What They Never Tell You About Side Angle Pose

Have you ever thought about the intent of side angle pose (parsvakonasana)? Are you ready to hear a fresh perspective that will take your awareness to the next level?

In my opinion, side angle pose is the best of two worlds: the hip opening, leg strengthening element of warrior two combined with the side strengthening and side lengthening benefit of triangle pose.

But here's the thing, most people miss these wonderful benefits because their focus is to get their hand to the floor... at all costs. The result? A weird sort of front bend that's hard to breathe in. But before I say anymore, check out this clip...

                    Yoga expert and author, Brian Friedman demonstrates a progression for side angle pose.

I choose the modified version for my system of yoga (Functional Yoga Instruction), personal clients, as well as my led classes because I feel you get the most return for your investment. In other words, you get just as much (if not more) from the most fundamental version than if you decide to progress into the deeper options.

As a smart yoga practitioner, you can see the value of embracing the fundamentals and taking the time to truly develop a deep inner awareness of what is going on during your practice. 

Want more? Check out what these fine folks have to say about their yoga experience with FYI:

Highly Recommended!
5/5 stars "I became interested in yoga when I learned it can help with some stiffness and a bit of arthritis I was having. As a beginner, I purchased Brian Friedman's Functional Yoga Instruction book to help me understand the poses. This book helps you learn how to do a pose correctly, comfortably and really make it count. Brian stresses perfect alignment with every move you make. His explanations and photos stay with me in my head throughout my entire day helping me to stay aligned in all my daily activities. When having correct posture and movement you feel stronger, notice less pain and have more energy. I am starting to feel the healing benefits of yoga on my body and mind. Who would have thought it could feel so good just keeping your body aligned throughout the day?

Great!
5/5 stars "Brian is a fabulous instructor. I took his workshop and learned so much, even after my 7 years of experience. His book is a mirror of his great teaching.

Don't hesitate. Get your copy now!

Why Did She Wait So Long To Lose 20 Pounds?, Weight Loss

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features an amazing client who has achieved incredible results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their inspirational stories (in their own words) and their photographs to motivate others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than they ever thought before.

This month we are proud to share Brenda's marvelous story. What did Brenda do to lose 20 pounds? What did Brenda do to lose 4 inches? What did Brenda do to get more energy?

These answers and much, much more will be revealed in Brenda's amazing and inspirational story.

Read on...

I decided to come to Winter Garden Yoga in February of this year because I had been feeling terrible and dealing with many difficult and terrible symptoms that were affecting my quality of life. For 18 months I was dealing with irritable bowel syndrome, mild brain fog, night sweats, fatigue, an auto-immune reaction causing severe hair loss and overall negative health. I had seen every doctor that I thought might help, had many blood tests, even a colonoscopy with no helpful diagnosis. I felt defeated and hopeless and wanted my life and my health back more than anything. I knew the best way was to reduce stress, implement physical exercise and improve my diet. So that is what I did, all at the same time.

Before                       After
Brenda lost 20 pounds, 4 inches, and has more energy!

Since [becoming a Winter Garden Yoga VIP], I have slowly seen improvement starting from the first class. After a few short weeks, my energy increased and I was already getting stronger. I was also walking on off yoga days and doing 3-4 mile walks with Kathy and class mates on Sundays.

At 3 months, I had lost 7 pounds and the hair loss had started to subside. I had pain in my left upper thigh when sitting cross-legged that I noticed was gone during my classes.

I am now six months in and all my symptoms are gone, I have lost 20 pounds and 4 inches, my hair has stopped falling out and is growing back. I have more energy and confidence than I have had in several years and am so looking forward to continuing to get to the best physical and mental shape of my life, with my WGY family by my side. Being part of this group has been my favorite part of joining WGY. I feel lucky to have access to what I feel is the best studio around. I never felt ashamed, or inadequate even though I had no yoga experience at all.

I waited too long to take my health into my own hands, and what I would say to anyone "on the fence" is "DO IT" ! There is no time like the present to be the best "You", for "you".... :)

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Sage Advice from Mr. Las Vegas, Yoga

You can ask my friends, I'm the worst story teller. Here's an example of what I mean...

Believe it or not, I crossed paths with Wayne Newton a few years ago during a visit at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. It took me by surprise because.. honestly, I wasn't expecting to see a living legend right in front of my face. That's pretty much the end of my Wayne Newton story. No autograph. No photograph. Short and sweet.

So what's this got to do with you?

Great question.

You see, Wayne Newton's personal story is a success story. He overcame a lot of obstacles and beat the odds to eventually become known as Mr. Las Vegas and of course to have his hit single featured as Ferris Bueller's theme song. Pretty cool, right?

