy to navigate and they offer the chance to download videos to various devices so you can bring your yoga with you.


Not to mention you can try their subscription totally free for 10 days before you sign up! And stay tuned: next week on Alive in the Fire, I'll be offering a giveaway for a 3-month trial of Gaiam TV.


Photos via Gaiam TV.

In today's consumer-driven world, we are used to having a lot of choices at our fingertips: on the web, at the grocery store, even on our Netflix accounts. But don't you ever get tired of having so many possibilities to pick from?


Gaiam TV is the perfect solution: you've got lots of options, but they all fall within the health and wellness category you know you love. 


I recently tried out Gaiam TV and I couldn't have been more pleased with the results. I opted to try a few yoga videos in new styles to mix up my routine (Rodney Yee and Seane Corne, you rock), and then I got even more daring: I opted for the Jillian Michaels "Ripped in 30" workout.

I'd heard about Jillian a few times from my twin sister, who is a personal trainer. She's used her high-energy, fat-burning routines for clients many times in the past and had great results. I mean, you can't really go wrong with a workout instructor who's been known to say, "Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going!"


Now there's a woman after my Bikram-loving heart :)


Throughout the video, I sweated, strengthened new muscles, and was inspired to push harder even when the exercises were challenging. I was also able to convince my sister to try the video, and share her thoughts. Here's what Laura of Fighting Spirit Fitness has to say about the workout:

Jillian Michaels does a wonderful job in her video "Ripped in 30," to give the average couch potato like you and me a good workout and place to start. I did her workout yesterday and was sweating myself even though I'm a personal trainer. Even if you can't do all the advanced moves, she gives you alternative modifications, which is very important when training clients.


She has a very effective way of combining cardio movements with weight training using light dumbbells. I also use similar methods in my clients workouts because it produces the most fat burn. By combining more intensity in a shorter period of time, along with shunting blood to the upper and lower body (by a lot of getting up and down), a person can get a great cardio workout along with strength training at the same time; this allows for maximum fat burn!


Jillian also allows people room to improve in the 30 days, which is great because as you get stronger, you can increase the difficulty of the exercises. Most people don't have an hour to spend working out a day, but this is a great time efficient way to get strong and lean. Thanks for sharing, Jillian. You continue to inspire me to new heights and give it my all!


Pretty awesome, right? I may have to continue with the program and see what the results are like after a month of getting ripped!


At the end of the video, Jillian says something that rang true with my yogi self:


"Transformation is not a future event... it's a current activity."


So whether you're completely new to yoga or establishing a workout routine for yourself, or you're an advanced student who wants to expand into new territory, a resource like Gaiam TV can give you the chance to change yourself for the better. Here and now, in the moment.


Be good to yourself. Work out. Do yoga. And hey, while you're at it... try some Gaiam TV!


Thank You from Alive in the Fire

/
Photos via Urban Yoga Girl and Pinterest.

I just wanted to take a little moment to say THANK YOU for following the blog. I am continuously inspired, motivated and in awe of you, wonderful readers, and the way you've made this yoga community grow. It never ceases to amaze me how lovely you all are! I hope you'll stick around and continue on the yoga journey with me.

A heartfelt namaste,
Rachel

This Just In: Yoga Poses Can't be Copyrighted

/
Photo via 365 Days Yoga on Tumblr.

Last week I posted about the lawsuit by Bikram against Yoga to the People and was pleasantly surprised to hear your comments on the controversy. I heard a resounding shout from readers to protect the integrity of the Bikram yoga 26 & 2 series... but it looks like that shout has not been held up in court.


Photo via Pinterest.


Regulators have announced that "yoga poses such as head-to-knee stretches and the sequences of the moves are 'exercises' rather than 'choreography' and can’t be copyrighted in the United States."


The new U.S. Copyright Office decision does not acknowledge exercises (including yoga movements) as able to be protected choreography.

Photo via Pinterest.


I guess this means NYC yogis will be able to take their $8 hot yoga class after all.


For further reading, check out:


What do you guys think?

Start Your Holistic Development through Yoga (Guest Post)

/
Photos via LilieZenCoach and Urban Yoga Girl.
 

I recently connected with Lexi from Lexi Yoga and was excited when she agreed to share a post about the potential yoga brings to all who practice. This guest post offers some lovely insight into what we gain by laying it all down on the mat -- beginners and advanced students alike. Enjoy!

Photo via LilieZenCoach.

Yoga has the capacity of to condition and strengthen your body, mind and spirit. It also brings holistic growth to those who practice. There are no deadlines, no times to beat, no schedules to go after. You are able to work your development at your own pace. 

