YOGA IS: a Transformational Journey - DVD Review

When I sat down to watch YOGA IS: A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY I was excited, but somewhat skeptical since I disliked Enlighten Up! so much. They seemed like they'd have a lot in common, but upon viewing them - I can say the only thing that's the same is that they're mostly made up of a series of interviews with big names in yoga. Otherwise - the message, the atmosphere, and the overall story is completely different.

YOGA IS features Suzanne Bryant seeking answers to questions such as "Why does yoga have the ability to create calm amidst chaos?" In 64 minutes this film covers topics like asana practice, meditation, puja, karma, suffering, enlightenment, etc.

I really enjoyed YOGA IS. The ultimate message appears to be one of unity and connection; especially of learning to truly see yourself and connect with yourself. This film really is a microcosm of yoga. As the title plainly states - Yoga truly is a transformational journey and the way this film runs is a journey with a clear beginning and end while answering a lot of deep questions in the middle. Expect to see it in my Yogi Gift Guide come December.

"The reason so many people do yoga is because it tastes good." 

- Dharma Mittra

Other thoughts:

The flick addresses common myths about the yoga world - like the notion that the yogic vision of the world is all smiles and everyone being nice all the time. Some of the discussion featured might be a little too hippiefied/"new agey" for some people that have never done yoga, but overall the film makes yoga sound so awesome that they'll be curious enough to try yoga anyway. This film is overflowing with quotable moments for all and potential class themes for teachers.

The only real detractor is that I wanted to stop the video to go do some yoga.

I give it a solid 8 out of 10 stars.

Available to Buy on Amazon, or to simply "rent" through Netflix.

YOGA IS: coming soon

I'm a big movie buff, so I was pretty psyched when this morning the FedEx guy delivered my review copy of YOGA IS: A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY. I've been expecting this DVD for a a few weeks, but here it is (still in the plastic as you can see). I'll be watching it today and my review is coming soon.

So far it looks like this film is in the same general vein as Enlighten Up! from a few years ago, but with more celebri-yogi interviews. Hopefully it'll be a lot more personal and less forced than that one was.

It's available to BUY NOW! - so you can purchase your own copy if you don't want to wait for my review.

Ahnu Footwear - The Karma Review

I received an email a couple weeks ago with this shoe review offer and I was really really psyched. This is exactly the kind of shoe I've been waiting for - and just in time for spring. Ahnu is a socially and environmentally responsible company making fashionable shoes for active people. I love it.

The Karma: pictured in Plum. 

About the Company: Ahnu:
Gives Back to the Greater Good
Ethical supply chain standards
Use certified post-consumer recycled fibers in catalogs and packaging

About the Karma:
MSRP $90 with Free Shipping and Free Returns
Available in Black, Mood Indigo, Plum, and Garden Green.
Women's Sizes 6-11

"This active slip on offers style and comfort without compromising any aspect of yoga-chic. Made from soft, supple, full-grain leathers, these travel-friendly flats are made for all day wear, from running errands to traveling the world. The stretchy back heel provides a secure fit while making them easy to pack. The sculpted EVA footbed is wrapped in micro-fiber suede to offer a soft feel with every step." - Ahnu

EVA midsole, 4mm rubber skin, Microfiber sockliner with antimicrobial treatment
Numentum Technology
Comes with a 1-year Warranty

Even in thick grass - super stable.

When I first opened the box the scent was very very strong, but it was just the smell of rubber. These shoes have rubber soles and if yoga mats have taught me anything it's that rubber has a strong smell at first. The smell dissipates fairly quickly once you air them out a bit.

I love these shoes. They are attractive, comfortable, and the back is waaay more flexible than I'd expected.
They're lightweight, flexible, and cool. I've had some similar shoes before that everyone loved, but they made my feet sweat buckets so I couldn't stand them. I've encountered no such problems with these shoes. The whole shoe moves with your foot as you move. Unlike some shoes I've tried that were like walking on planks of wood.

This pic feels Peter Pan-esque.

One Small Issue: 
The front outer edge of the shoe (where the strap meets the front end) rubs leaving a red mark right behind my pinky toes. This is a common issue for me with shoes of this style, so I'm declaring it a non-issue and I am confident it will go away as I break in the leather more. I do have really thin feet though - so people with wide feet might want to try them on before purchasing them.

Overall:
I would recommend these shoes to just about anyone. They Rock!

Buy The Karma Here!

Here's the rubber sole.

David Magone PranaVayu DVD Review

Apparently David Magone has been featured in places like Yoga Journal, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Some might say he's kind of a big deal. I, however, had never heard of him before I got an email asking me if I'd review his Intermediate PranaVayu DVD. To keep things as concise as possible I'm not going to say much about what I learned about him or this style of yoga. I'm just going to talk about the DVD.

Learn about David and PranaVayu by visiting the website - here.

What is PranaVayu?
A style of vinyasa yoga that skillfully combines physical and spiritual practices into one effective style.

