Leigh Anne Neal always felt empathy for the homeless. She volunteered to work with them and would always talk to them, so years after she began practicing yoga in college, it seemed natural to share the practice with others in need.

In 2006, she opened Nirvana Yoga in Grant Park, but recognized she was catering to a select group. Because you are a business, you realize only a certain segment of the population can come, Neal said. How do you make it accessible?

Neal began taking yoga on the road to homeless shelters and a womens safe house in town. At the studio, she offered $5 classes each weekday at noon (drop-in rates are normally $12) and on Saturdays at 11 a.m., the class is donation based. You can put in a quarter or a dollar and we give 100 percent of the proceeds [to charity], Neal said.

From yoga studios to retail stores to poolside at luxury hotels, free or donation-based yoga classes are popping up everywhere. In some cases, the trend marks an effort to capitalize on the popularity of the practice. But it has also been driven by the desire of some practitioners to democratize the benefits of yoga.

Its about making yoga accessible to people, said Neda Honarvar of Tough Love Yoga, which is located inside Youngblood Gallery and Boutique. I wanted people who wouldnt normally do yoga, to do yoga. That is why we do weird stuff at our studio.

Metal yoga (yoga performed to heavy metal) and a yoga bikini boot camp are some examples. Last year, they held free classes in the park until the instructors were mugged, Honarvar said. Despite a market that would allow higher rates, Honarvar keeps fees at $10 per class and will barter with anyone who can offer a needed service.

In April, Free People, a womens clothing boutique in White Provision launched a free monthly yoga class, in part, to promote their new line of yoga gear. One Sunday a month, Tough Love instructors guide 15 to 20 people through poses right in the middle of the store.

The event is meant as a way to give our customers a unique experience to come and enjoy the store, said Beth Wehagen, director of stores. Most attendees are interested in yoga as well as Free People.

Lululemon, the yoga and running apparel store with two metro area locations, offers free in-store classes every weekend and while the traffic no doubt helps encourage shopping, the company has a reputation of supporting yoga-related causes even when there is no apparent financial gain.

Scott Feinberg, runs a 100-percent donation-based yoga studio in Jupiter, Fla. Feinberg, who trained at Peachtree Yoga Center in Sandy Springs, believes the increase in free and donation-based classes is partly the result of a higher consciousness among the growing number of yoga practitioners.

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Free yoga comes with higher consciousness

By Erin Haggerty August 29, 2012

On Labor Day weekend, yoga studios across the Island will host the third annual Martha's Vineyard Yoga Festival. Studios will open their doors to visiting teachers from around the country, giving local yoga practitioners a chance to experience something and someone new.

The Chilmark Community Center is where much of the festival's action will take place. To make the center a little more yoga-like, co-producer Mollie Doyle and festival founder Kathy Bega enlisted local architect, Peter Breese to revamp the space.

"We reworked the vibe of a very dreary entry space," said Mr. Breese. "We made it more comfortable, finished and welcoming we activated it."

The custom-designed Community Center will not only host classes but will feature a pop-up yoga clothes shop and health food caf. Chris Fischer of Beetlebung Farm is in charge of everything edible at the festival, including Friday night's vegan feast to be served at the Beetlebung Greenhouse. During the day, there will be smoothies, salads, Chilmark coffee, and snacks from Not Your Sugar Mama's available at the Community Center.

The festival kicks off on Thursday when FLY Yoga presents Saul David Raye at the Chilmark Community Center from 9 am to noon and 1pm to 4 pm.

Claire Parkhurst, owner of Tapas Hot Yoga in Vineyard Haven, said she was thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Bega and Ms. Doyle. "They've worked so hard to bring such great teachers, and they really wanted to involve the already-existing yoga community," she said.

Michelle Boullion a yoga teacher, Lululemon Ambassador, and owner of Wild Tiger Yoga in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will teach two classes at Tapas Hot Yoga. Ms. Boullion, a participant in the past two festival's, is looking forward to escaping the Louisiana heat and returning to the more forgiving late summer in New England. She will teach a "power hot" class in Ms. Parkhurst's heated studio.

