Tips

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Alison Boons / Tips / , / 1 Comment

So, if you haven’t noticed, it’s cold outside.

Yoga in Himalaya: Manali. India., by Eric Lon http://yogatrekking.wordpress.com/english/

I have the hardest time getting myself to yoga when it’s cold outside, all I want to do is curl up with a blanket, and a cup of tea or a glass of wine and be cozy warm at home. Maybe this weather calls for some hot yoga, or 108 sun salutations, whatever the answer its too bad the heat you create doesn’t stay with you on your way home.

This season not only struggles with our “comfort zone,” it leads to the cold or the flu (hopefully neither), and the hectic holiday schedule, which is probably when we need our yoga most.

With all this in mind, I had a viewing of some YouTube yoga classes, for those cold days, when you are feeling a little off or when your local studio has decided to shut down for the holidays or just to fit in during your hectic holiday schedule.

42 Minute Hatha Flow

Sivananda flow – 57 Minutes

Heart Opening

There are lots of full length classes available on YouTube, some are better than others, of course depends what you are looking for. How do you make it to your yoga class on a cold day like today?

DIY: How To Make A Natural Yoga Mat Cleaner

Taya / Tips / , , , , / 1 Comment

If you practice yoga on a regular basis in Vancouver you’ve probably invested in some expensive mat cleaners to break up sweat, dirt and odors, and prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Why not make your own natural cleaner that costs much less and is free of harsh chemicals?

If your mat is super soiled, you can toss it in into your washing machines. Just make sure it’s on the cold and gentle cycle, and don’t put it in the dryer as heat will breakdown your mat.

Alternatively, you can give it a good washing in your bathtub. Use a very mild soap, and hand wash in a tub filled with a couple inches of water. Gently scrub with a brush as necessary to remove dirt and stains. Rinse with clean water and hang to dry.

To speed the drying process, wrap your yoga mat around a dry towel to soak up excess moisture. Just unroll and separate from the towel before hanging to dry. Your mat can take a day to fully dry after the submerging treatment.


To create your own natural, cost effective cleaner you’ll first need a small spray bottle and a soft cloth or sponge. Then, you have a few options depending on what you currently have in your pantry:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar OR baking soda OR witch hazel
  • 8 drops tea tree oil
  • Optional: 6 drops of other essential oils (lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, whatever your like)

Don’t like the smell of vinegar? Once your mat is dry, it won’t smell overly vinegary. Also the essential oil will be the predominant scent, so choose your favorite aroma.

Happy cleaning!

Create A Zen Yoga Zone At Home

Taya / Meditation, Tips / , , , , , / 3 Comments

Generally, I enjoy attending yoga classes around Vancouver because I thrive on the energy of each class. OMNI recently sent me their Namaste Yoga DVD (stay tuned for the article) to review at home. In order to properly assess the six episode series, I needed to create a serene spot in our condo to immerse myself in front of our TV.

I started by deep cleaning my living room to insure a spotless, pristine area. Then, I tossed some floor cushions on the ground – you can use them to elevate you hips during sukhasana and alleviate some back pain during your practice. Random pillows also made great yoga props. Use the floor pillows as a bolster during savasana.

I turned on some soothing music. If you relax easier to the sound of the ocean, a running brook, or the gentle pattering of rain on a window, you can download meditative sound apps, many are free, on your iPhone/iPod Touch. The sounds can help you curb unwanted distractions and ambient noises.

Anse Source D'argent, La Digue Island, The Seychelles

Subsequently, I decided on a point of inspiration to focus on during my practice.

We have a large framed photo that we captured of an incredible white sandy beach with crystal-clear water.

We visited the beach during our honeymoon in the Seychelles (an exquisite country of tropical islands off the east coast of Africa), almost two years ago. So, the photo provides me with a sense of clam & reminiscence.

If ocean pictures don’t bring you serenity, choose a statue of Buddha, a portrait of Jesus, or anything else that provides you with inspiration.

