By Samantha McConnell

As a mom, finding time for any sort of exercise can be next to impossible. Additionally, it has become incredibly easy to get discouraged when all of the fad diets, exercise programs, and supposed magic diet pills on the market prove to be flops. However, the tried and true exercise form of yoga has proven time and time again, and for the span of centuries, just how effective it is. This is a practice so effective, that even the most sought after celebrities have given yoga a go. And the wisdom and teachings behind many of Hollywood’s finely tuned physiques comes from none other than Mandy Ingber. Former actress turned yogi, yoga instructor and now author, Mandy gives great advice to all on life, fitness, and the importance of carving out time for yourself in this special interview.

1) Yoga is a practice that has taken America by storm. What is it that drew you to yoga?

I was raised on yoga. My father was very progressive and cutting edge. When I was age 5-6 my father began his practice which evolved throughout his life. In an effort to gain my father’s praise, and due to his example of self exploration, I too was pulled into the yoga world. There was no yoga community or culture when I was a child. It was extremely fringe. Many people found out about yoga at my house. We were also the first people to be vegan, macrobiotic, use acupuncture rather than go to doctors…it was just the way my household was. I was not drawn to yoga, I was steeped in it. I didn’t really have a choice…I didn’t have to seek it out.

2) You have had a hand in shaping the bodies of some of Hollywood’s most prominent and sought after celebrities. From Jennifer Aniston to Woody Harrelson; you have been everywhere! Do you feel a strong sense of pride knowing that your teachings played a part in their fitness?

Woody was actually one of my co-stars from my former career as an actor. I remember the first episode of Cheers that Woody ever shot. The ‘80s! He was one of the people in my life who knew me as a cutting edge yogi, because although he was just getting into yoga, I had been practicing for over a decade at that time. He encouraged me to be a teacher. He probably doesn’t even remember saying that, but I remembered. It just somehow resonated, and now I understand why.

Regarding feeling pride. I do feel proud that I have been an aspect of so many people’s lives. Prior to being a teacher, I was an actor and watched many of my friends become successful. Then I became a spinning instructor in 1996, and I have had a hand as a supporter in many people’s lives. Being an observer of people caring for themselves fills me with joy. So, yes, that’s very gratifying to hold space for the individual that is practicing self- care. It’s one of the most challenging aspects of our culture: to make time for self-care. I love my work, for it is a safe place for people to do that. I also love that through the celebrities that I have turned on to spinning or yoga or anything health related, that the very practices I was raised with have gotten more exposure. In that way, I feel I have contributed immensely to the yoga community as well. I almost owe it to my personal history….to my father. It’s the legacy.

3) For many women today, carving out time to take care of their body is a struggle. What advice would you give to those who have a hard time squeezing exercise into their day?

We all struggle with putting ourselves first. You kind of have to trick yourself into it. Perhaps putting it in your date book like it is an appointment, making it buddy time so you have a healthy way to be social with your friend, or reminding yourself that your child follows your lead. I follow my father’s good example of self care. It’s hygiene. Good healthy habits. So, I guess if you can’t do it for yourself, pretend you are doing it for someone else! You might even enjoy it, and look forward to it as your “me” time. It’s like brushing your teeth though or taking a shower…your body requires daily practice and consistency to feel good, and the body is the greatest gift you were ever given. Celebrate it and use your gift! You only need 30-6- min 5 x’s a week.

4) Do you think moms can get a good yoga session in with their children around, or would you say that yoga is best practiced with no distractions?

It really depends upon the individual. Maybe there is a way to do it together? My father practiced in the middle of the hall in the morning and the living room at night. We attended a family yoga class once a week…so I would say, it can be a part of family time. However, it’s whatever works for you.

5) What is the biggest misconception that beginners to yoga seem to have expressed to you?

