At this point I am guessing that you either fall into one of two camps regarding my writing on yoga: either you think “okay Erin, we get it, you like yoga-please get back to talking about sofas” or you are interested in perhaps trying it for yourself or already practice and understand my slight obsession. I’ve had several readers write me over the last couple months requesting my advice on starting a yoga practice and/or a post about my workout regimen. One person even suggested that my “killer triceps deserve to be tagged separately in Facebook photos”. While that might be a wild exaggeration, I’m delighted to add this little “lifestyle” tidbit to my normal design advice seeing as I feel very passionately about it.
I started practicing yoga as a senior in college alone in my dorm room with videos (after no doubt reading something in People about it being how Jennifer Aniston kept her body so…well… bitchin‘). I was always too scared to go to an actual class where other people could criticize my poor form, so for the next eight years I continued to practice on and off once or twice a week while mostly logging in time on the treadmill and elliptical machines at the gym. Eight months ago I serendipitously met David Magone, a nationally praised, Boston based yoga teacher and founder of his own style of yoga, PranaVayu. He invited me in for a class at a fancy gym and I anxiously went, knees shaking and scared as hell. I’m pretty sure (actually, 100% sure) I even considered taking a couple shots before going in order to work up the nerve, which by the way, is not zen at all. After just a few classes with him I was totally hooked, no longer afraid of others’ judgment and actually quite addicted. I hardly ever find myself on the treadmill anymore and I’ve never felt better (although a few more runs now and then would probably not hurt the ol’ heart!)
You can’t swing a Lululemon yoga mat in this town without hitting a fellow “Magone-y” (what I’ve affectionately dubbed all the dedicated followers of David’s teachings). He’s got such a nice, realistic approach to yoga in which you feel it can be a lifestyle supplement and not necessarily an entire lifestyle if you don’t want it to be (no worries if you don’t wear hemp, burn incense and desire to live at an ashram a la Eat, Pray, Love). So I figured, why not get advice for you from the source? I sat down with David after class recently and asked him the questions you’ve been asking me:
E: People say they are “scared” to go to a yoga class as a beginner. What is your advice for people who want to give it a try but are shy about attending a class?
D: Trying anything new can be a little intimidating. Because of this, finding a good teacher to get you started is really helpful. Ask your friends for referrals or check out online rating services like yelp.com to find a person who is good with beginners.
Sometimes, taking a few private lessons before actually attending a class can be really helpful. Most yoga studios and many gyms offer this service. If you’re not able to meet with a teacher personally, pick up a Shiva Rea DVD (* I have loved this one for years, and it has David’s blessing too) and practice throwing down a few down dogs and warrior’s postures before your first class.
E: What are some of the top physical and mental benefits to a dedicated yoga practice?
D: Yoga is a great physical workout. Because yoga practitioners primarily work with their natural body weight to develop strength, many people who practice yoga develop strong lean muscles. Many students also lose weight through the practice. Many of my students have lost 15 to twenty pounds through a combination of three to four yoga classes per week and a healthy diet!
Mentally, the practice is beneficial as well. When combined with 10 to 15 minutes of meditation, a yoga class can help you feel as relaxed as you would feel after a week of vacation. A regular yoga practice can also help you deal with high-blood pressure, insomnia and other stress related problems.
E: As stated in many articles of ate, meditation is a great addition to a hectic life. I have a hell of a time doing it or even just quieting my mind, as do a lot of people- any tips for those who want to simply add meditation to their daily routine?
D: A hectic life really stirs up the mind. When you’re forced to multi-task and run to a thousand different appointments every day you might find that it’s very difficult to experience any sort of mental clarity in meditation and you’ll wonder why everyone makes such a big deal out of the practice. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to stick it out, I think that you’ll find that the practice really can help you cut through your thoughts and experience a more peaceful state of mind.
As with most things, a little technique can help. If you’re new to meditation, I suggest you focus on your breath to start. It’s always there, and easy to observe. Close your eyes and practice counting your exhales from one to 21. If your mind wanders substantially, begin again at one immediately. Repeat this process for five minutes. At first, you’ll be lucky to make it to five before you start to daydream about a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond or your grocery list. If you persevere however, you’ll soon find that your concentration will strengthen and your thought process will begin to slow a little bit. This is a huge success! Stick with it, and after a bit of practice you’ll be able to make it all the way to 21 with no major mental distractions. Afterward, you’ll often feel much calmer and focused that when you first began.