Ms. Boullion stresses the importance of a balanced workout. "Strength plus flexibility equals functionality," she said. "I don't just want my students to be able to do a headstand; you should be able to carry your kids around, walk to work, etc." Before class, Ms. Boullion will discuss the method and benefits of self-massage and myofascial release using foam rollers and tennis balls to release tension and relieve pain. Ms. Boullion will teach at the Chilmark Community Center on Friday, August 31, at 8 am, and at Tapas Hot Yoga on Saturday and Sunday at 10 am.

Lindel Hart, owner of Hart Yoga in Shelburne Falls, is also a veteran of past festivals. He said he is excited about returning to the Island and called the last two festivals "phenomenal experiences."

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Annual Martha's Vineyard yoga festival is a feast of activities

September is the time for fresh starts the end of vacation for many and the start of a new season for all so it's no surprise that it also marks National Yoga Month.

As the sun sets on summer, put your focus on achieving wellness, peace and bliss with a series of yoga-centric events in New Jersey and New York. Want to learn more? Visit yogahealthfoundation.org.

Elyse Toribio

Evolve Fest

The four-day outdoor celebration includes sessions with expert yoga instructors, energizing dance parties and, thanks to a long list of vendors, a wide offering of organic foods. A healing sanctuary and ascension temple will also be on site for those seeking inner peace during the festivities.

WHEN: Friday to Monday.

WHERE: 1350 Stryker Road, Phillipsburg.

HOW MUCH: Limited camping and day passes available, starting from $80. Admission free for children under 12, adults over 65 and those with special needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 973-896-9312 or evolvefest.com.

Yoga in the City

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Yoga and music events during National Yoga Month

Hundreds of people toting their rolled-up mats gather in McKinley Park on Saturdays for yoga sessions. Storefront studios brag that they offer "hot" yoga. There even are "mommy and me" yoga classes out there.

Seems everyone's into yoga.

According to a "Yoga in America" market study released by Yoga Journal in 2008, Americans spend $5.7 billion a year on yoga classes and products (equipment, clothing, DVDs, books, etc.). That's an 87 percent increase from 2004.

This Labor Day, yoga studios around Sacramento and in cities around the country will offer free yoga classes as part of a loosely organized event called Free Day of Yoga.

It started in Austin, Texas, in 1999 as a way to raise awareness of yoga. It's since spread to cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia. It's celebrated in Guam.

And this year, Sacramento.

Before you start posing like a crane or a cat or a dog or a plank, though, it's important to find the type of yoga that's right for you. Different styles have different benefits and degrees of difficulty, and finding the right fit can be the difference between enjoying yoga and hating it.

Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular styles of yoga:

Hatha yoga does not refer to a specific style of yoga, but rather is a general term that encompasses all forms of physical yoga. Other forms of yoga are derivatives of Hatha yoga. This particular style of yoga focuses mostly on the individual poses rather than on the flow between poses. "Hatha" literally means "forceful," and nowadays, most yoga studios use the term to refer to their most basic yoga classes that focus on teaching the main poses, making this the perfect option for beginners.

Vinyasa is another general description for many different types of yoga. This style tends to be slightly faster-paced than Hatha yoga, and it focuses on synchronizing movements and breathing techniques.

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Sacramento yoga studios offer free classes for Labor Day

Yoga mama!

While Drew Barrymore waits for her baby to arrive, the actress is keeping busy by focusing on fitness.

PHOTOS: Drew's love life

The 37-year-old actress was spotted leaving a yoga class in Los Angeles on Monday wearing sweats and carrying a yoga mat. Barrymore's growing baby bump was on full display as she made her way to her car with her hair in a bun and blocking the sun with cute heart-shaped sunglasses.

Drew Barrymore leaves her pre-natal yoga class in Los Angeles, CA on August 27, 2012, Credit: Aik/Brooks/INFphoto.com

Barrymore married art consultant Will Kopelman, 35, on June 2 at the actress' Montecito, Calif. estate. The baby-to-be will be the newlyweds' first child.

