Element Yoga & Pilates DVD Review

A few weeks ago, two brand new Element DVDs launched and my fitness-self couldn't be more ecstatic! I have been using the Element (the Yoga AM/PM) DVD all summer and I fell in love with the easy, calming yoga routines from the DVD as I incorporated them into my daily workouts.

The two new Element DVDs are Yoga for Energy & Relaxation -perfect for weekdays and weekends - and Accelerated Pilates with resistance band. First, Energy & Relaxation offers a 30 minute energized routine to give your body a boost. I felt more awake and after most workouts, in tune with my body and focused. The 40 minute Relaxation program was enjoyable with moves that worked on my flexibility.

The Accelerated Pilates DVD is a real gem! It includes a resistance band- needed one after mine broke- and a 30 minute routine. Amazingly sweat levels minimal but try this routine twice and you'll get a real challenge. Small movements using the band really makes a difference and I am loving it. If you're looking to change your routine and want some strengthening moves, this is a must try.

(note: I received these DVDs for review purposes only.)

#namasDAY with ExhaleSpa

To celebrate National Yoga month, ExhaleSpa created a NamasDay event where participating studios held free yoga classes for all to attend. There will also be trunk shows with great vendors to create a mini market to shop, drink and mingle! Last year was the first year they had it and although I didn't sign up for a class, I vowed to take one this year.

This Thursday, September 20, is namasDAY and you can still sign up today at www.exhalespa.com/namasday

NYC Wanderlust Festival Recap

This past Sunday was the amazing Wanderlust Festival at Pier63. With a beautiful view of the Hudson and gorgeous blue skies, many NYC yogis were ready to take on the world! (well, more like getting centered.) I even gota nice glowy tan from my hour and a half class. The teachers were great and you can learn more about the music and instructors here.

Not only was I excited to take the class with the local community, I was psyched to see Kristin McGee at the Health Magazine booth where I got to take a mini class inspired by moves in her latest DVD, S3- Strong, Sexy, Svelte. I waited for about any hour at the booth just to line up and partake in the class! So great seeing her again and hope to see her again soon! If you're a fan, check her Facebook page to learn about her events.

There were also some giveaways for Vita Coco juice to replenish my thirst after class, samples of Elizabeth Arden skincare, BluePrintCleanse, EmergenC packets and Health mags.

See you next year, Wanderlust Festival!

NYC Yoga Beauty Bar event at Pure Yoga, March 18

There's a special event coming soon at one of my favorite yoga studios in the city- Pure Yoga East! The Yoga Beauty Bar will set up shop on Sunday, March 18, starting at 10 AM so you can have access to specialty beauty brands, including Kahina, SoapWalla, Vapour Organic Beauty, One Love Organics and Priti NYC. They'll also be offering complimentary treatments and services, so you can try these products before you buy. I've tried all of them before except for Soap Walla so I'm excited!! :)

Later on the afternoon, you can take a FREE Pure Yoga class at 2:30pm (RSVP early to theyogabeautybar@gmail.com). Afterwards, join them for a special ORGANIC GLAM SESSION with Emmy nominated-makeup artist, Karim. If you're interested, RSVP now and get your ticket ($18) to the makeup talk after the class. Buy your ticket here.

All this is possible by Sokenbicha Tea- one of my FAVE tea brands- so delicious! Can't wait to drink more tea and get my ZEN on... see you there!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Celebrate Summer- Solstice in Times Square 2010

For the past two years, I have been trying to go to the Solstice in Times Square- the public yoga workout right in the heart of New York City- Times Square!

This year, it takes place on Monday, June 21st. Hurrah! In the past they provided yoga mats, but this year, you'll have to bring your own. Participants will get a Solstice gift bag while supplies last and take part in an exhilarating workout.

There are five time slots open, and already waiting lists for the 7:30 AM (Bravo to them for waking up so early) and 6 PM. So hurry and sign up now at: http://solsticetimessquare2010.eventbrite.com/

This free yoga-fest is a can't miss event for fitness enthusiasts!
Join NYC and Celebrate Summer!




(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Solstice Yoga in Times Square June 21, 2009

One of first event posts was the Solstice Yoga in Time Square. (Read the original article here.) Unfortunately I was not able to go last year because of my friend's wedding, but I will be attending this year!! :) I noticed a few changes based on last year's info/my blog post. First: SOYJOY, among many other brand names like Danskin and Snapple, is not their sponsor anymore. Hence they cannot brag about it when they mention the goodie bag. Second: This year they will be giving out 1500 gift bags and yoga mats, as opposed to only 300 last year. Third: Classes this year do not have instructor names already specified and do not require a certain level of experience.

In preparation for this exciting and healthy event, I have been practicing stretching exercises as well as the Wii Fit Yoga routine. Some of my favorite poses include the Tree pose, Bridge pose and Warrior pose. It's all about strengthening your core and keeping your balance. The Boat pose is one of my least favorites and requires a lot of your core strength. It is the pose where your body creates a V shape..

Practice ahead.. If you will be attending and need a few yoga exercise moves, check out slideshows from Women's Health magazine's website. Click for the slideshow on 10 great poses here and an At-Home yoga routine with 18 steps here .

Health Magazines.. Women's Health is one of the several women's health magazines that I read. Of course, I read SELF (read about my recent trip to the SELF Workout in the Park this year here) , SHAPE, and Fitness magazine. My favorite part is that these magazines have tear-off cards/or step-by-step routines that I can easily rip out of the magazine (either cards or the entire page) and take me with me (to my living room.)

For more details on attending the event...

Go to the website: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_solstice.html

Basically, the event will be held in the heart of Times Square all day on Sunday, June 21, 2009. The 6pm class is available for registration, while all other times are full.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Solstice Yoga in Times Square

It's time to celebrate the start of the summer with Solstice Yoga in Times Square, New York City!
How? By waking up early in the morning and reserving your spot in the center of New York City. It's a yoga-fest so you will be healthy and happy by the end of the day :)

REASONS to go:
1) Participants will also receive free SOYJOY eco-friendly bags filled with gifts from SOYJOY, Snapple Antioxidant Water, Yoga Journal, Danskin, Body Shop and coupons from yoga studios located throughout the New York City area. The first 300 arrivals will also receive a free Danskin Yoga Mat.
2) health




You can still register here but it looks like the only time slot left is at 3-4pm or 5-6pm.


SCHEDULE for the open classes left:
3PM - 4PM (JUST ADDED! Open to All Levels)

Learn the traditional Hatha Yoga postures in a given sequence allowing you to stretch and strengthen your body to maximize your real potential. You will learn how to revitalize your yoga practice using the same sequence on a daily basis. We will continue to expand our awareness of breathing throughout the session and end the session with a brief meditation.

INSTRUCTOR: Nishit Patel

5PM - 6:15PM (Open to All Levels)

If you are looking for a more energetic and athletic yoga experience, oflow yoga is the perfect high-intensity vinyasa flow for you. The dynamic sequences combine power with creativity and core conditioning with energy work to get your body moving. Fueled by sexy, body-rocking music, oflow will conquer mind over madness in the middle of Times Square.

INSTRUCTOR: Joschi Schwarz



All pictures/information courtesy of TimesSquareNYC.org