How dedicated are you to yoga, or it is more of a hobby? I started yoga as an alternative to stretching (I obviously had no idea what I was getting into). It soon became my favorite hobby. It took several years for it to grow into being this essential part of my life, which where I'm now and my relationship with yoga is still constantly evolving. But I want to make this important distinction between yoga being a hobby (and there's nothing wrong with it if this is what you wan

In the traditional Mysore Ashtanga class the practice is done with no music as the practitioner is encouraged to turn the attention inward and listen to his or her own breathing. To be honest, when I started Mysore Ashtanga, it felt weird and also funny because all you can hear is your fellow yogis inhaling and exhaling loudly. Over the time, however, not only I got used to it, but I also realized that it helped me improve my breathing. Now I am a big fan of my silent Mysore

Warrior I, or Virabhadrasana A, is one of the most common yoga poses. In Ashtanga, it is held for five breaths on each side as a part of the

I recently traveled for work to San Fran and while I didn't have a chance to explore the city much, I - obviously - made it a point to explore some local Ashtanga shalas and practiced with Magnolia Zuniga. While Magnolia is definitely an impressive practitioner, some of the feedback that she gave me left me with mixed feelings. She said that I have a very low bandha awareness because, specifically, my stomach was moving in Purvatanasana (the pose above), which means that I am

I'm frequently asked: will yoga help me lose weight and/or build muscles? The answer is it depends: how regular is your practice? what kind of yoga (the restorative kind probably won't work for those goals, sorry 😐)? what are your eating habits? But generally yes, yoga, of course, can do all of that. At least it works for me as I don't do any other physical activity, just yoga, 6 times a week, 2 hours a day. But practiced regularly and with dedication, any sports / physical

We are a different person every day, possibly every moment. Past choices should not affect your choices of the present moment. You are who y