That it makes you calm or spiritual. Yoga is just like anything else, you make it your own. You can take a walk in a spiritual way, just as you can practice yoga in a Type A way. The mindset is up to you. There is no magical pill that is going to change you. It’s a choice you make. It’s not one action that creates us, it’s an accumulation of our habits and the way in which we execute them. Also, yoga does not have to be boring, too easy or woo woo. We are living in a time where there are yoga options for everyone, so I recommend trying 6 different styles with a variety of teachers until you find what resonates with you.

6) Aside from the physical benefits from engaging in the practice of yoga, would you say there are any additional benefits? Would you say there to be any psychological benefits perhaps?

Of course. No matter where you go, there you are. Yoga confronts you with yourself in a challenging process. You get to observe where your thoughts go when you hit your edge. You get to hang with it, and build a relationship with your own thoughts, emotions and physicality. When you develop a sense of self observations through this detached way of being, you are able to make changes in multiple areas of your life. It’s a great model for the rest of your life and a terrific place to start. I will say that you can find this way of observation off of the mat, with proper guidance.

7) When people take on a new activity there are bound to be some humorous slip-ups. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened in one of your classes? Have you ever had a beginner student that took to it particularly well?

Humorous? I can’t think of one. I guess my favorite is when people freak out if a cell phone rings. My theory on that is, if you can’t handle that…you’re gonna have a really hard day. Life is a lot more challenging than a phone ringing. Regarding students taking to yoga, of course! I find that often dancers will try yoga, and immediately appear to be connecting with energy lines and the dynamic expression of the pose. Actors tend to take to it well, since the physicality of a role is part of the craft. Yes, people who are new take to it all the time. In fact, even if you have taken it before and didn’t like it, you may find that now you do, Life is funny that way, in terms of timing. What wasn’t possible yesterday can be possible today.

8) Let’s say that I wanted to start doing yoga right now. What would you say I would need for my yoga starter kit? Have you found any products to be superior to others?

A yoga mat. I like Manduka or Kulae. You won’t need a brick strap or bolster if you try a class, for the studio will have that for you to play with. If you have wrist issues, you may consider a wedge. A glass water bottle to bring to class, Life Factory, which has multi colors and a protector is a great brand. My DVD Yogalosophy and my Book of course! My app on your iPhone! The greatest part about yoga is that all you really need is your body. Also, love some good yoga wear. Lululemon, Athleta, Fabletics, all great. My favorite yoga music: Krishna Das.

9) Your book, Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover, available for purchase from the official Mandy Ingber Store, provides a 28-day plan for the reader to achieve a healthier body and better eating habits. What made you decide to do the book considering how much of your teachings can be found on YouTube?

I always wanted to write a book because my students would say that I should share my philosophy and daily motivations, so the book was an organic extension of what I was sharing in my classes. When you write, you are able to go deeper [than] in a video which is visual and entertaining. I have always been a voracious reader and like to hold something in my hand, take it with me and think on it. I may seem bubbly, but the bubbles well up from the depth. I also love reading and books myself. It’s a quality product. The quality of this book is what I love especially. Jen told me that when Courteney Cox held it that was the first thing she said. I agree. Seal did a great job with the layout.

10) Yoga is a practice that dates back to the first millennium BCE, yet you have managed to keep it fresh, engaging, and most importantly, successful! Where do you find the inspiration to keep this old practice fresh and interesting?

I am inspired by making each day a fresh start, and each moment a new opportunity. Yoga is no different than how I feel about the rest of my life, we are constantly evolving. Usually it is more internal than external. That journey is about perception. It is lovely to be able to approach each moment with beginners mind. I simply share what my perspective is and attempt to be open to what comes my way. It’s never too late to start over again.

The post Yoga For All in Fall appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With modern-day medical conveniences, it’s easy to book an appointment for a quick injection to prevent or remove wrinkles in the most obvious of places.  A little Botox here, a little Botox there, and voila! you’re looking a few years younger in no time. Granted, you’ve just paralyzed your facial muscles and decreased your chances of making normal emotional expressions, but hey, it’s worth it, right?

