My Blog

Ryan Gosling does Yoga

05/20/2012 01:03:00

Ryan Gosling - Yogi! (And Dog Lover)

By MindBodyGreen

We love that 30-year-old actor, Ryan Gosling, has joined the long list of men who are hitting the yoga mat! Apparently, Gosling his been bringing along a friend to class as well -- his beloved dog, George.

We love yoga and we love dogs here at MindBodyGreen -- and we even love yoga for dogs or 'Doga'... but we're not so sure about dogs and yoga mixing together in a regular yoga class.

What do you think about dogs being present in a yoga class?

Does it depend on the circumstance? Does it depend on the behavior of the dog? Or maybe the size of the dog?

Let us know!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3276/Ryan-Gosling-Yogi-And-Dog-Lover.html

5 Great Ways to Use a Birthing Ball For an Easier Childbirth

04/10/2012 10:44:00

As those of you who are taking my pregnancy classes know, I am a huge fan of using birthing balls during your pregnancy, labour and birth. I strongly advice all students to get a ball as soon as they know that they are pregnant and spend as much time on it as possible. Use your ball at home, relaxing, watching TV, at your desk, at your kitchen table and use that ball to ease any back pressure. Don't forget to use your ball for your daily exercises too!

For more info, check out this article by April Asorson, either read below of click here

http://mynaturalchildbirth.org/birthing-ball-for-easy-birth/

Join into one of our 5 pregnancy yoga, pregnancy pilates or pregnancy yogalates classes. Please click here for more info.

Having a birthing ball on hand during your birth can be a huge help. For me personally I wouldn’t even dream of giving birth without having one there in case I needed it, and most birth professionals would agree that it’s one of those “must have” items. There are just so many beneficial ways to use one. A birthing ball can help with everything from getting birth started, to getting the baby into a favorable position or by helping a tired Momma to keep going when things get hard. In this article I’m gonna share with you some great ways to use your birthing ball that you’ll want to know about because they may just be your saving grace during your birthing time.What is a Birthing Ball?Very simply it’s an exercise ball that you can find at any department store. We call them birthing balls because we use them for birth, but you don’t have to go seek out any sort of specialty “birthing ball.” They’re pretty inexpensive and definately invaluable.1) Using the Birthing Ball During The Early Stages of BirthWhen you first start to feel your rushes coming on using your birthing ball is a great way to ease into the process. The best way to use your birthing ball in the beginning is to simply sit on it and begin spiraling your hips in a circular motion. Having your birth partner standing in front of you holding your hands or being available for you to rest your head on between rushes can help you feel more supported.Don’t think too much, don’t worry about the direction your going, or counting your spirals. You can just follow the natural flow and rhythm that you feel in your body. Remember to trust your body and allow it to lead you. This spiraling movement is one of those essential keys to moving the rushes through without allowing them to compound and become painful. The birthing ball makes it easy to move without a ton of effort allowing you to just relax and merge that connection between the rhythm and movement of your body and the flow of the birth. While simultaneously it is opening up your pelvis creating space for your baby to move down.Using Spirals on the Birthing Ball to Get into Active LaborActive Spirals on the Birthing Ball to Get Contractions StartedNow this one is similar to the first one but is used to get your birthing rushes started. Perhaps your water has broken but it’s taking a while to progress to the point of contractions yet, so to get things rolling you can sit on the ball and do smooth but active circles (perhaps to the same flow as salsa music) for 20 minute alternating directions periodically during that time. This will bring your babies head right down onto your cervix and some nice juicy rushes (contractions) should start flowing.2) Rocking and Spiraling on Hands and Knees Over the Birthing BallGreat to use any time throughout your birth. It’s a good way to maintain that hands and knees position without putting any extra strain on your wrists. And the birthing ball is a fabulous support for your upper body allowing you to relax while your body does the work. In this position you can lean over the birthing ball and rock or sway your hips from side to side or from front to back. This movement feels really nice, and can be very soothing. Or even better spiral your hips in this position.3) Using the Birthing Ball When Mama gets Tired and Needs A Little Extra SupportBirth Partners Helping Mother on the Birthing BallAnother great reason to have a birthing ball on hand is because there may be times during your birth that you get really tired and movement may become challenging. This is when the birthing ball comes in handy. With the help of your birth partners you can sit on the ball and they can easily help to move rock and spiral your hips while your on the ball. Since balls move around easily it is a way to keep your body moving and flowing with the birth without exerting a lot of effort. Also if you’d like to lean over the birthing ball as in the previous position while your birth partners rub your back or apply warm compresses it can help you to relax and release your muscles.4) Using Birthing Ball to Progress Labor or Get Baby into Favorable PositionUsing Birthing Ball to Progress laborThis is a position to use if birth has slowed for some reason and you need to get it going again. Sometimes when birth has slowed it is because the baby has moved into an unfavorable position. This one will help to correct this and get your baby properly aligned. You sit and bend your knees touching the soles of your feet together. The birthing ball is placed in the space between your knees and you lean forward to hug the ball. Now you have two trusted people at either side of you.You vigorously rocks side to side as your support team holds your arms and shoulders to hold your weight when you lean towards them preventing you from falling. This is a vigorous movement that shifts the asynclitic (the baby’s head is tipped as if listening). It may correct the angle of the baby’s head and allow it to descend if it was in an unfavorable position.5) Deep Squatting with the Birthing Ball Squatting is a great position to be in during birth, because you are upright and working with the pull of gravity to move the baby down, it also creates a wide opening in your pelvis. The arch of the ball can help to support your upper body while in this position. This is a great one to use during all phases of birth and may even be a good possiblity during the pushing phase.So go out and get yourself a birthing ball! You can practice doing some of these moves while your pregnant such as leaning over the ball (which is awesome to help with back strain) or doing the comfortable spirals on the ball. I used my birthing ball through my whole pregnancy, which relieved a ton of the discomfort and pressure especially the further along I got, and I used it some during the birth. If you already have a birthing ball and have any tips that you’d like to share or if you have any questions please leave me a comment below

