Yoga has gained immense popularity over the years, and there's no surprise why. Ask most practitioners, and they'll affirm that yoga is more than a typical exercise. Not only does it provide you with a highly effective workout without complex machines and wear and tear on your muscles and joints, but it also promotes harmony between your brain and body. Whether you're looking to sculpt a specific physique or searching for peace and tranquility, yoga is beneficial all around. Not many exercises can offer both wellness of the body and mind, but yoga is diverse and powerful, despite its simplicity.

While some may feel inclined to write-off yoga as just another health fad that will fade into oblivion given time, Yoga Teacher and Fitness Coach, Jolene Cherry, assures you this is not the case whatsoever. In this article, we review Ms. Cherry's list of mind and body benefits readily available to those willing to commit to regular practice.

Increased Flexibility

Have you ever seen a dancer kick their foot straight into the air, their leg nearly touching their ear, and wonder how they could do such a thing? Flexibility allows your body to flow like it was designed to. Unfortunately, many find it hard to reach their toes, so the idea of doing a high-kick or twisting themselves into a pretzel-like shape seems far out of reach, if not impossible. However, with regular yoga practice, improved flexibility becomes a reality. Over time, you'll notice your body begin to loosen and find your body naturally sliding into poses that were once entirely out of reach.

Flexibility does more than allow you to position your body in tricky poses. As stated earlier, your body was designed to flow, but without proper exercise and movement, it becomes stiff. For many, sitting at a desk five days a week for 40 hours is the primary culprit. A rigid body is a strained body. Tight hips, for example, can prevent you from proper alignment and cause damage to your knees. Back pain is also a common side effect of tightness, poor posture, and lack of movement. According to Jolene Cherry, yoga is a remedy for all of the above. As it helps loosen your body, it can provide relief for aching joints, and improve your alignment as well as posture in the process.

Improved Bone Health

Workouts that involve weight lifting are proven to be beneficial to your bone health by increasing your bone strength and helping protect yours from physical ailments such as osteoporosis. Conversely, you might envision a yoga mat and wonder how a peaceful yoga flow can improve bone health or compare in any way to a workout with dumbbells. It's simple. While practicing yoga, several poses you encounter will require you to physically lift your own body, meaning you must carry your weight. Sound easy? Even the most skilled weightlifters may struggle to properly balance and utilize their body weight in more advanced yoga poses. Even if you don't invert yourself fully into a handstand, poses like the crane and downward-facing dog strengthen the bones in your arms.

Less Stress, More Happiness

Yoga isn't only an exercise for the body; it's an exercise for the mind. It involves a lot of deep breathing and focus, which can help center you and quiet a busy mind. During certain yoga poses, you'll be encouraged to set your intentions for the day, be mindful of your mental health, and be grateful to yourself for showing up and doing something good for your body and mind. As a result, your ability to concentrate will improve and even carry over into other aspects of your life, such as work. Yoga is also believed to help with symptoms of depression since it increases serotonin levels, which can help boost your overall mood and increase feelings of happiness and positivity.

Better Blood Flow

If you have a job that requires you to sit for large portions of the day, you might struggle with poor circulation and blood flow. The good news is, yoga can yet again help. Yoga gets your body moving and your heart pumping without causing massive amounts of exertion. The diverse array of poses, especially inverted ones that elevate your legs, can promote healthy blood flow between your lower body and your heart. Regular yoga practice has also been proven to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood and boost levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells. As such, practicing yoga daily, or at least weekly could significantly reduce your risk of blood clots, which will decrease your chances of heart attack and stroke.

Increased Muscle Strength and Tone

Yoga is a full-body workout. It doesn't require you to run around or deadlift weights, but don't underestimate its ability to help you lose weight, tone your body, and increase your muscle strength. With regular practice, you can define your arms as well as your abs, and tighten your thighs. Not only will this boost your confidence during swimsuit season, but it will also help protect yours from conditions such as arthritis and back pain, which are often the result of weak muscles.

Improved Respiration and Increased Energy

Mindfulness of your breathing is one of yoga's core components. With many transitions (switching from one pose to another), you move on the inhale or exhale and concentrate on deep breathing as you feel your lungs expand. By practicing yoga flows consistently, you'll experience improved respiration and gain some excellent breathing techniques that can help alleviate stress. This is especially helpful if you're naturally a shallow breather. Yoga poses also help raise your cortisol levels, which, when low, can leave you feeling groggy and worn out.

