Author: nickiescudero2016
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Virabhadrasana I: How to Do Warrior I & Benefits of Warrior I in Yoga
One of the most foundational poses in a yoga practice is Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I). This pose can be quite challenging, as the full expression of the pose has the yogi bringing their thigh parallel to the ground, which can be a big quad strengthener. I see yogis who have been coming to my classes…
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5 Reasons to Take a Yoga Class at a Recreation Center
My very first yoga class, at age 18, was at a recreation center, the YMCA in Scottsdale, AZ. I’ve since taken yoga classes at dedicated yoga studios, as well as at one-off events at hotels, at pools and in a brewery tap room. While there are many benefits to taking yoga at a studio that’s…
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Breath of Joy: What Is the Breath of Joy in Yoga? How to Do the Breath of Joy
One of the most energizing ways to start a yoga practice is to use the Breath of Joy to get moving and start being more mindful of how you use the breath in yoga. The Breath of Joy is an invigorating breathing practice that involves moving your arms and standing while doing it. It can…
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5 Benefits of Yoga for Kids
One of my favorite experiences is when I get to teach a child or teen yoga. I welcome all ages to my yoga classes and recently had the pleasure of teaching four kids who joined my video game-themed yoga class in Alexandria, VA. As I say sometimes when teaching, “Yoga is simply making shapes with…
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5 Books for Yogis: Book Recommendations for People Who Love Yoga
One of my lifelong favorite hobbies has been reading. I make it a goal to read at least 25 books a year (I’ve never listened to an audiobook, so they’re all read on my digital reader or in print), and at least a few of these books are based in the self-help/philosophical/spiritual realm. I find…
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Sukhasana: How to Do Easy Seat in Yoga, Benefits & More
Even with a pose with the word “easy” in the name, there’s always somewhere new to go and develop your yoga practice. Easy Seat (Sukhasana), also known as Easy Pose, is a foundational yoga pose that’s included in many practices. This simple cross-legged position is often used at the beginning and/or end of class. It’s…
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Ideas for Using Straps in Yoga: How to Use Yoga Straps
Sometimes when you go in a yoga studio, you’ll see long woven bands called yoga straps that are available to use as a prop in your practice. We have them at the recreation centers I teach in, and some people like to use them to provide their bodies with support with stretching more deeply. If…
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Yoga for Low Back: How Yoga Can Help Lower Back Pain
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly everyone will experience low back pain sometime. There are numerous causes to this, including movements like bending and lifting, or something as simple as getting older, becoming stressed, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Your back includes a system of muscles, tendons and bones that can…
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Yoga for Neck: Poses & Stretches for the Neck in Yoga
Your head weighs around 10 to 12 pounds, and that’s a lot of weight for your neck to carry around all day. The neck, also known as the cervical spine, performs many vital functions. These include not only supporting your head, but also enabling you to breathe, chew, swallow and move. Neck pain is a…
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5 Reasons to Take a Yoga Class on Vacation
Last week, I traveled to Costa Rica for the first time. I love animals and nature, and the number one thing I wanted to do while there was see some sloths and encounter monkeys. I got to do both on my very first day right at my hotel in Manual Antonio, as there were several…