Yeah, but what's this go to do with you?

Hang in there with me.

When Mr. Newton got news of TV star and child actress, Dana Plato, hitting hard times, he dispensed this valuable advice to her:

“Falling down is not a crime. Not getting up is the crime” ~ Wayne Newton [yes… Wayne Newton]

And now I'd like to dispense this valuable advice to you.

Imagine this common synopsis: it’s a Monday at the end of summer. You've fallen off the wagon. When was the last time you went to yoga? A week? A month? A year?

If you answered honestly and you can relate, your ability to bounce back is essential to your health and wellness success. It is inevitable, you are going to have a bad eating day, week or even a month. Everyone does. Even me.

There’s a 100% chance you’re going to miss yoga and there’s a 100% chance you are going to be surrounded by people who are not supporting your decision to have a healthy lifestyle.

You will fall down.

And just like Wayne says, it’s not okay to stay down.

You've got to practice bouncing back… and the faster the better!

Don’t let a breakfast of donuts throw you off of your entire eating strategy for that day. Get back on track by lunch time, you’re following your plan, you’re hitting your marks.

Don’t let falling off the yoga wagon for a week or two during vacation turn into a month or two and then a year of missed yoga classes.

It’s the classic story of “I missed a week and never went back” and this story will guarantee the exciting, dramatic, sequel… “Then I gained 30 pounds”.

Let today be your day to take on every speed bump, pot hole, detour, and missed exit on your path to wellness. It’s your mind that lets your body down. Not the other way around.

If you’re off track today, start to get back on track RIGHT NOW by:

• Finding time for some yoga. Fitting in some yoga, even as little as 10 minutes, will help you feel energized, get you motivated, help you get back in the habit.
• Drink your water. A common recommendation is 1 liter of water a day. Start right now. It will keep you hydrated, energized, and your entire system will feel cleansed.
• Track your food for the day. It will clue you in to how you've been eating up until now and give you an extra kick in the pants to make healthy decisions the rest of the day… and your life!
• Go shopping. Go to the store and stock your kitchen with tons of nutrient dense foods. Having healthy foods at your fingertips will increase your likelihood of success exponentially.
• Throw away the junk food. Get the junk food out of your house. Now. Enough said.

Remember: Resiliency is a habit that can be learned when you practice it over time. Give it time. A quick recovery from the inevitable missteps, setbacks, and outright failures is essential when it comes to achieving your goals.

Get back on track.

Today is your day.

Let nothing stop you.

Make Mr. Las Vegas proud!

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Why Is She On Her Fourth Set of Yoga Clothes?, Weight Loss

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a client who has achieved amazing results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than ever before.

This month we are proud to share Kim's story. Why is she purchasing her fourth set of yoga clothes? How did she drop 30 pounds? And where did she get her guns?

Read on...

What made you decide to join our studio?

I was looking for an alternative way to get in shape and lose weight. I had quit smoking the year before and had packed on quite a few pounds, had a very high stress job where our company had been bought out and our roles were changing. I didn't even know if I would have a job. I had no energy, was "looking my age" (Yuck), my zest for life was just not there anymore, and I couldn't breathe, literally (allergies and asthma). My family doctor said, "No high impact" workouts. He advised yoga was the approved method of exercise for me. I searched for a month or so and saw the WGY Facebook page. I checked out the website, and was immediately drawn to the philosophy of the studio of not being required to be flexible, and focusing on how well you pose (quality) vs. how deep you go into a pose. And the fact that two of the instructors were Reiki Masters at this studio told me this was a "real" yoga studio that had not only cared about your physical health, but your overall health as well.

What results have you received since joining our studio? 

Wow! Where do I start? So far, I've lost 4 inches around my bust line, 4 inches off of my waist, 6 inches off of my hips and 2 inches off of my thighs. My legs actually have definition/muscle again. My cholesterol dropped 20 points (now a total of 145) since I started yoga. My doctor is thrilled ! My breathing tests before yoga were anywhere from 69% to 87% oxygen level. When I visited the doctor a year later (April 2014), my breathing improved to a 98% oxygen level. I'm on my FOURTH set of yoga clothes and yes they are already becoming loose! I'm down two jean sizes and two blouse sizes. I actually have biceps again or as Brian calls them - "Guns !" I am down 30 lbs thanks to a great nutrition plan suggested to me by Brian Friedman that works beautifully for my lifestyle. I've had a few WTH [What The H*ll] moments when I discovered I am able to sit comfortably in fire log pose. When I first started I was unable to lie in supine twist pose without a bolster under my legs. This is now a comfortable pose and one of my favorites. My posture is significantly improved!

Before

After

Kim on her fourth set of yoga clothes, down 2 sizes, lost 30 pounds, and feeling years younger!