PHOTOS: Drew's wild style

Cameron Diaz threw her Charlie's Angels costar and best friend a baby shower at her home on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles. "Kids were jumping in a bouncy castle," a source told Us Weekly of the party.

PHOTOS: Hollywoo'd baby boom

The Big Miracle star admitted to Jay Leno on The Tonight Show in February that she hopes to have multiple children with Kopelman. "We'll start with one," she said. "See how it goes and if we could be so blessed . . . that would be wonderful."

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Pregnant Drew Barrymore Flaunts Baby Bump, Does Yoga as Due Date Nears

By Brittney KnoxPublished 3:45pm Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Jackie Chauvin hopes a 10-week yoga class she will teach at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital will help people find some time to devote to themselves.

How often do we really take time without cell phones and without interruptions to devote time to ourselves? Chauvin said.

While yoga has origins in ancient India and often can incorporate religious practices, students should not expect those in this one-hour course. Instead, the class will focus on yoga stretches as a way to relieve stress.

Beginner and intermediate classes will be offered at The Wellness Center starting Sept. 4.

Beginner classes are held Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Intermediate classes meet on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The class size is limited to 30 people so those interested should call the Wellness Center at 334-287-2613 to register.

There are modifications that can be taught for those who have physical issues. Also, the course does not build every week on instruction, so students can join at anytime during the 10 weeks.

Chauvin said the classes are for all ages and urges everyone to participate one year she had a 96-year-old student take the course.

Science has proven that yoga aids with stress, blood pressure and heart rate, she said. It also elevates happy chemicals in the brain, producing an after effect known as the yoga bliss.

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Yoga to be taught at hospital

It is more common for people to develop sinusitis during the fall and winter months when weather is cold. Since antibiotics can not help those suffering with a sinus infection caused by a virus, practicing yoga as an alternative to help relieve the symptoms is a practical solution. If you have sinusitis caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be needed, but yoga can still be used to complement the medication.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the term used when the tissue lining of the sinuses become swollen. Air usually fills normal, healthy sinuses. However, when fluid gets into the sinuses germs can evolve and create an infection.

A sinus infection can be caused by the common cold, inflammation in the lining of the nose due to allergies and by polyps in the lining of the nose.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Symptoms of a sinus infection may include the following:

Top five yoga poses for those with a sinus infection

#1 Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

If you are only going to perform one yoga pose, the seated forward bend makes the top of my list. One reason is because it is simple to do and should not cause additional stress to your body. Additionally, traditional texts tell us that this asana is a cure for sicknesses. The seated forward bend is great for those with sinusitis and insomnia, and it is a very peaceful pose.

In addition to being helpful to those with sinusitis, bridge pose is beneficial to asthmatics. It is also a good asana to perform if you have osteoporosis or high blood pressure. If you suffer from a headache due to a sinus infection, this asana will also help with your pain.

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Top Five Yoga Poses for Sinusitis

COME National Day, yoga enthusiasts of all ages from Malaysia and overseas will be gathering to celebrate freedom and liberate their body of pain and stress at the Malaysian International Yoga Competition (MIYC) 2012.

Some 800 yoga practitioners and 5,000 spectators are expected to converge at Kandiah Hall, SJKT Vivekananda, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, for the event that will be held on Aug 31 from 9am to 6pm.

The event is organised by the Malaysian Yoga Society (MYS) with the support of Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors (Mayi).

MIYC, which was held at a national level during its initial two years, expanded to include international yoga practitioners last year.

It is expected to have 25% of this years participants hailing from countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, India, Sri Lanka, Iran and Australia.

MYS and Mayi founder Mani Sekaran said the event aims to create awareness that yoga is for everybody, serve as a platform to network and meet people with similar interests, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

It is also an opportunity for the public to see for themselves the benefits of yoga and dispel myths associated with the practice the prevalent ones being that one needs to be of a certain gender, weight and age to practice yoga, he said.