Even the instructor in your class cannot tell you that you are already to go to the next level of development if you yourself feel that you are not yet ready. You are free to explore and get to know yourself better first before catapulting yourself to the next stage of your
development.
Photo via Blue Kite Photo.

Because of the holistic development you get from this practice, a lot of people are drawn toward yoga. There are various yoga practices that you can choose from but ultimately, all of these practices still boil down to yoga’s primary goal which is to experience freedom. Freedom from just about anything you can think of that life can present you: from pain, from problems, from the difficulties you are feeling mentally and physically.

It all begins with the conditioning of your mind that you are ready to thread the way of clean living, of life that is pointing to your holistic development as an individual capable of doing anything. Synergize your body with the various poses and the breathing techniques and you will find inner peace to focus on things. Learn the discipline that will free you from the vices that you have grown accustomed with and be enlightened to the path of holistic growth.

The journey will progress to your body’s needs for exercise. As you are getting accustomed to the different poses and the breathing techniques required, you will get the conditioning you need to fully merge your mind and body. Let this experience take you to the next stage, which is the tapping of your spirit. As you are able to gain control over your body and mind, you will be able to connect with your spiritual well being. This will then open your path to the way of ultimate freedom; freedom from any distractions, from stress, vices and other bodily sufferings.

Yoga doesn’t just stop with these three phases as it is a continuous journey of development. Just like the insatiable needs of us humans, yoga also goes on and on and you can still feed your body, mind and spirit by turning the negative things around you into something positive.

Find your inner self by merging your body, mind and spirit. In this continuous action, you will see happiness and contentment even in the smallest things. With this newly found happiness you will learn how to accept others for what and who they are thus in the process you will not just cultivate inner peace but also peace within the confine of others. Yoga seeks the truth while developing you as a complete person.

Photo via Lululemon.

I love Lexi's reflections on the way yoga can help you free your mind to stop listening to the negative thoughts that come through, and all those crippling habits we set for ourselves. Thanks, Lexi, for sharing! Namaste.

The Bamboo Bottle: A Water Bottle for the Naturalist in You

/
Photos by me.

There are a few things I'll always love: the feeling of sand under my bare feet, the thrill of a long bike ride in the sun, a refreshing swim, a hike in the woods, and the relief of taking a long drink of water after a good workout.

What can I say? I'm a green girl from California and a big fan of all things natural, organic, and clean. I believe beauty that is pure comes from what is unprocessed, whole, wild.


That's why I was super excited to discover the Bamboo Bottle, a reusable water bottle unlike any other. It's more sleek and aesthetic than most drinking containers you'll find, and the best part is that it's made from materials that are clean and safe, too.

You've got bamboo (for a stylish exterior, and formidable strength) and glass (for clean drinking at all temperatures). Yes, the top is plastic, but it's also BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and recyclable. 

The Bamboo Bottle is the perfect water bottle for all your active friends, whether they love yoga, biking, hiking, or they just want a secure way to transport liquids in the car! It's great for both cold and hot drinks (including tea!). My recommendation would be to go with the design that has a flip top for convenient use.



   
Photos via The Bamboo Bottle Company.

Photo by me.


Go ahead, enjoy an all-natural portable drinking container experience: try the Bamboo Bottle! It also makes a lovely Christmas gift if you're still shopping for friends or family.

Christmas Cookies

/
Photo via Smitten Kitchen.
Tis the season for holiday baking!


I'm getting so excited to bake with my mum-in-law and twin sister over Christmas. I think we'll make classic chocolate chip cookies, plus a few other new recipes.


This is hands down the best recipe for chocolate chips I've ever had (thanks to Wendy, whose kids I used to babysit, for sharing!). Enjoy!


Wendy's Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


1.5 c sugar
1.5 c brown sugar, packed
2 c crisco (can use a bit less, or substitute butter)
3 eggs


Beat above ingredients until they are creamed together.


1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp baking soda
3 tsp vanilla extract


Blend in to mixture.


Finally, blend in 4.5 cups flour, adding a bit at a time as you go. Fold in a bag of chocolate chips. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet and bake 7-10 minutes or until edges are golden.


Here are the other two recipes I can't wait to try:


Gooey Butter Cookies from Lottie and Doof 
(or really any of their recipes from the 12 Days of Cookies!)

Russian Tea Cakes from Smitten Kitchen

Pigeon Pose and Christmas Morning

/
Photo via Flickr.