How do you feel now compared to how you felt before joining our studio? 

After the first week, my hips stopped hurting. Within about 3 months my knees and feet stopped hurting. After a few months, my back stopped hurting and I noticed increased energy. My core is stronger, my poses are becoming deeper. I can touch my toes now with ease!! I have not felt this good since I was in my 20's and I'm happier than I've ever been.

What do you like best about our studio?

First and foremost is the owner and instructors. Brian, Karen, Janis and Kathy are people who genuinely care about your health and well being and ensure that you receive what you need. They are just excited as you are when you improve your health and well-being. There are no cookie cutter approaches and no gimmicks. This behavior carries over to the students and I've been fortunate enough to make several new friends who are amazing people. This is why we all say, Welcome to the WGY Family! I know it sounds quirky, but it's 100% true. I've never met a better group of people than at WGY.

What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our studio? 

What are you waiting for ?! You deserve this ! WGY has changed my life !! This is the most amazing studio with the most amazing instructors and students. I "hate" exercising, but if someone told me I could get in shape and feel this great with NO PAIN, I would have done this years ago. Imagine that this is your loved one. Wouldn't you want them to be as healthy and as happy as they could possibly be? Now picture yourself in that place of your loved one. Just do it! It's not selfish to take care of you and your health and well being. As a matter of fact, it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Oh my gosh! I almost forgot to mention. In October 2013, I suffered a stress fracture in my right foot and had to wear a "boot" for 8 weeks. My podiatrist advised I could wear no more high heels, supportive shoes only and no bare feet at home. Even during this time, WGY was able to modify the yoga poses so that I could continue to practice safely and still receive the benefits. How many other studios would do that? I'd say 0 !

What do you do outside of the studio (work, etc)? 

I work for a telecommunications provider as a project coordinator. It's a very busy and demanding job. I spend as much time as possible when I'm not working, with my wonderful family, friends and my three beautiful exotic birds (macaws) Newton, Elliot and Hyah. And of course, I'm at WGY 3 to 4 days a week for yoga and kettle bell practice; my second family.

Isn't it time to do something just for you? Are you ready to be just like Kim? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation?

Call us for a free, no obligation, consultation at 407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results!

All the best,

Brian

A Blueprint for Good Technique, Reverse Triangle

This may be a new perspective on an old favorite of yogis everywhere. The name of the posture says it all, REVERSE triangle. In my opinion, the intent of this classic pose is a side bend. Be sure to watch this clip to get the most bang for your buck.

By using the hips correctly the following is achieved:

• Injury Prevention. Movement expert, Gray Cook has said that lack of symmetry can lead to injury.
• Resilience. Fitness expert, Steve Maxwell, said that lateral flexion is one of the first ranges of motion we lose as we age.
• Tone and Lengthen the Midsection. By contracting one side of the lateral chain (toning) the opposite side of the lateral chain must release (lengthen).

There you have it, a simple technique that packs quite  punch (in a kind and loving yogic way).

All the best, Brian

Secrets Revealed: Penalty Cardio, Fat Loss

A special message from Brian about fat loss.

Get ready to enjoy Winter Garden Yoga’s new series of blogs: Secrets Revealed. Within these posts you will find a goldmine of information to help you with your health and fitness goals. These are the tips and tricks that I use with my private clients to get outstanding results. This stuff works. In fact, you may find that these posts disappear after a while because I may think twice about giving away such great material. If you’re ready to melt away the extra pounds, boost your energy, and feel years younger please read on…

“What’s the quickest way for me to get in shape?” This is the most popular question I am asked. The real question is: “How can I burn fat, build muscle, and look toned?” The answer is easy. In fact, it is too easy.

Enter, Penalty Cardio

I picked up this tip from a friend of mine (and $10, 000 body transformation winner), Doruk Ilgaz. Doruk would encourage his clients to do their best throughout the week... you know the drill... eat right and exercise. However, if there was ever a time when someone fell off the wagon, Ilgaz would dispense penalty cardio.

Here's How It Works

Let's say that you're out with friends and you succumb to peer pressure. You just HAVE to have ONE beer. No harm. No foul. That is until it turns into two or three beers.

Okay. You messed up. Own it and pay it back with penalty cardio.

Penalty cardio must be served first thing in the morning. Wake up, use the restroom, and get to work. Here's a routine I share with Winter Garden Yoga's Platinum VIPs:

Disclaimer of liability: Always consult with your physician or health care provider before trying this or any other health and fitness routine.

The cardio routine outlined here can be used with a jump rope, power walking, or virtually any form of cardiovascular activity. The key is to train in intervals of 20 seconds of varying intensity. The workout described below uses running in place as an example.