Based on Jolene Cherry's professional experience, in most cases, a balanced and diverse active lifestyle coupled with proper nutrition is the ideal structure in the pursuit of health and wellbeing. However, if you only have the time and resources to focus on a single exercise routine, consider yoga. It's fun, rewarding, easy to learn, perfect for beginners, and you can do it at a studio or home. With dedication, persistence, and regular practice, you can truly achieve life-changing benefits, be healthier, happier, and push yourself beyond your previous physical limitations.

About Jolene Cherry: Jolene Cherry is a certified and experienced yoga instructor and personal trainer based in Portland, Oregon. She has always been interested in fitness, meditation, and nutrition and decided to help others reach their desired levels of physical fitness. Her international training and experience, ranging from Hawaii to Thailand, along with her nurturing one-on-one sessions have helped propel her to a prominent personal trainer and yoga instructor in the Pacific Northwest. She excels in a variety of yoga styles, especially Vinyasa Yoga, traditional Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, as well as meditation-oriented Yin Yoga.

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Back to Menu By Mike Richard January 27, 2020 8:00AM PST Close

Wellness vacation retreats are all the rage lately. From traditional spiritual exploration like tai chi and hot yoga to unorthodox alternatives like rage yogaand Deepak Chopra-flavored, pyramid crystal energy chanting, theres a wellness niche for everyone. Next month, one Mexican resort is launching a one-of-a-kind yoga-centric getaway where cocktails are just as important as Sun Salutations.

The New Year, Do You (get it?) Drunk Yoga getaway includes everything you might expect based on the name. Guests will spend two full days focused on self-care and spiritual well-being through multiple yoga sessions with a cocktail in hand, astrology readings on the beach, a personal character development workshop, and sober sunrise beach yoga to maintain the veneer of a legit wellness retreat.

According to USA Today, January 17 is the specific day when most New Years resolutions are abandoned. A full 80% of all resolutions dont last into February. In collaboration with Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, CheapCaribbean.com planned the retreat for next month as a way to reboot health-minded resolution-makers to get back on the horse. Thats the hope anyway.

Instructor Eli Walker founded Drunk Yoga in New York City as a way to introduce yoga to non-yogis. On the surface, it might seem like a pure gimmick. Indeed, Walker admits to receiving a fair amount of hate mail. But, shes up front that its not about the booze. Because her sessions add an element of familiarity (happy hour boozing) to something many people find unfamiliar and intimidating (stretching in yoga pants with a bunch of strangers), its a great introduction to yoga. Shes quick to point out that she sees a lot of people trying yoga for the first time, and yogis falling in love with the heart of the practice all over again. Not because of a few glasses of wine, but rather, a new perspective.

The New Year, Do You Retreat starts at $899 per person, including airfare, three nights all-inclusive resort accommodations, and, of course, boozy yoga and one-on-one birth chart reading sessions. The package is only available between February 20 and February 23, 2020, and must be booked through CheapCaribbean.com (with promo code DOYOU).

If Downward (Hair of the) Dog sounds too advanced for your liking, check out our guide to beginner yoga poses for mento get started.

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Drunk Yoga Is a Thing, and Its Coming to Cancun Next Month - The Manual

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Lebanon, Ind. - Chris Yovanovich had never done yoga a day in her life. But her ten years as a long-term care social worker were getting to her.

"Things just culminated and I started getting sick and I didn't know what it was," said Chris. "It took a long time to figure out they thought it was fibromyalgia."

Before yoga became her medicine, she was prescribed pain pills that barely touched her pain.

"So I just sorta drugged myself through life for about a year and that's when I picked up Autobiography of a Yogi. I read that and it talked about a lot of yogis healing themselves and I thought, maybe I can do that. After about a year I started feeling a lot better."

She became a teacher and for years she worked in other people's yoga studios, then in 2016 she found a spot in an historic building in the heart of Lebanon.

"When we first moved here, I knew that people here were super friendly."

But of course she wasn't sure how Indiana Yoga Studio would do in a small city. It turns out it would do very well.

"We have about 22 teachers and a lot of them are from Indy and they would come in and say 'What's in the water here?! Everyone is so nice!"

Naturally, she has a soft spot for social workers and those suffering from compassion fatigue.

The burnout rate for social workers is somewhere around three years. It's ridiculous. And that's pretty much what I went through."

"Research that's come out within the last five years has said 80% of all disease stems from stress, so I want to reach as many medical workers as I possibly can. Not only social workers but nurses, doctors and police officers."

