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Yoga

Jun 21
0

Grounding: Off the Mat

By Yoga

Grounding in Yoga
June’s Pose of the Month is grounding – finding your feet and working on poses where 3, somethings 4, limbs are touching the ground. Grounding is about stability, intentionality, and building from the “ground up.”

Grounding in life, just like on the mat, balances and tethers, which leads to more efficient use of energy. In the studio, the rituals and routines that lead to physical grounding are built into every class. In life, grounding is the sum total of all the little rituals and routines that build the context and stability of your daily existence.

What “grounds” you? How do you bring your practice into your life? When do you feel the most “grounded”?

What are the grounding rituals in your daily life?

A morning coffee ritual that helps you build the foundation of your day?
A piece of jewelry that you use as a physical reminder to refocus?
Walking barefoot, connecting to the earth?
Quiet meditation in the morning?
Breakfast with your family?
Taking a mid-day walk to clear/find your head?

What are the ways that YOU bring your yoga practice off the mat?

*Ideas and words brought to you by Amanda T., Holland Assistant & Anna B., Director

Jun 21
0

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

By Yoga

Racker Back Tank Tutorial

Jen W. is the queen of muscle and racer back tanks (who wouldn’t want to show off their muscles?)! Here’s her quick and easy tutorial on how to make your own using a t-shirt. No sewing required.

 

  1. Pick out an awesome t-shirt.

 Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

  1. Get rid of all the sleeves.

 

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

  1. Cut along the sleeve seam line with care and take a little extra off near the top of the shoulders.

 

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

  1. Flip the shirt facedown and take a little extra off the back swoop on each side.

 

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

  1. Accordion the back of the shirt. This will gather it in the back a few inches from the neckline.

 

 Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

  1. Use a 1/2″ strip of t-shirt scrap to tie the folded fabric together and knot it, then turn the knot under so it’s hidden.

 

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

  1. Put on your summer-fied racer back tank and flex those yoga muscles for the world to enjoy.

Racer Back Tank Tutorial

 

-Jen (Muscle Tank Babe)

 

May 30
0

Funky Buddha Summer: Tips for Outside Practice

By Yoga

Funky Buddha Summer is finally HERE!

We figured with all the awesome outdoor classes this summer, we’d share some helpful tips to make the most of your outdoor yoga practice:

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1. Get Your “Outdoor Yoga Bag” ready

o Bring a blanket, sheet or towel. Putting a blanket underneath your yoga mat provides a barrier that keeps your mat free of dirt, ants, sand, moisture (whatever the great outdoors has to throw at you).

o Sunscreen. This is especially important if you are taking your practice to the Rooftop or out on the water for SUP – make sure you put your SPF on! Vitamin D absorption = yay. Sunburn = boo.

o Water. As per always, hydration is important! Additionally, a sturdy water bottle like a Hydroflask can double as a block!

o Block/Strap. Bring any props that you might need. Or just use what’s around you aka a water bottle or bag for extra support.

o Sunglasses. Complete your outdoor yoga look with this functional accessory! Looking cool is great, but having a comfortable outdoor practice is probably more important. 🙂

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2. Arrive early
You are going to want time before class to claim and “prep your space” – especially when you are practicing on grass/beach (Beach Yoga or Wilcox and Centennial Parks). Take a few extra minutes before class to clear your mat-sized plot of land of twigs, leaves, acorns and such.

3. Dress in Layers
When you’re used to practicing in the studio, it’s easy to take the predictable 95 degree environment for granted. Your body is just USED to it. When you practice outdoors and have the added variable of Michigan weather, your body will need some time to acclimate. Be prepared to shed some layers as the summer heats up.

You should be all set to enjoy outdoor classes this summer! What are some other ways YOU prep for outdoor yoga?

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May 30
0

June Student of the Month: Frank

By Student of the Month, Yoga

Funny enough, yoga student Frank M. is celebrating his 1 year anniversary at Funky Buddha on June 1st.

HAPPY FUNKY ANNIVERSARY, FRANK!

June student of the month

On another great note, Christina noticed how dedicated Frank has been to his practice (and the 30-Day Dare) and nominated him for June’s Student of the Month!

Here’s his nomination via Christina:

Frank is crushing the 30-Day Dare! He’s one bad a$$ yogi who always has a smile on his face and is super friendly. Frank’s practice continues to grow every time he comes to the studio.

With a regular practice, it’s been a joy to see how strong he’s become and how every class has been used as a chance to keep learning.

Frank is like a sponge –  absorbing knowledge about his practice and putting it to use. 

Frankly, Frank is great (bad joke, but that’s how I roll)!
– Christina

May 24
0

Best Ever 30-Day Dare

By Yoga

The Apple Store police busted me.

You know the routine, right? You walk into Apple, a helpful blue-shirted employee walks up to you and puts you in the queue. This was 2011 and our first 30-Day Dare was underway. We’d promised to give away a brand spanking new iPad to our grand prize winner.