Set your timer for 20 minutes. Warm up for three minutes and then begin your workout immediately. After your 14 minute workout, cool down for the last three minutes.

• Warm Up x 3 minutes
• Walking in place x 20 seconds
• Jogging in place x 20 seconds
• Running in place x 20 seconds
• Repeat 20 second intervals, nonstop, for 14 minutes
• Cool Down x 3 minutes

Use your best judgment and take breaks as needed. You can switch to easier versions of cardio if needed. 

Yes, this means that on some days you will have two workouts.

If we take a tip from Tim Ferris, you can also use penalty cardio if you know that you're going to have an off day. We're all human, right? Maybe there will be a holiday smorgasbord coming your way or an off-the-hook office party. No problem. Own it and create a caloric deficit before the event with penalty cardio.

Got it?

Good!

You Can Do It!

One of the many benefits of Winter Garden Yoga's VIP packages is the accountability. Our VIPs are literally surrounded by people who want to succeed. And they want you to succeed too. 

One of our VIP Success Principles is to surround yourself with like minded people. You want to be around folks who will lift you up and inspire you... not hold you down. 

If you're ready to put an stop to frustrating dead ends, if you're ready to make amazing things happen for your life, then I want you to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. You've got nothing to lose because your results are guaranteed. Get started now!

I Always Feel Great and Peaceful, The Best Yoga

Client of the Month: Blanca Herman

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a VIP who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Blanca's story. How does a grandmother in her 60s get more toned, handle stress, and have more energy?

Read on...

"Approximately one year ago, at age 63, I was feeling very stressed, I had problems with balance, I was not sleeping well, and I was tired all the time. I had read about the many benefits of yoga, and mentioned to my husband that I was considering taking yoga classes. He was the one who brought Winter Garden Yoga to my attention. I decided to give it a try and feel that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Blanca, 63 years young, has more energy and is getting toned with Winter Garden Yoga.

"Since joining Winter Garden Yoga, I am sleeping and handling stress much better; my balance is improving; I feel more confident; I have more energy; and, as a bonus, I am getting toned and my posture has improved.

"Winter Garden Yoga has the best yoga instructors. Brian is an amazing teacher, incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I love his Beginner's Yoga classes, and also Karen's Yin Yoga classes. I always feel great and peaceful after class.

"I definitely recommend Winter Garden Yoga to anyone considering taking yoga classes. I truly believe it's a decision that will result in many positive changes in your life."

What are you waiting for?

Isn't it time to do something for you and you alone? Are you ready to be just like Blanca? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation?

Call us for a free, no obligation, consultation at 407-579-9889407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results!

All the best,

Brian

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What Type of Person Are You? [Warning: May Be Offensive], Fat Loss

As Winter Garden's most sought after fitness expert, I've had the privilege of helping 100s, maybe 1,000s of people transform their lives. Everything from weight loss, strength gains, increased energy, more flexibility, pretty much anything you can name.

It Takes Two

What has struck me recently, is that out of all these different folks, there are essentially two types of people.

Now... before I go on... please understand that I am not passing judgement on anyone.

I'm not saying someone is bad or good, or better than or less than. What I am saying is that there are people who get results and people who don't. It's just that simple and I've seen it time and time again.

Does the Shoe Fit?

The first type of person is the blamer. These are the folks who blame everything... EVERYTHING... for the inability to get results or meet their goals. The blamer sounds like this:

"Work is so crazy... I can't come to yoga tonight."

"My husband/wife doesn't eat the way I do, so I just eat what he/she eats."

"I have to pick someone up at the airport... there's no way I have time to go for a walk."

"They were serving cake at work so I just had to have a piece."

I'm sure you get the idea and I'm sure you can imagine that these folks don't get very far when it comes to transforming their lives... whether it's weight loss, increased energy, or whatever they are trying to achieve.

And notice that these may strike you as perfectly acceptable, valid reasons. When we use perfectly valid reasons they let us 'off the hook' so to speak... that's their function. But remember: everyone has a stressful life, a crazy work schedule. The difference is overcoming the obstacle.

The next group of people know how to overcome obstacles.

The second person is the doer. These are the folks who do everything... EVERYTHING... to achieve their goals. The doer sounds like this:

"Work is so crazy... I need yoga more than ever, so I'm going to talk to my boss and see if I can come in early tomorrow to make up for what I may miss tonight."

"My husband/wife doesn't eat the way I do, so I make two meals when needed so that I can stay on track."

"I have to pick someone up at the airport... they can wait an extra 30 minutes so that I can get my walk in." [This one is based on a true story... now that's a doer!]

"They were serving cake at work, so I respectfully declined because I don't want to sabotage my results."