She offers special rates for people in those fields. She also offers a big menu of classes to meet people where they are. She knows some might be feeling burnt out just like she was. Or some might just be having a bad day.

"And if someone does come in and have a bad day and they're in a bad mood, I can't wait until after class because they're going to be so different!"

Chris is a wife and a mom. Her husband has been a middle school teacher for 22 years and her daughter is turning 16 this weekend!

There is also a studio in Brownsburg. Click here for more on some upcoming event, including something special for Valentine's Day.

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Your Town Friday: Former social worker finds healing in yoga, and a new career - FOX 59 Indianapolis

By Len Lear

There was a time when new mothers were regarded as delicate flowers who should not move around much to avoid harm to the anatomy. Not anymore. We know now that a post-natal exercise regimen is a boost for the physical, mental and emotional health of new mothers. And our areas foremost proponent of this philosophy is Crystal Widmann, 36, a highly regarded yoga instructor who has carved out a special niche for herself with Y2B Fit Yoga & Barre, which started as a virtual fitness program and is now a studio at 7101 Emlen St. in West Mt. Airy.

A certified personal trainer, Widmann specializes in helping new mothers regain core strength and pelvic stability through her mommy + me programs. I just checked the 14 most recent customer reviews on yelp.com, of which 12 were five-stars and the other two were four stars.

For example, Whitney S. wrote on Dec. 16: I tried the Y2 Barre 45 class today after work with Lauren (Leavell) as my instructor, who was great. I was pushed to my limits today after not working out for a couple of months, and I honestly feel great after class I will be back on Thursday to get my butt kicked again, LOL!

Jess G. recently wrote: I absolutely love attending barre classes at Y2B Fit! I have been coming here for a year and a half, and I keep finding new things to love about it ! The teachers strike the perfect balance between keeping the classes consistent (so you can practice and get better at the moves) and dynamic (so you never get bored). I have taken classes at several other barre studios and have never felt as comfortable and at home as I do here. I would recommend Y2B to anyone!

Widmann is a health and post-natal fitness expert, specializing in barre and yoga training with over 11 years of experience in the yoga and fitness industry. She won the 2016 Philadelphia Family Magazines Love Award for Best Personal Trainer for Families.

Widmann graduated from Temple University with a BA in psychology and a masters in education. She earned a second masters degree in exercise science & health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. The knowledge gained there, combined with Widmanns personal experience as a new mother, helped her develop her innovative BYO Baby Barre technique that targets the specific needs of post-natal women. The program fuses barre technique, traditional fitness training principles and physical therapy elements.

Although the purpose of Y2B fit is to engage mothers in a fitness routine, the classes are open to everyone. Most clients now are not new moms, and some are men. The programs offered include yoga, barre, post-natal fitness training and health coaching through either private sessions or online videos and live-streaming.

While I was getting my degree in psychology, said Widmann, I was also doing yoga training, I took a yoga course for a fitness requirement, and that sparked my interest in becoming a teacher. I loved yoga, barre and exercise, and I knew that after I had my son (Nesh, now 5), I wanted to help other new mothers with fitness.

Widmann developed BYO Baby Barre when she was post-partum with her son, utilizing her background in exercise science (masters degree) to modify the workout to make it safe for the postnatal body. Being a mother myself, Widmann said, I know how challenging it can be trying to exercise, let alone do anything without your newborn child, so I wanted to share fitness with new mothers through online videos. I later found an open space available that looked great for a studio, and it led me down a whole new path that I never imagined happening.

When the business opened three years ago, it was just Widmann as the teacher and a handful of students. It has since grown, however, to a staff of eight teachers (plus Widmann) and a solid membership base. In addition to barre and yoga, they have also added more cardio and strength-based classes including Tabata and TRX.

Are there any plans for the expansion of Y2B? We have been exploring options for expansion but are still in the planning phase. Im not sure what this will look like yet. Hopefully, well have more details soon!

What is the best advice Widmann has ever received? The best advice Ive ever received is to trust your gut and slow and steady wins the race.

For more information about Y2B Fit Yoga & Barre, call 267-278-6251 or visit y2bfit.com.

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- Just what the doctor ordered for post-natal fitness - Chestnut Hill Local

Its another year and yet another moment for gym memberships to shine. If youve thought about signing up, you might want to consider your options first. Working out on your own and fighting over free weights can become monotonous so weve rounded up the top workout classes in Boston to consider for your cabin fever and New Years resolutions -- from rowing to aerial yoga to pole dancing.