Gweneth Palthrow's Advice For the mother-to-be

04/09/2012 13:36:00

Goop for the Mum to Be

Read below or if not displaying properly, please click here:

http://goop.com/newsletter/173/en?utm_source=Goop+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ab4af7a7e8-Goop_Newsletter_173_04_05_2012&utm_medium=email

Please click here to check out my range of Pregnancy Yoga, Pregnancy Pilates and Pregnancy Yogalates classes in Dublin 2.

http://www.mywellbeing.ie/Pregnancy--Classes.html

For the mother-to-beIn the past few months we’ve received lots of reader requests for a goop issue on pregnancy, and so we got to work on the subject. Below are all my essentials plus our most recent sources of inspiration for everything from wearable maternity clothing to putting together a nursery.Love,
gp

The NurseryJessica Wilpon Kamel, the co-founder and creative director of Edition01, lends us her mood boards and inspiration for the nursery and layette she's prepared for her own baby, who's on the way.

“I’m a total website and blog junkie so when presented with the project of selecting the best places to shop for babies online, I only had to take my hundreds of bookmarked sites and begin the arduous and addicting process of editing! My husband even took the laptop away from me and told me I had to take a break from looking at baby products! I obliged, but then went straight back to it.”The FurnishingsA dream nursery comes to life in this mood board that Jessica created.The WallsSome of Jessica’s inspiration for the walls to complement her nursery layout.The LayetteA baby preparedness kit with clothes, swaddles, blankets and stuffed toys.

Guidance and Inspiration

Dr. Gowri Motha and the Gentle Birth Method

Gowri Motha is an obstetrician turned doula based in London who was invaluable to me during my pregnancy. After spending years delivering babies in UK hospitals, she came to understand that giving birth did not have to be as difficult and stressful as it can be for some, many times leading to cesareans that could have been avoided, etc. So, she developed a method of preparing mothers for giving birth called the Gentle Birth Method, which is described in her book and encompasses diet, gentle exercise tips, Reflexology, Creative Healing, Reiki, visualization, emotional preparation and more.Here’s a very relaxing foot massage from the book:This is a super easyfoot massage you can practice at home. For five minutes have a friend or partner massage your feet, giving you an all-round kneading. Work deeply on the tissues at the top of the feet firmly moving your fingers up and down the spaces between the bones. This can be done on the hands too.Dr. Gowri Motha teaches and holds private sessions at the Viveka Centre.

Eat Right For Your Baby

This book is based on Dr. Peter Adamo’s blood type diet, which takes his research on eating according to your blood type and applies it to pregnancy.

