We’ve got another round of fresh instructor yoga tunes!

This week, our featured playlist is coming from Amy Opielowski – our Program Manager in CorePower Yoga San Diego Studios.

Below are three songs that Amy consistently relies on to create an inspiring Yoga Sculpt mix:

Song: Let Your Heart Be Known Remix
Artist: Steve Gold
Album: Let Your Heart Be Known
Why do you play it: The song is beautiful and has a great message.
At what point in class: First or second song of integration or during surrender series.

Song: Use Somebody (Ronnie Maze Club Mix)
Artist: DB Sound
Album: Top Radio Hits Remixed, Vol. 2
Why do you play it: It pumps me up!
At what point in class: In the beginning portion of my Sculpt series.

Song: Weather to Fly
Artist: Elbow
Album: The Seldom Seen Kid
Why do you play it: It is always good to be reminded that it is always perfect weather to fly
At what point in class: Surrender Series

Share your favorite yoga songs with us!

One of the greatest things about yoga is the community – specifically, practicing next to new people and meeting new friends at a yoga studio. But sometimes you can’t always make it to the studio, whether there’s just not enough time, or maybe the weather is too cold or hot. Having a home practice is great way to get a yoga practice in everyday.

Here are 5 tips to help set up a successful home yoga practice:

Create a peaceful space:
You don’t want to have to worry about distractions during your practice. Make sure you are set up in a space that will allow you to quite your mind. A room with a closed door will allow you to block out people and pets for your practice. Create a special place that is dedicated to your practice.

Proper set up:
Transport yourself to your favorite studio by adding a few things that remind of that studio. It may be a certain scent, poster, music playlist; make it your own!

Plan out your practice:
Going into your home practice with a set intention will help you stay on-task. Figure out what energy level you are at. Do you need more restorative poses or do you need some energizing asanas to get you moving? If you are newer to yoga, try practicing with a yoga DVD.

Create routine:
Nothing happens overnight and that goes for starting and maintaining a home practice. Stick with your home practice for at least two weeks. You will see practicing at home will feel like second nature! Find inspiration in other blog articles.

Have fun:
This is your time to create and personalize your practice. Don’t be too serious about it. Let loose and enjoy!

Do you have a home practice? Share your story and inspire other yogis to give it a try!
 

What is your role at CorePower Yoga?
Manager of CorePower Yoga - Stadium Village and Director of Power Teacher Training at Stadium Village.

How did you find CorePower Yoga?
My friend Zhauna told me about it. I had been turned off from yoga by Bikram - Zhauna told me CPY doesn't smell bad, they play music and they don't make you feel bad about yourself! The rest is history.

What does a typical Thursday look like for you?
I do the books in the AM, managers meeting at 2:00pm, teach Yoga Sculpt at 6:30pm and then usually schedule an evening meeting or take the 8:00pm C2.

What do you love most about the Stadium Village studio?
That students have an opportunity to discover something great at CPY - Stadium Village. This studio is not on the map yet. I am working 24/7 making the space more beautiful and more inviting. I am bringing in the best teachers in the region. Once people discover this space - they will be pleasantly surprised.

What is your favorite song to play in class?
Anything by Cyndi Lauper - just love her.

Tell us something surprising about yourself:
I have been a professional dancer contracted with some of the best companies across North America for the past two decades.

What is your favorite part of your job?
When a student walks in (that has not been to CPY in the past month) and looks around and says "Oh my God!" It's fun to blow away expectations.

What is your favorite dessert?
Vodka

What is your favorite yoga posture, and why?
Headstand, I spent my whole life learning how to stand balanced upright - I love being upside down.