North End As the citys first indoor rowing studio, Row Republic offers 50-minute boot camp-style classes packed with fast-paced, full-body workouts. Nicknamed the Deep Blue, the space turns completely dark minus the rays of blue light to help set the mood before you work nearly every muscle in your body. Cost: $29 for drop-ins

Downtown If you think you know barre, think again. Barre Groove takes a different approach to the core-strengthening and glute-toning workout with classes like Bounce & Barre, which is 45 minutes of intense cardio -- all on a trampoline. New to the lineup, Bounce & Dance Sculpt is 45 minutes of choreographed moves to let your inner dancer shine. Cost: $8 for the first class, then $21 per class

South End Looking to bump up your yoga game? For an elevated experience, check out Swet Studios aerial yoga. In these 50-60 minute sessions, youll work on your form and a variation of poses mid-air. Classes range in intensity, from the slower-paced Deep Stretch to the advanced aerial core classes. Swet Studio also offers rowing and meditation classes in case youre more interested in remaining on the ground. Cost: $30 per class

Somerville You may think of rock climbing as a fun weekend activity or memorable date idea, but your upper body can be your best friend in this scenario -- or worst enemy. At Brooklyn Boulders, you can sign up for an intro to climbing or a Learn the Ropes class to learn the basics. You can even register for Yoga for Climbers or boot camp once youve quite literally reached the right level. Cost: $36 for a day pass

North End If youre an avid runner (like most everyone in the city), but would like to avoid braving the elements, classes at MYSTRYDE running studio might be your new addiction. The studio offers classes that incorporate both cardio and strength interval training, which can help pick up your pace and increase your time on the trails. Cost: $28 for the first class

Multiple locations If aerial yoga isnt your thing, CorePower Yoga is a great alternative to practicing traditional poses but with a twist. Classes are typically heated (except for CorePower Yoga 1) so youll be sure to get a good break from the chilly temps for at least an hour. With upbeat music set in a modern studio to help you through, theres no doubt youll be back for more -- just make sure you bring a water bottle and towel. Cost: You can sign up for a free trial week, then $28 per drop-in

Financial District and Seaport Founded by George Monk Foreman III, EverybodyFights is a studio that fosters the fighting spirit wrapped up in an encouraging community. Youll most likely meet friendly (while still intense) faces and passionate instructors that push you through a variety of classes that include treadmill workouts, circuit training, and boxing. Cost: $25 per class

Somerville From intro workshops to classes featuring stilettos, Fly Together Fitness takes pole dancing to new heights. If youre feeling ambitious but still skeptical, the choreography itself will leave you feeling as confident as ever. Classes are approximately 75 minutes long but expect to learn moves you never thought you could do. Cost: $28 for the first class

Downtown, Back Bay, and Chestnut Hill Youve heard of it but nows the time to give Barrys a shot. This high-intensity boot camp can burn up to 1,000 calories with options to focus on your arms, abs, back, or total body all in 50-60 minutes. Cost: $32 per class

Sign up here for our daily Boston email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun the Hub has to offer.

Jillian Hammell is a contributor for Thrillist and occasionally exercises. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Best Indoor Workouts in Boston - Thrillist

Soham Yoga has teamed with the Rider Project to create an equestrian-specific yoga practice. Yanira Yani Daes and Lisa El-Ramey recently joined their respective expertise in the fields of yoga and riding to bring the benefits of alternative approaches to the riding public.

While Daes is bringing her specific yoga approach to the Rider Project Seat Retreats and Whole Rider Workshops, she is currently offering three-week programs at her studio, Soham Yoga. This program is designed to maximize yoga benefits for riders in the least amount of time.

Soham Yoga is offering a condensed and concentrated program emphasizing areas of the body for the greatest gain in riding efforts. Riders here for our winter season have a lot on their plates, said Lisa El-Ramey, founder of the Rider Project. Many of them are here for only a few months, and this program will give those riders an opportunity to gain the most benefit in the shortest amount of time.

Soham Yoga is located in Royal Palm Beach. Riders wishing to learn more about the Soham Yoga Equestrian program should visit the studio web site at http://www.sohamyoga.net.

Soham Yoga works with students to develop correct form and focus on the musculature each pose targets. Daes, a breast cancer survivor, was drawn to practice yoga as a result of her own life experiences and established Soham Yoga as a sanctuary for others in their own journeys.

For more info., call Daes at (561) 601-2525 or e-mail soham.yoga@icloud.com.