Wrong.  

Ever heard of facial yoga? No? Let us enlighten you.

We have over 40 muscles in our face, 5 of which are used to express universal emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger and fear, just to name a few. Just like with other bodily muscles, they can be strengthened naturally with regular exercise and firming routines. 

Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong again.

We recently connected with the world’s leading face yoga expert, Danielle Collins, to explore this all-natural, painless and, dare we say, ridiculously easy method to younger looking skin, minus the syringe.

To wipe out wrinkles, Collins recommends daily facial exercises, massage, acupressure and relaxation, all of which takes a total of 20 minutes a day to complete – 10 minutes for the upper face and 10 minutes for the lower face.

According to Collins, the benefits of regularly practicing her yoga method have the ability to “reduce lines and wrinkles, lift and firm facial muscles and skin, improve skin tone, reduce headaches and eye strain, and give the face an energetic appearance and healthy glow.”

“Face yoga is for everyone,” says Collins. “Men and women, young and old. Face yoga is very useful if you want to reduce signs of aging and tension.” Collins, who has been practicing her now world-renowned yoga method since her diagnosis with M.E. many years ago, says these exercises and techniques can also be used in times of stress to alleviate signs of aging due to tension.

“By massaging correctly you will feel your skin will have better circulation, look smoother and firmer, toxins will be removed and tensions reduced.” Collins suggests using a lighter touch as the skin on the face is much thinner than the rest of the body.  And just like with regular exercise, individual results will vary based on your routine. 

“As a general rule, long term improvement in your face and neck can be seen after 2 weeks.” Expect to notice less fine lines and tensions after 2-4 months. 

Eager to get started?  Here’s Collins 3 most popular face yoga exercises: 

The “V” – to reduce lines and wrinkles around the eyes and to make the eyes more open and energized.

Put both your middle fingers together between your eyebrows then apply pressure to the outer corners of your eyes with your index fingers. Look up and start to move the lower eyelids upwards, making a strong squint. Then relax and repeat 6 more times. To finish squeeze your eyes shut for 10 seconds then relax.

“The Smile Smoother” – to reduce lines around the mouth and to lift and firm the cheeks and jaw.

Hide your teeth with your lips and make an ‘O’ shape with the mouth. Then, smile as wide as you can and keep hiding the teeth. Repeat 6 times. Next, hold the smile shape and place one index finger on the chin. Then start to move your jaw up and down as you tilt your head back. Relax and repeat twice more.

“Giraffe”– to tone and lift the neck area.

Looking straight ahead place your finger tips on the top of your neck and lightly stroke the skin down as you tilt your head back. Bring your head back down and repeat twice more. Then jut your lower lip out as far as possible, place your fingers on your collarbone and point your chin upwards, pulling the corners of your mouth down. Hold for 4 deep breaths.

To learn more about Danielle Collins Face Yoga method and to explore more techniques, visit www.faceyogaexpert.com.

The post How to Wipe Out Wrinkles for Good appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you have been a yoga practitioner for any amount of time, you may start to notice certain habits start to become part of your life. You might start each morning with a sun salutation before you’ve even had breakfast or do spinal twists at odd moments throughout the day. You can find yourself saying Namaste instead of goodbye at the end of conversations. All of these signs may indicate that you spend a lot of time at the yoga studio!

If you do spend a great deal of time doing yoga, you might also find yourself gravitating towards particular poses or mat colors. Besides reducing stress and improving sleep quality, yoga can be an excellent method of self-reflection by paying more attention to your habits. Our individual yoga preferences can say much about own personalities!

For example, there is quite a bit of discussion about what the color of your yoga mat says about you. If you like red, that could mean you are action-oriented, determined, passionate, and have strong emotions. If you choose a blue yoga mat, you are more calm and deliberate. Lovers of green yoga mats are honest and seek out harmony while those with yellow yoga mats are optimistic as well as logical.

