DYM Business of the Month Profile

Tights Presented by Velma Canaday & Cravin’Fit™

By: Dallas Yoga Magazine

Velma always stands out in a crowd with her brightly colored clothing, yet she has a natural magnetism that just draws you in. Everything about her says fun. Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia.  She left her job with the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington DC. With her two degrees and background in Computer Science and Graphic Arts you will see her flare for color, lively design and innovative style are apparent in everything she does.  Her journey has been a winding and sometimes bumpy road toward that dream.   As with most journeys there have been a few detours.

Velma developed an appreciation for fitness through running track then later kickboxing.  As a former track star, both district and regional champion in 100 and 200m races, she soon made the connection to nutrition.  She enjoys a total body workout, but according to Velma “Really, it’s all about the Abs.”  Yes, Velma, we can tell just by looking at you!

Detour Number One:  Velma has limitless energy.    She is one of our favorite vendors at many local festivals and events as well as online with her one of a kind, colorful, yet affordable Tights Presented By Velma Canaday.  Specializing in unique yoga pants, tights and legging in petite and plus sizes. Every yogi needs to own a couple of pairs!  She enjoys working with women of all body types and shapes to help them find a fit that makes them feel good about how they look.  Catch her at the next Cosmic Yogi Festival November 10th or just can’t wait, visit her web site. https://shop.velmacanaday.com/

Detour Number Two:  Velma is also a Certified Nutritionist and owns and operates Cravin’Fit™.  Offering meal plans/prep/delivery, grocery store tours, pantry sweeps, education, and diet advice.  For more information on how to reach her about those services you may contact her at INFO@CRAVINFIT.com or check out her website at www.cravinfit.com .  Her love of color even shows up in her food presentations.  Velma enjoys photographing her food creations as if they were works of art.  She has helped a number of clients enjoy eating healthy food and feeling less overwhelmed when it comes to joining #TeamFit.

As if Velma wasn’t busy enough running two companies she has found time to author two books.  Her first published book was, Melt Into Your Kick-Ass Body Diary.  Her second book is available for sale on her website, titled Cravin’Fit™, Go Beyond 21 Days & Make It Stick! A third book, possibly an e-cookbook, is still in the concept stage of production.

Miss Canaday is also a speaker.  You may schedule her at your event or meeting as a guest lecturer on topics such as female entrepreneurship and nutrition. Velma was named after her Grandmother. She has always been driven and self motivation.  She looks up to and admires Britt Rettig, owner of Grit by Brit, who has been a source of inspiration to her.

When asked: What is your why in your life? Velma responded, “I just want to be great at whatever I do”.  Velma, we can’t wait to see what the road ahead holds for you.  We just know that Detour Number Three will be AMAZING!

The post DYM Business of the Month Profile appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: Erica Mestyanek, Editor Dallas Yoga Magazine, Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

I had the opportunity to chat with Jen Corley of WeTravel. This company is very focused on bringing together a community of organizations and entrepreneurs to help streamline the payment process system for retreats and special events. Not only that, but they are happy to share the information they have been collecting over the years. On their site, they even have a blog with retreat leader resources to help beginners as well.

Erica: Tell me about yourself.

Jen: I work for a company called WeTravel which is a payments and bookings platform for group travel for the wellness space which is largely retreats and destination trainings and other out of studio experiences. I am the Director of Development for Wellness Travel and as a previous yoga instructor, this position is a perfect marriage of the things I love; travel and yoga.

Erica: Would you say WeTravel is a payment processing platform for only group travel or is it open to other events?

Jen: There is no travel required in terms of an event being a good fit for the platform. Basically, it is a payment system for anything which an organization or an individual teacher needs to collect funds for; sometimes in payment plans, amount due, etc. We have a customizable checkout form to collect as little or as much information needed from customers. To clarify, it wouldn’t be a replacement for something like your Mind Body Online platform, but more so for those one off events that are maybe more logistically complicated.

Erica: What would be the benefit for a studio or teacher to use WeTravel instead of other payment platforms available?

Jen: For different people, they find the value in different ways. That being said, I think our two most important value propositions are; our cost and there is no setup, monthly, recurring or hidden fees. The cost is 1% of the funds transacted. We have the ability to process payments through bank transfers or the client can decide to absorb credit card fees or even pass those along. There are wonderful reports where you can track who owes you money, you can send your customers messages through the site and so many other features to help make this a smooth process.

