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Buying Your Yoga Clothes Online

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Yoga Hive

~~Want to translate your unique sense of style into your yoga clothes?~~ Looking to break away from the all-black bottom scene and rock the kind of yoga apparel that will make people ask where you shop?

We’re on the same page then. And we’ve taken the guesswork and uncertainty out of shopping online, by offering brands and products that make it easy to find your perfect size!

Yoga clothes that fit.

Take Onzie, for example. Their huge catalog of tops and printed bottoms is actually designed to make selecting your size as easy as choosing from just three or four options, as below. Their yoga clothes stretch and form to your body, so the very thing we love about our yoga apparel is what makes it so easy to find your perfect fit online:

Did we mention we’re in love with Onzie’s graphic leggings? The special process they use for the legging below allows them to match the print to the layout of the pants for this unique effect.

The most exciting part? Most of Onzie’s prints are limited-run pieces. Which is to say that they retire styles each and every season and introduce more prints. (In case you ever needed more assurance that these bottoms are unique.)

Brazilian design, easy sizing

It’s a similar story with another great company — Shakti. The Brazilain designed and produced label has broken their sizes down into just three (small, medium or large) for tops and bottoms (size charts on all Shakti product pages).

We know that shopping online can be intimidating at first, especially for something as intimate as the clothes we practice yoga in. Rest assured though, we only carry the very best brands, with easy sizing options to make shopping online for your apparel a breeze. We also offer FREE shipping on all orders, so your next go-to tops and bottoms are really just a few more clicks away.

As always, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter if you have any product questions!

~~Keep moving, be… comfortable.~~

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Posted on October 17, 2014 by Yoga Hive

What to eat before your next Yoga class

Posted on September 17, 2014May 31, 2017 by Yoga Hive

Hungry for nutrition enlightenment, or well, just hungry? Whether or not you should eat before your morning yoga class is a question that tends to divide the opinions of yogis. Many say that you shouldn’t eat two hours before a class (disqualifying early risers who love doing their yoga first thing), however others suggest there is value to getting a bit of nutrition before you hit the mat, as long as the food you’re putting in your body supports your practice. Here are five simple and ready to eat snacks that make our list of go-to foods, and are worth considering if you’re looking for some sustenance before your next yoga class.

Bananas

We mention bananas first in case you’re rushing off to a class right now and only have time to read the first suggestions — bananas have been called natural PowerBars, and for good reason! As a primary source of energy for your body, bananas are full of easily-digestible healthy carbohydrates and potassium — just one banana before a workout can function to provide fuel for your body, and helps maintain muscle function. That’s really all you need to know.

Raw Almonds

A handful or two of raw (unsalted, unflavoured) almonds is one of the easiest and most beneficial snacks to eat before any workout, however this snack is especially great for yogis because they can keep your metabolism rate high, and require absolutely no preparation. Almonds are considered the most beneficial nut by experts as they have the highest level of protein and the lowest amount of fat, allowing you to get the most from your morning yoga session without bogging you down.

Apple (plus nut butter)

What’s the saying? An apple a day, something something good health!? Apples are great for many reasons — primarily because they contain a higher level of fructose than glucose for sustained energy that won’t prevent burning of fat. But, for a more energetic option in the morning, combine an apple with two tablespoons of your favourite nut butter. Peanut butter is the classic and probably already in your fridge, but others nut butters such as cashew butter or almond butter (read above) actually contain more protein and healthy fat to keep you from feeling hungry, and provide the energy you need to get through any asana.

Coconut water

Less of a snack and more of a hydration element, Coconut water works for a number of reasons and can be enjoyed before, after or even during your yoga class. Especially for Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga, which have your body sweating and depletiong itself of electrolytes, coconut water helps keep you hydrated and replenishes your body naturally. If it’s not so much a hunger issue that’s brought you here, coconut water could be your go-to for quick nourishment before (and after) every class.

Dark Chocolate

Your reward for reading all of our suggestions? Dark chocolate is actually one of them. If you ever feel like you’re suffering the exhausting effects of a low blood sugar level, dark chocolate (in moderation) is one of the healthiest ways to rapidly bring blood to your brain and help you focus on your yoga. Dark chocolate also has the added benefit of increasing the amount of antioxidants in the body. Keep in mind this refers to chocolate made with pure cocoa (containing at least 70%), not the sugary goodness you may normally find next to the checkout.

Let us know what your favourite yoga snacks are in the comments below and on our Facebook and Twitter pages — We love to hear from you! And remember to keep your soul nourished through your yoga, and your body, too.

~~Keep moving, be… nourished.~~

Don’t stop Loving. Giving. Sharing the light.

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Helen Stepchuk

Someone once shared a quote with me ~~“It’s not what you give, it’s HOW you give what matters.” Bruce Lee.~~

As much as I love all the old movies of his, something didn’t jive with me in this quote. It didn’t seem complete… Some integral, pivotal point seemed to be missing.

Then it finally dawned on me:

It’s not what you give, and not how you do it, it’s WHO you give to, would make all the difference.

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See, as unique as we all are, we all carry a unique set of energies, intentions, past experiences. We are all wonderfully different, and we all need wonderfully different things. In various forms. Depending on where we are on our journey.

Sometimes (and you probably have experienced it in the past) no matter what you do, or how you do it, that “someone” is just not happy. You can’t please them. They are not noticing the acts of your kindness. As a result you are not making any difference. Instead, you are becoming a nuisance. Your intent was pure. Your actions were of highest vibration. To YOU. But not to the other person.