A while ago I was reading about the emotional reactions we have as yogis during certain asanas. Many of the statements weren't surprising: camel pose and other heart-openers can release a rush of emotion or anxiety, forward folds and asanas like tortoise generate calmness and new energy.

But then I came across something that said pigeon pose can give you the same comfort and joy as you feel on Christmas morning.

Photo via MomFilter.

Of course my first reaction was, Wait, what?! No way. I thought back on all the times that intense hip openers like pigeon have felt a bit painful or uncomfortable. Sometimes I'd even dread trying out this pose if a teacher called for it, as pigeon is a great reminder of the flexibility I don't have (or haven't been working on consistently).

But then I tried pigeon pose with this thought in mind. The comfort and joy of Christmas morning.

It's true! If you concentrate your energy on what's happening as you slowly enter the asana, there is something very comforting and relaxing about pigeon pose. The gentle twist happening in your body, the way your head rests on your hands on the floor, the letting go that you must do in order to open the hips... it all adds up to a sense of well-being, relief, and solidity.

Photo via Yoga Chocolate Love on Tumblr.
Photo via Pinterest.

Many yogis aren't shocked to hear that yoga helps release stagnant energy; in fact, a lot of us are grateful to enjoy the blessing of having a regular practice because yoga actually helps us work through the emotions within. Remember to be open to the positive energy and healing you may find even from the hardest postures, like pigeon.

Yoga Kids

/
Photo by Adele Enersen, the genius behind Mila's Daydreams.

Do you guys share your yoga practice with your kids? Or, if you're like me and you don't have any little ones yet, your nieces and nephews, cousins, or maybe the babes you babysit?


I love the idea of enjoying a yoga flow with my children someday. 


Photo via FYeahYoga. Check out their legs in lotus pose!

PS Check out the world's youngest yoga teacher from India. Isn't she incredible? xoxo

December Meditation Escape

/
 
Photos via CarCrashCheapHit on Tumblr.

Next time I take lotus pose on the living room floor, this is where you can find me... wandering among the magical glowing orbs, transfixed under the long lights tunnel, and staring up at the big, beautiful Christmas tree. Let's float away. :)

Happy Wrists

/



Are you working on your handstands yet?


Whether you're hanging out upside down a lot or you just want to strengthen your hands, palms and wrists for a more steady downward dog, this video has some great tips. (Warning: her boobs are a bit much at certain points, but it's still worth watching for the movements and instruction.)


For another great wrist move, try Sadie Nardini's wrist clear. Or do her supersets to build overall body strength (works wonders for inversions, bow and standing bow, as well as full wheel.) Enjoy!

Wholesome Eating

/
Photos via Orangette.

After spending Thanksgiving on a farm in Minnesota for the last few years, I find myself thinking more and more about the importance of eating whole foods. The difference between a healthy, homemade meal and a boxed dinner is tremendous. Plus once you've tasted broccoli grown in the garden and eggs from the chicken coop, there's just no going back.

There really is a difference between the food we buy in chain stores and the good, wholesome organic stuff.


I have a huge passion for eating well, but sometimes I am limited by specific resources. Generally my budget for groceries is a little lower than what Whole Foods costs, plus the amount of time I have to spend in the kitchen dwindles when work gets crazy (as it has been lately). Being an apartment dweller makes it nearly impossible to grow my own vegetables... although I am determined to try my hand at a porch box garden at some point!  And then there's the planning factor, and a lack of creativity sometimes.

Excuses aside, I've decided it's time to work harder to eat well.

Here's my plan.
  • Plan meals around healthy ingredients. Check out Whole Food sales, and then look up recipes based on what I can find for cheap.
  • Cut as much corn syrup as possible. Start read the labels a little more closely for this.
  • Utilize the crockpot! I'm definitely going to be relying on this incredible blogger, who used hers every day for a year.
  • Watch more documentaries. These never cease to inspire. Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead was such an eye opener.
  • Get back to the juicer! We have fallen off the bandwagon what with all those crazy flavors. My friend at work is going to share a few more palatable recipes to try.
 

Do you guys take care to eat clean, nutritious foods? I'd love your thoughts on the simplest ways to do this :)

PS Everyday meal planning from Real Simple, plus some important cancer prevention tips.

Yoga Teachers to Be Grateful For

/
Photos via Lululemon on Flickr. 

What do you most admire about your favorite yoga instructor? Is it his calm voice to bring you in and out of the asanas? Her strong and compassionate presence throughout class?