The Glow

This is a site that is a collaboration between Violet Gaynor, the senior fashion editor at InStyle and Kelly Stuart who is a photo director at Hearst. They feature beautiful photographs of cool moms and their kids and each post is full of personal tips for kids' clothes, beauty, kids' recipes and more. It’s very inspiring to look at and also full of useful ideas directly from one mom to another.

Babble’s Week-by-Week guide

Babble provides a guide for every single week of the pregnancy, with specific information for each particular week. It describes the changes you might be experiencing, tells you about how big your baby is inside your womb, and provides advice for each step of the way from other mothers.The ClothesA few of the brands that I like the most for pregnancy gear.

HATCHHATCH is a fantastic collection of simple, incredibly cute and cool clothing that transitions well throughout pregnancy, meaning you can wear it when you’re at two months or nine months and about to burst (or even when you’re not pregnant). The spring collection is especially cute – flowing dresses, a trench that goes well with just about anything, an adorable jumpsuit...etc. HATCH gives

Every Mother Counts $5 from each transaction on the site.

Bellydance Maternity

This site has a huge selection of clothing for expectant mothers including a brand called Nom, which makes super comfortable and wearable tops, bottoms and dresses, which I practically lived in while pregnant. Also, don’t miss Bellydance’s maternity denim selection.

1 et 1 font 3

A French brand of totally wearable, casual clothing. It has a laid-back and yet not slouchy aesthetic. Great straight-leg pants, airy shirts and shorts.

JBrand

JBrand has some of the best maternity jeans out there. They’re comfortable on the belly and nice and tight everywhere else. Wear their legging jeans with a flowing top and a cropped jacket on top and you’re set.

Topshop Maternity

And of course, Topshop is a good place to stop if you’re looking for a few pieces to liven up your wardbrobe affordably and get you through the nine months without your getting too tired of your closet.Beauty and WellbeingWhere possible, incorporate organic and natural products into your routine during pregnancy.

Check out our Natural and Organic Skincare issue for more ideas on products that you can use while pregnant.

Mama Mio

A skincare brand created by four beauty experts who developed products for problem areas such as, their Boob Tube, a bust and neck firmer, Lucky Legs, a cooling serum, and Tummy Oil. They have an extensive line of special pregnancy products including their Congratulations Kit with O-Mega Shower and body creams and Tummy Rub oil. Their products are what they call “no nasties” in them, meaning no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, colorants, sodium laureth, sodium sulphates, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogen.

Perfect Prenatal Vitamins from New Chapter Organics

This is an organic prenatal vitamin that I took during pregnancy that contains nutrients to maintain general health (and great hair and nails too).

Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch Oil

Earth Mama is a great line of products for expecting and recent moms – teas, balms, oils, and body butter, that all aim to make pregnancy and breast feeding more comfortable. I used their Stretch Oil and it worked for me.

Sheswai Lacquer

There are plenty of nail polishes to choose from now that are formaldehyde-free. Sheswai comes in great colors and is free from the terrible three: formaldehyde, dbp, and toluene. Butter London, another favorite, does the same.Tips on the Pregnancy Beauty RoutineMelissa Schweiger, who recently wrote Belli Beautifulabout baby-safe skincare, offers a few suggestions from her book on how to stay safe with your routine during pregnancy.

"Instead of applying mascara at the roots of the lashes, apply it only onto the tips of the lashes."
"Stage a ban on all synthetic perfumes. Instead, use essential oils (we love jasmine and citrus scents) and dab them onto your hair."
"Rather than getting a single process hair color that sits on the scalp, opt for highlights instead. Or get an ammonia-free glaze to keep the grays at bay. But wait until the second trimester to do any hair coloring treatment. Our motto is ‘When in doubt, wait it out!’"
"Stay away from finger bowls and foot spas at the nail salon. Instead ask for a waterless manicure and pedicure."
"Swap your highly pigmented red lipstick for a gloss."
"Shampoo every other time – or even every third time – you wash your hair to lessen the number of chemicals you’re putting on your scalp. And apply conditioner to only the ends of the hair."
"Cancel your waxing appointment and throw away any depilatories or body and facial bleach. Laser hair removal is also a definite pregnancy no-no. Instead stick to good old shaving for the body and plucking or threading for the face."

