We are so excited to see you all again.  And not just a little excited but JUMP for JOY excited!


For the next ten days we are in celebration mode!  Being closed for four weeks truly focused our attention on how grateful we are to have you in our lives. 
To honor our returning yogis we decided to have some fun. The first two days were a blast with so many happy smiling faces and giveaways during every class on Wednesday and Thursday.  The good times continue with our studio raffle and chances to win some amazing prizes and savings. 


Raffle! Win sweet prizes from BYT and local business in our class raffles.  To enter, attend 3 times in the first ten days of our reopening (March 9th through March 18th).  After your 3rd class be sure to fill out a raffle ticket.  Plus, for every class you take after your 3rd class you get an additional entry.  That means if you come 10 times in 10 days you get 7 tickets!  The more you yoga, the more chances you have to win. 

It gets better.  Commit to doing the 30 Day Challenge and get an additional 3 raffle tickets!  Just sign up at the front desk to begin.

Here are just a few things you could win.... 

Free Yoga!  30 and 90 Day Unlimited passes,  coupons for yoga wear ($10, $20, $30, $40 off), Yoga Gear- Kulae mat and towel, Yogitoes towel, Thinksport water bottle, Bikram's books and CD, Chakra Spray, unlimited towel service, beverages, BEZ Photography by Dr. Ben Zorensky (co-owner) and a number of amazing gifts from local businesses:

- 7 60-minute massages from Forrest Ann Walsh ($65 value each)

- Vera Bradley duffel bag and matching towel ($140 value) thanks to Deb Orr

- Andrew's BBQ $20 gift certificate thanks to Trish Kinney

- $75 credit for AZ Balloon Art thanks to Lori Stuart

- Sonoma Coffee thanks to Lynn Cortino

- Arthur Murray's Ballroom Dance Classes thanks to Laura Bottrell

- Harvest to Home Gift Box ($55) thanks to David Pescador

- Studio Vino wine tasting for two ($50) from our neighbor

- Life Coaching by Karla Kay ($80)

- Reflexology by John Schultz ($80)

- 2 Shakeology protein drinks thanks to Amie Corey

- Skin Actives gift basket thanks to Rosa Leonard

- Telemedicine 1 month ($100) thanks to Dr. Doug Hassenpflug

For the Ladies.  We heard you loud and clear ladies!  While we were closed we took advantage of the opportunity to install a second shower and new double sink vanity in the women's changing room.   

Balancing Stick Pose, Tuladandasana, is one of the best answers to the myth that you don't get your cardio in yoga class.  This ten second posture will get your heart rate up in no time.  There are so many tremendous benefits, be sure you are getting the most out of your efforts! 

To start, here is why you should put your 100% effort into those 10 seconds:

Your heart will thank you!  The forward tilt of you upper body sends high-speed blood into your heart, cleaning out the veins and arteries and strengthening the heart muscle. 

Strength from fingertips to toes.  Every muscle in your whole body should be contracted during Balancing Stick and so you are building tremendous strength in your legs, hips, back and arms. 

Yes, Flexibility Too.  Your shoulders should be on fire because you are STRETCHING your fingers forward while at the same time stretching your toes back.  The result is that your whole body from your fingers into your shoulders, back (both the spine and the muscles associated with it), hips and legs stretches, creating length and flexibility.

Concentrate. Focus.  To do this posture you must 'make you your mind' and use your determination and focus from start to finish.  If you lose your focus, you fall over or wilt and so by doing this posture you build concentration and discipline as well as strength and flexibility. 

Now that you know they WHY, here is the HOW:

Start at the back of your mat with toes and heels together so that you can take a big step forward.  Pay attention to the setup: arms up over your head so that your arms are with your ears, grip interlaced with only the index fingers released. 
Squeeze your palms together.  Lock your elbows and lean your upper body back to get your spine straight.  Stretch UP.
Step forward and immediately lock your knees.  KEEP THEM LOCKED throughout the posture.  If you are stepping forward with your right leg then point your left toes.  At this point your body is one straight line from finger tips to toes.  Keep this alignment.
Bring your body down and your leg up at the same time.  Keep your arms with your ears and your chin away from your chest. 

The ideal form is your whole body parallel to the floor from your fingers to your toes, stretching in opposite directions.  Sometimes, this is not the reality. Go as far as you can while keeping the good form; that means keep your body locked in one straight line and come down only as far as you can without collapsing. 

Bikram's Key:

"This posture is all about locking the body into one solid line.  To do that, imagine a tug of war: Someone is pulling your back foot toward the wall with all his might and someone else is pulling your outstretched hands as hard as she can in the opposite direction, toward the mirror in front of you." 

 From Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows the Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment