Dallas Hot Yoga, Pilates, Barre & Fitness

Why Hot Pilates? And More!

I am very excited for Sunstone to be offering Hot Pilates (previously called Metal)! The postures Sunstone offers in our Pilates series are dynamic movements that complement the more static nature of most of our yoga postures. The dynamic movements of Pilates challenge the muscles, cardiovascular system, and mind in new and complementary ways. In our hot yoga classes we generally (not always) get in a posture and hold a static position. In contrast in Pilates, we generally stabilize our ‘Pilates Core’ (abdomen, back, inner thighs and buttocks) and making a controlled but dynamic movement.

How to Really Advance Your Practice

As yoga teachers, we sometimes hear students categorize themselves and others as “beginner” or “advanced.” It is interesting to hear people talk this way because they usually base the label on the number of classes attended, length of time they’ve practiced, or whether they can do certain postures. The fact is that everyone is advancing--it just looks different for each individual.

When To Take A Break

Everyone needs to take a break sometimes, even from something as wonderful as yoga. Have a conversation with your teacher about your experience and be ready to give yourself permission to take time off if:

Walk The Talk

Don’t you just wish life had instant replay? Just for a second have you wished that you had the chance to clearly view a past interaction or conversation from an outside perspective – to have the opportunity to learn from what you see? We do.

The Importance of Savasana

“Lie down, heels together, palms up. Close your eyes.” Your teacher has put you into your final Savasana. She turns out the lights and leaves the room. Do you:

1. Open your eyes immediately, hop up, hang up your mat, and flee the room?
2. Lie there for a few minutes, worrying about “to dos” still on your list?
3. Acknowledge the effort you just exuded and allow your breath to assist in clearing your head and calming your body?
4. All of the Above.

Why We Teach Yoga

One word: change. It's why we teach yoga.

We chose yoga because of the changes that occurred when we brought yoga into our own lives. Many people, even your teachers, began practicing yoga hoping to lose weight or affect some other physical change in their bodies. But months (and years) later, we find that we stuck with it because of the amazing mental and life changes that have come out of our practice.

A Catalyst for Change

We like to see fitness as a catalyst for change, and fuel for sustaining mind, body and life balance. It is a tool, and like any other instrument of change, can be used by amateurs or experts on a variety of levels to accomplish an end goal. So, whether you’re a couch potato considering beginning a regular fitness practice, an avid exerciser looking for another outlet for releasing energy and building strength, or an experienced practitioner looking to “kick it up a notch,” baby steps can help take you where you want to go in your relationship with yoga and yourself.

Practice?

By now you have been in Sunstone classes or researched yoga enough to have heard instructors, our social media, and fellow students speak about the “practice” of yoga.

Be Kind & Grateful

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Be kind. Be grateful. Wow. Are we really going to tell you to be kind, love everyone and yourself, create world peace, and sing Kumbaya day and night? Not exactly :)

What to Wear for Hot Yoga

You have decided you’re going to practice hot yoga. Good for you!