Dealing With Yoga Doubters
Most yoga students have been approached by a yoga skeptic at one time or another. But preaching to doubters just doesn't work, writes Neal Pollack. Lead by example instead.
Most yoga students have been approached by a yoga skeptic at one time or another. But preaching to doubters just doesn't work, writes Neal Pollack. Lead by example instead.
Yoga can energize you when you need energy, chill you when you need chilling, heal you when you're hurt, and focus your mind when you're scattered, writes Neal Pollack.
Feel empowered with this fun low-to-the-ground variation on Grasshopper Pose.
Neal Pollack reinvigorates his practice with the re-discovery of online yoga classes.
Neal Pollack teaches his son yoga nidra, the "yoga of sleep," and witnesses it's sure results.
What you need to practice this variation of Eka Pada Koundinyasana II: a bit more lean and a lot more sass.
Despite his regular yoga practice, Neal Pollack, like many of us, experiences occasional back issues. Yoga helps, and also keeps him aware that his body, though functional, isn't perfect.
Be fearless and have fun in an indulgent Ardha Chandrasana variation that stretches the psoas and hips while opening the heart wide.
Kathryn Budig walks you through the challenging but beautiful Bird of Paradise (NOT her favorite asana BTW).
Yoga creates near-ideal conditions for public arousal, writes Neal Pollack. Read his sage advice to men new to the practice on how to deal with unexpected desire during class.
Kathryn Budig challenges you to a lighter-hearted, more playful variation of Bakasana.
When a beloved yoga teacher moves on, students get a first-hand lesson in impermanence.
The jumpback transition from Bakasana to Chaturanga is mostly mental. Overcome doubt and practice.
In the wake of last week's anxiety producing news, Neal Pollack was reminded that while suffering is part of our human condition, yoga is there to help alleviate it.
Kathryn Budig breaks down this gorgeous, core-busting two-legged version of the Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya.
Kathryn Budig walks us through a truly badass transition from Headstand to Chaturanga.
Yoga isn't limited to asana, says Neal Pollack. The longer he practices, the more he realizes just how complex and deep this path is.
When antidepressants stopped working, Neal Pollack's yoga practice helped him manage his depression--minus the negative side effects.
Kathryn Budig demonstrates the transition from Tripod Headstand into Chaturanga.
When he first started a band, Neal Pollack was full of expectations. Today, his music just brings him a lot of joy, in the moment.
Kathryn Budig demonstrates the steps to transition from Headstand to Crane Pose.
Ever been in a class with someone trying too hard to be funny? It's easy to feel annoyed. But when it comes to yoga, Neal Pollack says, maybe we should all stop taking ourselves so seriously.
Kathryn Budig and Annie Carpenter weigh in about how to find the right program for you.
After nearly a decade of doing yoga, Neal Pollack still struggles with the physical details of the practice. But he's learning to accept this about himself, and to call for help when needed.
Kathryn Budig breaks down Kapinjalasana into the equal parts strength, balance, and backbend.
In part II of her series on dropbacks, Kathryn Budig has us practice dropping back and getting back up at the wall.
In his current living space, Neal Pollack doesn't have the room nor is inspired to practice yoga. He's trying to find a yogic lesson in the situation.
Yoga, it is said, helps you do everything better. Neal Pollack has found that this extends to his poker game.
Kathryn Budig teaches us how to begin to prepare for dropping back into Urdhva Dhanurasana.
A teaching gig yields just 8 students—and Neal Pollack wouldn't want it any other way.
Neal Pollack considers whether the occasional urge to do yoga in public is for him or for show—or a little bit of both.
Kathryn Budig teaches a variation of headstand with your arms as a base of support.
What is the proper yogic response to election-induced craziness? Neal Pollack weighs in.
Kathryn Budig teaches how to build Sirasana, the King of Asanas.
Rather than repress sexual urges, or constantly act on them, yoga has taught Neal Pollack to observe his desires, and not let a greedy mind run the show.
Donkey kicks are common as you learn this challenging but ultimately graceful pose.
Neal Pollack used to do yoga as exercise. But after weeks of traveling, he turns to slower practices to put get his body back in working order.
Kathryn Budig demonstrates a spin on Scorpion that opens the shoulders while leading you on a backbending journey.
Can you walk the yogic path and smoke pot? Neal Pollack suggests you look at the issue of attachment to find your own answers.
Practicing yoga won't make you live forever, but it can help you put the fear of death into perspective. Neal Pollack explains how.
Practice the unique combination of flexibility, strength, and balance required by Scorpion.
Neal Pollack is doing his best to inject some yogic wisdom into his parenting.
Kathryn Budig teaches how to Flip the Dog, or to come into Camatkarasana, also known as Wild Thing.
Social scientists say that it's harder to make friends as adults. But Neal Pollack has found that yoga has filled his life with many true friendships.
Try One-Legged Inverted Staff Pose, plus a range of backbends to open your heart along the way.
Look beyond fruit to greens and other nutrients for a tasty, healthy smoothie meal on the go.
This backbending split involves full shoulder rotation, leaving you feeling spacious and free!
Neal Pollack takes exception to the concept of men-only yoga.
Taking your splits upside down can be incredibly liberating. Kathryn Budig explains how.
Neal Pollack never grew used to early-morning classes. So he stopped, and started doing yoga whenever he wants, and it's just fine.
Neal Pollack is feeling the pinch from the rising cost of yoga.
Eka Pada Kapotasana is a backbend variation that will open your psoas and your heart.
When a speaking engagement doesn't go as planned, Neal Pollack is reminded of the yogic lesson of nonattachment.
We know her for arm balances, but here Kathryn Budig shows us how she learned to backbend into Padangustha Dhanurasana, Big Toe Bow Pose.
Neal Pollack's freelance gig test driving and reviewing luxury cars is a constant reminder what's real and what's temporary.
Kathryn Budig leads us into One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II.
Kathryn Budig shows how to open your heart wide in this swimmingly sassy pose.
Neal Pollack isn't quite ready to join the senior league, but he's happy to give up the faced-paced yoga of his early years.
Kathryn Budig challenges you to a fun arm balance hybrid that you may find easier than the traditional pose!
Tooting his way through yoga class, Neal Pollack applies the yogic lesson of non-judgment.
Learn how to fly in Tittibhasana.
Neal Pollack loves his yogic self, but he doesn't want to leave his pre-yoga personality behind.
Find a funky balance in this hybrid Headstand-Forearm Stand variation.
Fire up your core strength as you fly into Tittibhasana.
Conquer fear in a pose that combines an arm balance, hip opener, shoulder opener, hamstring stretch, and twist.
When you've pushed yourself too hard in yoga, it's time to slow down, not give up.
Are you ready for a serious challenge? Up the ante with this pose from Ashtanga's 3rd series.
Yoga teaches us to deal with whatever arises in our lives, no matter how distracting and uncomfortable—even an obnoxious yoga classmate.
Charging Scorpion creates an opening in the upper back and can feel divine.
Neal Pollack has found a way to get his fix of yoga and Sunday football.
Eka Pada Sirsasana has a way of reminding you it's really not about the goal, but the journey.
Neal Pollack's body may be wrecked from yoga, but the rest of his life is a whole lot better.
Take your backbend further and higher into Eka Pada Urdvha Dhanurasana.