Yoga is accessible to all regardless of age, size, background and physical limitations.

It provides an avenue for everyone to become healthy, both physically and mentally, without needing any special athletic skills.

Mani, who has 35 years experience in yoga including 15 years as instructor, said yoga is a mind and body practice that requires practitioners to focus on their breathing and be mindful of their body.

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800 yoga practitioners set to wow the crowd at the MIYC 2012

Looking for that perfect yoga and Pilates gear? Look no more, find the equipment that fits your needs. The fine art of yoga and Pilates differs in personality, but share similar efficient movements that using the appropriate gear benefits. The variety of equipment used for this body, mind, and discipline sport explores various movements that enhance health and self-awareness. To perform these unique exercises effectively, you need to gear up.

(credit: zudayoga.com)

Zuda Yoga 515 19th St. Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 441-1267 zudayoga.com

Zuda Yoga is a popular studo that offers yoga workshops and programs, but also houses a stellar boutique in which yogis can find clothes and accessories. Clothes from brands like Be Present, Om Girl, Hard Tail, Beyond Girl can be found here. Youll also find Zudas own line, Zuda Wear, which features inspirational messages on its clothing. As far as accessories go, you can pick up mats, totes, yogi toes to help you keep traction on the mat, meditation cushions filled with buckwheat hull and CDs and DVDs.

Related:Top Yoga Studios In Sacramento

(credit: pilates.com)

Balanced Body8220 Ferguson Ave. Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 388-2838 http://www.pilates.com

Body, mind, core strength and ability are the key principles of Balanced Body. The diverse local and international community is all about the health of mind and body, and provides the best Pilates equipment you can find. Reformers, studios furnishing, videos, DVDs, books, audiosthis amazing company provides it all, including instructors that teach the fundamentals of the art. Are you an instructor who wants to connect with a Pilates community and learn new methods? Balanced Body offers Pilates Podcast, a weekly video series for instructors and therapists. Follow this community on twitter and Facebook, join in on discussions, and learn about upcoming events, sales and promotions.

(credit: sportchalet.com)

Sport Chalet 2401 Butano Drive Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 977-1730 http://www.sportchalet.com

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5 Best Places To Find Yoga And Pilates Gear In Sacramento

Credit: Warwick Page/Getty Images

Yoga is good for you. It makes you flexible, calm and even helps your porn-addled brain enjoy making love for an extra minute or two. Unfortunately, while you're doing all those sun salutations and child's poses, you are both improving your digestion and opening your rectum to the heavens. Every yoga class regular is trained to tell you, "Don't worry, everyone farts there." However, when you do accidentally rip one, your whole class stares at you mortified. Some of them are holding back vomit. You disgust them. Every woman in that class is going to make sure you never date anyone in the world ever again. We here at the Guy Code Blog want you to be able to do yoga and fart when you damn please, so here are 10 ways to cover your tracks.

Run straight out of the class. There are plenty of other yoga studios.

If you're prepared for the inevitable passing of the gas, be ready to start sneezing immediately after you let one rip. This will introduce just enough doubt into everyone's mind: "You know what? Maybe that wasn't fart."

That's the point of yoga, isn't it? If everyone believes you've transcended the here and now, then they'll just think the gas is your soul finally being released. Which would make the poo particles stuck to your briefs represent your good will toward all.

There's a chance this could work. Trust us. Yoga people are supposed to be sympathetic. They'll think you're unable to control it. Poor you.

Always sit next to the old lady in the class. You wouldn't be lying because even if you were farting, at any given moment there's a 75% chance that she's farting too.

This is like the sneezing trick, but you do it in advance.

Say something like, "Master would be so proud." You have to say goodbye to ever dating anyone in your class, but at least everyone will be too scared to judge you.

Do your best Dhalsim impression and yell, "Yoga fire!" You'll be cheered and mothers will name their first-born sons after you.

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10 Ways To Cover Your Yoga Farts