Erica: I see on your website there is a link to retreatcenterdirectory.com. Can you tell me more about that?

Jen: Our main business is WeTravel, however retreatcenterdirectory.com is the sister site. This was built last spring and we launched at the end of summer last year. Basically as We Travel, we had tons of contacts with retreat leaders, yoga teachers or other healers and coaches offering retreats as well as contacts at the retreat locations. All of this information had previously just been stored in a database. Our team members decided it would be great to get all of this information online. The site is meant to be very interactive, we have Yelp style reviews, and you can find retreat leaders as well as the retreat centers available to book all around the globe.

Erica: What a great way to get this information into the hands of people that need it the most!

Jen: It really is. It is also worth noting that we do not monetize retreatcenterdirectory.com in any way. This is just a site with the information needed to help bring our community together. It’s free to create a listing for a retreat center and it’s free to retreat leaders to find those centers.

Erica: Thank you Jen for taking the time to talk to us about WeTravel. There are many of our readers who could benefit from this!

The post Interview with Jen Corley of WeTravel appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Motorcycling is just like any other sport. In addition to learning about gears, balance and the technical aspects of the bike, there is a strong need for physical training, because it involves the risk of physical injuries, as in any sport. Motorcycling  demands physical fitness, because the more physically fit you are, the better will you fare in the sport and on the road.

The basic facts to know before finding the best workouts as a yogi motorcyclist is to know the muscles or the parts of the body which come in contact with the bike, because obviously, those parts are used to balance and perform stunts. The parts of the body which are important while motorcycling are the lower body (the hips, thighs, feet) and your hands. So, working out targeting these body parts will help you to be fit for riding and taking care of possible motorcycle pain…an unwelcome guest for any motorcycle ride. So, here are Four Workouts for Yogi Motorcyclists to Boost Your Confidence and Safety.

Strengthening your core means strengthening your very foundation of biking. Through this, you will improve your flexibility and overall biking because your core is most employed while riding for long periods of time. If your core is the chassis, without a strong frame even the best engine and suspension is useless. Some of the yoga asanas to strengthen your core are plank pose, side plank, stretch pose, boat pose, chair pose, crow pose, dolphin pose and cat pose.

This will improve your stamina. Cardio exercises can be anything- swimming, hiking, running or cycling – for about 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Increased stamina means fewer mistakes while riding. Yogis can find their cardio workout at a fast paced Vinyasa Flow, Buti Yoga, Power Yoga, Hot Yoga or even an Ecstatic Dance class.

Seems obvious, right? You can work your lower body out with gym exercises like squats, dumbbell lunges, pull-ups and even push-ups. The most popular yoga poses for strengthening your legs are Downward-Facing Dog, Extending Side Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Big Toe Pose, Garland Pose, and High Lunge. These will help strengthen and tone your lower body making it much easier to handle a heavy motorcycle.

Optimize your riding position by observing and practicing. Observe the best bikers ride with their hips back and a flat back – without slouching. Good posture ensures that all your strength goes into controlling your bike. One of the first lessons a yogi learns in class is to keep your back straight, shoulders back, lower chin slightly and stretch the neck upwards. There are many poses a yogi rider can practice to improve their posture both on the mat and on the motorcycle. Try these asanas: Mountain Pose, Standing Forward Bend, Cat-Cow Stretch, Eagle Pose, Tree Pose and Cobra Pose.

Yes!! You read it right! Here are a few all-in-one exercises if you don’t have time to do separate workouts. Make sure you are in comfortable fitness apparel before you begin.

Place a barbell across the muscles of the upper back. Descend into squatting position with your torso straight. The hip crease should break parallel. Then, return to standing position. This is the primary strength builder for the hips, quadriceps and lumbar-spinal erectors.

This also helps to strengthen the legs so that one could apply more force while moving across the pegs faster, absorbing bigger bumps, or pushing the bike in neutral gear in addition to maintaining a stable back position.

You should: Start with lighter weights and gradually increase weight.

You shouldn’t: Round your back or let your knees come too inward during raising.

Hold 20lb dumbbells in your hands. Stand upright, put one of your legs to the front and stretch as far as you can. Now bend your leg which is behind until it almost touches the ground. Then stretch your front leg to come back to standing position. Repeat the same procedure with the opposite leg. This will help you balance better when carrying a lot of weight or balancing your motorcycle.

