Yoga doesn’t have rules, but it does have etiquette. (Nobody wants to be “that guy or gal” who’s emitting a strange odorous funk reminiscent of your high school locker room.) Regardless if you’re new to CorePower Yoga or have been part of the CPY community for years, take a cue from Janet Stone, world-renowned hatha yoga instructor. With the help of her top five yoga no-no’s, you’ll look and feel like the class pro:

1. Check your ego at the door (along with your shoes). Covertly eyeing your neighbor in silent competition as she touches her nose to her toes will keep you stuck in Samsara (ignorance of your true self). And nobody wants that.

2. Ditch the self-doubt. Instead, bring thoughts of compassion, love, acceptance, and healthy breath with you to class. “Focus on what you can do and take pride in your ability,” says Janet.

3. Practice on an empty stomach. “Eat a burrito before class and you'll never do it again,” Janet laughs. Truer words have never been spoken. If you must, down a small snack like a Larabar, raw fruit and nut bars that are gluten- and dairy-free and have no added sugar.

4. Push yourself lightly. Don’t push too hard. Rather, recognize your safe limit and stay there. “Find a space in your life to release the intense effort. Then melt into surrender and acceptance during your yoga class,” Janet advises.

5. Stop before you spritz. Leave the scented perfumes and oils for private practice as your fellow yogis and yoginis may be sensitive to certain smells. This includes patchouli, people.

One last word to the wise: “No fishnet stockings,” Janet insists. “Hate to tell you, but they're see-through!” Hmmm, we knew it felt a little drafty in here.

 

Off To a Sweet Start

Yes, you’ve heard—breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But with your wild schedule, whipping up a complete meal after you do yoga (for some early-birders), and before heading off to work, is next to impossible. Get a sweet, smooth start to your day with this vegan smoothie—the perfect breakfast quickie or pre- and post-workout snack. Your spleen will smile from the almonds and flax—two ingredients that boost its ability to support the immune system. Also, soaked nuts and seeds offer the body earlier absorption of nutrients and with the naturally creamy consistency of this dairy-free smoothie, you won’t even miss the milk.

Soaked Smoothie
Shopping List:
1/4 cup organic raw almonds 3 tablespoons organic ground flax seed
2 tablespoons organic agave nectar
1/2 cup organic rice milk or preferred non-dairy milk or juice
1 cup organic pitted cherries, raspberries, or strawberries

Soak almonds in water for 12 hours, then drain. Soak flax in 1/4 cup of water for 30 minutes, after which it will be a nutritious goo. Place all ingredients in a blender or pureeing device and whir. Enjoy! Double or triple the recipe and store the yummy drink for up to three days.

If you’re like us, at some point during your time at CorePower Yoga, you’ve been tempted to walk up to your favorite instructor after class and ask for a copy of their yoga playlist. They always seem to have the best tunes that exhilarate you into a holding a pose for a few seconds longer, or relax you deeper into soul-satisfying savasana. If only you knew what song and artist it was…

Now you’re in luck! If you’re a reader of the CorePower Yoga Connection Blog, you’ll regularly get an inside glimpse into CPY’s most popular instructors’ sought-after playlists.

First Stop? Denver’s Brandon Cox and the three tunes that keep him flowing:

Song: Hayling
Artist: FC Kahuna from the album, Machine Says Yes
Why?: “A modern, driving beat that makes a Sun B Flow fun.”

Song: I Dream
Artist: Blindboy from the album, I Dream From Originals, Vol 2
Why?: “It’s a fun and familiar sound and great for deep twists and backbends.” 


Song: Orange Sky
Artist: Alexi Murdoch from the album, Time Without Consequence
Why?: “A mellow song with a good message and easy to sing along to (not that you would).”

Know a certain instructor whose playlist you yearn for? Comment and let us know, then keep checking back. Perhaps you’ll soon be grooving to it on your own iPod!