The Best Mind-Body Workouts & Yoga Wear To Soothe Your Stressed Out Soul
Fitness - Fashion/Gift

RECONNECT TO YOUR "NOW"
I'm stressing! So this blog post is as much for me as it is for you. If you get worked up thinking about your check list of To Do's that still need to be checked or snap at your loved ones because, well, they just happened to be standing there, then it's time to stop what you're doing and CHECK-IN WITH YOURSELF. Don't go to that crazy place that makes you feel physically and emotionally exhausted (I've been there and it ain't pretty). Instead, breathe and take notice of the things in your life that are absolutely fantastic. We rush through our lives and often forget to enjoy the "right now" part and everything that's led up to it.
The good news is that checking-in with yourself and re-connecting to your present moment can be active and fun, like in the mind-body workouts below. They'll put your mind at ease, reduce muscle tension and help dissolve stress related to your past or future (because if it's not one, it's the other). I'll be right there with you, one inhalation and exhalation at a time!
BEST MIND-BODY WORKOUTS & FASHION TO MATCH
Pure Yoga NYC classes: Pure Yoga is a fancy Equinox-style yoga club in NYC. You'll find a ton of amazing yoga classes here ranging in style, temperature, intensity and pace (click here for class descriptions). These are my favorites: Restorative Yoga, Zenyasa, Hot Power Yoga (with instructor Dana Slamp), and Rock Your Chakras (with instructor and co-creator Carlos Rodriguez). The last 2 are heated and move at a faster pace--they're designed to loosen and tone you up while keeping your mind at ease. Carlos designed Rock Your Chakras to incorporate cardio and strength moves for a full body workout. You'll use lightweight medicine balls and still feel like you hit the gym hard. Restorative Yoga & Zenyasa are less rigorous classes with elements of Buddhist philosophy and seated meditation.
Pure Yoga is a great spot to escape the hustle & bustle of the city and of your life. The yoga rooms are serene, the music (if used) is calming, and the equipment is always clean and orderly. It's the type of place that will inspire you to don posh yoga attire, and less of it if you like (especially for hot classes). Pair a Bijubee patterned top and bottom for a fun, light-on-your-feet look that you can be layered with a tank or t-shirt.
BodyArt: Created by fitness celeb Robert Steinbacher, BodyArt combines yoga, pilates and dance with classical breathing techniques to provide stabilization training and mental relaxation. This workout vacillates between holding poses and slightly faster cardio moves to open up your tight spots, release tension and make you more aware of your body as a whole. Take this class at Crunch gyms nation-wide (search for BodyArt classes here).
Looser fit yoga-wear that follows your body's every move without sticking to you or weighing you down is optimal for this kind of workout, especially since you'll be up and down a lot. Tanya-b makes a Tie Dye Halter top that's to die for. It's soft and comes in various color combinations to match your skin tone, eyes or nail polish. The halter has a built-in bra shelf but I recommend wearing a seamless bra (like this one) for additional support. The Fold Over Capri Pant is perfect for BodyArt, keeping you cool without restricting your range of motion, and the ruching on the fold over band will flatter your waistline.
The Tanya-b collection is co-designed by 2 yoga-loving partners, Karin Ulmander and of course, Tanya Boulton who's a directing manager and instructor at Pure Yoga. That's her in the photo below.
Karin & Tanya saw a need for body-hugging yoga apparel with zero cling factor that looks sexy on or off the mat. Their collection is a godsend to women who live in their workout clothes.
Zenergy: A dynamic fusion class and mind-body experience that mixes traditional yoga poses with strength training intervals. Created by fitness pro, Maryanne Blake, this workout will definitely clear your head and flush your worries away. You have to pay attention because it's unlike any fitness class you've ever taken! And the results speak for themselves--just take a look at Maryanne's physique! She's a mom of 3 for heaven's sake--who ran long distance races while pregnant! Now that's impressive, but she claims it's Zenergy that keeps her in top shape.
Athletic and restless types will love this workout because your body is moving at all times. Even slower movements engage multiple joints and require focus and balance. Plus, you're not on the mat the whole time and there's plenty of core work involved. You can even add light weights for more of a challenge. Zenergy is currently offered at Reebok Sports Club/NY and The Sports Club/LA in NYC and Boston (look up classes here: www.thesportsclubla.com). In January, Zenergy will be on the class schedule at The Sports Club/LA in Washington DC, Miami, and San Francisco.
Enhance your Zenergy workout with functional accessories like Toesox (for slippery surfaces and a better grip), your very own Jade Yoga Fusion Mat (it's the best yoga mat ever made), a Bobble filtered water bottle (recyclable) and a Vera Bradley gym bag (quilted in various designs--gotta love the paisley!).
The Yoga Sequence with Sabina Stahl: A highly invigorating and instructional Yoga practice taught by the enchanting well-being goddess, Sabina Stahl. The Yoga Sequence is offered as private sessions, group classes at The Standard Hotel in NYC or Central American retreats. It's a mind-body workout that brings you back to what is organic and intuitive, opening you up to your inner self. Sabina teaches you how to focus your breathing and muscle engagement to develop a yoga practice that's less forced and more manageable.I love Sabina's "create your own destiny" approach and her step-by-step direction makes challenging poses completely possible for the non-expert. Peacock? Flying crow? No problem!