The following Winter Garden Yoga VIPs are Doers...

Gloria is a 'doer'. She Dropped from a size 8 to a size 2 while transitioning into a stressful new job.

Jessica is a 'doer'. She's a busy school teacher and in the midst of preparing her upcoming wedding, yet she managed to lose 10 pounds, her muffin ring, and a pants size.

Margaret is a 'doer'. She's an involved at home school mom and very active in the community. She stopped the blame game and now she's more mobile, pain free, and feeling better than ever!

You Can Do It!

One of the many benefits of Winter Garden Yoga's VIP packages is the accountability. Our VIPs are literally surrounded by people who want to succeed. And they want you to succeed too. 

One of our VIP Success Principles is to surround yourself with like minded people. You want to be around folks who will lift you up and inspire you... not hold you down. 

If you're ready to put an end to the blame game, if you're ready to make amazing things happen for your life, then I want you to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. You've got nothing to lose because your results are guaranteed. Get started now!

It's Not Just a Story, It's Epic, Nutrition

It's one of the most talked about and controversial subjects in all of Winter Garden Yoga. The Epic Smoothie. The VIPs of Winter Garden Yoga are among the chosen few who have experienced the Epic Smoothie... or at least... have heard about it. Now it's time to get the record straight about the origins of this WGY original.

Let's go back to Central Florida right around the turn of the 21st century. I was looking for a way to acquire a balanced, nutrition-rich, meal that was easy to make. Back then, it was called a smoothie. At the time (and even now) smoothies got a bad rap... and who can place blame? After all, most smoothies are made with junk and filled with sugar. But I was searching for something different... or so I thought.

The Early Days

You see, the first few versions of my healthy smoothie were made from dairy (because I needed calcium, protein, and vitamin D and thought it was only available via dairy), fruit (for the fiber, potassium, and vitamins), whey protein powder (because everyone was telling me that I HAD to use whey), and the list goes on.

Although the earlier versions were miles ahead of the powdered mixes being used among my peers, I knew there was plenty of room for improvement.

Enter Doug Swenson and Veganism

I know... I can hear the groans from here... veganism! Hang in there, it's worth the read.

I attended a yoga teacher training course in Lake Tahoe California under the tutelage of my friend and yoga teacher, Doug Swenson. As part of the experience, I made a vow that I would eat as closely as possible to the way Doug ate. At the time I was definitely a vegetarian and Doug was (and still is) a very strict vegan. So... Doug taught me how to substitute healthier foods for less healthy options. For example: almond milk instead of dairy milk, soy crumbles instead of burger crumbles, and so on. He also shared a few of his 'go to' recipes which included... you guessed it... smoothies.

We learned how to make 'meal replacement' smoothies and 'dessert' smoothies. All of which contained the most fundamental, healthy, and plant based ingredients. Needless to say, this changed everything and got the Epic Smoothie heading in an entirely new direction.

Back to the Drawing Board

When I came back from California, I used the basic recipe of my previous smoothies, except this time I substituted the fundamental ingredients with their vegan equivalents. Oddly enough, it tasted great and packed a powerful punch. Everybody loves the Epic Smoothie... and I mean everybody. It makes sense because it's full of nutrient dense, plant based foods with the correct balance of proteins to (favorable) carbohydrates.

What's in it, Already?

The ingredients may vary from time to time depending on availability, taste preferences, etc. Feel free to experiment. Always check with your doctor or health care provider before undertaking any new exercise or health program.

8 ounces Almond Milk
1 Banana
1 Handful almonds (or 2 TBSP almond butter, no sugar added)
1 TBSP cinnamon
1 TBSP raw, organic, cacao
1 tsp     raw, organic, macca
1 serving vegan protein powder (use the manufacturer's guidelines)
1 serving powdered greens (use he manufacturer's guidelines)
1 TBSP pure maple syrup (use the real stuff made from real trees)
1 handful spinach
1 handful ice

Blend well. Enjoy!

Battle Tested

The Epic Smoothie has been approved by chefs, omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, children, adults, you name it. You get 39 grams of protein, 77 grams of carbs, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin D, and more. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Winter Garden Yoga's VIP packages are personalized just for you. They include nutrition, yoga, community, and most importantly... accountability. If you're ready to put an end to the frustration of feeling stuck, contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation.

PS: our friends at The Juice Bar of Winter Garden have the Epic Smoothie on their menu!

Algorithm for Happiness

It's Easier Than You Think

An algorithm can be defined as a step-by-step procedure for problem solving. I would like to share a few, simple, procedures that I use to gain perspective on things whenever I need a little "pick me up."