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A New Approach Uses Yoga To Target The Needs Of Equestrians - Town-Crier

CLEVELAND, Ohio Looking to improve your flexibility or work out the kinks that come with the lack of physical activity winter brings? Or are you wanting to devote more time to self care and stress relief?

Then don those comfy yoga pants and head out to one or more of Greater Clevelands best yoga studios, according to Yelp.

We partnered with Yelp Cleveland to find the top-rated yoga practices in the area, according to local residents just like you. Check out this list of 49 options around the region and then get moving!

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best yoga studios in Greater Cleveland according to Yelp Cleveland. Yelp identified businesses in the yoga category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in the counties of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit.

No. 1 Vision Yoga and Wellness

1861 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-348-1111; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Ive really grown to love the teachers and classes at Vision! Theresa has created a very welcoming, supportive, and friendly environment. Im so grateful that they have $5 options and affordable rates, which makes doing yoga on a regular basis seem much more attainable. Emily B.

Vision Yoga and Wellness in Cleveland (Photo by Deanna E., via Yelp)

No. 2 Inner Bliss Yoga Studio

19537 Lake Road, Rocky River, 440-331-3940; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: I arrived at my first ever yoga class the day Inner Bliss opened the Westlake studio, in August 2012. I came to the mat seeking a physical challenge, a new kind of workout. But what I found was a sacred place: the smiling faces, soulful music, heart-opening smells, warm hugs, sacred words, life lessons, deep breaths, new friends, and of course: the yoga itself. Tiffany B.

Inner Bliss Yoga Studio (Photo by Sarah A., via Yelp)

No. 3 The Studio Cleveland

1395 W 10th St., Suite 120, Cleveland, 216-621-7085; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: As a newcomer to yoga I really dig this place. Ive taken their Vinyasa all levels class 4 times and it was an amazing experience. I felt right at home and no worries amongst much more experienced people. Yoga is all about focusing on you during class so trust me if anyone is looking around its to see what pose to be in. The instructor Jen is great. The best part is how amazing I feel after a class physically and mentally. Jennifer D.

The Studio Cleveland (Photo by Lauren K., via Yelp)

No. 4 Yoga Strong

1104 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-600-5566; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Wow!!!! The aerial yoga class was great! I trained with Jen, she worked along with us so we could use her as an example to correct our form. The class is lots legs, core and some shoulders. A lot of these moves as a guy we just dont train so you get us in a 45-minute class thats hitting the butt and wow. Im feeling it. I think this class is a good add on to what Im doing, a great way to change it up and meet a new group of people. Juno S.

Yoga Strong, Cleveland (Photo by Juno S., via Yelp)

No. 5 Studio 11

2337 W 11th St., Suite 2, Cleveland, 216-472-3611; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Studio 11 offers a soaring, bright airy welcoming space with a menu of services rich in variety for diverse experiences ranging from natural wellness, Thai massage and pilates to mindfulness, yoga, and community focused activities. Highly recommend to visit and explore the vibe, people and services. Diane S.

Studio Yoga 11, Tremont (Photo courtesy Studio 11)

No. 6 Puma Yoga

15602 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-6265; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Puma is a great place to connect with others in your yoga practice. Puma is located on busy Detroit Ave.--and the studio is entirely encased in glass windows I also like that Pumas classes appear to be fairly diverse. I have had classes with all kinds of people, which is not something I experience often at yoga studios. There are also people of all levels practicing in most classes, and they offer a lot of beginners classes. Amy D.

Puma Yoga, Lakewood (Photo courtesy Puma Yoga)

No. 7 Yoga Roots

3459 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-916-9286; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: The best yoga studio in Cleveland hands down. Such a grounded and loving vibe about this studio. A beautiful space and lovely staff. Owners are beautiful people. Love Yoga Roots! Brian G.

Yoga Roots, Cleveland Heights (Photo by Cody HD, via Yelp)

No. 8 Cleveland Yoga

2026 Murray Hill Road, Room 210, Cleveland, 216-704-4550; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Can't describe how much love I have for Cleveland Yoga! The studio is gorgeous with lots of natural light and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming. All the instructors have their own unique teaching style and each class is different & makes my practice grow in different ways. The classes are both challenging and meditative, and I always leave feeling better than I did walking in. Abhilasha B.

