All posts by yogaswole

Yoga

Setting The Foundation

sunriseLife is full of new beginnings. Every day, when the sun rises, we have a new chance, a new opportunity to start over and set our foundation for the day, week, year. When we get up we should ask ourselves: “what is it that we want to do or accomplish?” and then get started on doing it.  It doesn’t have to be anything big, earth shattering, or profound, but it should be something that we can do to better ourselves and help us to be the best that we can be.  What we do and think each morning will set a foundation for our mood and behaviors throughout the day. Continue reading Setting The Foundation →

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CrossFit, Running, Yoga

Guilty Pleasures

Recently, I started thinking about some of my guilty pleasures. The urban dictionary defines guilty pleasures as those things we shouldn’t like, but we like anyway. Sometimes guilty pleasures can be things we are afraid to admit to doing or liking. However, if we really like something do we really have to feel guilty about it?  Why should guilty pleasures make us feel ashamed or cause us to hang our heads in shame? We should be open about the things we like and not feel guilty. Guilt to me is a wasted emotion.  Life is too short to not enjoy what you love!  So for this week’s blog, I’ve decided to share some of my guilty pleasures. What are yours? Are some of yours the same as mine? Continue reading Guilty Pleasures →

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Yoga

Always Growing & Always Changing

KM YOGABefore I became a yogi and exercise fanatic, I was many things. It took me many years of exploration and soul searching to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life.  While I don’t believe we ever really stop learning, as I’ve gotten older I have become much more in-tune with my feelings, needs, wants and desires.  I have learned to love myself and work hard everyday to never doubt, never hate, and never criticize who I am.  We all make mistakes and I try to learn from mine with compassion and love.   Continue reading Always Growing & Always Changing →

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CrossFit, Running, Yoga

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Despite all of my best efforts, I always end up falling asleep by 9:00pm, even if I am out with friends… you can find me dozing on their couch or dozing while resting my head on my hand at dinner. I just can’t stay up late and to be honest I don’t really want to.  I am an early bird and find so much joy and satisfaction getting up early, even before the sun rises. My day starts around 4:00am and is pretty much nonstop until I fall asleep. Before most people wake up, I’ve had my coffee, done chores, walked my dogs, and gone for a run, yoga, and/or taken a CrossFit class.  I love kick starting my day with a workout. Nothing like getting the blood pumping and endorphins flowing to get your day started right.  I feel accomplished, productive, and ready to take on the world. Continue reading The Early Bird Catches the Worm →

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Yoga

The Importance of Breath

This week I took a yoga class with my good friend  Ayami. In class she talked about the importance of breath and becoming more aware of our inhales. We spent our practice conscious of our breathing; maintaining slow, long, consistent, and smooth inhales and exhales as we transitioned through the poses and postures.  

Afterwards, I began thinking more about the importance of breath and Ujjayi breathing. So this week’s blog is dedicated to Ayami.  Thank you for the inspiration. Continue reading The Importance of Breath →

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Yoga

Life Lessons From My Dogs

A & S 2My husband and I have two dogs (Sebastian and Annabelle) that we cherish and love. They are are more like children to us then pets. They have made our lives so special in so many ways. They’ve shown us endless amounts love and devotion and we could not be more grateful to have them as a part of our family.  In fact, because we love our dogs so much we decided to adopt one more… a little pug we named Liberty. LIBERTYWe could not be more excited.  As our family continues to grow, my heart continues to expand as I open myself up to more love than I’ve ever imagined.  I owe a lot to these special dogs.

Having dogs has taught me so much about life and love, so I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to my babies.  Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my dogs! Enjoy! Continue reading Life Lessons From My Dogs →

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Yoga

Block Party

Why yoga blocks can enhance your yoga poses:

block crowDid you ever try using blocks for yoga? If not, you should consider incorporating them into your yoga routine.  Blocks can be extremely useful to your yoga practice. They can help provide length, stability, and comfort, but can also create a challenge and are a great way to enhance your practice.

