It was casually mentioned by Todd that he would be dressing up for his Halloween class...

...and he invited others to participate. 

These are just a few of the festive yogis that turned up in their Hallowe'en finest...

Kim the leopard, Linda the M&M handing out... you guessed it, M&Ms (we hope they weren't related to you!) and the mastermind Todd, looking like a cross between an S&M advocate and the Phantom of the Opera :)

Patrick, one of our challengers, came as a rabbit (and yes he actually wore the ears and tail the whole class)! It was funny, because he said ironically, 'rabbit posture'
was the only posture he couldn't do wearing the rabbit ears!

Maybe next year, we'll encourage a Halloween party, and get people to do the actual class in costume!  Tip #1: DON'T WEAR FACEPAINT!

This is a post from our lovely Bikram teacher Ivanka...

Garurasana or Eagle pose is the 3rd in the Bikram yoga series. If you can do the 4 postures to this point, the rest of your class will be strong and balanced.

Eagle pose is about compression. It will affect your reproductive organs, adrenal glands, and major joints. Twisting and flexing leg and hip muscles will increase fertility , libido, and intensify the pleasure involved with these 'acts'.

Garurasana begins the cardio part of the class, so pay attention to your breathing; slowing down your exhales will keep you calm.

This compression opens up the 14 major joints in your body: ankles, knees, hips, deltoids, scapula, elbows and wrists - 7 on each side.

Eagle pose alignment

The correct alignment for this Bikram pose can be difficult for beginners, people who have suffered physical trauma, and those who have more muscle bulk.

1. First, to correct arm alignment, relax your arms and cross elbows high. Bring your palms together, and pull your elbows down. The idea is to one day have your hands in prayer. This opens deltoid, scapula, elbows and wrists.
2. Second, you have to sit down DEEP! The lower you can bend the knees and bring down the hips, the better, keeping the upper body leaning back (picture yourself sitting in a chair). Keep the standing leg bent as deeply as possible to bring the other leg over as high as possible - the higher, the better. This also will help bring the foot behind the ankle. When it feels 'easy', you have to sit down and squeeze legs tight to create compression, especially if you are flexible. Once your knees are in line, your hips will go down more - don't push your knees down or forward because you will create too much pressure in the knees. Instead, sit back the hips, upper body back more (still in a chair).

In Eagle pose, as with any other Bikram yoga pose, it is important to visualize the ideal while working within your own body.

If you move with precision and intent, you will gain all the healthy and the 'fun' benefits Garurasana has to offer!

~Ivanka

Remember, dear students, positive energy and positive thoughts are very powerful!  

When you and others in the room decide to emit positive energy, you all attract benevolent feelings, healing and abundance.

If you find yourself feeling negative, or your thoughts are on repeat negatively about you or anyone else in the room (including the teacher!) then YOU are creating that, YOU always have the choice to turn it around.

Funny thing is, especially you challengers will notice, as you DO more yoga, feeling good will start to become what you are all the time!!!

Practicing Bikram Hatha yoga clears you and helps you deflect any negative energies that can weigh you down. Some things in life you cannot figure out and aren’t meant to (at least not right this second), so instead, use the power of your CONCENTRATION in class to get you through the toughest times. 

If the person next to you is somehow unnerving you or annoying you, concentrate more on your locked knee, or your eyes in the mirror, or, always, practice breathing more slowly!

Remember, “if you let anyone steal your happiness or peace away from you, you are the loser.”  ~ Bikram

Go with the flow, nothing is perfect, everything is just as it is meant to be!!! 

 xox Amanda

Image source: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A few changes to our class schedule for Remembrance Day - Friday, November 11th.

ONLY the 4pm & 6pm classes are on!

6am & 9:30am classes are CANCELLED.

If this is an inconvenience for any of the challengers, please send an email to info@staffordstreethotyoga.com with "Challengers on Rememberance Day" in the subject line.

Thanks!

Why not get your muchkins on Bikram's healing path early? Our special kids classes, starting Oct 16th, are the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of hot yoga.

The classes are 45 minutes, and the room is warm (not hot!). Here are all the details:

Oct. 16th - Nov. 20th (Sundays)

12:30pm - 1:15pm

Ages 6-13

6 sessions @ $42 + GST

20 kids max

Call (204.452.7412) or visit the studio to sign up. Space is limited!