So, I found myself at the Apple Store explaining all this…we have this Dare….we’re a hot yoga studio….people are practicing like crazy…we’re going to choose a grand prize winner…the winner gets this new iPad packaged in this exquisite box (thank you, Steve Jobs), when blue shirt says to me, “So, since you aren’t the end customer, we can just get you a gift card for the amount.”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Fortunately, this story ends well. I managed to score the iPad. We gave it to our happy winner. Lots of people sweat. No one got hurt. And since then, we’ve managed to give away Funky Buddha shopping sprees, free memberships, and all sorts of yoga loot. Which is why I am writing this blog about yoga loot. Because it’s May and the Dare is on and this year we’re giving away the best prize yet…but more on that in a minute.

First, I have to say to our Funky Buddha staff that May’s events have been unbelievable. In years past, the 30-Day Dare would have been the only “event” on our queue. Not so much anymore… Serious kudos to everyone involved – it’s been yoga manna from Funky Buddha Heaven.

First up was Jen W. teaching Cinco De Mayo classes en Espanol with What the Truck showing up after class to delight us with tacos. Hot yoga and tacos, seriously?! We’ve had local award winning musicians play live, right smack dab during classes. It’s like hosting a house concert and a yoga class accidentally breaks out.

cinco de mayo party during 30-Day Dare

Brother Adams, Nixon and Theo and Molly from Vox Vidorra all slayed. We’ve also had an incredible workshop talk from my man Micah on Taming Your Inner Critic, for when that voice in your head talks smack to you. The first two weeks of May have not only been the most attended in the history of The Dare, but also the history of The Funky Buddha! I’d say everyone is slaying it.

30-Day Dare

And now, on the website Events page, this shows up: Funky Buddha Yoga & Wine Retreat! Yes, please.

Let’s talk about this! A Yoga & Wine Retreat? Seriously?!

Think long weekend in October and amazingness that has been carefully curated by Kerri and I. The itinerary, of course, includes lots of yoga and visits to many of our favorite personal places and experiences Up North. Kerri will lead a meditation at the end of my favorite day-hike in Michigan, The Empire Bluff trail.

30-Day Dare

After that, we’ll hit up one of our favorite boutique chocolatiers, Grocers Daughter Chocolate, and many of our much-loved restaurants and wineries to end evenings sleeping at the brand new, mod Hotel Indigo on the water in downtown Traverse City. Larissa, our Yoga Director extraordinaire will be teaching the yoga. Need we say more?!

It will be an unbelievable, first-class experience all the way around. We’ve limited the number of people who can go (to keep it intimate and high in quality), so if you are interested don’t wait to sign up! Check out the details here.

Back to this month’s best-ever Dare…

One lucky-as-a-duck finisher will win a free space at the Funky Buddha Yoga & Wine retreat! It’s our gift to you for moving, sweating and breathing for 30 days straight; for just plain slaying it.

Good luck to all,
Chris

Apr 29
0

May Super Yogis & Fear Nots

By Student Stories, Super Yogis, Yoga

Amped for these yogis who took over 250 classes (Super Yogis) or 500 classes (Fear Nots).

may super yogis

Super Yogis

Mary B.
Lindsey M.
Tricia M.
Colleen N.
Aura NC.
Francesca O.
Liz C.
Erin F.
Allyson F.
Kelli G.
Deborah G.
Keri J.
Andrea M.
Taryn W.

Fear Nots

Barbara HJ.
Teresa L.
Laura M.
Kassie R.
Jo V.
Sally Z.

may super yogis

Apr 12
0

Give Your Mat a Bath

By Healthy Living, Yoga

To err on the safe side, we always recommend checking the instructions on your mat before using cleaning products on it. 

When was the last time you gave your yoga mat a good rub down? Has it been a while? Since spring cleaning is probably on your mind, take that mentality to your yoga gear and make your mat so fresh and so clean, clean.

clean your yoga mat

Here’s a tried and true natural recipe that many of our yogis use. Before starting, be sure to check your mat’s cleaning instructions to make sure deep cleaning doesn’t void any lifetime warranties (it happens with some brands).

How to (Deep) Clean a Yoga Mat

  1. Fill up your bathtub with enough warm water to submerge your mat.
  2. Add about a teaspoon of baking soda to the water.
  3. Squeeze half (or whole) lemon into the water.
  4. Mix the water then submerge your mat.
  5. Leave in the tub for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Take out of the water and hang to dry for 24 hours (not in direct sunlight).
  7. Your mat finally smells good again.

Put a check mark next to “clean yoga gear” on your Spring To-Do List. Start your next class on a fresh mat!

Your nose (and feet and hands) will thank you for it.

 

Apr 12
0

Spring Cleaning – Funky Buddha Style

By General, Yoga

April showers bring May flowers…

and a sudden urge to clean up – your body, your diet, your routine, your house!

spring cleaning jane steeleJane Steele, fellow Funky Buddha Yogi, professional maven of organization and cleanliness, and owner of Oh So Clean, has shared some of her rockin’ (and practical) spring cleaning advice with us:

Dear Funky Buddhas,

I am here to tell you that you should NOT feel overwhelmed by spring cleaning. You have all of the tools you need right in front of you.

