There are many Vinyasa yoga postures that look simple and sound easy, but in reality, are very complex! Warrior 1 pose is one of these postures. Wonder if you’re doing it correctly and safely? Look no further.

Warrior 1 is not only one of the most physically powerful poses in the CorePower Yoga series; it is also an invigorating hip and heart opener. In full expression Warrior 1, the ankles, calves, thighs, groins, core, chest and shoulders are all ignited and engaged, allowing for opening to occur in our hips and hearts.

To achieve Virabhadrasana I:
Begin in downward facing down. Inhale and extend your right leg high; as you exhale, step your right foot forward into a low lunge position. (At this point, if you’re new to Warrior 1, step your left foot out toward the edge of your mat; otherwise, try Warrior 1 with your left foot in the same line as your right foot).

Spin your left heel flat so your left toes are pointing slightly forward, and inhale your arms and chest up.

Reach your arms toward the ceiling as your pinky fingers turn in toward one another. This will allow your shoulders to relax down your back.

Maintain a deep, 90 degree lunge in your right leg. Your lower core muscles are engaged here, which should allow you to find length in your low spine.

Work on squaring your hips toward the front of the room, while grounding the knife edge of your left foot into the mat.

Breathe in Warrior 1 for 5 to 10 breaths, and then release your palms down to the mat; return to a low lunge before moving back into downward facing dog. Repeat on the left side.

In general, we store a lot of tension in our hips and chests. Find Warrior 1 pose when you’re looking to create space in those areas.

Looking for more posture breakdowns? Check out our podcasts!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner; this year, are you having a special date night with your main squeeze, or throwing a party with your best of friends?

Either way, creating a few homemade goodies can make this a Valentine’s Day to remember. Elana’s Pantry features great gluten-free recipes and some delicious ideas for Valentine’s Day. Here are a few that we thought were pretty special.

Add some spice to the night with Chocolate Chili Truffles…

Chocolate Chili Truffles
1 cup dark chocolate 73%
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons toasted almonds, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1. In a large saucepan, melt chocolate over very low heat
2. Stir in agave, chili, almond extract and coconut milk
3. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until mixture is about the consistency of a thick frosting
4. Scoop mixture into balls and set aside on a parchment lined plate or baking sheet
5. Combine the almonds and cocoa powder in a shallow bowl
6. Roll the truffle balls in the almond-cocoa mixture
7. Serve
Makes 10-12 balls

Stop the show with Linzer Hearts…

Linzer Hearts
2 ½ cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½ cup grapeseed oil
¼ cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup raspberry jam

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour and salt
2. In a smaller bowl, combine grapeseed oil, agave and vanilla
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry
4. Chill dough in freezer for 30 minutes
5. Between 2 pieces of parchment paper, roll out dough 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick
6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 2 hearts of the same size
7. Take a smaller heart cookie cutter to cut out the center of one of the hearts
8. Press your thumb into the solid heart to make an indentation, then fill this spot with jam
9. Place the hollow heart on top of the jam covered heart
10. Bake hearts at 350° on a parchment lined baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until brown around the edges
11. Cool and Serve
Makes 24 cookies

Indulge a choco-holic with double-chocolate mocha cookies…

Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies
2 ¼ cups blanched almond flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons organic decaf coffee, espresso grind
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½ cup grapeseed oil
½ cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup dark chocolate 73%

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, ground coffee, baking soda and salt
2. In a smaller bowl, stir together grapeseed oil, agave and vanilla
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry and then mix in chocolate drops (or chunks)
4. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a parchment lined baking sheet
5. Bake at 350° for 7-8 minutes
6. Cool and serve
Makes 24 cookies

Visit Elana's Pantry online for even more recipes and ideas!

Share your special Valentine’s Day plans with us!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!
 

As CorePower Yoga grows and expands, we'd like to introduce you to one of our newest Studio Managers. Emily Desmond is the manager at the new La Jolla/UTC studio, which opens at the end of this month. We asked Emily to share a little bit about herself and her job as a studio manager.

What is your job title?
CorePower Yoga Studio Manager - UTC/La Jolla Studio

How did you find CorePower Yoga?
I found the San Diego, Point Loma Studio online when I was researching teacher training programs in late 2006.

What does a typical Thursday look like for you?
Currently, my weeks are filled with meetings, conference calls, teaching and emails. I have less of a set schedule than I have had in a while. Thursdays are the one day of the week I sleep in past 6am (ahh glorious!) I usually take a yoga class and/or go to the gym and do books with Beth or Melissa. I teach a HPF class in the afternoon and do a good job of scheduling appointments in between and after.

What is your favorite yoga posture, and why?
Down Dog - it always reminds me to check-in with my breath, my body and my intention. Down Dog allows me to explore the balance of effort and surrender in my practice.

What are you looking forward to the most at the new La Jolla/UTC studio?
I am excited about getting to know a new community and creating a strong sense of community at the studio. I am also very excited about the amazing teachers who will be sharing their love for yoga with students at our new studio.

What is your favorite song to play in class?
Oh, that is a tough one…. It really depends on the mood and the type of class, but I feel like I can never go wrong with Ben Harper, Morning Yearning.

What is the most unusual part of your job?
The diversity in the tasks expected of me: I go from teaching yoga, to programs to responding to emails and then spend a lot of my time interacting with people one-on-one.

What is your favorite dessert?
Oh! Anything with chocolate!