Though this seems to be very simple, this seriously tests your stamina and balance and improves both.

You should: Ensure your front and back feet point straight.

You shouldn’t: Let your knee touch the ground.

Lie on your back and bring your feet near to your body on the ground so your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Lift your toes and dig your heels into the floor. Lift your hips off the ground and hold your hips about 6 inches off the ground (you can go higher if your body comfortably allows) and return to the floor. Doing this exercise regularly is also an effective remedy for lower back pain.

You should: Squeeze your hips.

You shouldn’t: Relax between repetitions.

#4 Wrist and Feet Exercise

Hands and feet are extremely important in biking, as well as, yoga. You can improve the flexibility of your wrists and your feet with few simple exercises.

Exercise for your wrists

Stretch out your hand and rotate your wrist clockwise for about 5 to 10 rotations. Change the rotation direction to anti-clockwise for the same number of rotations.

Exercise for your feet

The exercise is similar for feet. Stretch out your legs and rotate your feet in the clockwise direction for about 5 to 10 rotations. Change the direction of rotation for the same number of rotations.

So, these were few tips on the workouts for yogi motorcyclists who choose healthy living and want to better their riding performance. Perform these workouts on a routine basis and you will notice a different in your travels and in your yoga practice.

Author’s Bio:

Jessica is a traveller by heart. Along with frequently penning down her thoughts related to the travel experiences, she is an avid biker and an expert reviewer of motorcycle adventure products.

The post Yogi Motorcyclists: Four Workouts to Boost Your Confidence & Safety appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Open 24 Hours

Locations

HotWorx™ newest franchise location opened in Colleyville June of this year.  DFW Metro-plex locations are now open in Addison, Crowley, Dallas (Abrams/Skillman), Flower Mound, and Saginaw so look for a location coming near you soon.  Many locations in 11 other states as well.

Founding

HWX CEO and creator Stephen P. Smith is a certified trainer, former body builder and arena football player.  While on vacation with his business partner Nancy and other Fitness Enthusiasts and Industry Professional were discussing, what else, but their workouts, hot yoga and recovery.  One of them jokingly mentioned how much saunas helped the body to heal, so maybe people should just do yoga in the sauna to save time.  After due diligence, HotWorx™ was born.

How it Works (Worx)

HotWorx™ is a 24 hour infrared Fitness Studio with Virtual Instructors.  When members join they are given an access door code.  Members then book the sauna of their choice online through the HotWorx™ app.  The app also allows members to track calories burned during their workout, accrue rewards, and compete with other members.  The studio is staffed certain hours during the day.  Check specific locations if you want to speak in person to an employee.

Workouts

The HotWorx™ Studio has 10 workout areas.  Nine Hot Infrared Sauna Rooms, each large enough for three people to workout at the same time.  Choose from either Isometric or HIIT workouts.  Isometrics are ISO, Yoga, Mat Pilates, Warrior, Core, or Buns.  High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Workouts are Cycle or Row.  Saunas have special bikes and rowing machines in them, heat resistant yoga mats are provided.  The tenth area is a non heated open area for TRX and Free Weight Training.  Bring your own towels and water, cubbies provided, vending machines on most properties.

Virtual Instructors

Depending on which working out room you book, a virtual instructor (video) is played on a TV screen inside the sauna to motivate and guide you through your either 30-minute Isometric, or 15- minute HIIT session.  Videos are changed every six months.  Tryouts for Virtual Instructors contests are held once per year.

Infrared Sauna

Temperature in the sauna can be set manually from the inside from 80 to 125 degrees.  Infrared heat is radiant energy that travels in wavelengths on the invisible light spectrum.  Benefits according to Colleyville franchise owner Angelique Gates are faster recovery time, cellulite reduction, stress relief, calorie burn, pain relief, detoxifying, lowers blood pressure, healthy skin, increase circulation, aids weight loss and increased metabolism.  Less time is needed to warm up before working out.  Some members come just to enjoy the saunas and relax.

2018 Prices

Unlimited Sessions at  One  Location Only $59 per month

Unlimited Sessions  ALL  Locations Only $69 per month

Other packages available, call for details.  (Refer 10 friends get one year free.)

