When I lived in LA I did Tae Bo, ran the Santa Monica steps, roller bladed, and started doing yoga. I will be honest, I only started doing yoga because it was the ” in thing” to do. However, I quickly saw the mental benefits.
I moved back to Cleveland and there were not many yoga studios around me.
I started practicing yoga DVDs and I found yoga videos on YouTube. I found a studio in a city about 20 minutes away and went to their Saturday morning class. I couldn’t make any evening classes because of the drive time there and back, work, and having a baby but then one day a studio right by me opened. I started going to their fitness classes (AHHHH my love for HIIT was born!!!!) and all levels vinyasa, then took my first hot power class and yoga sculpt class and was hooked. I went ALL. THE. TIME. I was probably at my calmest I had been in a very long time.
When this studio offered yoga teacher training I jumped at the chance.
In 2008, the Department of Health and Wellness officially designated September as National Yoga Month. This annual observance is a great opportunity to raise awareness and educate Americans about the health benefits associated with yoga.
As Harvard Health Publishing points out, there are many different types of yoga. While challenging yourself by pushing the boundaries of your body’s strength and flexibility (while also controlling your breath) will feel amazing at the time, the rewards extend well beyond the mat. Citing research, Harvard stated that regular yoga practice is associated with:
- Better body image
- Mindful eating
- Boosts in weight loss and maintenance
- Enhanced fitness
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Mental and emotional benefits
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility
- Yoga helps with back pain relief
- Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms
- Yoga benefits heart health
- Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better
- Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods
- Yoga helps you manage stress
- Pain management
In these busy times, many of us are not getting enough rest, and studies have shownthat yoga can also help you get a good night’s sleep.
So where should you start?
Find a local studio. Keep trying different styles and teachers. Just like with anything else teachers have different styles of teaching. Some you will click with and some you won’t.
1.Start Practicing: If you’re new to yoga, September is an ideal time to begin. You can join a local class or explore the plethora of online resources available, from instructional videos to yoga apps.
2. Attend Workshops and Events: Many yoga studios and communities offer special workshops, classes, and events during National Yoga Month. These can be a great way to deepen your practice and connect with like-minded individuals.
3. Share Your Journey: Use social media to share your yoga journey throughout the month. You can inspire others to start their own practice and build a supportive community online.
4. Explore Different Styles: Yoga is incredibly diverse, with various styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Kundalini. Take this month as an opportunity to explore different styles and find what resonates with you.
5. Set Intentions: Reflect on what you hope to achieve through your yoga practice. Whether it’s physical fitness, stress reduction, or spiritual growth, setting intentions can guide your journey.
My favorite to follow on Instagram are:
- Me ( nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness)
- Ashley Turner
- Sadie Nardini
- Desi Bartlett
- Kristen McGee
- Chelsea Jackson Roberts
- Beach Yoga Girl (Kerri Verna)
YouTube:
- Journey Junkie (Allie Van Fossen)
- Sarabeth Yoga
- Yoga with Adrienne
- Some of the older Tone It Up Yoga flows from Karena and Katrina can be found on YouTube.
- Nikki Yoga and Wellness
National Yoga Month in September is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the ancient practice of yoga and reap its countless benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this month serves as a reminder to prioritize your health and well-being. So, unroll your mat, take a deep breath, and let the journey to a more balanced and mindful life begin.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