It Could Be Worse

My great grandma Harper used to say, "Things ain't so bad, they cain't be worse." Thought provoking indeed. This one requires little or not explanation. Yes, you may have gotten into a fender bender, but it could have been worse, right? Focus on the fact that you're alive and unharmed and able to tell the story.

Miraculous Things Happen

This will be shared in the form of a story. A true story. Maria was a student of mine when I used to teach in east Orlando. At the time, Maria was 74 years young. She used to ride her bike to and from the studio and she used to practice her handstands -yes, her handstands- after class before she went home.

One day, Maria and I were talking and she shared this with me. She said, "you know, Brian, whenever I feel the blues or start to feel a little down, I stop myself and look at my finger. I say to myself, 'what a miraculous thing my finger nail is. Thank you, God, that I am a part of such a miracle.' Then I look at my cuticles and say, 'what a miraculous thing my cuticle is. Thank you, God, that I am part of such a miracle.'"

Then she said, "you know what? By the time I get to my wrist, I'm feeling much better." Pay attention to this lesson.

It's Easy As 1-2-3

I was visiting friends on their farm in the Midwest. I just loved their laid back attitude toward everything. They just seemed to be at ease with whatever came their way. I spoke with the head of the house and asked her what the secret to her family's happiness was. She said, "It's really very simple. We just ask ourselves three questions: Are we fed? Are we clothed? Do we have a roof over our heads? If the answer is, yes, yes, and yes, then we know everything is going to be all right."

How About You?

I want to encourage you to pick one of these algorithms and use it for 10 days straight. Then choose another and another and repeat. I believe that you will be surprised at how easy it is to put things in perspective and stay in the realm of awesomeness.

All the best,

Brian

 

An Easy Way to Change the World

What are you doing to change the world?

You recycle. You eat organic food. You educate your friends and family about the effects of using plastic shopping bags. But what kind of impact does this have on the world around you?

The answer is easier than you think.

Practice yoga. Practice yoga, correctly, to be more precise. What happens when you practice yoga correctly? 

• You feel better
• You are more patient
• You are more compassionate (to yourself and to others)

Notice "to others". 

Did you notice that the last bullet point said you are compassionate to others? That is the key. This is the pebble in the pond. Think about it for a moment. 

After your yoga practice, you head over to the supermarket. You are on cloud nine and feeling fine. Once you've picked up your organic broccoli packaged in a container made of 97% recyclable material, you head over to the cashier. That is the exact moment when a person races to get in front of you because they HAVE to hurry up and get the @!!# out of there because they are running late (or some such emergency)!

Ah, but you are in the zone. So you step back, smile, and say, "please, go ahead" and surrender your place in line.

That simple act just made that person's day. It may have even made their week. That simple act restored their faith in humanity and taught them that the world isn't such a bad place after all.

According to M.K. Gandhi:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world."

Let these words take root. Do you want the world to be healthier? Then become a healthier person. Do you want the world to be peaceful? Then become a peaceful person? Got it? Good.

"...One pose at a time."

Winter Garden Yoga's mission is simple: we are changing the world one pose at a time. In fact, we've started a revolution by offering unique yoga experiences that no other studio can match. 

We invite you to give us a try. Check out our website to learn more about our experts and our services. 

She Did What?!, Client of the Month

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a client who has achieved amazing results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than ever before.

This month we are proud to share Marita's story. How did she lose 26 pounds and drop at least two sizes?

Read on...

"I had walked past [Winter Garden Yoga] several times and finally decided to take the first step and call to register for my first class in August.  I wanted to get more in shape and thought this would be a great way to get started...

"Little did I know how much I would love it!

"[Since investing in my health at WGY] I feel better about myself than I have in a very long time!  I have lost about 26 pounds and gone down at least two sizes.  I just bought a size small shirt a few weeks ago...

"I can't remember the last time I fit into a size small! 

"I am much more aware of what I eat and live a healthier lifestyle overall.

BEFORE

AFTER

                                                

                                                

                                         Marita lost 26 pounds and is down two sizes!

"I love the supportive atmosphere and the personalized planning I receive [at WGY] to best suit the results I was hoping for.  There is a fantastic variety of classes throughout the week and the classes themselves never get boring.  

 

"[My advice to those who are unsure about joining is]...Hop off the fence and join!  I tell everyone who will listen about what a fantastic decision I made by coming to WGY and I truly mean that. The instructors are wonderful and you will feel welcomed from the moment you step in the door."

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready to be just like Marita? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? 

Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results.

All the best,

Brian

My First Chin Up at 50

Client of the Month: Kathy Hall

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Kathy's story. How does a grandmother become super fit, perform chin ups, and overcome the symptoms of an autoimmune disease?

Read on...

