Shifting Focus : Trying my own version of Social Media Detox

Good Evening, Everyone,

After a warm bowl of stew and rice, I am full. I don’t necessarily have anything important to share, yet I feel like I have so much on my heart. Between endlessly scrolling to understand why the election turned out the way it did and receiving hate messages (possibly from bots) for voicing my discontent with the presidential election, I was TIRED! So, I had to ask myself again: Why am I doing this? Why am I on social media when it’s not bringing me joy but rather serving me a heavy dose of anxiety, anger, and confusion?

So, on Thursday, after a psychological battle, I deleted all social media apps from my phone. Now, if I need to access them, I have to either download them again or access them on my laptop, which, honestly, I don’t feel like doing. At the moment, my only source of news about the United States and the world is The New York Times, which, in a bizarre way, feels good—not knowing everything is somehow a relief to my brain.

I feel like I’ve always been on social media, and strangely, I don’t miss it. I will admit, though, that I’m keeping my YouTube account. So, this post is basically to let you all know that apart from posting sponsored content on Instagram, I won’t be active there. You can catch me on YouTube and at my Virtual Studio.

Take care of yourselves, and see you on the mat soon.

Lots of love,

Ritu N.

Here’s my Youtube

June Virtual Studio Schedule: Stay Fit and Energized!

Welcome to a vibrant month at our virtual studio! We're thrilled to present a refreshed schedule designed to keep you active and motivated throughout June. From the calming flow of Vinyasa Yoga to the invigorating bursts of HIIT, our classes cater to all fitness levels and preferences. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store for you:

Weekly Class Schedule

1. Vinyasa Yoga
Mondays: June 3rd at 6:30 PM EST, then at 6 PM EST

Ease into the week with our 60-minute Vinyasa Yoga sessions. Perfect for enhancing flexibility and strength while promoting relaxation, this class will help you find balance both physically and mentally. Note the time change: the first class on June 3rd is at 6:30 PM EST, with subsequent classes moving to 6 PM EST.

2. Barre
Tuesdays: 7:15 AM EST
Start your day strong with our 30-minute Barre sessions. Combining ballet-inspired movements with elements of Pilates and strength training, these classes are excellent for toning and sculpting your body. Join us every Tuesday morning for an invigorating start to your day.

3. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
Wednesdays: 5:15 PM EST
Power through your mid-week slump with a 30-minute HIIT class. Designed to torch calories and boost cardiovascular health through high-intensity intervals, this workout will leave you feeling accomplished and energized.

4. Pilates
Thursdays: 6 PM EST
Unwind and strengthen with our 45-minute Pilates sessions. Focused on core stability, flexibility, and overall body strength, Pilates is a fantastic way to enhance your physical wellness. Join us every Thursday evening for a mindful and effective workout.

5. Chair Pilates
Fridays: 12 PM EST
Our Friday class has evolved from Chair Yoga to Chair Pilates! This 30-minute session is ideal for those seeking a low-impact workout that improves strength, stability, and mobility. It’s a great way to gently end the workweek and prepare for the weekend.

Can’t Make It Live? No Problem!

We understand that schedules can be hectic. If you can’t join us live, you can catch up with our on-demand library for just $10/month with a month free to start with. Enjoy the flexibility of accessing recorded classes at your convenience, ensuring you never miss a workout.

How to Join

All our classes are held on Zoom, making it easy for you to participate from anywhere. Visit our website to register for the sessions that interest you. With flexible payment options and access to recorded sessions, we aim to make fitness accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts

June is your month to stay active and energized with our diverse range of virtual classes. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a HIIT lover, or new to fitness, our schedule offers something for everyone. Sign up today and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced you!

Stay fit and inspired,

Ritu N.

🌟 Exciting Announcement: Dive into Wellness with Our New Feel Good Series! 🌟

Hey, beautiful souls!

I hope this message finds you in a state of peace and harmony. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you! As a passionate advocate for holistic well-being, I’ve embarked on a new journey to bring you closer to the beautiful world of yoga and Pilates through a series of short, informative videos called “Feel Good” Series.

In these bite-sized reels, I’ll guide you through various yoga stretches, alignment cues, corrective postures, and dynamic Pilates exercises designed to help you cultivate a deeper connection with your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a newcomer to the practice, there’s something for everyone!

You can catch these reels on my social media platforms, where I’ll share them regularly. But that’s not all—for your convenience and easy access, I’ve also curated this week’s releases into our virtual studio under the “Feel Good” Tab. So, whenever you need a quick pick-me-up or a moment of rejuvenation, you know where to find them!

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the reels that dropped this week:

1. Yoga for bad posture

2. Pilates for Back Pain

3. Wrist Stretches

4. Yoga for Neck Pain

5. Yoga for a Healthy Spine

These reels are not just about physical movement but about nurturing a sense of self-awareness, balance, and inner peace. So, whether you have five minutes or fifty, I invite you to join me on this journey toward greater health, happiness, and vitality.

Remember, the magic happens when you show up for yourself – on and off the mat.

Sending you all love, light, and infinite blessings.

