Yin and Yang

Posted on December 2, 2013 by

The term Yin and Yang is often used to describe the seemingly contrary forces that are in fact interconnected in our world. We can’t have one without the other; physical manifestations like life and death, male and female, light and dark, fire and water, are all opposites but complimentary.   Chelsea and Matt

Which is why we are so excited at The Green Yogi because newlyweds, Chelsea and Matt Rothert, have taken this concept and created a NEW special Yin Yang Yoga class! It will be a 90-minute class that combines Power Vinyasa Flow with Yin Relaxation. Yin and Yang are complimentary forces more powerful when combined than when separated.

The first 60-minutes will be a vigorous Power Vinyasa Flow (standing poses to build heat through lengthening and strengthening) followed by 30-minutes of deep Yin Relaxation, (slow, cooling long held poses lengthening the connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons). During this class you will build sweat and strength as you significantly deepen your flexibility and calm your mind, you will leave feeling balanced and relaxed. All levels are welcome and we hope to see you there!

Sunday December 8th

4:30-6:00pm

Regular Class Pricing

click here for more details

(This Yin Yang class replaces the 6pm Yin class on December 8th which is cancelled for holiday fireworks at the pier)

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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Green Yogi of the Month, Eric Epstein!

Posted on November 29, 2013 by

EricEpstein

Happy Post Thanksgiving! I have some fun reading for you today, our manduka  sponsored Green Yogi of the month for December, Eric Epstein. Eric in many ways embodies the idyllic Manhattan Beach lifestyle. When he’s not working he’s exploring his interests in the natural beauty surrounding us all, while traveling to pursue his passions (photo above taken recently in Kauai!) like big wave surfing when the time is right. Eric has spent over 400 hours at our studio since 2011 and his energy is always appreciated in class! Read on to Be Inspired, Kelly

OCCUPATION:  Private Equity Investor

NICKNAME: Laird Hamilstein, Jewish big wave surfer

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU:  Moved to Manhattan Beach from NYC in 1995 and essentially have never looked back…total beach bum – surf, SUP, beach workouts, run, bike, avid reader and green tea / dirty chai tea latte connoisseur. Rarely venture east of the 405 by choice.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AND WHY?  Green has attracted some great instructors over the past couple of years. I practice more out of time slot / convenience than by specific instructor (as frankly they are all amazing and unique). However, you will regularly find me in Heather’s morning eye opener 7-8:15am T/TH unless the surf is pumping! I love waking up to Ms. Archer.

PS I am a total creature of habit – please do not take my regular spot to the left of the pillars.

WHAT IS YOUR INTENTION FOR YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?  Physical, spiritual, mental benefits. And did I mention the ratio of single women to men??

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?  I prefer to live life inverted…any handstand, scorpion or other pose with two hands down.

WHEN YOU AREN’T ON THE MAT, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?  I love my routine. Surfing, SUP, sand runs, biking, reading at coffee shops in Venice (Toms’ patio on Abbott Kinney on wknd afternoons is my current favorite) and sipping my green tea.

WHAT SONG SHOULD BE ON EVERY YOGA PLAYLIST?  Ben Harper “With my own two hands.” Thank you Matthew Rothert (and nothing is better than Sunday night yin and din with the boyz) for often playing upon request.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?  Passionate people. I love people that are absolutely passionate about their hobbies / interests and can talk about them endlessly whether or not there is common ground.

I am also inspired by people that have departed the corporate routine and have focused on what makes them most happy rather than an endless pursuit for $$$. I love the quote on the wall in the restroom. Take a look.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING AND HOW HAS YOGA IMPROVED YOUR LIFE?  I started practicing over ten years ago and have become totally addicted…I can’t count the ways in which yoga has been therapeutic and beneficial to me…and I have met so many close friends from the many studios I’ve practiced in over the years.

 

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Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2013 by
Thanksgiving

image via cleveland yoga

For me some of us, Thanksgiving is all about the food… Because it’s the one time every year we eat these iconic and nostalgia inducing dishes, that taste pretty darn good too!

But there are tons of ways to enjoy all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes while staying happy about your decisions and healthy with your choices! I’ve included my top 5 here but I’d love to hear what you like to do to have happy and healthy holidays. And in case you do overindulge this Thursday check out my post from Thanksgiving 2012 about how to “Unstuff” Yoga Style Post Thanksgiving!

1. Work out the morning of Thanksgiving. Run in a turkey trot, go for a surf, play flag football in the back yard, or come to The Green Yogi - Heather’s 7am Vinyasa Flow, Julie’s 9am Meditation, or Julie’s 9:30am Gratitude Vinyasa Flow. All of these will start your day right and getting a sweat in the morning helps keep you in check the rest of the day.

2. Eat early. If you eat early, in the 4-5pm range, you’ll be able to digest your food better. The key to this strategy is not digging into the leftovers later!