Cleveland Yoga, Little Italy (Photo by Charity L., via Yelp)

No. 9 Yoga 101

105 Front St., #206, Berea, 216-702-9642; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp Review: Im on the road as a professional musician 6-8 months out of the year. Yoga has saved my life and body from the physical and mental stressors of work, and Im extremely picky and careful about where I practice when I go to a studio. While I will not rate my favorite studios at home, I decided to give reviews to the best of those that Ive visited while on the road. ....starting with Laura Burt and Yoga 101. Pretty much hands down one of the most gifted Ashtanga teachers in the country, she epitomizes the best of the newer teachers in that style who knows technique yet has an eye for safety and modifications. Her hands-on assists are safe, spot-on, and right in the moment and her attitude in class is always friendly and helpful, not imperious. As a teacher myself I know when Im in the presence of someone terrific." Dean W.

No. 10 Chagrin Yoga

524 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-4884; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Hands Down, Chagrin Yoga is my Happy Place! I have tried a couple different classes and it really just depends what type of yoga you enjoy. My personal favorite is Yin: Relax and Restore at the end of the day! My children have gone to a couple of the Kids Yoga Sessions offered on Saturday and have really enjoyed themselves! - Michelle B.

Chagrin Yoga, Chagrin Falls (Photo courtesy Chagrin Yoga)

No. 11 One Love Yoga Boutique

145 River St., Suite 5, Kent, 330-842-7228; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: The studio has all kinds of different yoga classes that include different levels of difficulty. Im a casual yoga enthusiast, so I usually take the beginners classes, but dont feel as if theyre too difficult or too easy. My favorite class Ive taken here was a body art yoga class. Everyone painted themselves with glow in the dark paint, and we did yoga in a dark room with really fun music. I love how creative the studio is! Megan H.

One Love Yoga Boutique (Photo courtesy One Love Yoga Boutique)

No. 12 Pink Lotus Yoga

18103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-632-0816; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Pink Lotus is so authentic and welcoming to all and any individuals who are interested in yoga classes. Whether you are curious and uninitiated or an experienced yogi, you will feel that you belong when joining a class at this studio. Beki P.

Pink Lotus Yoga (Photo by Marie R., via Yelp)

No. 13 Atma Center

2319 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-9760; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: The focus is on actual yoga with a mind body emphasis ... Love the different levels of crisis and the instruction approach is not judgmental. Not for the work-out-aholics who need a Bikram style to feel good. - Matt K.

Atma Center, Cleveland Heights (Photo courtesy ATMA Center)

No. 14 Namaste Yoga Studio and Shoppe

9293 Olde 8 Road, Northfield Center, 330-908-0700; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: A welcoming and calming place where students of any level can find thoughtful and competent instruction. Highly recommended! - Keith M.

Namaste Yoga Studio & Shoppe, Northfield (Photo by Lauren K., via Yelp)

No. 15 Source Energy Yoga Studio

13348 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-364-7645; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Ive attended the Rise and Shine Vinyasa Flow as well as the Yin Meditation at Source. I cant recommend this studio enough! The space is intimate and relaxing and the instructors/fellow yogis are consistently welcoming and friendly. There is no intimidation factor here - youre encouraged to find your personal yoga expression. - Crystal C.

Source Energy Yoga, Lakewood (Photo courtesy Source Energy Yoga)

No. 16 Bikram Yoga

4850 SOM Center Road, Moreland Hills, 858-603-3330; Yelp rating: 3.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Its well worth it. So I love the instructor, the place is clean, theres water and clothes to buy but no showers. I need my shower. Lol! Overall I would go back and I would take a friend. Juno S.

Bikram Yoga, Moreland Hills(Photo by Juno S., via Yelp)

No. 17 Lifesource Yoga & Bodyworks

55 Shiawassee Ave., Suite 4, Akron, 330-835-9945; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: I wanted to wait to write my review after having taken a months worth of classes. I am happy to say that my opinions of the studio have only improved because my experiences this past month solidified the positive first impression I had on the day I walked in after seeing a sign posted outside. - Soly Z.

Lifesource Yoga & Bodyworks, Akron (Photo courtesy Lifesource Yoga)

No. 18 Root Healing & Therapy

20545 Center Ridge Road, Suite 212, Rocky River, 216-905-7801; Yelp rating: 4.5 stars

Sample Yelp review: Root is the best! Great massage by Holly. I will absolutely be returning. I found them on Groupon and I am going to purchase a package deal from them. At checkout, the staff was so kind, friendly, and wasnt pushy at all about purchasing a package. They also have yoga here, which I will be attending as well. - Courtney A.