With gratitude,

Ritu Niroula 🙏✨

Embrace March Matness: The 20-Day Barre Challenge!

Welcome to our March fitness extravaganza – the 20-day Barre challenge, where just 30 minutes a day can make all the difference. But hold up – before you think Barre is just for dancers, let's uncover its universal appeal.

Barre: Beyond Expectations

• Full-Body Burn: Barre isn't just about pliés and pirouettes. It's a dynamic workout that targets every muscle group, no dance experience required.

• Joint-Friendly Intensity: Experience a high-energy workout without the high impact. Barre is gentle on joints but tough on calories, suitable for all fitness levels.

• Desk Jockey Delight: Combat desk-bound stiffness with Barre's focus on posture and flexibility, perfect for the modern workforce.

• Core Stability: Strengthen your core for better balance and posture, essential for everyday movements.

• Zen Zone: Escape the chaos with Barre's mindful movements, offering stress relief and mental clarity in today's hustle and bustle.

Props for Progress

• Chair Support: Beginners, fear not – a chair provides stability for balance-challenged participants.

• Household Weights: Grab water bottles or canned goods for added resistance if light dumbbells aren't on hand.

• Optional Enhancements: Resistance bands and pilates balls add spice to your routine if you're feeling adventurous.

Join the Challenge

• Free for All: Members, jump in and seize the opportunity for a transformative journey at no extra cost.

• 30-Day Trial: Not a member? No problem. Sign up for our free trial and dive into the challenge headfirst.

• Track Your Triumphs: Keep tabs on your progress with our handy attached calendar.

Are you ready to embrace March Matness and elevate your March fitness routine? Roll out your mat, gather your props, and let's shake up our fitness regimen with the power of Barre. See you at the studio!

9 Ways to use a Yoga Blanket(Part 2)

CONTINUING FROM THE PREVIOUS Blog…………

Here are some of the ways you can use blanket in your practice:

1. Seated Forward Fold :

When doing the Seated Forward Fold, make sure to bend forward from your hips, not your waist. To keep everything in the right position, you can put a blanket under your butt to lift your hips a bit and tilt your pelvis forward. This helps you lean forward from your hips and keep your back straight.

2. Head to Knee Pose : When doing the Head to Knee Pose, try putting a blanket under your sit bones. This lifts your hips and helps you get in the right position. If your bent knee is up and causing discomfort, you can also use a blanket under it for support.

3. Garland Pose :

In this deep squat, you can use a blanket to give extra support to your heels, helping you keep the right posture. Roll up one or two blankets and put them under your heels. As you get used to it, you can slowly use thinner blankets or even try the squat without any blanket.

4. Savasana :

During Savasana, you can use a blanket to keep warm and cozy by covering yourself with it. If your blanket is heavy, it can make you relax even more with the added pressure. You can also roll the blanket under your knees to ease pressure in your lower back. To find stability in your hips and lower back, slide a blanket under your feet with your knees bent to support your lower back. Also, you can open your hips in Savasana by bringing your feet together and letting your knees gently open to the side.

5. Shoulder Stand :

If Shoulderstand and Plow feel uncomfortable for your neck, try using a blanket for extra help. Fold a blanket or more and put them under your shoulders when you lie down. Make sure it's under your shoulders, not your neck. This gives your neck more room and lessens the pressure. But be careful with these poses, especially if you have any health concerns that make them unsuitable for you.

In conclusion, yoga blankets are a handy tool that can make your yoga practice better in many ways. They offer support for your knees, hips, and heels, and bring comfort in restorative poses. Using a blanket can make your stretches deeper, improve your body alignment, and make your poses more stable. So, whether you use a regular blanket or get a special yoga one, adding this prop to your practice can make your yoga experience even better.

8 Ways to use a Yoga Blanket(Part 1)

In the realm of yoga, blankets emerge as indispensable companions, elevating your practice and offering crucial support in a myriad of poses. Whether you find solace in the serene realms of restorative or yin yoga, or you're immersed in the dynamic flow of other yoga styles, a blanket stands as a valuable prop, ready to amplify your experience.

The beauty lies in the accessibility of this prop – chances are, you already possess the perfect yoga blanket within the confines of your home. No need for a special, dedicated yoga blanket; any comfortable and dense blanket or even a towel can seamlessly transform into your trusted yoga companion.

The versatility of blankets extends beyond their physical attributes, becoming a psychological anchor for many practitioners. Having a dedicated blanket for your yoga sessions fosters a distinct connection between your home yoga space and the rest of your living environment. It's a subtle yet powerful way to create a sacred sanctuary within the comfort of your home.

As you unroll your mat and embark on your yoga journey, consider the transformative potential that a simple blanket holds. From providing extra cushioning in seated poses to offering gentle support in restorative asanas, this unassuming accessory becomes a silent ally in your pursuit of physical and mental well-being. Embrace the warmth, comfort, and versatility – let your yoga blanket become an integral part of your practice, enhancing every stretch, every breath, and every moment on the mat.