David’s work has been heavily influenced by Ideokinesis pioneer Mabel Todd, the Periodization theories of Tudor Bompa, the yogic discipline of Yoga 23 founder Andrei Sidersky, and the Tibetan approach to meditation under the guidance of his guru, the venerable Khenpo Lama Migmar Tseten Rinpoche.

What I thought:

• Labelled Intermediate. I'd call it Beginner-Intermediate.
• Speech is rhythmic and calming. Avoids over-instruction while remaining informative. 
• Music amplifies meditative aspect of practice rather than distracts.
• Practice opens with nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) - love it! 

• Keeps neck safety at the top of the priority list. Uncommon and Appreciated.
• A couple poses I've never done before which is always fun.
• Gives plenty of options for students to decide if they want to practice with more or less intensity.
• Camel pose was spacious and light. 
• Agnistambhasana is under-instructed for the more beginner of students.
• Final meditation in savasana - What can I say - it made me feel really happy.

Ultimately: 
I'd gladly recommend this DVD to anyone that has been practicing long enough to be well-versed in beginners classes, but are a little scared of the Advanced classes. 4.5 Stars (out of 5).
Buy it HERE for $20 + shipping.


Readers via Email - Click Here for the Video.

TheraPED Review

As a yogi I ask a lot of my feet, so when Health Enterprises, Inc offered me the chance to review their product the TheraPED, "Spa Therapy for your Feet", I agreed optimistically. I have had to ice/soak my feet many times being as active as I am, so I figured I'd give these a shot.

A little more about TheraPEDs:
MSRP $9.99
Included in CMA gift bags.
Given the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
Available only in Zebra print.
One highly adjustable size fits all.
TheraPED's are basically cushy hot/cold gel packs that you can strap onto your feet (with very soft velcro)  for therapeutic purposes.

I tried these 3 separate times in order to give them a really good chance to impress me. The 1st time was upon returning home from the gym - Heat. The 2nd time was upon waking with sore feet the next day - Heat. A couple days later I tried them after a vigorous yoga session - Cold. I followed the enclosed instructions to the letter.

I was a little hesitant because they were so silly looking to me. Putting them on really solidified this. I laughed like a maniac at how much I looked like a zebra-duck. When I was done with them - Adam tried them too and had the same results I did.

My Findings:
Heat: Completely Ineffective.

Cold: While it was slightly more effective than when heated, it mostly just made my foot uncomfortable with the cold gel directly on my foot instead of having cloth between skin and cold like I always do for iced injuries.

Toe spacers: Mostly just held it in place - didn't affect my toes at all. Too soft and thin to be noticeable. I have really open flexible toes, so I'm not surpised that the spacers did nothing for me and it doesn't mean anything. However, Adam got no better results from them than I did.

These might be great for people that wear heels a lot, but I can't vouch for their usefulness to anyone else. For me they might be better if they addressed the heel of my foot or my ankles instead of just the ball and top of the foot.
Only one per box surprised me. Since feet come in a pair, socks come in pairs, shoes come in pairs...

TheraPEDs are clearly well made and I like the convenience of being able to strap the heat/cold directly onto your foot and not worry about it shifting as you watch TV or read a book. Unfortunately I can't say that they delivered anything therapeutic to me except a little laughter.

Energy Muse Jewelry - Review & Giveaway

You may have seen Energy Muse ads and jewelry around. They're leaders in Wearable Crystal Energy, produced in the USA, and available worldwide. They're regularly featured in magazines and worn by tons of celebrities like Kate Hudson, David Beckham, and Michael Franti to name a few. Recently they contacted me about doing a review/giveaway of their Compassion Bracelet and I was thrilled to be given the chance.

Photo courtesy of Energy Muse. MSRP: $69.99

Energy Muse Compassion Bracelet Description:
"This bracelet is worn to allow yourself to achieve Compassion. Compassion is the purest love, which gives yet asks for nothing in return. It is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of love that one can achieve. It is through Compassion that one attains the ability to reach deep inside oneself to achieve self-fulfillment. Citrine promotes joy, love, and light. It repels and transforms negative energy, making it possible to achieve happiness. It lifts the soul, bestowing courage, personal power, and selfconfidence. Scene Jasper encourages a connection with one’s true self. It inspires and energizes the entire body. Pink Jade inspires happiness and openness, helping one realize their dreams and accomplish their purpose in life. As you discover yourself, you realize that your happiness grows immensely when the fulfillment of Compassion is achieved. The Rudraksha beads along the bracelet are natural seeds that emit positive vibrations. The colored cord is 100% Silk."

I love this fantastic colorful bracelet - and Energy Muse has been kind enough to provide another compassion bracelet for one lucky reader!

