Published on March 2, 2014
In this short and sweaty hip opening, shoulder opening, and core strengthening flow, we work toward the arm balance eka pada koundinyasana II (or the building blocks to move toward it). As always, it's the quality you bring to whatever it is you're doing that's the thing. So enjoy, explore, and don't forget to breathe!
By Ally Hamilton on Dec 30, 2024
Hello friends! This is a shorter version of a class I do in person at the end of one year, moving into the beginning of another. We begin with a steady flow to get the breath and energy moving, and open up every major muscle group. It's an intermediate, slower flow with lots of time to feel your feelings and breathe deeply. Savasana happens in a restorative heart opener. Then I give you some journaling prompts to check in with yourself and get clear about where you are now - how you're feeling in your life, whether there are any habits you want take a look at, what it is you'd like to release and what you want to cultivate in the new year. You'll need a pen and paper :) I hope you enjoy, and I'm sending you my best wishes for 2025 <3
By Courtney Harms on Dec 23, 2024
A short, sweet, and strong practice for when you're really short on time, but want to reset physically and mentally. Breathe, strengthen and recharge now!
By Ally Hamilton on Dec 16, 2024
Looking for a full-body flow in under an hour? Here you go! Lots of deep breathing, shoulder, hip and hamstring opening, core strengthening, chances to play on your hands and upside down, and a very sweet savasana. Two blocks and a bolster may be helpful.
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 28, 2024
This is a full-body flow with extra love for the hips and hamstrings. The holidays can be a joyful time of year, but they can also be a time where you feel longing, grief or family stress. We'll spend some time calming the nervous system, focusing on mindful breath, and cultivating gratitude for however things may be right now, even if they're hard. Just being able to meet yourself where you are is something to celebrate. There are chances to play with standing balance and arm balances, and options if you need or want to dial things down. Send you so much love.
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 19, 2024
We open with a short (7 minute) talk about yoga philosophy including the Yama and Niyama, in particular ahimsa, satya, svadhyaya, and the concept of non-attachment. Also the very human experience of being attached to loved ones and their well-being. Then we head into a flow that targets the hips, shoulders and hamstrings. We have some deep core strengthening, and opportunities to play with tripod headstand variations and arm balances including firefly and bhujapidasana. We close the practice with alternate nostril breathing so you walk away from your mat feeling calm and balanced. Love to all xx
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 1, 2024
This practice opens with a short (4 minute) talk about attachment and non-attachment, the sandwich generation, loss, grief, change - and how cultivating curiosity is the best and easiest way to move through it all (which doesn't mean it's easy, just easier). We then move into a dancing warrior flow that targets hip and shoulder opening, standing balance, core strength, backbends, deep stretching, and inversions. Try to stay curious about what you're feeling as you move from shape to shape, and let your deep breath be the foundation. Quick note - we are replacing a mixer, but I went ahead and filmed without it. I know the sound is a little echo-y, but I don't think it will be distracting. Love to all as we navigate whatever losses come our way x
By Ally Hamilton on Oct 18, 2024
Hello friends! This is a calming, grounding yin practice with breath-work. If you're dealing with anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia, or just generally feel like your nervous system needs a reboot, join me. This is a great evening practice, but you can use it anytime you want a deep stretch, especially for the hips and hamstrings - though the shoulders get some love here, too. Yin yoga is about long holds - really allowing the muscles, fascia and tissue around the joints to release - and when you add deep, conscious breath along with curiosity about sensation, you have something extra potent and special. 2 blocks may be very helpful. This is not a heat-building practice, so please listen to your body and don't force anything. Enjoy x
By Angela Kukhahn on Oct 5, 2024
Hi yogis! This is a quick, energizing, thorough flow targeting hip, hamstring and inner-thigh opening. You can also count on shoulder opening and deep core engagement as we go. Enjoy! Great for mornings, or any time you want something short, sweet and deep! You may benefit from having 2 blocks and a strap handy if you need them!
By Ally Hamilton on Oct 5, 2024
I filmed this for you on a day when I am a little depleted. I've been fighting something for a few days and wanted to give you a practice for days like this, too! This is a slow, mindful practice with long holds and deep, conscious breath. We open the hips, hamstrings and shoulders. There is s standing sequence and some standing balance, and lots of nice, juicy stretching on the floor. This is great as an evening practice after a long day, for anytime you're feeling anxious, it's a sweet practice when you're on your cycle, but it's also great for any time you need something nurturing, grounding, and deep. You may want a block or two, and you may benefit from a strap. Enjoy, yogis.
By Ally Hamilton on Sep 17, 2024
Hello from the Practice Garden! Why haven't we been filming out here lately?! I don't know, but this was beautiful. This is an hour-long flow that targets hamstring and shoulder opening with a lot of love for the hips and core, and includes fun arm balances like crow pose, bhujapidasana and firefly pose, and a tripod headstand with lotus legs if you're in the mood. The pace is steady, this is not a 4-alarm fire, but rather a nice, heat-building pace with time for conscious breath and long holds. Enjoy, yogis!@blocks may be helpful but aren't strictly necessary unless you need to "lift the floor up"! You might want a strap for cow-face pose if your shoulders require patience and care.
Ally Hamilton