E: What are your favorite poses for beginners?
D: Down-dog - This pose is cool because it strengthens the upper body, triceps and shoulders like mad.
Warrior II- It really tones the bum, legs and thighs. Who wouldn’t like that?
The prayer twist- It is still one of my favorite poses because releases so much tension from the back.
E: There are a lot of types of yoga out there,how should a new student pick a type to study? Are there any that are suited best for certain results or body types (i.e. inflexible people, injuries, those wanting to loose weight?)
D: I would recommend checking out Yogajournal.com to learn more about individual styles. That said, here are links to a few that I’d recommend.
Iyengar – Great for those who love precision and alignment. Iyengar classes are appropriate for anyone from raw beginner to the uber bendy student.
Ashtanga – The polar opposite of Iyengar. Classes tend to be intense, fast and a little sloppy on the alignment front. If you’re down with a challenge though, this could be the one for you. It’s best to have a little experience before your first Ashtanga practice.
Yin – These classes are perfect for new students as well as those with injuries. Yin classes flow really slowly. Typically, you practice around six to ten poses over the course of a class. Each one is held for between three and five minutes on either side.
PVYU – PranaVayu classes emphasize a balance of power yoga sequencing and meditative practices. If you want to learn how to turn your body into a pretzel and free the mind, these classes are for you.
(*Side note on “hot yoga” or “Bikram yoga”- a lot of people love it. I happen to not enjoy it and typically end up wretching in the hallway excliaming that I am “dying, no seriously, DYING”- but it does help make you extra bendy and fry up calories like no one’s business! It’s all a personal choice.)
E: It’s typically hard to get guys into the yoga studio. Any tips on getting the fellas to down dog with us?
D: A yoga class can be great cross training for men who might be involved in other more active sports. Try to sell them on that one. If you talk them into it, they might respond well to a power yoga class that that includes at least a few funky arm-balances or inversions. Find a teacher who can offer this, and give it a go.
Another benefit to yoga has been the amazing people I’ve met in David’s class, like entrepreneur and fashionista Betty Riaz, who I wrote about previously here. She’s opening her own yoga studio, Stil Studio, at Legacy Place in Dedham on October 3rd featuring a slew of great teachers, including one of David’s apprentices. Not abandoning her fashion roots either, she’ll be selling some really fantastic lines of yoga clothing, beauty products and jewelry at the studio to keep everyone looking good when perhaps their crow pose isn’t looking so good. And a couple stores down from her is a brand spankin’ new Lululemon! I couldn’t complete this post without a mention, let’s be serious. They take like 1/4 of every paycheck I pull in. Here’s a great starter outfit from them for a yoga practice (the cool clothes certainly make this a fun sport to get into):
As a personal side note, yoga has not only brought me flexibility and strength, a bit of inner peace and a cure for the dreaded Irish flat ass, but also something quite profound. As you know from my previous articles, I was afflicted with anorexia as a teenager and while I’ve been recovered for years I still never felt I had a healthy relationship to my body. Eating disorders are a pretty severe and effective way to sever the mind/body connection. I found out by reading many articles and books about recovery that many people who physically recover never abandon the negative thinking patterns associated with the disease. I assumed I was one of those people and that I may not ever regain a connection to my body in a spiritual and honest way. Since starting my yoga practice that has all changed. A sense of pride has been born, not necessarily regarding how I look, but rather how I feel- being more concerned with my strength than size and respecting the grand emotional swing from hatred to love. The shift may be imperceptible to others, but internally I have moved mountains in only several months of practice. I may not be able to meditate or have mastered the scorpion pose, but I have discovered what I think might be the final step to my healing process almost 15 years after falling ill, and am so grateful to be given that gift.
To inspire you to give it a shot here’s a playlist of my favorite songs to practice to . I tend to be more of a trip-hop/electronica kind of yogi- an great beat makes me feel like I can hold Warrior 2 for like 8 minutes! It’s just another example of how a yoga practice can be whatever you want it to be. You could listen to rap music if you really wanted to, whatever inspires you to do it.