The Yoga Sequence is an original lifestyle concept which Sabina lives, eats & breathes. Sabina tends to shy away from marketing hype which she clearly doesn't need because her peaceful aura sells the The Yoga Sequence for her. She's a special kind of yogi that's easy to warm up to. Flow through her Yoga Sequence in Alo Sport apparel that feels as good as it looks. My favorites are the Origami Asymmetrical Tank and the Bamboo Legging with peekaboo button enclosure at ankles. I love the stand-out details that give these pieces a bit of edge without trying too hard.
Check out the view from Sabina's Yoga Sequence class at The Standard Hotel in NYC. The 3rd floor yoga studio overlooks the Hudson River, the High Line, and provides a panoramic view of the city. Try and experience it at sundown!
So there you have it...mind-body fitness & fashion is therapeutic, athletic and very cool. Take a day off from pounding away at the StairMaster and get started on what you should be doing more of: checking-in with yourself and re-connecting to your present moment.
IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!
Leave a comment sharing your favorite mind-body workout, studio or fashion item and you'll be entered to win a Pure Yoga 3-day and 1-day membership pass that can be used at both NYC locations.
I'm also giving away the Alo Sport tank and legging featured in this article in a size large. Please indicate which prize your heart desires and I'll post the winners (selected randomly) on Friday, Oct. 29th. Good luck!
Say what's on your mind!
I went to see a naprapath yesterday, she told me stress was in my muscles in my back and shoulders. She also told me to stretch more! I really could need to do some Yoga!
Hi Kristin!
Sounds like you need to start right away! Are there many yoga studios nearby you in Norway?
For all of you who are interested in learning more about BODYART, here's a great video that explains more:
http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/120831/popular-workout-combines-stretch--stamina
-MizzFIT
Gotta be Yinyasa at the Center for Yoga in Michigan (check out any one of their four studios). Nothing works my body and calms my mind (not to mention the STRETCH!) better than a hot vinyasa flow followed by some Yin postures. Since I'm in Detroit, I'd love the ALO gear!! I've been dying to try it. :D
Hi Colleen,
Yinyasa...now that sounds ZEN! Thanks for commenting and you're now entered for the Alo giveaway.
A yin yoga class in the evening is an intense kind of mellow way to wind down -- and easy on the backbends; they stimulate me like a cup of coffee! I'd love to check out what Pure offers.
Thanks for your comment, Karin! You're now entered for the Pure giveaway. I really need to check out Yin Yoga soon...everyone keeps telling me about it.
Yoga has been my stretch get fit method for a while now. Most from yoga dvds I have at home, and some I sample across the net. Would love the tank and capri set.
Hi Mena,
I'm curious to hear which yoga DVD's make up your dvd collection. I'm always on the hunt for a great new workout dvd to add to my own library. Thanks for your comment and you're now entered in the Alo giveaway!
I love this article on Mind-Body fitness. My Favorites in this genre are the Studio workouts by Ellen Barrett and Exhale Core Fusion. I love Old Navy brand fold-over yoga capris and pants.
Hi Tracy-
Glad you like the article...I definitely put a lot of thought and research into this article because I'm a huge fan of yoga fusion classes (especially since I like to get in a good workout while stretching and quieting my mind or doing whatever it takes to be more zen). I'm a huge fan of Exhale Core Fusion too! Which giveaway are you interested in? Please let me know, thanks!
Alo sportswear giveaway! Size lg is perfect for me!
Congrats to winners Karin & Mena! Karin won the Pure Yoga 3-day pass and Mena won the Alo Sport gear. Thank you to all who posted comments and please keep commenting, as I really love hearing your thoughts.
this is the way a blog should be! thanks!
Thank you Mizzfit, for your informative posts, and for the nice surprise!
I look forward to visiting Pure.
Thanks Mizzfit, for this nice surprise! I look forward to visiting Pure.
Karin,
Did you receive my email? Please send me your address so that I can mail you the Pure Yoga pass. Can't wait for you to start taking some awesome classes!
-MizzFIT
Thanks so much Mizzfit and Bianca !!!!
Hi! First, I thank to you for post this outstanding article. Yoga is a way of life, an art of living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. The aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. . There is simply no other discipline like yoga. I am very excited to use BodyArt and Zenergy workouts and I hope it would be very helpful for health. Thanks for sharing. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share this. I look forward to visiting. Good Luck.
Hi Marina,
I just checked out your website and was thrilled to find a fellow yogi! I can see why you liked this article. Thank you so much for your kind compliment. I totally agree, yoga revitalizes and connects you to your inner spirit. Without it, I'd be lost! Thanks for your comment and I love your site!
-MizzFIT
Hi Blaire,
Love your comment! Thanks so much for stopping by MizzFIT.com and reading about min-body healing/fashion. I think your tip on essential oils is fantastic too! I used to think oils were BAD BAD BAD, but then I started using oils on my face (with a hydration spray) by a company called Treatment by Lanshin. And I love oils for their calming properties too. Lavendar is a a favorite of mine. I'm actually in need of a good body oil. I like how they make my skin feel and how they leave a slight fragrance. Thanks again for your comment!
MizzFIT