Root Healing & Therapy, Rocky River (Photo courtesy Root Healing & Therapy)

No. 19 GrooveRyde

3393 Tuttle Road., Suite 105, Shaker Heights, 216-303-9988; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp Review: I love Alicias GrooveFlow classes on Monday, theyre a great balance of stretching but also HIIT yoga where get an amazing workout. - Angeleah P.

Grooveryde, Shaker Heights (Photo by Angeleah P., via Yelp)

No. 20 3 Sisters Yoga & Fitness

2406 Ridgeland Dr., Avon, 440-934-9642; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: I have been taking classes at 3 sisters for about 3 years. I really love the variations of classes that are offered. Want to be challenged? Hot Power. Need a slower pace, Slow Flow. Just want a lovey stretch and reset? Restorative! Whatever mood or need, 3 Sisters has you covered. The instructors are lovely, warm and welcoming, offering hands on assists and adjustments. Each instructor really sets the mood of the class with a playlist that is perfection. 3 Sisters is wonderful, when youre here, you truly are a sister! - Christina C.

3 Sisters Yoga & Fitness, Avon (Photo by Sherine N., via Yelp)

No. 21 LuLu Tru Holistic Beauty & Wellness

14577 E. Park St., Burton, 440-834-0887; Yelp rating: 4 stars

Sample Yelp review: I love this place! The staff is extremely nice and they always remember who you are. The yoga classes are a good price and very relaxing with a great instructor. Everything about this place is just very welcoming, its not like any salon Ive ever been to before. I had a pedicure done four weeks ago and I still get compliments on it. 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone. - Ash D.

LuLu Tru Holistic Beauty & Wellness, Burton (Photo courtesy LuLu Tru)

No. 22 Blue Moon Yoga Studio

14532 Pearl Road, Suite 102, Strongsville, 440-334-4292; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: A peaceful, welcoming space that motivates me to deepen my physical as well as mental practice in yoga. A wide range of classes including kids, hot, beginners, slow flow, and restorative. There is something for every level and ability. - Tricia B.

Blue Moon Yoga Studio, Strongsville (Photo courtesy Blue Moon Yoga Studio)

No. 23 EssentialZen Yoga Studio

330 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-995-5000; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: It is right in the sweet spot of difficulty I was looking for until I get some more experience under my belt. It is as challenging as you make it as she offers variations on the poses if you are having any difficulty... I would not hesitate to recommend it to a beginner. I have also taken the renew and restore yoga with Jenny and it is even more gentile, focusing on stretching and meditation. This class would be great for a beginner or someone who struggles in a regular yoga class. - Rob F

EssentialZen Yoga Studio, Aurora (Photo by Kira R., via Yelp)

No. 24 Hope Yoga

21571 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, 440-665-0507; Yelp rating: 5 stars

Sample Yelp review: This place was great. They have classes at all levels and abilities. The instructor I had took her time to explain and help me with movements and form. The building is new and beautiful inside, very comfortable and soothing and smelled amazing. There is parking outside and 2 restrooms in the facility. They offer all supplies for you to use during class, and also sell some items and products. I will recommend Hope Yoga Studio to my friends. - Marcy F.

Hope Yoga, Fairview Park (Photo by Erin F., via Yelp)

No. 25 Half Moon Yoga

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Namaste: Ranking Clevelands Top 49 yoga studios according to Yelp - cleveland.com

A New Years resolution that can be achieved without leaving the house

As January reaches its halfway point, students may still be looking to start the decade with a new hobby or set of goals. One ambitious yet popular goal for the new year revolves around getting active, even from ones own bedroom. That activity? Yoga.

Originating in ancient India, yoga is a popular form of exercise that involves the body, mind and spirit. Those who teach and practice yoga say the practice can be healing in both a physical and mental sense.

For third-year Chicano/a studies major Juli Perez, yoga did exactly that.

Yoga has always really challenged me [] and my relationship to my body in a way I never thought would happen, Perez said.

Perez said her interest in yoga began as a child, though her commitment to the practice was on and off. Now, Perez and a few of her friends have committed themselves to 30 Days of Yoga With Adriene, a trend where viewers can watch Adriene Mishler, a.k.a. Yoga With Adriene, on YouTube, and practice yoga everyday throughout the month of January.

Perez isnt the only one dedicating a portion of her day to Mishlers home-yoga videos the acclaimed yoga instructor has earned over 5.5 million YouTube subscribers by uploading weekly videos of her yoga exercises for others to follow along to. Each January since 2012, Yoga With Adriene has uploaded a month-long yoga journey where she invites viewers to participate in practicing yoga daily for the entire month. This year, Mishler introduces Home, where she encourages participants to find what feels good while Mishler follows along with them on their journey.

