Published on July 16, 2013
A little Yin yoga to stretch and soothe the ligaments and release the hips and hamstrings deeply. Coupled with some intense core for a little Yang. Followedby some nice front and back-body opening. Walk away having released the areas we tend to hold: on-hips and shoulders, and fired up that strong center. Balance!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 20, 2025
Hello friends! This is a classic intermediate 90-minute flow class with an emphasis on hip-opening while working with the concept of ahimsa. Ahimsa is one of the five Yamas and it is the practice of nonviolence. Most yogis will get behind the idea of trying to be kind as you move through the world, but what about the quality of your inner dialogue? What about your expectations of yourself each day in a world that is presenting lots of challenges? Are they realistic expectations, or are you setting yourself up? Grab a couple of blocks, and maybe your dog, cat, goldfish or ferret, and let's play. Rufus my new rescue dog is learning how to be in the room during yoga. He's a puppy, but he's doing pretty well. Mostly. Enjoy!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 14, 2025
A class for days when you want a full-body practice in half the time. We start by getting grounded and tuning into the breath, and then we open the shoulders, hips and hamstrings. Deep core-work to support the spine, and backbends to send you into the day with your heart wide open. Two blocks and a strap may be helpful if cow face pose is challenging.
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 4, 2025
Perfect for days when you don't have a lot of time but want to get the energy moving! This short practice still packs a punch if you're looking to quiet your mind, slow down your breathing, and open the shoulders, hips and hamstrings. It's a full-body flow in a third of the time, but you'll walk away from your mat feeling grounded and open!
By Ally Hamilton on Jul 30, 2025
This is an all-levels old school flow where we move slowly and mindfully, breathe deeply, and stay curious about sensation. There is no rushing, no attachment to the outcome, just discernment from moment-to-moment and the desire to find an equal amount of effort and ease as we go. If you're looking for a deep, steady practice where we pause, play with focal points, stay with the breath, and remember why we're doing what we're doing, this is it :) Beginners and advanced practitioners and everyone in between, welcome! 2 blocks may be helpful to "lift the floor up" if your hamstrings tend to be a little tight, if you have long legs, and/or if you like blocks for restorative options!
By Ally Hamilton on Jun 23, 2025
A flow to say thank you to the givers. So many of you have been practicing with me for years. Some of you I've gotten to meet in person, like my dear friend Peggy, others I have not. Either way, I want you to know I think about you all the time and appreciate you so much. Peggy is retiring after decades of working, momming and putting her family first. I know so many of us who are always squeezing in time for ourselves and I wanted to say I see you. Congratulations on your retirement, Peggy. May you have time for long practices, good books, and time to put your feet up. This is a slow flow to open the hips, shoulders, hamstrings and heart. Lots of love.
By Ally Hamilton on Jun 22, 2025
A quick but thorough flow to get things moving and open up the whole body. Particular love for the hips, shoulders and hamstrings. Enjoy when you're short on time but want a full practice!
By Ally Hamilton on May 6, 2025
I said this would be short, but once I got going it felt so good, I kept going, so this is an hour-long flow. Sorry not sorry :) This is a flow to release your hips, hamstrings, psoas and IT bands which will feel great for everyone, and (bonus!) ought to help anyone after a long day of travel, after a run, or a long hike - or anyone who might be dealing with a little sciatic pain. I felt 95% better after this. Don't let the slower start fool you. We spend the first 15 minutes on the floor releasing the hips and hamstrings in a targeted, progressive way, then we move into some intense core work, surprise! Then we get moving with a fun, heat-building flow, and end with arm balances, backbends, and more hip and hamstring opening. You may benefit from a strap and blanket, you will want a couple of blocks. Enjoy, yogis!
By Ally Hamilton on Apr 5, 2025
You know those days when you don't have a lot of time, but really want your practice? Me, too! How about some deep, conscious breathing, your keen attention to sensation from moment-to-moment, hip, shoulder, and hamstring opening, core strengthening, back-bending and arm balancing with a nice savasana all in 28 minutes? Sound good? Awesome, let's do it. You might want a couple of blocks to "lift the floor up." Enjoy, yogis!
By Ally Hamilton on Feb 28, 2025
We start out with some grounding and breathing, a few minutes to "arrive" in the body and connect to sensation. We move into a slow and steady flow, and then a standing sequence that is foundational, with long holds so you can feel your way in and stay curious. We build enough heat to get to the floor and deeply open the hips, shoulders, and hamstrings. Please be sure to have two blocks and a strap handy. There are options for everything, and building blocks as well. Hip opening includes double pigeon, gomukhasana, and half lotus variations if appropriate, or knee-friendly poses if not. You may want the strap for shoulder opening or for some of the wraps. This practice is designed to calm your nervous system and open every major muscle group, deeply. Lots of love xx
By Ally Hamilton on Feb 4, 2025
A practice for these times, friends. We start with some grounding, breathing, and awareness of sensation so we can get present. Then we head into an energizing flow that targets shoulder, hip and hamstring opening, with extra love for your hips. Eka pada koundinyasana 2 is in the playlist today, along with the building blocks to get there, or hip-opening options if you need to take it easy today. Core strengthening, but of course. And a reminder to cultivate compassion and friendliness toward yourself, so essential right now. Sending you lots of love.
Ally Hamilton