Summary

Studio is nicely laid out and organized.  Staff was friendly and helpful.  Equipment, electronics and sauna was user friendly, well marked and easy to understand.  Studio does sell special mats, water bottles and other products that are all high heat resistant.     This is for hot workout lovers ONLY. First workout is free.  Something new and very different, go try it!

HOTWORX.NET

The post HotWorx™: Infrared Virtual Fitness Studio appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Festivals

www.CosmicYogiMovement.com

Get in Touch with AJ:

aj@.

The post You Know You’re a Yogi When…. appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: Ken Goldberg, Meditation Teacher, Former Buddhist Monk & Spiritual Life Coach

In Buddhist practice we study the Dhamma or as it is pronounced in some lineages, Dharma. The teachings of the Buddha are said to lead to enlightenment, which is liberation from suffering/happiness.

The Buddha asserted what we call, the 4 noble truths.

Buddhism’s four truths are called noble because they liberate us from suffering. They are the Buddha’s basic teaching.

Life always involves suffering, in obvious and subtle forms. Even when things seem good.

The cause of suffering is craving and fundamental ignorance. We attach to things and all things that exist are impermanent.

Suffering can end because our awakened mind is always available to us.

By living ethically, practicing meditation, and developing wisdom, we can take the same journey to enlightenment and freedom from suffering that the buddhas (awakened ones) do. We too can wake up. This path is the 8 Fold Path.

THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH

Having put that out there, I want to make a point. My nature causes me to suffer. Human nature leads me to suffering. We will suffer. We will hurt. We will fall ill, lose loved ones, fail at love, harm others unintentionally, etc. If we practice an ethical and compassionate life we can often mitigate our suffering but if you are participating in this thing called life, things will happen.

Our untrained, unmindful thoughts are usually leading to disaster. But mindfulness does not end suffering. The 8 Fold Path is not the end of suffering.

Monks train constantly to think, speak and act mindfully. They practice mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Monks eliminate most of the distractions and attachments which cause suffering or limit happiness. These same attachments for a lay person lead to great joy at times, great suffering at others.

I do not chase enlightenment but instead simply try to live in the moment. I can do many things Buddhist monks can do. I can chant in the Pali language, recite the blessings, study the scriptures and teachings, go without jewelry, and more. But I live in the world, seeking companionship, friendship, financial security and love. I enjoy pleasure, accept pain. I try to not resist a change of circumstances or fortune, especially one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. Rather, I have a dedication to the development mindfulness and skill, wisdom and compassion. I do not expect the elimination of difficulties or attachments. I have learned to moderate and mitigate suffering and to navigate the type of difficulties that can rob a person of peace.

The past few years have been littered with difficulties and blessings. I would have been crushed under the weight of my own insecurities, fears and low self-esteem. But now I recognize that I am not my thoughts and feelings. They are the story I generally tell myself but which I can alter and improve upon by acting in a skillful, wholesome and kind manner.

Monastic life has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage is that it is a simpler life generally without the complications and the challenge of paying rent, buying food and clothing and raising daughters. I would if I could, but I cannot I know. I can live more simply but I will always be encumbered by the responsibilities and distractions of a non-monastic life. It beats the old way though by a significant margin. It is a life of service, free from intoxicants and a recognition that I can be in the moment when all my fears and insecurities are pulling me back to the pain of the past or anxiety of the future.

“If you just walk with me And let me walk with you I’m on a journey I don’t wanna walk alone”

Pearl Jam

About the Author:

Ken Goldberg has been the meditation teacher at the Buddhist Center of Dallas for the past 7 years. The center is a Thai Buddhist temple located at 8484 Stults Road in Dallas. Everyone is welcome every Wednesday night at 7PM whether they are brand new or expert at meditation.

Ken was raised in the streets of Chicago where he became a social worker and specialized in working with emotionally disturbed adolescents. He was also a certified addictions counselor.

After practicing law 30 years, he retired to pursue a focused spiritual path. He trained as a Buddhist monk\ and meditation teacher with Buddhist meditation master Ajahn Sarayut of Thailand.  Ken now offers spiritual life coaching with an emphasis on persons in recovery from addictions and traumas. Coaching fees are based on ability to pay.

Email: Ken@law-disorder.com

The post Am I On the Path Less Traveled?  appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.