Category Archives: Yoga

Lessons from D

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The theme of the workshop was forgiveness.  30 of us squeezed into the tiny space, at the studio where I had decided to do my teacher training.  At that time, I knew very few of the “regulars” there, and had randomly sat next to D., through three hours of postures and breathing designed to rid us of negative emotion. It was a moment in my life where I felt bitter.  Things had not gone “the way they were supposed to.”  Despite my not believing in holding onto anger, I had been grasping tightly to mine, and it was hurting me, … Continue reading →

Ten Reasons Why Being A Yoga Teacher Rocks

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Ah, the midlife crisis.  That moment in time that when certain people approach the age of forty, with as much grace as a rhinoceros trying to walk a tightrope.  Some leave their marriages, while others go out and buy a Maserati, while others take on the task of making over their bodies or redesigning their homes.  As for me, I ran off for six months and studied yoga. I use the term “ran off” loosely.   I still lived in my house, but for the amount of energy and time away from my family that it took to get through those … Continue reading →

The First Rule of Fight Club

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  Contrary to myth, we don’t meet in abandoned buildings.  We don’t punch each other around until our faces are bloody, and I don’t make soap for a living.  However, I do run a weekly fight club.  A yoga fight club, to be specific.  When the owner of my yoga studio asked if I was interested in teaching Yoga Fight Club, my knee jerk reactions, was, “No!  I can’t do that!” Yet, I know myself well enough to realize that when I resist something so impulsively, it usually means that it’s something I need to embrace.  To be honest, I … Continue reading →

Rebel Ted

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"How much do you weigh?" "Excuse me," I ask, pretending not to hear the question. "This posture has got to be easier for you than it is for me. You're tiny."    I am in front of my yoga students, demonstrating how to push up into Chaturanga Dandasana from the floor (which can most simply be explained as a yoga push-up) while Ted carries on his inquisition.  "Plus, not for nothing, look at those guns on you.  You lift?" Ted just called my arms guns in the middle of my yoga class.  Oh, that Ted.  "No," I smile.  "I just practice … Continue reading →

Fierce Diva Fitness Anarchist Pump Up Your Plank

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I love plank.  It’s an all-over body strengthener that accomplishes a lot in minimal time.  I am so enthusiastic about this effective little movement, that I recruited 40 friends to participate in a plank-a-day challenge with me for the month of July.   The specifications are easy.  (1) Perform 1 plank per day and hold it for as long as possible.  (2) If you want an added challenge, time yourself, and continue to try to beat your best time.  For full instructions on how to perform a properly aligned plank, click here.  Holding a plank for a one, two, three minutes … Continue reading →

Life Is Your Story: Choose Plot Points Wisely

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Several years ago, I had dabbled in writing fiction.  During this period of time, I also began to teach fiction writing classes at our local community college as part of their summer learning series.     Next week, I return to campus to participate in the 2012 summer program, so I have dusted off my notes to review the materials I use with my students. While going through my lectures last week, I was reminded of the importance of a writer setting goals for the main character, and to pay just as much attention to how the main character goes about … Continue reading →

Fierce Diva Fitness Anarchist: Hold A Longer Plank

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You are taking boot camp at the gym, or a yoga class, and the teacher tells you to hold a plank.  Maybe you are in your living room, holding a plank for your plank a day challenge.  You are determined to hold plank longer than you did the day before! You want to make it to three minutes, or to four minutes, or whatever arbitrary time you have set for yourself.   Having a goal makes it easier to withstand the discomfort that arises as you hold the posture for sustained periods of time. You are holding the plank the best … Continue reading →

Fierce Diva Fitness Anarchist Build A Better Plank

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For the month of July, I am participating in a plank-a-day challenge with a group of my friends. The goal is to hold a plank, either a “forearm” or “high plank” as long as possible at least once a day.  The challenge part is to (1) commit to performing at least 1 plank every day and (2) to see if you can improve upon the hold time in plank between now and the end of the month. Anyone is welcome to join us! To understand the basics between the two styles of plank, click here. The benefits of holding a … Continue reading →

Fierce Diva Fitness Anarchist Plank A Day Challenge

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I am a fitness anarchist.  I believe in the importance of being physically fit but not for the sake of being thin or “hot” or reaching a “goal” weight or having a perfectly shaped ass.  I don’t count calories.  I do not exercise for the sake of burning calories.  I do, however, understand and respect the importance of exercise.  I get the cardiovascular benefits and the fact that a balanced exercise regimen increases bone density and lean muscle mass and boosts immunity.  But if you have been to this blog more than once, you know that I don’t believe in … Continue reading →

The Power Of Goals: The Weekly Chase

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Earlier today, I discovered a great weekly blog link up created by Melissa Durham of Live Love and Run.  It is called The Weekly Chase and is a forum upon which to create goals for the week ahead.  I’m a huge fan of setting goals.  I have yearly goals, monthly goals, daily goals, and so on.  I’m also a big list maker, where I write down my different goals.  If you were to walk into my office, you would see lists everywhere.  I have a yoga list, a running list, a blog list, etc.  Goals come in many different forms.  … Continue reading →