It is not a challenge, Mishler said in her invitation to viewers for January 2020. I like to think of it as a story, a ride, and were gonna write it and ride it together.

What sets Yoga With Adriene apart? For one thing, Mishlers yoga is free and is accessible outside of an expensive yoga studio. Additionally, beginners can follow along at their own pace and need not feel intimidated by more experienced peers in a yoga studio.

In a recent interview with the Today Show, Mishler addressed her connection to her followers through yoga.

The spirit of Yoga With Adriene is like, Im in my little corner of the world choosing to take care of myself, my real self, and whatever Im showing up with today, Mishler said. But also, Im here with you.

Perez said getting back into yoga with Mishlers videos has opened up her year for more time to dedicate to self-growth and positivity.

For me, its just taking 30 minutes of my day, for myself, Perez said. Its been a really good transition into 2020 because its reminding me with the new year to make time for myself, make space for myself and really listen to what my body has to say.

Olivia Krieger, a PhD candidate in the psychology department, said yoga improved her health, both physically and mentally. Krieger teaches yoga at the ARC and said she wants her students to achieve the same healing she did. And, thanks to her studies in cognitive neuroscience, Krieger understands the rewards yoga can offer the mind.

Yoga helps us feel grounded, helps us take on challenges, releases anxiety, increases our focus and makes us feel happier, Krieger said. Anyone looking to improve their body and their mind should consider yoga as part of their New Years resolution.

Krieger also said those hesitant to try shouldnt be discouraged.

Theres a common misconception that you need to be flexible to do yoga, but thats not true, she said. You dont need to be able to touch your toes. It will probably be challenging your first few times, but hang in there. Its well worth the effort to keep coming back!

In Kriegers experience, yoga whether at home or in a classroom setting can build strength and create flexibility beyond what she experienced lifting weights at the gym.

Not only did it challenge my strength, but it offered time to focus on balance and flexibility and it calmed my mind and helped me focus, Krieger said.

At the end of the day, yoga has been deemed a challenging and inspiring exercise into recognizing ones own physical, spiritual and mental strength. As Krieger, Perez and Mishler see it, yoga might be the way to start off 2020 on the right foot.

Yoga might be very different than what you imagine, Krieger said. And youll never know if you dont try it out!

Written by: Alana Wikkeling features@theaggie.org

Excerpt from:
New year, new yoga - The Aggie

Photo: Blue Lotus/Yelp

In search of a new favorite yoga spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top yoga spots around Raleigh, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're in the market for yoga.

Shoppers in the Raleigh area tend to spend more in the winter at health and beauty businesses than any other season of the year, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a software provider that also helps small businesses find free advertising online. The average amount spent per customer transaction at Raleigh-area health and beauty businesses climbed to $64 for the metro area in the winter of last year, 18% higher than the average for the rest of the year.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

First on the list is Blue Lotus. Located at 401 N. West St., Suite 105 in North Central, the yoga and Pilates spot is the highest-rated yoga spot in Raleigh, boasting five stars out of 29 reviews on Yelp.

Falls of Neuse's Midtown Yoga, located at 200 Park at N. Hills St., Suite 111, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the yoga spot five stars out of 12 reviews.

110 Yoga, a yoga spot in Central, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 21 Yelp reviews. Head over to 444 S. Blount St., Suite 110 to see for yourself.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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The 3 best yoga spots in Raleigh - Yahoo News

Finding the best yoga pants is as satisfying as falling asleep in Shavasana. Because whether you spend your mornings performing four or five Sun Salutations, or just need a pair to lounge in while watching the new season of You, the perfect yoga pant is a notoriously elusive closet essential.

You need leggings that wont roll down your waist, aren't too sheer, and don't squeeze you like a stress ball. Plus, the technology involved in modern-day yoga pants is a far cry from the simple cotton ones of decades pastnow there are moisture-wicking materials to keep the sweat at bay in a heated room and stretch fibers to keep your waistband from folding as you move through poses. Add in a million options for styles, cuts, and patterns and things can start feeling very un-zen.

So we went to the expertsreal women who teach yogato find out what they actually wear when practicing...or running errands. From tried-and-true Lululemon leggings to new favorites from Carbon38 and some seriously comfy borrowed-from-the-boys sweats, check out their recommendations for the best yoga pants, below.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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11 Best Yoga Pants in 2020, According to Yoga Instructors - Glamour