Acro Yoga: What It Is + An Upcoming Workshop!

by Julio Badjuan

Let's be honest, as adults, we've completely lost touch with our inner child. But that ends here, it's time to Move, Connect, and Play! In this AcroYoga Basics workshop we will explore the fundamentals of the acrobatic & therapeutic sides of AcroYoga. As with any partner based activity, we must learn to communicate with our partner(s) in order to feel safe & supported, which today might just be simple cues in a few poses, but tomorrow in your day-to-day life that could mean talking with your spouse or boss or in any other facet of your life that challenges you to speak up for what you need.

As a whole, the practice of AcroYoga can mold the overall personality of the participant by improving mental, physical and spiritual aspects. Its athleticism, discipline, and concentration improve one’s personality, confidence, trust, and kindness. It also helps to lose weight and the Thai massage makes the skin glow.

Some of the benefits of AcroYoga include:

* Enhanced concentration, which helps to relieve stress and ease the mind of worries, leading to a more peaceful life.

* A stronger immune system and improved overall quality of life. It makes for a happy, satisfied and content life.

* It helps ease various chronic health conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain, etc.

* Improved digestion, boosts elimination of toxins, and improves blood circulation, thereby building stamina.

* Improved memory and capacity to recall.

* AcroYoga poses emphasize proper body alignment, relieve gas and constipation and help build an appetite.

Overall, AcroYoga promotes mental and physical health and a positive attitude towards life. Now enough read, let's MOVE, CONNECT & PLAY!!

References: 1. http://www.acroyoga.org/about/the-acroyoga-practice

JOIN US

for a special AcroYoga workshop with Julio Badjuan

Sunday, November 27th from 2:15-6:15pm

Skills Covered:

Understanding Weight Transfer & Partner Movement

ABC's of Acro: Acro Alphabet & Roles in Acro

Acro Basics: Solar

Acro Basics: Lunar

Acro Basics: Counterbalances & Trio Poses

And more!

About Julio Bajdaun

(@fitflexjuli)

After a life on the baseball diamond, I desired to challenge my body in a new way and push passed my perceived limits. My calling... Handstands! All it took was one inversion and I was hooked!

Upon moving to California to start a company, I found Original Muscle Beach and knew I had met my tribe of monkeys. The daily inspiration I received from these professional acrobats, yoga teachers and experienced movers is what pushed me to evolve my movement practice.

My goal as a teacher is to empower a global community through the practice of divine play and healing touch. So basically get ready for lots of handstands & hugs! Now let's have FUN! www.fitflexyoga.com

// AcroYoga® Teacher

// RYT 200hr Yoga Teacher

// Movement Coach

WORKSHOP DETAILS

$45 Pre-Register

$50 Door Price

REGISTER NOW!

Rosemary Oil: Our Studio Signature

If you have practiced at Namaste Highland Park, you are sure to have noticed that we integrate a signature scent into our studio environment. In the bathroom, you will find rosemary soap and lotion, at the end of many classes students are offered rosemary oil during savasana, and we freshen our studios by spritzing rosemary oil into the air. Did you know that we didn't choose rosemary oil just because it smells good? Rosemary oil also offers countless health benefits!

Rosemary oil can improve mental health by relieving stress and anxiety, improving mental clarity, and enhancing memory. Scientific studies performed in both 2003 and 2012 indicate that rosemary oil improves mental performances, and improves speed and accuracy when performing mental tasks!

Rosemary oil also benefits the body by increasing circulation, curing headaches, boosting immunity, relieving joint and muscle pain, curing indigestion, and providing cold, flu, and cough relief. To take advantage of these benefits, simply massage rosemary oil into the affected part of your body. Whether it be to a cramp, your temples, stomach, or throat, the antiseptic and calming properties will help relieve discomfort.

Along with the physical benefits listed above, rosemary oil can also aid in hygiene, especially when mixed with carrier oils such as coconut, olive, peppermint, castor, or almond. It can be used to banish dandruff and stimulate hair growth. It may also be used as a mouth wash, to reduce cellulite, fade stretch marks, or clear up acne.

Rosemary oil also has benefits around our homes. It is an effective mosquito repellent, air freshener, cleaning spray, and natural insecticide!


Rosemary oil isn't the only oil with surprising benefits, and this Sunday we are proud to host a workshop with Lauren Hansen.

Lauren is a licensed Aesthetician with a post-graduate certification in Advanced Skin & Body Therapy from the International Dermal Institute in NYC. She is also certified in Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Thai Massage. Lauren has practiced skin care for the last 9 years, guiding people to feel confident and connected with their appearance and well-being. She incorporates essential oils therapeutically in her treatments, skin care line & daily lifestyle. Her purpose is to empower others toward better holistic health & personal care practices.

Join us and discover the many benefits and holistic uses of essential oils!

In this workshop we will explore:

Why essential oils are nature's best medicine

How to use essential oils safely & effectively for mind, body & emotions

How essential oils can be used in cooking and medicinal recipes

Tips for using oils with yoga & chakras

Home & cosmetic recipes, techniques & best practices

* Make your own perfume roller bottle to take home and enjoy!

Make This At Home: Pumpkin Tumeric Tonic

Pumpkin Turmeric Tonic by Jasmine De La Paz

We finally have our first glimpse of slightly cold weather here in Los Angeles. Even though we may not be completely ready for hoodies and warm socks, our bodies can still feel a change and it's important to give ourselves warm and soothing foods to stay grounded and full of energy.

Nothing portrays Fall better than pumpkins, and not only are they delicious but they are nutrient dense and filling. I love to buy the small sugar pumpkins, de-seed, roast, and blend for a yummy puree to have on hand and use in a variety of recipes. Pumpkin pairs so well with many healthy ingredients including my favorite, turmeric.

Turmeric has grown in popularity, and there is a reason why this superfood has become so in demand. The root has anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural antibiotic, improves brain function, lowers the risk of heart disease, and can help prevent cancer (to name just a few)! When mixed with pumpkin, it retains the beta-carotene found in the squash (which gives you healthy skin and good eye sight). Turmeric is also fat-soluble, meaning your body is able to fully absorb all the benefits when combined with a healthy fat such as coconut milk / oil, or avocado. Lastly, adding a dash of black pepper enhances turmeric's bioavailability by 1,000 times.

I created the Pumpkin Turmeric Tonic below, not only with the idea of curling up with a warm healthy drink and a good book, but also to sooth the soul, and assist in staying grounded and comforted during this period of change.

Pumpkin Turmeric Tonic (serves 1) 

1. 1 cup Almond Coconut Milk (I love Califia Farms toasted Coconut Almond Milk) 
2. 1 heaping tbsp pumpkin puree 
3. 1 tsp cold pressed coconut oil 
4. 1 heaping 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
5. 1/2 tsp local honey (you can add more or less depending on how sweet you want it / substitute maple syrup for a vegan version) 
6. 1/8 tsp cinnamon
7. 1/8 tsp ginger powder
8. 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
9. dash of black pepper
10. 1/8 tsp ashwanganda (optional) 
11. couple dashes of ground vanilla (substitute a couple drops vanilla extract) 

Add all the ingredients into a small pot, and place over medium heat on the stove. As it warms, whisk all the ingredients together until it comes to a soft boil. Pour into your favorite mug, and add a dash of turmeric, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey on top. If you want a caffeinated version, just add to half a cup of coffee or mix with black tea. I'm enjoying this while reading 'Make Me One with Everything' by Lama Surya Das.