The list goes on! People with orange yoga mats love to take on challenges and have enthusiastic personalities. Yogis with black mats give off a feeling of power and sophistication while people who like brown mats are solid and want to feel a connection to the Earth. Those with pink yoga mats are often sensitive and idealistic, and those who choose purple like to be unconventional yet dignified. Be sure to notice the color of your classmates’ mats next time!

The same could also be said about personalities and favorite yoga poses. Those who enjoy the Corpse Pose could probably use more rest in their lives so don’t be surprised if these individuals fall asleep during yoga class! On the other hand, those who like Tree Pose enjoy feeling connected to the ground but like to test their limits too. Forward Fold-ers are most likely introspective and often get caught up in their own heads. Those who enjoy Backbends are always anticipating the future and have open hearts.

All in all, yoga is not just a good way to feel physically and emotionally whole. It can also give insights into who you are as a person!

The post What Your Yoga Style Says About Your Personality appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Turbulent, fast-paced, chaotic – the modern world is increasingly hectic. From this oft-crazy environment, a new movement is emerging – where people are pausing to find deeper meaning in everyday life. Self-empowerment and true emotional connections can counterbalance daily stress and uncertainty, providing happiness and a genuine sense of worth.

If you find the days seem to slip away and life’s hurried pace to be draining, it’s time to find some simple ways to add meaning to your life. Here are five ideas for nurturing a deeper connection with yourself and others:

1. Reconnect with your passion 
Did you enjoy painting when you were younger? Have you always wanted to take a photography class? Do you love to travel? It’s important to recognize and nurture those activities you love most so that you’re able to go out and do what you’re great at in the world. New York-based yoga instructor, Tara Stiles has infused her passion and energy into her work as a yoga, meditation and wellness instructor. “Passion is really about going after what you want to achieve in your life,” says Stiles. Whether it’s cooking, writing or gardening, make time for what you enjoy doing, rather than just doing what you have to. Even one hour a week dedicated to your passion will make you feel more centered and grounded.

2. Express your individuality 
Individual beliefs and values make us each unique, and you can express those ideals through your fashion and jewelry choices. For example, the new Pandora Essence Collection is more than just a beautiful bracelet. You can select from 24 hand finished charms, each representing inner-values like faith, love, courage, confidence and wisdom. Each charm slides effortlessly into position on a slender silver bracelet, thanks to three silicone grip stoppers inside each charm. Whether for yourself or a gift for a loved one, the bracelet is the perfect reminder of what’s really important in life.

3. Give back 
Volunteering in your community is a great way to connect with others and find deeper meaning in the everyday. Leila Janah, a social entrepreneur based in San Francisco, traveled to West Africa at the age of 17, and volunteered in a school for blind children. The experience led her to found Samasource, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals living in poverty. Janah recalls that “[Volunteering in West Africa] was a time of incredible personal growth and it set me on the path to do what I do.” Whether you choose to help stock a local food shelf, supervise at your children’s school or travel abroad to help build houses for the poor, volunteering is sure to make you feel more connected with the world around you.

4. Find “me time” 
Modern life can be very busy with every hour in every day dedicated to some activity. This can take its toll on your body, so it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, even if you’re taking care of others. Find your own way to relax and rejuvenate. This may be spending a few minutes each day balancing the mind and body through stretching and meditation. It might be taking a quiet walk, reading a book or having a cup of tea while journaling. Whatever you prefer, make sure to take “me time” throughout the day.

5. Be an ambassador for your beliefs 
What truly ignites your soul? It may be your passion for green living, healthy eating or your faith. Whatever your beliefs, it’s important to show the world who you are and what you believe in. Penelope Jagessar Chaffer, an award-winning filmmaker, shares her beliefs and connects with others through her work. “I’m always trying to find that common thread between myself and someone else when I’m interviewing them,” Chaffer says. “I find that love, and talking about love, is this thing we can use to help connect us.” Talk about your beliefs and values with others; you might be surprised by what you find.

