September is International Yoga Month!

I wanted to share with you some tips to get you started.

 Yoga is a big part of my life. I try to spread the good word around whenever I can--not because it’s my job, but because I know how transformative yoga has been in my life. I have seen phenomenal results and I just want to share with everyone!

 There are so many benefits from a regular yoga practice:

 -Self-confidence

-Cardiovascular benefits

-Increased balance

-Increased flexibility

-Decrease in stress

-Better sleep

And this list could go on forever.

Just do it. Get here.

You can’t reap the benefits from something unless you try. Luckily at Emerald we make it easier than ever to create good habits. If you’re new to Emerald you have the option at your first class to sign up for our intro special -- 1 month. Unlimited. $45. We recommend that you start out with a beginner’s class or at least a gentle class to start out. You can check out the class descriptions here. Anyways you’ll never know until you try right?

Getting here is most of the hard work. That’s why it’s nice to have a yoga buddy that will hold you accountable. And if you don’t already have one..we can appoint you one to text you and get your buddhi in here. Just kidding.

But it’s true, you’ll never see results until you try. There is very low risk in just trying out a class to see how you feel. (but please don’t base your entire yoga practice on your one class that you try--if I had done that I wouldn’t be here today) Try a few different classes, try different styles, times of the day, instructors, try it all.

How long did it take you to enjoy the things you like? Did you start running and instantly think “Wow I am a star at this, I will do this every day!”? Probably not. That’s how yoga works too. I definitely felt a spark that was lit when I started--but I kept trying to fit the puzzle pieces together until I felt like I had found my match. That’s how I ended up at Emerald.

I tried a bunch of studios, different classes, different instructors--until I felt like I had found my home.

The best thing about the yogi community? It just doesn't matter how you show up, as long as you do. We don't care if you show up with your hair-looking-a-mess or if your leggings match your shirt. It doesn't matter if you feel like you want to lay on your mat and breathe for 75 minutes. We open our arms because you are welcome here.

By the way, once you do get here, challenge yourself. Don’t over do it--but find your limits. That is where the beauty lies in yoga. Right on the edge of the pose. Jen calls this “bossing up” when you overcome a pose that you don’t think you can hold.

So in the days of #bossbabe you should be a #bossupbabe

If you are a beginner and you’re thinking “How often should I come to yoga?” There is a general recommendation that you come 2-3 times per week for the first 6 weeks.

After that you can kick it up to about 4-6 times a week.

Yoga is for me. Yoga is for you.

The amazing part of yoga is that it is for everyone. Over the past year we have facilitated kids to elders with their yoga. There really is a little something for everyone to benefit from. It doesn’t matter if you need props lined around you like Jordan’s Furniture or if you want to do yoga in a chair. It all counts. It’s all yoga. There is a perception about yoga that you have to look a certain way or be able to do certain poses before you’re considered a yogi. In reality this is the opposite. Your instructor will encourage you to embrace your independence on your mat. They will tell you there is no right or wrong way to move in your practice (while being sure to keep you safe) You don’t have to be double-jointed to do yoga--yeah that was an actual question I was asked.

Even if you don’t feel yoga studio ready, get here.

Even if you don’t feel comfortable in your body, get here.

Even if you don’t have lululemon yoga pants, get here.

Even if you don’t feel like you belong, you do.