And now I’m off for yoga class! Hope this answered some of your questions!
I LOVE this post!!! I'm an addicted yogi too. For the past five years I've practiced Bikram, but just recently started practicing more Vinyasa Flow and it's totally influenced my practice and peace! It's so relaxed, yet a tough work out. My posters have improved so much just from adding a little variety! And the strength! Bikram isn't that upper body focused, and my shoulders and arms are feeling so good! I have a long way to go though….but I love the challenege of going back each day to find out how you improve, or what you need to focus on! I know the hectic life of design…and at the end of the day yoga totally takes me away from all the tiny details that consume my thoughts from work!
From one enthusiast to another – thanks so much for this post! Everyone I know, especially my daughters, are probably sick of hearing it, but I recommend yoga to anyone/everyone who will isten to me, or expresses any sort of physical problem. I don't think there is anything yoga won't help! BTw, love your actual design posts as well! Karin
Erin,
I know that yoga is a good way to feed my body and soul… Every place I have tried was more of the incense burning kind of atmosphere. Oh man.
The suggestion to have a few private lessons is on target. I have a old back injury that flares up when I practice yoga.
Thanks for the encouragement and info. Awesome post.
Great post! While I no longer practice, I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and the one bit of advice I constantly gave my clients was to practice either yoga or Pilates. These are two of the best ways to keep flexible as you age and to prevent a multitude of problems. Most people don't understand that when muscles are tight in one area of the body, another area of the body has to compensate for that weakness. A good example, tight hamstrings muscles can be the root of low back pain.
Have you considered starting a blog about yoga and other health related topics? I'm sure there would be great interest.
This is the best thing I've read all week. Thanks!
I didn't realize you were so into yoga. It makes me love you even more:-)
I'm thrilled that yoga has given you a sense of the power we can have over our bodies. Yoga is not a cure all, but it creates a sense of awareness in our bodies that I have never found in any other form of exercise.
I got involved with yoga when I became pregnant with my first child and loved what it did for both my body and my confidence. While I have been involved in one form or another of exercise my whole life I don't think I ever felt as great about my body and what it could accomplish as I did during that third trimester. Really.
That's why I'm so completely bummed out to see yoga become such a poser scene. The last yoga class I went to in a studio the people were far more interested in what everyone was wearing or what they carried their yoga mat in than the class itself. I now practice in a studio in a private home and love being away from all the posing and conspicuous consumption. Yawn.
One piece of advice. Finding a good yoga instructor is not like finding a good aerobics instructor. I consistently find that it's the over 35 guy/gal instructor in baggy pants and a tank top that can both kick your butt, while foster a safe and challenging atmosphere. After all this is not cheer leading camp. They often have the maturity to see yoga as more than just a way to burn calories and firm up – yoga is their bridge to a calm, focused, healthy, sustainable, energy filled lifestyle.
Erin this is a fantastic post! Thanks! A few questions- how long were you practicing regularily until you noticed the physical benefits? Also, would you describe the type of yoga you practice as slower or faster yoga? Thank you again for this post! I'm starting a 4 week intro course with 5 other students next Tuesday and can't wait!
david is dreamy…
Thanks so much for this fantastic post! I feel like I go on and on and on about how much I love yoga, but it's really a great, all-around workout!
What a post, thanks! You inspire on many levels.
Janell
My friend introduced me to Lululemon. What a great store! One thing I found so cool about them is that they will tailor for free. I think that's the case. My friend was buying a top (on sale too) that she felt was too long – and the salesperson said they would tailor! I found that such great customer service!!
Love this post Erin. I too LOVE Lululemon and lounge in it and wear it on long transcontinental flights. I haven't been to the bikram studio in over a year as I run every day but you're making me think it's time to head on back to the studio.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I read your blog every day and love the diversity, (interior design, real estate, travel, husband, fashion, dogs, etc.). About three weeks ago I did a search on your blog for the type of yoga you do, (I remember the original post, but not the type of yoga), because I need to quiet the stress and anxiety in my mind. Got a lot of things going on… Anyway, didn't find it, but now, here it is! I am too far (an hour) to attend David's class but I am going to order your recommended yoga DVD. I have only posted once, but I do love your blog, it made me cry today-but in a good way!!! Thanks for all the great info!