Here are some of the ways you can use blanket in your practice:

1.Child’s Pose:

If your ankles and feet feel uneasy when you're in Child’s Pose, you can make it better by putting a rolled blanket or towel under them. And if getting your hips down to your heels is hard, you can use a folded blanket between your calves and thighs. This fills the space and gives support.

2.Supported Kneeling Pose:

If your knees are sensitive or your yoga mat isn't soft enough, you can use a blanket or towel for more comfort in poses where you kneel, like Camel and Low Lunge showed above. Just fold the blanket and put it under your knees to make it more comfy.

3.Pigeon Pose:

You can use a blanket in Pigeon Pose in yoga to help your hips. If bringing your hips down to the floor is hard, put a rolled-up blanket under the hip of your bent leg. How many blankets you use depends on how flexible you are. Begin with one and add more if necessary. You can explore upright Pigeon pose and find length or you can drop into your forearms and align your head with your spine for deeper grounding practice.

4. Easy Pose:

In Easy Pose during yoga, placing a blanket under your hips can be really helpful. It makes sitting comfortably easier. The blanket gives a little lift and support to your hips, making the pose more comfortable. It's especially great if sitting on the floor is a bit hard for you. The blanket adds a cushion and makes it easier to enjoy your yoga practice.

5. Hero’s Pose:

In Hero's Pose during yoga, using a blanket under your hips is a good idea. It makes sitting on your heels more comfy. The blanket provides a bit of padding and support for your hips, so you don't feel too much pressure. This can be really beneficial if your knees or hips are sensitive. The blanket makes the pose gentler and helps you enjoy your yoga practice without discomfort.

In conclusion, a yoga blanket proves to be a versatile ally in enhancing various poses. Whether in Child's Pose, Easy Pose, Hero's Pose, Kneeling Pose, or Pigeon Pose, the blanket adds comfort and support to different areas of your body. It becomes a protective layer for your hips, ensuring a comfortable stretch in Pigeon Pose, while also offering cushioning for your back in Child's Pose. In Easy Pose, it makes sitting more pleasant, and in Hero's Pose, it safeguards your knees and adds a soft touch under your hips. Even in Kneeling Pose, the blanket provides extra padding for your knees, making the pose gentler overall. With its versatile benefits, the yoga blanket becomes an essential accessory, enhancing both comfort and protection throughout your yoga practice.

Part 2 will be published next week.

6 ways to use a Bolster

Enhance your home yoga practice with the added comfort and support of bolsters. If you're into restorative and yin yoga, having a yoga bolster is a game-changer for your home sessions. Luckily, there are various sizes, shapes, weights, and fillings to match everyone's preferences.

You've probably seen rectangular and round bolsters in your favorite yoga studios – they're quite popular. For starters, having just one bolster is usually enough. Before you make a purchase, take a moment to think about how you'll incorporate the bolster into your practice and choose the size that fits your needs.

Not sure if a bolster is your thing? No problem! You can experiment with using pillows, cushions, and blankets as alternatives to get a feel for the comfort they bring to your home yoga routine. Elevate your practice effortlessly with the perfect bolster companion.

Here are six ways to use a yoga bolster in different poses:

1. Recline Bound Angle Pose

In my years of guiding clients through yoga practices, here's a tip that has made a real difference, especially in the reclined bound angle pose. Swap out blocks for a comfy bolster to support your knees – a subtle adjustment with significant impact.

Additionally, try using the bolster to elevate your heart and provide spinal support, which my clients have found particularly beneficial, especially during pregnancy when lying on the back can be challenging.

If inner thigh strain is something you've experienced, adding blocks, pillows, or blankets under each thigh can offer targeted relief. It's a technique I've refined over the years, and my clients have seen remarkable results. Give it a try in your reclined bound angle pose and feel the positive shift in your practice!

2. Supported Child’s Pose

Indulge in the soothing benefits of the supported child's pose, a restorative yoga gem that offers a myriad of advantages. As you settle into this pose, placing a bolster between your knees becomes the key to unlocking its potential. Feel the gentle alignment of your spine and the release of tension throughout your back.

The pose delicately stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles, providing a much-needed respite for these areas. Supported by the comforting embrace of the bolster, the pose acts as a stress-reliever, instilling a profound sense of calm. For a customized experience, don't hesitate to adjust the bolster's height by incorporating blocks, pillows, or blankets until you find the perfect level of support, ensuring a truly relaxing and personalized practice.

3. Supported Backbend

Elevate your yoga practice with the supported backbend, using a bolster for added benefits. Align the bolster with your shoulders, extending your arms overhead or interlacing your hands behind your head for neck support.

This gentle lift promotes spinal extension, relieving lower back tension. Whether your legs are extended or bent, the supported backbend creates space in your chest and heart center. Embrace the nourishing effects of this pose and let the bolster enhance your practice for a rejuvenated and open experience.

In conclusion, yoga bolsters are versatile prop that can bring comfort and support to a variety of yoga poses. Whether you prefer rectangle or round bolster, invest in a one or use the substitute like pillows, cushions or blankets. The benefits are sure to make your yoga practice more sustainable and enjoyable.