Blocks can help you progress into the more challenging variations of certain yoga poses, helping you build better strength and balance, and allowing your body to get into a more effective shape of the posture.

Yoga blocks provide: Flexibility, Strength, Support, & Balance

block pyramidAs you work to increase balance and flexibility in your practice, yoga blocks are a great tool. Yoga blocks allow you to safely move into poses so that you are aligned, open, and feeling good.block triangle When your are having a hard time performing some poses, for example half moon pose, warrior pose, pyramid, or triangle; the blocks can serve as a supporting tool that you can place your hand(s) on to help bring the floor to you, allowing for added length to your arms and getting full extension in the pose. Choose the block height based on your flexibility. Note that you may choose a different height each time you get on your mat.

Yoga blocks can also provide support. Blocks can support your head and neck during lying positions or support your weight during sitting and standing positions. In a lying position, place the block under your neck to avoid straining your neck or spine. In seated positions, try sitting on a block; either cross legged or legs behind you as in hero’s pose for example. Sitting on a block is a great way to alleviate any tension or discomfort on your knees. When in a standing pose, for an extra challenge or degree of difficulty, try standing on the block (i.e. maybe in tree pose or warrior III) and see how it feels, this is a great way to work your balance and your core.


butt on blockAdditionally, since yoga blocks can help support weight, they can also maintain balance. This is helpful during standing, squatting, as well as sitting positions. Blocks will help you find your center of gravity so you can maintain your balance and hold a position longer, feeling more open and aligned.block bridge 2

So next time you’re in class, rather than worrying about how the blocks will make you look, think about how they will make you feel!

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CrossFit, Running, Yoga

Giving is Good for You!

hand heartAs most of you may be aware, I love hosting fundraisers and raising money for charity. I am  always looking for new ways to give back. In fact, in a previous blog, I wrote about why I love running on a charity team team so much. Being able to help and support others is something I am incredibly passionate about. I support many charities and organizations and find true joy and happiness in being able to help others. In fact, I have made a career out of helping others. I want to leave my mark on the world so that when I look back at my life, I can say that I gave it my all, that I helped as many people as I could, making a difference in their lives through my actions and words.   Continue reading Giving is Good for You! →

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CrossFit, Running, Yoga

Best Outdoor Activities to Rejuvenate You- NJ

No time like the summer to remind yourself to get outside and take a breath of fresh air. Stepping away is always the best option for a fresh perspective.

Nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your mental and physical well-being. So get outside and enjoy some of the wonders that nature has to offer. 

Here a few of my favorite outdoor activities:

faculty roadRunning: I enjoy running around the streets of Princeton with my friends, but the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D & R) has a lot to offer. The D & R Canal is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors. You can jog, but also canoe, hike, bike, and even horseback ride. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System.  With nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal, you’ve got plenty of miles for your running pleasure.  

bikingBiking: I have recently taken up biking and have quickly grown to love it. I’ve been enjoying spending time outdoors with my husband. I always look forward to our weekend rides together.  I feel fortunate that we live where we do, because Central NJ has a lot of wonderful places to bike.  Somerset County parks offer bikers many trails for biking recreation. Whether you are a novice or expert, using a mountain bike or a ten-speed, they’ve got you covered.

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Hiking: The Somerset County Park Commission offers many miles of trails throughout its park system, many of which meander through pristine, picturesque settings. The trails give hikers a chance to seek solitude, watch wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors.

You can visit: Little Brook Sanctuary, Lord Stirling Park, Center Trails, Natirar, Skillman Park, Sourland Mountain Preserve, or Washington Valley Park.

beach handstandGoing to the Beach: New Jersey has so many incredible beaches.  With 130 miles of coastline, spanning from Sandy Hook to Cape May, NJ offers many white sand beaches that are sure to please.  Along the coast, you will find barrier islands, bays, majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and of course many scenic views. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sun, sand, surf, fun and excitement that the Jersey Shore has to offer. Find a beach that’s right for you: http://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-shore/best-beaches/

No matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find something outdoors in New Jersey to help you recharge!

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