A gently flowing water fountain, flickering scented candles, soft lighting, essential oils, and fragrant incense can all complement your at-home yoga experience.

Don’t forget your favorite yoga mat.

How do you create a calming & inspirational space in your home or office? Let us know in the comments below.

YYoga’s New Site For Your Mobile Device

Taya / Studios, Tips / , , , , , , , / 3 Comments

I love my iPhone…like REALLY love it! Don’t know what I’d do without it. A lot of my friends show similar adoration towards their Blackberry smartphones and Android devices.

One of Vancouver Yoga Review’s favorite group of yoga studios around the lower mainland, YYoga, has just released their own mobile site.

Here’s the info from their site:

Visit www.m.yyoga.ca or go to www.yyoga.ca on your mobile and you will be re-directed to the new YYoga mobile site.

Even better, if you’re an iPhone user, here’s how you can add a YYoga icon to your homescreen. Viewing schedules is now easier and faster than ever on your cell phone!

Step 1: Visit the mobile site.

Step 2: Click the plus symbol on your iPhone (+)

Step 3: Select the option ‘Add to Home Screen’

Step 4: You will be prompted to enter a name for your new icon, call it whatever you want, whatever motivates you!

Step 5: Click add.

That’s it!

Blackberry users can ‘bookmark’ the mobile site by visiting the mobile site, clicking the blackberry options icon (the dots) and selecting “Add Bookmark”.

Don’t forget to also add YYoga to your facebook and twitter so you can follow our updates on your phone.

I just added YYoga Mobile to my iPhone, now you can too!

YYoga Mobile

This new site will make it easier to view the YYoga page on your mobile device so you can stay up to date with their latest news and class schedules.

What’s your favorite mobile device?

4-Minute Yoga At Your Desk

Taya / Teachers, Tips, Yogis / , , , , , / 0 Comment

If your job requires you to work at a desk for long periods of time, then you might find your back getting stiff throughout the day.

Here is an excellent video by world-renowned yoga instructor, and Gaiam Yoga Club developer, Rodney Yee.

(We were fortunate to take a class from Rodney and his wife, Colleen Saidman, at last year’s Yoga Conference in Vancouver.)

Try the following routine for some instant upper and lower back loosening.

What tips do you have for keeping your body moving at your desk-job?

Win A Passport To Prana Card!

Taya / Contests, Events, Studios, Tips / , , , / 13 Comments

We blogged about the awesome card last week. Now, Passport to Prana is offering our readers the chance to win 1 of 3 Passport to Prana cards!

How to enter the Passport To Prana contest:

1. Post a comment below.

2. Or, Tweet following on Twitter: @VanYogaReview @PassportToPrana contest: http://bit.ly/baKjGu

3. If you comment AND Tweet, your name will be entered twice into the draw!

Contest ends September 30th at 12:00pm.

Good luck everyone!

Don’t Step On My Yoga Mat

Taya / Tips / , , / 13 Comments

One of my pet-peeves during yoga class is when people occasionally step on my yoga mat. Normally, it doesn’t bother me that much, but when it happens with sweaty feet during a hot yoga class at Bikram’s or West Coast Hot Yoga-it grosses me out!

Here’s an excerpt of a hilarious list of other things you should NOT do during your yoga class:

  1. Cultivate Ujjayi breath that rivals Darth Vader. Did I sign up to have phone sex with you? I don’t think so. I don’t need to feel like I’m on the wrong end of a prank phone call as I attempt to quiet my mind.
  2. Om, Sat Nam, etc. like your life depends on it. A yogi/ni is not made by the volume of his or her chanting. I promise. There’s no door prize for being the loudest Om-er.
  3. Step on the mats of others. If you’re a foodie, think of it as a dinner plate. If you’re religiously or spiritually inclined, imagine those mats are sacred texts. You wouldn’t put your foot in either spot, would you? This kind of disrespect could get you an ass kicking in a place you’d least expect it.

For the rest of Y is for Yogini‘s top 10 list click here.

Tell us your yoga class pet-peeve in the comments below 🙂

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