Fit/Size: Dare I say the compassion bracelet fits me perfectly? At 7.5" it may be a little small for larger wrists, but for most women and small guys it should work.
Comfort: This bracelet just oozes comfort. It never got in the way, and at times it didn't even feel like I was wearing it. With most bracelets I usually fight with them all day or get them caught on things, but this one wasn't obnoxious at all. Zero irritation.
Quality: Really solid construction. A lot of beaded jewelry tends to feel flimsy, but this hardy piece feels like I could possibly play tug'o'war with it. Even the clasp is hefty. I am confident it will last through consistent enthusiastic wear for years.
Overall: I feel I could wear this bracelet anywhere. To a "fancy" party, a coffee shop, or even to yoga class. It goes with every single outfit I've worn with it so far. The compassion bracelet has a gradient of yellow/orange/pink and is just dripping with Joy. I would definitely recommend purchasing this bracelet or other Energy Muse products to anyone. This bracelet is everything I thought it would be. It's my new favorite bracelet (and I have a lot of them). We could all use more compassion, and there's even a matching necklace that I'm drooling over.

Maybe you want it for yourself - a little treat to remind you to cultivate compassion with every breath... or think it would make a great gift (holiday season is here) for your mom, sister, girlfriend, best friend, yoga teacher, etc. If this particular bracelet doesn't suit you - be sure and check out the website for tons of different products for all genders, styles, and budgets.

How to Enter to Win:

Do at least one of the 3 things listed below.
Leave a separate comment on this post for each of the 3 entry methods you do.

• Like Energy Muse on Facebook
• Tweet this Giveaway (include @energymuse and @heartsexpanding)
• Blog this Giveaway

Who's Eligible? Everyone!
Deadline: November 22nd, midnight GMT
Winner Announced via random number: November 23rd
Make sure there's a way for me to contact you in your comments, or
I'll have to give your prize to the cat.

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations to Rachel at Alive in the Fire! You Win a pair of pants and a tank from Champion!

Rachel said: If yoga pants gave me super powers: "My superpower would be to respond to difficult situations with gratitude (a truly yogic perspective)."

Thanks to all who entered.

Today is the final day of National Yoga Month and the last day of the 30 Day Yoga Challenge. If you've been following along since day one - Congratulations on reaching your 30 Days of home practice! If you started later than that - just keep going and send a shout out when you finish.

 Let me know how the challenge affected your life. If you feel that it didn't and it was a waste of time - tell me that too!

Now get your Yoga on.

Champion Shape Review & Giveaway

Last week I received an awesome little package at my door. It was an outfit from the new Champion Shape line to review. All black pants and tank top with smoothing shaping control panels and sweat-wicking materials. As you know I was in the middle of a slow-down detox week so I waited until the weekend to try them out. That way I could put this outfit through the ringer of a full 2-3 hour yoga practice. These pants and tank would go forward, backward, upside down, get twisted in, and sweated through. Luckily, they passed the test, and there's a giveaway too.

I'll start from the top.
As other reviews have mentioned - because it is a shape-smoothing tank it is slightly stiff and difficult to get on/off. Adam actually had to be called in to get it off, but I have multiple shirts from various athletic brands that require this. My shoulders and chest are just large enough that it's a common issue for me. Therefore I don't consider this a dealbreaker. It still fit well and did not leave red painful chafe marks (something I consider far more important). Another plus, was coverage confidence. Big busted women everywhere know that many tanks leave you feeling like you're going to fall out at any time. This was never a problem; even upside down.

 While the pants also have control panels in them I never found them stiff or uncomfortable in any way. I tend to have a problem with pants being too tight on my thighs, and these pants did not squeeze me the wrong way. They were totally comfortable. Adam also pointed out that there is a very flattering seam-line that runs along the butt of these pants. It makes your butt look rounder if you tend towards flatness.

 

Overall:
At $40 for the top, and $50 for the pants, they are highly affordable in the yoga clothes world. The sweat-wicking worked great - I never felt soggy or gross. As you can see by the pics, all that control clearly did not impede movement or range of motion in any way. Not too shabby.

The Champion Shape Giveaway!

I was so pleased with the set I tried out, that I asked for a set for one of my readers, so we can finish off National Yoga Month with a bang.

One of you is getting free Champion Shape pants and a tank!

Who can enter: Anyone

When: Giveaway Ends Sept 29th at Midnight

(winner announced sept 30th by random number generator)

How to Enter:

(Mandatory) First Entry: Leave a comment on this post telling me: "If yoga pants gave you super powers - What would yours be?" (1 entry)

(Optional) Extra Credit Entries:

leave a separate comment (or 2 where allowed) here for each one that you do.

Become a Follower of my Blog - 1 entry

Follow my twitter - 1 entry

Tweet about the giveaway - 1 entry per day

Blog about it - 2 entries

Facebook it - 2 entries

That's up to 8 entries/comments on day one and 1 more entry daily for tweeting.
Yowza that's a lot of entries!

Make sure there's a way for me to contact you in your comments, or I'll have to give your prize to the cat.