Sarah- I'd say Pranavayu is middle of the road, not slow but not super fast either. That's why I love it. You sweat a lot but also focus on form and have 15 minutes at the end of class to quiet down and try to meditate.
Chris- thanks for your kind words. If you live an hour away you can come to a workshop with David at Stil Studio when it opens in the fall! Worth the drive!
Thanks for the info on the workshop. I just checked out the website, and boy, there are some serious yoga people teaching there! I haven't taken a yoga class since college, many moons ago! I think it is worth checking it out. I need to find a good outfit to wear -Lululemon- I should at least look the part!
nice post, Erin! You're really inspiring me to stay up "late" for a Tues/Thurs class with DM at SCLA! Very inspiring words from both of you…
namaste.
Thank you for writing this post. I love learning more about the bloggers I follow. I LOVE your blog!!
Yoga is one of those exercise routines that I constantly go back to when I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It's a wonderful workout for the mind, spirit and body. My SIL and I just purchased a pass (passport to prana) that allows us one class per studio in Toronto between now and February. It was $30!!! I can't wait to get into it again and try different forms of yoga.
I also wanted to comment on your battle with anorexia. My sister battled bulimia. Even though it was almost 6 years ago that she started getting help, I know she still battles the urges everyday. Exercise for the mind and body is very important to help her keep calm during stressful times. My point is, it's such an extremely personal battle. Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share that with us. It breaks my heart to know that so many woman battle this disease. I'm glad you have recognized what you need to do to stay healthy. All the best!
Sarah
Erin, I love this post. Yoga is such an outlet for me too and am working to improve my meditation practice to calm my mind. Thanks for sharing how this has helped you on your journey to a healthy relationship with your body, that is really inspirational and courageous to share. I recently signed up for "myyoga.com" so that even if i can't get to class, I can pick a class to do a home, they have lots of great meditation choices too!
This post is dear to me. I love yoga and cherish the moment I walk out of the studio feeling like a new person, smiling ear to ear. I don't think any other exercise will give you the type of body that yoga will {if you go religiously of course!}. I've been too busy to go lately and you have inspired me. I agree with you on lulu, can't get enough…-carlee
Erin, just sat down and read the whole post.
Loved the graphics, we all wanna look like Christy! (or Sting as a matter of fact…)
And man, if you all have a chance to go to a PranaVayu class, then just do it!
Thank you for writing so passionately and honestly about yoga. It has transformative qualities and it has been a joy to be part of the transformation with you.
Hope you all get a chance to get on the mat someday.
Peace and love, b
I love this post as well! I'm trying to get back into a regular Yoga practice, and reading about others' practice is very inspiring. Congratulations on your practice and determination and success!
Namaste!
Love the playlist… you pretty much posted my top make out songs from college;)
Yoga intimidates me but I would love to try it.
totally inspired erin! thank you so much for this honest and heartfelt post- i'm inspired to dip my toes in. xo, caitlin
another reason why i want to move back into boston! fabulous post erin. i've taken a few classes and feel inspired to continue. so thank you for that. i am glad you have found your inner beauty and strength [because you sure have the outer] – and that yoga has helped you with a devastating disease. i had no idea the battle you faced. more power to you. so brave and strong.
Holy crap, I can't even imagine trying the position David's in :)
Erin,
I can say without a doubt that your blog is my absolute favorite to read, and I look forward to your posts each day. I've not commented before, but felt the need to after reading this post. I wanted to thank you for being so honest about your past eating disorder. As a fellow yoga (and lulu) devotee, and someone who has struggled with eating issues in the past, I couldn't agree more with your statement. Yoga helped me to take pride in my body again and helped me to understand just what an amazing tool it is. I'm glad I'm not the only one :)
Keep up the amazing work here! Your blog is amazing :)
Sure did….Now I just need to take it up and thank you for the persuasive post, xv.
Thank you for an amazing post! I really enjoyed this one and feel so inspired having read it.
Thanks again!
xCharlotta