What draws you to the classes you keep returning to? Whether you practice Bikram or Ashtanga, Vinyasa or Hatha, it makes a huge difference how your instructor leads you through the postures. They could be celebrity teachers on a DVD like Rodney Yee, Seane Corne, Shiva Rea, and Rod Stryker, or the owners at your neighborhood studio.

What do you love about their teaching style?

I'd love to hear :)

Stories from a Bikram Yoga Teacher

/
Photos courtesy of Shavon Hutchinson.

One of my favorite Bikram bloggers recently returned from Bikram Teacher Training. Congrats, Shavon! You are rockin' the hot room already :)

I couldn't resist sharing Shavon's story about how Bikram yoga has changed her life for the better. Even in the few weeks since Shavon returned from the Yoga Bubble, she says she's noticed a difference in the way she feels and how people perceive her. Plus, she's started to make the world a better place, one person at a time. How amazing is that?!



People Talk to Me
By Shavon Hutchinson

It is interesting. People, even strangers, talk to me now. I've noticed this since being back from training. 

 As I was reminded by a fellow trainee Facebook friend, Boss told us our friends, families and relatives will see us differently after training. I think this is true, especially since I feel so different after training. 

 I still can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something different about me now and I like it. I feel softer, calmer, more at peace with me, flaws and all.

So I am back to a day job now. A coworker of mine came to talk to me about stuff and it got me thinking. She was saying how she wants to be a better woman so those characteristics would reflect in her children. 

I immediately thought of yoga of course and then also about my negative world views. See, I think there is a lot of change that our society can benefit from. 

If we were a closer knit community of people rather than a bunch of individuals then I think we would treat others and the earth differently. When people have a regular yoga practice they often take the principles they learn in class off the mat and into the real world. 

That's what so cool about yoga is that it makes you better so you can go out into the world and treat others better.

Qualities like patience, acceptance, tolerance and focus can't help but foster and spill over into our everyday lives. We could all benefit from a little dose of those qualities from time to time. It is nice to see I am possibly projecting those qualities outward. Making the world a better place one person at a time.



Namaste to you, beautiful lady. Keep it up!

Do you have a story about Bikram yoga teacher training you'd like to share? Email me at aliveinthefire at
gmail dot com today!

Hug Your Mom

/
Photo via Andrew and Carissa.

Something about being a little under the weather has me missing my mom extra this week. When is the last time you gave your mom a good hug?

Nothing says I love you better :) xoxo

Photo via Andrew and Carissa. She is seriously an awesome mom! 
If you're considering adoption or want to be inspired by adoptive parents with hearts of gold, read their story.
Photo via RosenCrown.
Photo via Andrew and Carissa.

Love for Little Ones

/
Photos via The Colemans in Love.

I recently discovered a beautiful blog by a family called The Colemans, Mindy and Daniel. They recently welcomed baby Isaac into the world. Isn't he precious?

The Colemans have a unique story to tell. Their baby boy has fanconi anemia, a rare blood disorder. 


Little Isaac has already undergone surgery and he faces a list of anomalies that will make for a challenging childhood, including kidney troubles, slow or stunted growth, missing thumbs, and an imperforate anus.

The Colemans could use your help! Please pray for them or make a donation via PayPal to their medical fund for Isaac. You can click the photo or link above, or go to their blog to learn more.

My heart and prayers go out to you, Colemans. May you continue to find strength during this difficult time, and may the small moments of joy with your son bring you peace. xoxo!

Throw a Yoga Party

/
Photo via Lululemon.

Have you guys heard of throwing a yoga party?

It's this fun idea where you invite a bunch of friends over, hire a yoga instructor to come to your place, and then enjoy a relaxing hour or two of asanas and meditation together.

What's great is that a party like this appeals to beginners and experienced yogis alike. Your friends who are already dedicated to their practice can spend time doing something they love, plus newbies can try out poses in a comfortable and non-threatening environment.

Here are some ideas to make your yoga celebration extra special:
  • Chat with the instructor you're hiring before the night of the party. Decide what sort of practice you want to host -- something easy and laid-back with restorative postures? Or something more energizing? By planning ahead, you'll be able to let your guests know what to expect.
  • Light candles for the practice. How cute are these ones?
  • Leave a few yoga books on your coffee table so friends can peek and learn more. I recommend the Bandha Yoga series, Stephen Cope's The Wisdom of Yoga or Bikram's guide. They are all fascinating!
 
Photos via Pinterest and Blue Kite Photo.
Sounds like a wonderful party to me!


PS How cute is this yoga party for kids?