The Baby KitAnd, when the baby arrives, a few of the practical things you’ll find incredibly handy in the first year.Organic Soft ToysYou never know what the No#1 favorite toy is going to be but bothUnder The Nile’s Fruit and Vegetable Toys and Sage Baby’sOrganic Baby Blanket Friends are serious contenders. They’re made from organic cotton so they make safe companions for sleeping, playing and chewing.Note: Once your child chooses its favorite toy, be sure to buy duplicates to avoid crises when and if the prized toy gets lost or left behind!gDiapersA ridiculously cute eco-friendly diaper system. Choose one or two outer layer diapers that you can use over and over again and then replace the inner layer with biodegradable refills or washable cloth inserts (both viable eco options). The diapers come in lots of great colors and patterns.Dr. Brown’s BottlesThese bottles are BPA, PVC, lead and pthalate-free (so nothing to worry about there!), and were developed specifically to help reduce colic and burping through a vent and vacuum system within the bottle. Dr. Brown’s also makes glass bottles if you prefer.Braun ThermometerYou’ll find that you’ll want this on hand pretty constantly to identify whether your baby has a fever or not, i.e. whether you need to worry or not. It measures the heat generated in the ear and tells temperature in seconds. It’s non-invasive so there’s a minimum of discomfort for your baby.BabyKicks Duz-it-allsYou will need to have LOTS of cloths on hand at all times – for feeding and burping, and for drool, spit up and all the general spillage that comes with. These are super soft, absorbent and made with organic cotton and hemp.Under the Nile's Side Snap OnesiesThis is another item to stock up on as side snaps are much easier to put on a squirming baby than regular onesies that you have to slip over your baby’s head. Under the Nile’s onesies are made with organic cotton.ergobaby Organic Baby CarrierDesigned to be super comfortable and ergonomic as the name hints, ergobaby has the added benefit of offering organic baby carriers made with organic cotton twill and sateen.

Marilyn Monroe: Yoga Superstar

04/05/2012 09:53:00

Marilyn Monroe: Yoga Superstar

By MindBodyGreen
Not only did Marilyn Monroe crank out inspirational wisdom, but she also got her yoga on. Seems like the spirit of Marilyn is in the air as we've seen lots of Marilyn yoga photos floating around the internet the past few days.
Did you know that Marilyn learned yoga from Indra Devi, who many consider to be the "The First Lady of Yoga"?
At any rate, Marilyn Monroe was a yogi!

Check out more images by clicking here:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4438/Marilyn-Monroe-Yoga-Superstar.html

Join Yoga at 20.20 on Wednesdays and embrace your inner Marilyn! Yoga classes in South William Space, Dublin 2

JENNIFER ANISTON'S ABS - Yogalates

04/03/2012 10:47:00

I’m a fan of Jennifer Aniston's abs and yoga. When you combine the two in Yogalates (Yogalates Classes Dublin Tuesday & Wednesday 18.15), it works our midsections. In this video, learn from Jennifer’s trainer Mandy a mixture of yoga and tummy sculpting moves featuring three poses with variations. Ditch the crunches and join a Yogalates Class NOW!!! Click here for details

Why do Pregnancy Yoga or Pilates Classes?

03/26/2012 00:04:00

Pregnancy Classes are BOOMING at the moment. I am delighted to offer 5 pregnancy classes to choose from now on South William St. You can choose between Yoga, Pilates and Yogalates, for information on these classes, please click here http://www.mywellbeing.ie/Pregnancy--Classes.html

But what is the appeal of doing Yoga or Pilates while pregnant? And why are so many mums to be signing up for this type of exercise to support their pregnancy?

5 Fab Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

By Elizabeth Rowan

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4309/5-Fab-Benefits-of-Prenatal-Yoga.html

We've all seen photos of Miranda Kerr, Jessica Alba, and January Jones toting a yoga mat, bringing increasing awareness and cool factor to the practice of prenatal yoga. While celebrity endorsements are great, are you aware of the amazing power of prenatal yoga for both mom and baby? At a glance, here’s a top five of the many, many benefits of prenatal yogaaccording to my students. The power of prenatal is nearly endless, but here’s a start.

