national yoga month

Giving Back Through Yoga

Written on September 4, 2012 at 9:20 am , by FITNESS Intern

Written by Dionne Evans, editorial intern

By now, we know there’s an array of ways you can lend a helping hand to your favorite charity: completing a race and fundraising, volunteering, or donating no-longer-used products are just a few. But what about moving into downward dog or conquering the handstand? Yep, that’s an option now, too.

 

The Yoga Aid Foundation, an international nonprofit organization, is known for holding yoga events in the name of raising funds for various charities. Started by Clive Mayhew and wife Eriko Kinoshita, the foundation hosts traveling events through “The Challenge” series.

The Challenge is an event led by a set of 12 instructors who, for two hours, practice yoga to raise money for selected charity partners. But that’s not all: On September 9, The Foundation is dreaming big.

Hosting the first Yoga Aid World Challenge, this 24-hour yoga relay incorporates prestigious yoga teachers, like Shiva Rea, who will raise money for 15 humanitarian-based charities. The goal for this event is to raise $1 million in donations – all of which will go to the chosen charities. Taking place in over 200 locations in 20 different countries, the worldwide relay will start at 8 a.m. in Sydney, Australia and end at 6 p.m. in Los Angeles. Sessions last two hours and are free of charge, though a donation is strongly encouraged.

For more details and to see a list of the chosen charities: visit their website.

Now you tell us: What’s your favorite way to give back?

Celebrate National Yoga Month with Free Classes at Athleta

Written on September 1, 2012 at 7:42 am , by FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

No matter your occupation, lifestyle or fitness level, we could all use time to connect with ourselves. Trouble is, it’s not so easy to come by. Well, it will be a whole lot easier this September to find some quality me-time (and get a step closer to our strength and flexibility goals) with National Yoga Month and Athleta stores.

All month long, Athleta will be hosting FREE Saturday yoga classes in-store. And that’s not all! Starting on September 1, check your local Athleta store or Athleta.com/yogamonth for a schedule of other events, tips and giveaways, including the chance to win a private yoga session and shopping party at Athleta. Now that’s a pretty good reason to team up with the community for some sun salutations, don’t you think?

More from FITNESS:

•  Yoga’s Surprising Health Benefits
• Blast 500+ Calories Doing Yoga
• Mind Over Manners: Yoga Class Etiquette

Celebrate National Yoga Month This Weekend

Written on September 7, 2011 at 4:50 pm , by Colleen Moody

Here’s a fun fitness fact: September is National Yoga Month! To celebrate, Lululemon Athletica has created Salutation Nation, an international day of yoga for everyone in every city to grab a mat and join in on a free session led by local instructors.  The purpose of the event is to bring yogis of all levels together to breathe, stretch, and connect locally.

The event begins at 9 a.m. your local time on Saturday, September 10. To participate, select your city from the drop down box here and see where your area is practicing. Check out some of the highlights from last year’s session below to get excited.

More from FITNESS:

• Hot Power Yoga: We Tried It!
• Best Yoga Mats for Every Type of Yogi
• Yoga 101: Poses for Beginners
• Which Yoga Pose Are You?