Annnnnnd, that’s a wrap for 2024’s Guns ‘n Poses. We sure do love the community and growth that happens at this event every year. So impactful for every single one of us
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!Next year…. Oct 4th, 2024.
Yoga
Benefits of Legs Up The Wall
It’s pretty safe to say that I suggest this technique at least a few times every week in my coaching calls. If I would add anything to this graphic, it’s this…. fill a sock with dry rice or beans and tie a knot in it. Use that lightweight weight over your eyes and forehead. It will add to the relaxation by quieting the prefrontal cortex (where much “chatter” happens in our minds). Bonus points…. add a few drops of Lavender, Vanilla, Peace &Calming, or whichever oil is speaking to you at the time.
Give it a try!
xoxo~ liz
Pelvic Floor Health
I’m back from a whirlwind 12-day trip of teaching up North (I’ll post more on my trip soon) ….. and so is yoga, tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30pm at McKinney Fit Body.
Yoga is a form of medicine, and tonight’s class focus will be on improving pelvic floor strength. If you’ve never thought about (or heard about) your pelvic floor, here are a few reasons what, why, and how yoga helps with pelvic floor issues.
The pelvic floor consists of 16 muscles as well as foundationally important ligaments and nerves.It’s the very base of our core muscles, and supports the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.Affects WOMEN and MEN. In men, it’s often misdiagnosed as prostatitis and may result in erectile dysfunction. (50% of all women to some degree, and 10-15% of men).Strong pelvic floor muscles help control the bladder, bowels and improve sex (both genders). Also helps stabilize the pelvis and spine (balance)… we wanna keep this area strong as we age!The state of the glutes is a window into what the pelvic floor looks like. Weak glutes are a sign the pelvic floor is too tight in one direction only. (in hypertonic state, urinary frequency, interstitial cystitis, IBS, painful intercourse, lower back pain)For many, the problem is that some of the muscles in our pelvic floor are too tight: Hypertonic: resulting in urge incontinence- This is where yoga comes into play… the muscles need to learn to relax thru specific exercises which promote relaxation & deep breathing techniques which positively affect the pelvic floor.There’s also a hypotonic (weak muscles) state many people have. That leads to leakage with no warning and is often improved with core strengthening (which can be achieved through your workouts and also through yoga).Because of the complex workings of the pelvic floor, the body needs to re-learn to self-regulate and it can do this through exercises that BOTH STRENGTHEN AND RELAX the pelvic floor.
If you have experienced any of these things, there’s a high probability that your pelvic floor could use some TLC:
Pregnancy, sitting too much, lack of exercise, surgery (use it or lose it)Some people actually have overly tight pelvic floors from bad posture or sitting too much. Overly tight in one “way” makes it weak in all the other ways it moves.Other people have an imbalanced pelvic floor because they always cross the same leg or stand putting majority of weight on the same leg or always using a dominant leg (like a soccer player)Ultimately, poor pelvic floor tone will lead to bladder leakage, digestive problems, back pain, and poor posture.
A healthy pelvic floor is also linked to better balance and bladder health….. especially as we age.
Yoga is functional medicine friends. Come tonight and get your stretch on! Message me for details if you’re local and would like to come. Walk-ins are always welcome, and no experience is necessary!
xoxo~ liz
PS: Essential oils that you may find helpful for pelvic floor spasms include AromaSiez, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Ylang ylang, Clary Sage, Geranium, Cypress, Lemongrass (DILUTE heavily with a carrier oil… it’s a hot one!). Apply to the lower area of the abdomen as needed.
Guns ‘n Poses 2023
6th Annual Guns ‘n Poses? …… Yes, please! This is a gals-only event, and we’d love to have you join us.
No experience necessary, just a desire to learn. Message me for details, or register to attend using the QR code or the link I’m dropping in the comments
Shoot like a girl…. heck yeah!
Yoga Helps the Lymphatic System
Just completed my second class in Yoga Medicine over the last few months. Their curriculum takes yoga to the next level…. this particular course focus was on lymphatics, and it it did not disappoint!
A few highlight moments for me:
flow in all systems of the body is key. If any are stagnant, health will, without question, suffer.even if you think you don’t need to…. help your lymphatic system do its job! Nobody’s got time for excess trash to be sitting around creating mayhem in the body. the lymphatic system doesn’t work nearly as well as it could if you are stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode. the left side of the body does alot more work than the right side when it comes to lymphatic drainage (don’t neglect either side tho!) Lymphatic flow increases 10fold during exercise
deep diaphragmatic breathing is absolutely essential on the daily!… not just for pulling neurological trash out of the brain, but for healthy lymph flow in general. Nobody’s got time for brain diseases!!!! Just do it.deep sleep is critical for maximum brain cleaning (if you aren’t sleeping, message me, and I’ll give you some tips for improved zzzzzzzz’s
)Risk factors of developing lymphedema include older age, muscle loss, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, sedentary lifestyle, cardiovascular disease, cancer treatment, and post operative recovery period.just as in detoxing elsewhere, open the exit doors first before loving on your lymphatic system.