1. Prenatal yoga doubles as a therapy session and support group.
I start my prenatal yoga classes with an extended check-in time, during which each mom introduces herself, shares how she’s feeling – physically AND emotionally – and has the opportunity to ask questions of fellow students. This period provides an awesome peer support network for the mom and the opportunity to share with others beyond her doctor and partner. Sometimes this is the longest part of class – and that’s okay! Moms share tips and learn from each other with every class, as well as realize that their feelings and experiences are normal. Tears and laughter are the norm, as are strong friendships that result from sharing the journey of a pregnancy.
2. Yoga can help turn a breech or posterior baby.
When the baby is not positioned head down and facing downward, a host of poses can encourage him/her to turn. Downward Facing Dog, Extended Puppy, Bridge, Cat/Cow or pelvic rocking, even Legs Up the Wall poses have the power to rotate the baby. This is amazing and can possibly prevent a cesarean section too – often a surprise for my first time moms.
3. Select poses can shorten the birth canal up to 30% when practiced during labor and delivery.
Now if that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what is! Goddess and other squatting poses shorten the distance that the baby has to travel. (Avoid practicing squats after 34 weeks though as they’re so effective they can induce labor.) Lots of moms tell me they’ve put this into practice in the labor/delivery room. Every prenatal class I teach incorporates squats in some way.
4. Pranayama, mamas!
Breath is key when it comes to labor and delivery, and the ancient yogic practice of pranayama is an awesome skill for moms to have before giving birth. Prenatal yoga teaches forms of breathing that can help alleviate heartburn and morning sickness, help the mother push and/or control the urge to push during labor and delivery, connect with the baby once hearing is developed, even incorporate into nursing after the birth to the benefit of both mom and baby.
5. Prenatal yoga is an awesome gateway to a lifelong practice!
Many moms find yoga for the first time when referred by a doctor or friend. Similarly, prenatal is an equally attractive option for long practicing yogis once they’re expecting. New practice for moms to have for life, new practice variations for existing yogis. Everyone wins. What powers of prenatal yoga have you discovered through practicing or teaching? Add your fab findings to the list in comments below!
(The above are fun facts and not meant to be medical advice. I can rock a yoga mat but definitely not a stethoscope!)

Star Wars Yoga

03/13/2012 14:27:00

Check out your favourite star wars figures doing Yoga Poses.

If you like what you see, pop along to class tonight. Yogalates at 18.15 or Yoga Flows at 19.35, Dublin Holistic Centre, Dublin 2

Twenty-Eight yoga poses are depicted in this print, and each pose includes the sanskrit name. Poses included are: Goddess, Crow, Bird of Paradise, Half Lord of the Fishes, Scorpion, Camel, Extended Side Angle, Warrior 2, Chair, Eagle, Gate, Salutation Seal, Plow, Feathered Peacock, Boat, Warrior 3, Reverse Warrior, Extended Triangle, Tree, Downward-Facing Dog, Supported Headstand, High Lunge, Mountain, Side Plank, Lord of the Dance, Supported Shoulderstand, and Half Moon.

Lady Gaga's Secret to Success Is Yoga

02/06/2012 18:34:00

Check out Lady Ga Ga & her mat http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3941/Lady-Gagas-Secret-to-Success-Is-Yoga.html

7 Minute Abs

02/06/2012 17:57:00

For all my diligent Pilates and Yogalates students, here is a link to a great You Tube video 7 minute abs.

Introduced to me by my sister Kate this weekend, I was surprised how challenging and comprehensive it was. Tony (the trainer) recommends doing it 3-4 times per week. He gives great instruction and motivation throughout the 7 minute routine.

Roll out your mat and give it a try NOW! Let me know what you think….

If this wets your appetite, join me for Yogalates or Pilates classes in Dublin Holistic Centre, Dublin 2.

http://www.mywellbeing.ie/Full-Timetable.html

You need Flash Player in order to view this.

7 Minute Abs

Abdominal Excersizes

Yogalates; Abs Exercises using Yoga & Pilates

01/26/2012 12:01:00

Check out below what moves Women's Health magazine are recommending for your abs.

Women's Health are recommending Yogalates moves. They say;

"Devotees develop hard-core abs, thanks to Pilates, in addition to the supreme posture and balance benefits of yoga. Learn the basics and explore the benefits with this three-move ab routine for newbies."

We have been running Yogalates classes for the past three years and numbers of students are increasing with each new term.

Please click here to get the 3 moves recommended by Women's Health

Beginners Yogalates classes are Tuesdays at 18.15

Yogalates classes for level 2&3 are Wednesdays at 18.10

Email rachel@mywellbeing.ie for more info....