Rather than getting swept away in a hectic schedule, try focusing on what truly matters to you. These simple ways to add meaning to your life will help you reconnect with yourself and with those around you.

*BPT

The post Five simple ways to find deeper meaning in everyday life appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Not able to take that yoga retreat to India this year?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  Ditch your passport and opt for a domestic retreat right in your own backyard (okay, so you might have to drive a few miles)! We’ve scoured the nation in search of authentic, off-the-beaten-track yoga sanctuaries that won’t break your bank (or your back)! Release your inner yogi and check out our list of go-to Namaste getaways. 

Price legend:

Sat Nam Yoga Spa

Hurleyville, NY

$-$$$

Less than two hours from the hectic hustle and bustle of Manhattan awaits this private, holistic yoga getaway in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Sat Nam operates not only as a yoga studio that welcomes drop-ins and daily visitors, but doubles as a bed and breakfast. By renovating a turn-of-the-century barn, Sat Nam now offers both rooms and apartments for rent on their sprawling estate.  Restore your wellness through meditation in their tranquil gardens, calm your body with flotation spa therapy, or simply gather for daily group Kundalini yoga in the studio.   

Mountain Light Sanctuary

Barnardsville, NC

$-$$

Nestled in Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina lies a real-life version of Swiss Family Robinson, inclusive of tree houses and rustic shelters all perched above the tandem creeks that run through this lush mountain retreat.  Electricity is optional, so prepare for life unplugged during your stay.  

The Yoga Lodge on Whidbey Island

Greenbank, WA

$-$$

This serene escape features a tranquil outdoor sauna, manicured orchards and community nature trails that have been carved out of the estates 10 lush acres.  A resident chef who is seasoned in the art of organic and vegetarian cooking provides meals to all guests of the lodge throughout the week.  Specializing in therapeutic yoga/Ayurveda, The Yoga Lodge offers both private and group sessions, along with other personalized retreat options.

Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

San Juan, CA

$

PVS is a permanent home to a small and secluded community of off-the-grid yogis who live and breathe the practices of Paramhansa Yogananda.  Informal stays for personal yoga retreats are welcomed, with your choice of tent, shared cabin, or main house accommodations (includes all meals).  This Sierra Nevada foothills sanctuary is perfect for a quick getaway either solo or with friends. 

Rolling Meadows Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Brooks, ME

$$$-$$$$

Don’t let the price tag turn you away; this retreat ranks as one of the most breathtaking escapes you will ever experience.  Offering a yearly schedule of small group yoga retreats in a fully restored 1840’s New England farmhouse is only one of its many charms.  With over 100 acres to explore, this exquisitely manicured property is truly a work of art.  Spend well-needed and uninterrupted time in the natural world during a yoga retreat at this stunning, mid-coast Maine sanctuary.

Song of the Morning Ranch

Vanderbilt, MI

$-$$$

Unplug and unwind at this spacious haven along the Pigeon River of Northern Michigan. This stunning yoga oasis offers a variety of lodging accommodations, all of which are inclusive of two meals a day, access to all yoga rooms, and participation in outdoor adventures within the 800 acre property.  Yogis flock to this site year-round to embrace the majestic surroundings of the forest and to indulge in the quiet, spiritual space of the ranch.   

Shoshoni

Rollinsville, CO

$-$$

Experience the grandeur of the Colorado Rookies – nearly 10,000 feet in the sky – at Shoshoni, a Shambhava yoga retreat.  Pitch a tent, book an eco-cabin, or bunk dorm-room style during your stay at this mountain haven and enjoy the serenity of its unspoiled landscape.  Daily yoga classes are held outdoors on the wraparound deck or in the Yoga Mandir studios.     

The post Go-To Namaste Getaways appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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