3. Eat everything. Okay-that may sound crazy, but what I mean is eat a little of everything. Eat the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato souffle, creamed spinach, what am I leaving out? Oh yes apple and pumpkin pie! But have a small serving of each, your food should easily all fit on one plate with some room in between. You’ll be happily satiated and not need seconds.

4. Plan a post dinner walk. Float the idea to your friends and family during the day then hold each other accountable. Then get out of the house for at least 20 minutes after your meal. The dishes will still be there when you get back.

5. Plan an earlyish workout for the next day. I’m not saying to set your alarm for 5am but maybe an 8am cardio sesh on the beach or 9:30am yoga class at The Green Yogi! If you have something planned in the morning you’re more likely to limit your consumption of wine or booze of choice, go to sleep earlier, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

***By the way… ALL classes at The Green Yogi are $5 on Black Friday, plus get a jump on your Christmas shopping with discounts on selected retail items***

The reality is, Thanksgiving is about so much more than food and football. We all have things to be grateful for no matter what is going on in our lives. Although it’s important to show gratitude all year round Thanksgiving is the day we all can hit pause on our crazy busy lives, relax with loved ones, and be present.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday this Thanksgiving and are grateful for your readership here on the blog and presence in the studio!

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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Healthy Holiday Challenge!

Posted on November 22, 2013 by
Keep Calm and ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY Poster

The holiday season is jam packed with what should be joyful events. But between the shopping, decorating, and work, friend, and family celebrations, (usually accompanied by delicious {calorific} food and drinks) it can be a challenge to take care of yourself this time of year.

How to deal? With a little support from The Green Yogi and Holistic Health Coach Katie B!  Our schedule is packed with yoga classes to help you sweat and bliss out so you can truly enjoy the holidays. And Katie B. is offering a complimentary holistic nutrition approach, the perfect combination to keep you healthy, happy and calm during the holidays.

In holidays past you might have gained weight or felt stressed… This year can be different- you will have all of the support you need with Katie’s complimentary Healthy Holiday Challenge. The challenge starts the week of Thanksgiving and supports you all the way to the New Year!

Every Sunday you will receive an email from Katie B. with quick (and honestly, fun!) action items for you to try during the week. These wellness activities will only take a few minutes out of your day, but they’re guaranteed to reduce your stress around the holidays.

Katie B. will also share her expert nutrition and wellness advice with easy-to-make recipes and self-care tips to support you through the holidays. This could be the first year you keep your sanity and keep the extra weight off.

If the holidays leave you exhausted, stressed and maybe a few pounds heavier or if you love the holidays but are looking for new recipes and wellness tips, this challenge is for you! There is something fun and helpful for everyone.

The challenge starts this Sunday November 24th, click here for more information and to sign up for the Healthy Holiday Program.

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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Free Yoga at The Green Yogi!

Posted on November 15, 2013 by

The Green Yogi is hosting another FREE community yoga class! Come support Mukti Yoga teachers being trained by Linda Baffa as they practice their new skills in this 90 minute Hatha yoga class. Each trainee will teach a segment of the class giving alignment cues, variations, and special hands on adjustments. All levels are welcome. Click here for more details.

Day: Friday November 15th 2013

Time: 7:45-9:15pm

Price: FREE 

yoga

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight!

Posted on November 14, 2013 by
image via twinpossible

Our favorite Holistic Health Coach, Katie B, is back at The Green Yogi! She will help us get through the holidays without packing on the L.B’s, thank goodness. The holidays are such a fun and festive time of year, we have our first “Friendsgiving” this weekend… but I can already feel my Pumpkin Spice Almond Lattes starting to add up! What’s a yogi to do?

According to Katie we can enjoy our favorite holiday dishes without gaining the weight, which is namaste to my ears! Katie B will share her top 5 proven holiday eating tips that will help keep our waistlines in check while enjoying our favorite foods to eat “stress-free” this holiday season. Click here for more info and to sign up.

Day: Sunday November 17th

Time: 3:00-4:00pm

Price: Complimentary

In addition Katie has created a healthy holiday challenge that will support you throughout the holidays starting on November 25th! This is a complimentary program that is full of expert nutrition and wellness advice that will keep you healthy, stress free, and full of energy so that you can enjoy the holidays without gaining weight. If you’re interested you can click here for more info and to sign up!

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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Kirtan with BhaktiMa at The Green Yogi

Posted on November 13, 2013 by

The Green Yogi is hosting another night of Kirtan with BhaktiMa! If you’ve tried it before you probably already love it, but if you haven’t it’s a must do. Kirtan is a form of devotional music that originated in India, where the line between performer and audience melts into a single current of inspiring, connected energy. It will be an uplifting journey of sound through call and response chanting that will open you up to new possibilities. The details are below, but you can click here for more info!

Day: Saturday November 16th

Time: 7:30-9:00pm

Price: $10 Suggested Donation

Be Inspired,

Kelly

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