“I was looking for a way to de-stress and doctors had recommended trying yoga years ago to help get my [blood pressure] under control. I had turned 50 and had started on the road of weight gain a few years before. I did not want to become my grandmother ( even though I am one!)but I could see it starting! I have an autoimmune disease that has plagued me on and off for years. I decided I wanted to be around when my grandchildren get older and I knew I needed to make a change.  I saw [a promotional offer] for WGY and talked to my friend about [trying it out].  She told me she had tried yoga before and wanted to try again so together we gave WGY a chance. I am so glad we did!

Grandmother. Super Fit.

“I have lost 2 pant sizes, gained flexibility, and toned every muscle in my body. My [blood pressure] is much better. My outlook on life has changed. I don't have to become my grandmother.  After a few months of Yoga I was introduced to kettlebells and I am hooked. Together with yoga and kettlebell I am in the best shape of my life!

Kettlebells and yoga are Kathy's choice for amazing results.

“At 51 I am now able to do a pull up! Imagine that! I couldn't, but Brian could and he showed me how and helped me get there!  The best thing about it is I can do both at WGY with instructors who make learning very accessible and fun!

Yoga is the centerpiece to Kathy's health and well being.

“What I like best about the studio [are] the instructors. There is no match in the world for Brian!  To my friends and coworkers I refer to him as "The Body Whisperer". If you have an issue he can figure out what’s causing it and help you get on track.

“The other teachers that I have worked with in the studio are also top notch! Karen [and Janis] are excellent and have all helped me along my yoga journey.

“The other great thing about WGY is the clientele! I felt so self-conscious! I couldn't even touch my toes or do a forward bend or twist. Everyone was very encouraging. The best thing that someone said to me was we all started where you are!

“If you are thinking about joining WGY I would say stop thinking just do it! You won't be disappointed. There are classes for everyone and there is no better place to begin YOUR journey than with the caring experts here at WGY!  The best thing to remember is everyone starts at the beginning! When will your journey begin? How about right now!”

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best,

Brian

How to Lose 25 Pounds, Increase Energy, and Decrease Stress

Bridget's Story

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Bridget's story. How does a woman in her 50's lose 25 pounds, improve her cholesterol, and reverse the diagnosis of being pre-diabetic?

Read on... 

"Hey, Brian!  Here [are] the pics you asked me for - not too many "before" pictures!  I hid as much as possible! I've never really looked at [before and after photos] side by side -unbelievable! My story is below.  

"My first time at Winter Garden Yoga was in April of 2011.  I was a wreck at that time - both mentally and physically.  Mentally I was going through some major changes in my life and physically I was so out of shape that it actually hurt to walk. 

"I was terrified to step into [your studio] but I knew I had to do something to fix myself.  As a 50 something couch potato, my main fear was that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the class but I was pleasantly surprised.

"[Brian], teaches the class so that anyone can do yoga, regardless of your physical ability or size.  When he instructs you in a pose, he will usually say, "If you can do this, do this.  If you can't do this, do it this way and if you can't do any of them, just sit and watch.  We'll catch up later."  And in the beginning, I did sit and watch a lot!  And there is no shame involved in not being able to do a particular pose. 

"I took the Beginner's class twice a week for 2 or 3 months before I finally worked up the nerve to take the Power Yoga class.  And again, Brian modifies a lot of the poses to enable you to do what you are able to do.  You can make his classes as easy or as hard as you want them to be.  He doesn't challenge you to move forward but allows you to challenge yourself.  I recently started taking Yin classes with Karen and she does an amazing job also.  I leave her classes feeling like a new person.

"My first signs of physical change came only a few months after I started.  I remember I was driving one day and I looked down at my arm and there was a muscle that had never been there before!  It encouraged me to keep going and try harder and my effort was rewarded.  

"From May of 2011 to December 2011 I lost a total of 25 pounds.  Besides yoga, I also walked and changed my eating habits but I strongly believe that the main reason why I lost the weight was yoga.  Besides being a workout, it encouraged me to think about my body and what I was doing to it and feeding it.  

"Mentally, yoga gives me a place to go and forget about whatever is stressing me out.  It's taught me to learn to concentrate on me - something I never took the time to do.  I've learned how to handle stress much better.  I have more energy now than ever.  Before yoga, when I got up in the morning, it would hurt to walk when I got out of bed.  Not anymore.  Getting up and down from the floor is a breeze, even carrying my granddaughter.   

"I recently went to the doctor for an annual checkup.  At my previous checkup, about a month after I had started yoga classes, my cholesterol was terrible, my blood pressure was high and I was told I was pre-diabetic.  At my last visit, my blood pressure was normal, my triglycerides dropped from 133 to 100, my HDL levels went up and my glucose levels also dropped!