Some people, will never appreciate some things you do for Â them. They don’t notice. They don’t accept. They simply may not need it, at this point in their life.

On the flip side. There are many people in this world who need exactly what you have to offer. For THEM what you do, would shift their life events, change their point of view, trash their old paradigms.

~~So don’t stop giving. Don’t stop sharing your light. But be acutely aware of WHO you are sharing your energy with.~~

Namaste.
Keep Moving. Be… {loving}

Be playful in your yoga practice

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Helen Stepchuk

I don’t have time to meditate…

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Helen Stepchuk

… but do you have time to feel like crap? I don’t remember when I heard this phrase for the first time, but it’s so, so true… I was having a conversation with my “non-yogi” friend, where she was telling me how inflexible she was, and how yoga was slow and boring, and how she simply couldn’t do yoga or mediate, because her mind was too noisy. The truth is, I can totally get her. It was me before I started practicing yoga.. I thought exactly the same way until I realized that….

1. there are many types of yoga…

Every yoga studio in your city offers different types of yoga classes – slow, fast, mellow or energetic. A few of my favourite yoga classes in Vancouver, Canada:

Kundalini yoga class with Gloria Latham at Semperviva Yoga – a fun and energetic class, that will make you sweat, dance, jump, and cool down at the end. Perfect for the busy minds.
Yoga Barre with Will Blunderfield at Chopra Yoga – the most eccentric and quirky yoga class you’d ever attend. Will is an artist, so his classes are classy and sassy. If you need a little doze of inspiration on a Monday afternoon, this class will do it for ‘ya!
Hot Yoga with Anila Lacroix at YYOGA – Anila’s classes are full of wisdom and gentle care for the students. She will guide you through the practice, where you can make up your own rules, while practicing in a safe environment.
Hot Yin Yoga with Sandra Stephenson at Chopra Yoga. – an extremely relaxing, mellow class to stretch the body and the soul. You will feel like you just left a spa..

2. there are so many ways to meditate…

You don’t have to become a dreadlocks-wearing yogi to be able to experience the benefits of meditation. You can take a meditation class at a yoga studio. You can sit and just breathe for as little as 3 minutes a day (to start with). Make sure you sit comfortably, and feel good in your body, so nothing distracts you – wear comfortable yoga clothes, or prop yourself up on a yoga block, or a pillow to find the right position for you. If you find your mind to be super active, try using mala beads for meditation, by counting them as your breathe in, breathe out.

You can also try a walking meditation – turn off that iPod, and focus on the sounds around you, as well as your breath and your feet as you take each step. (Kudos to the amazing Heather White for introducing the idea of a walking meditation to me a few years back).

…you can also meditate while unloading the dishwasher. Try to focus on your breathing as you do it.

~~The key is to be mindful, no matter what you do.~~

3. the more you meditate, the more time you have…

I know, this one may sound counter-productive, but it’s true. The reason behind it is that you become so much more aware of where your time goes, so you become more selective with how you (choose) to spend your day. You become more efficient at work, as your mind is so much more clear. You make better decisions. And you are more satisfied with what you have in the moment, so you are not chasing the never-ending goals, and actually give yourself a little break to just “be” and enjoy your day, so it feels like you achieve more. And again, you don’t have to meditate for hours. Just mere 5 minutes in the morning / evening is a great start.

Once you know *how good* it makes you feel, you will *make* time for your daily meditation practice…

How about you? What is your favourite yoga class? How do YOU meditate? How did you start? Please share in the comments below, and don’t forget to include a link to your favourite studio / teacher.

Namaste. Keep moving. Be… {still}

Fresh Start. It always gets better.

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Helen Stepchuk

[New] :: already existing but seen, experienced, or acquired recently or now for the first time. With spring in full bloom in Vancouver, you can feel the energy shifting in the air, as everyone looks happier and more positive these days.

As I was walking from my meditation class this morning; the sun playing in my hair, the aroma or grass, magnolias, and all sorts of other wonderful Vancouver greenery teasing my nose. The warmth of the sun felt so good, and… almost so unfamiliar. After a long season of rain in Vancouver, it feels like you forget how good the sun feels on your skin, and you try to hold on to it for as long as you can. Being used to the grey sky, and fresh, moist air, you almost can’t believe that you get to enjoy this wonderful occurrence in nature – spring. And you forgot how good it feels. And then you think to yourself – wait, this is just the beginning. You are pretty certain. You know from the past, after spring comes summer, even a more wonderful, sun-filled season. Long days, warm, starry nights – endless beer refreshers on a patio. Hard to believe. In this very moment of this first sun experience of the year. But it’s true. Even better times are ahead. Naturally. That’s how nature works. It will deliver its promises – there will be more sun, more flowers, and then more rain with its gray simplicity.

While “practicing yoga off the mat” (the toughest kind of yoga) I couldn’t help but relate this to the everyday living. In our relationships, in our career, we get caught up in “this is the way it is” “this is the way it’s always been… We forget how good it could feel. We begin to tolerate. We get used to… We compromise and adjust ourselves to the situation, the environment we are in. The thing is, it could feel better. In fact, it SHOULD feel good. Let’s get used to the “feeling good” as our natural state, not the other way around. That being said…. Expect the fall to be back. But never lose the feeling of anticipation of summer. Enjoy all seasons. Don’t get stuck in one or the other. Breathe. Notice. Allow. Trust.

Namaste.