"I cannot believe how much yoga has changed my life.  I can honestly say I'm in better shape now than when I was when I was in my 20's!  But I strongly believe that had I not found Winter Garden Yoga, the results would not be the same.  The patience and understanding shown by the instructors encouraged me to continue and strive to be better.  I plan on being a life-time member at Winter Garden Yoga."

You can do it, too!

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best, 

Brian

The Greatest Yoga Resources, Pt 2

Which Yoga Books Are Worth It?

Before we get to the books, be sure to check out my recommendations for yoga DVDs. Believe me, those DVDs are game changers. As an aside, and at the behest of my students, I've added another must have title.

As a yoga teacher and studio owner, I am often asked for recommendations in yoga books. My goal is to share with you some titles that have had the most positive influence on me as an instructor and I was developing my own method of yoga, Functional Yoga Instruction.

My Go To Yoga Books...

I used to have mixed feelings about Dr. Long's series. At first I was a little upset because someone else beat me to the punch. Dr. Long is the first yoga person to capture so many of my ideas on paper. Then a funny thing happened... I realized that Dr. Long saved me a lot of time and trouble. Now, instead of writing all of this stuff down, I can happily refer people to his awesome material. 

Begin with these two as there is a life's worth of study here. 

When you've mastered the contents contained within these pages, check out Dr. Long's Mat Companion Series books.



Leslie Kaminoff's classic is a great introduction to discovering the intent of each yoga pose.



I'm adding this recommendation here to proactively deflect potential emailing...

The truth of the matter is: Functional Yoga Instruction is catching on. Inhale Yoga Studio in Athens, Ohio has made the FYI manual mandatory reading for their 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training.

My guarantee: you will never think of yoga the same way after reading Functional Yoga Instruction.



These recommendations are enough to transform anyone's yoga practice forever. Click on the links, invest in your yoga practice, and let me know what you think.


All the best, Brian

The Greatest Yoga Resources

Which Books and DVDs Are Worth It?

As a yoga teacher and studio owner, I am often asked for recommendations in yoga books and DVDs. My goal is to share with you some titles that have had the most positive influence on me as an instructor and I was developing my own method of yoga, Functional Yoga Instruction.

My Go To DVDs...

This is the first DVD I recommend to anyone who asks. After the first 10 minutes or so, you will see that Barbara Benagh's influence runs deep with me. To my mind hers was the first DVD where slow and controlled movements were the centerpiece of the practice.

Jill Miller is definitely one of my go to yoga people. She is able to put it all together: Yoga, Massage Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, you name it. My goal as a yoga teacher is to heal the human body. Ms. Miller is definitely on the same path.

Everyone should have a Gary Kraftsow DVD in their collection. Period.


ADDENDUM (05/08/13): I received some feedback concerning my "go to" list and was encouraged to add another title...



Functional Yoga Instruction DVD

This is two DVDs in one. Part one is taking the lead in yoga instruction. You will learn how to perform essential yoga postures correctly. Part two is applying your new technology in the context of a led yoga class. Get ahead of the game with Functional Yoga Instruction.

These FOUR recommendations, alone, are enough to transform anyone's yoga practice. Click on the links. Invest in your yoga practice. Let me know what you think.

I'll share some book titles in the next post.

All the best, Brian

What's the Deal with FMS? Part 2

Now on to my findings. The following statistics are based on 100 screens that I have performed from March, 2012 through June, 2012. This is not a clinical study. It is an opportunity to see what the results of the FMS reveal about Winter Garden Yoga's client base. WGY's client base is very diverse as it includes male, female, young, old, athletic, non-athletic, flexible, inflexible, etc. I think you get the idea. The following information is based on averages (grand total of scores divided by number of screens).


Average total score of an FMS: 12. The professionals at FMS suggest that a minimum score of 14 (with no asymmetries) is the threshold for injury prevention. In other words, anything less than a 14 means the participant's likely hood for injury is greater than a participant who scores a 14 or higher.

Average score of the Deep Squat: 2

This is a "2" in the Deep Squat


Average score of the Hurdle Step: 1

This is a "1" in the Hurdle Step


Average score of the Inline Lunge: 2

This is a "2" in the Inline Lunge


Average score of Shoulder Mobility: 2

This is a "2" in Shoulder Mobility


Average score of the Active Straight Leg Raise: 2

This is a "2" in the Active Straight Leg Raise


Average score of the Trunk Stability Push Up: 1

This is a "1" in the Trunk Stability Push Up

Average score of Rotary Stability: 2

This is a "2" in Rotary Stability

Please check out the FMS page at WinterGardenYoga.com to see what "3s" look like for the above movement patterns.