Before we even discuss ACTUAL cleaning or strategy, there are a few ground rules that we need to discuss:

1. Do not purchase anything for your spring cleaning session! Often people, when they feel a good spring cleaning coming on, run to the nearest store to buy new throw pillows and blankets, air fresheners, and a Real Simple magazine. It never fails. I have said it before, and I will say it again: NO cleaning or organizing session begins with a shopping trip! Hastily-made decisions over purchases from Target or Home Goods usually result in excess throw pillows . . . and a house that is still not “spring ready.” In case you did not hear me the first time – NO PRE-CLEANING SHOPPING SPREE.

oh so clean spring cleaning2. Do not overthink spring cleaning! I want you to know that even if you do not clean your house regularly, it is not magic, and it is not a trick. There is no “right way” to clean. There is, however, a method to the madness – or more like you need Method to control the Madness. Make a simple list, and stick to it.

Do not let your mind wander to some magical spring cleaning land, where they are doing spring cleaning tricks that you will never know about, have never heard about, and will never do. Spring cleaning is not a secret, and it is not hard. It is systematic, and then it is done.

3. Planning is essential for success. Schedule your cleaning, and stick to that schedule! Whether you plan to clean alone or enlist help, it is important to check the weather ahead of time, and schedule your cleaning on a clear, dry day. It will be hard to find energy and motivation if you quickly decide to spring clean your home without preparation. You should not delve into a cleaning project when you are tired, hungry, or unprepared. Plan ahead, and map your plan of attack. Plan an adequate amount of time for this project. Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy snacks as you go to stay fueled for this rewarding work, and take breaks as needed.

And finally – the list. I have found many spring cleaning checklists, but this list nails it with this practical guide to spring cleaning. I especially love the room-by-room instruction – it helps break it down to an achievable goal.

XO,
Jane Steele / Oh So Clean

HAPPY CLEANING! 

 

OSC logoJane Steele created Oh So Clean as a way to empower and aid others to simplify their lives by taking control of their clutter. As a registered nurse and mother of three, she found that observing an organized lifestyle made for a happier and healthier family.

Jane has been organizing for family and friends for many years – it has been a natural evolution to extend her passion beyond her own realm. Oh So Clean allows clients the ability to find more personal time, family time, and structure within an otherwise hectic world. Oh So Clean is dedicated to finding simple and maintainable living solutions for your busy lifestyle.

Apr 11
0

Funky Community Partners – Urban Roots

By community partners, Hot Yoga, Yoga

Get to know our Funky Community Partners: Urban Roots

As our Funky Buddha Tribe continues to grow and mature, so too does our responsibility and role in our greater community. As many of you know, the revenue generated by the Funky Buddha Community Classes goes to support our Community Partners.

These partners are specifically selected for their passion, vision, and their alignment with our Funky Buddha Core Values of Accessibility, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and RICH (Respect, Integrity, Intentionality, Caring, Honesty, & Humility) Action. Spend a little time getting to know these Funky Fabulous organizations – you will be glad that you did.

urban roots grand rapids

From the Crew at Urban Roots:

Located in the Southtown neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Urban Roots is a group of locally minded place makers who believe that growing food is an invitation into being fully human. The vehicle? Urban agriculture. Why? Because we care about food justice, unemployment, and community well being. Because we believe that cultivating soil in our own back yards and in our neighborhoods ultimately cultivates healthier families, relationships with one another, and relationships with our ecosystems.

In late November 2015, the Urban Roots team along with a generous group of friends, family, and volunteers began to transform what was to become the Urban Roots Community Farm & Education Center. Since then, 1316 Madison has seen change, warmth, and growth taking place inside and outside its walls.

This year, Urban Roots will be host to a slew of activities including the Community Farm, a YouthCorps Program in partnership with the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, and the Mobile Classroom, a partnership with 5 area churches, schools, and food pantries.

Looking to support and nourish your community? Looking to purchase fresh veggies grown in your own city? Urban Roots has CSA shares available and will also be conducting a market stand at our farm on Madison. Join us for our Second Annual Plant Sale and Open House on Saturday, May 14 from 9:30am – 2:00pm! We will have seedlings and heirloom varieties for sale, coffee to sip, music, and a celebration of the start of a new growing season with our neighbors.

For more information regarding CSA shares, community events, workshops, and ways to come alongside the work of Urban Roots, visit www.urbanrootsgr.org or visit us on Facebook.

 

You’ll be seeing more of Urban Roots at our Sunday Outdoor Community Classes (at Wilcox Park) this summer. STAY TUNED! 

Mar 31
0

April Students of the Month

By Student of the Month, Yoga

The Student of the Month has a new TWIST for April… a group of students have been nominated!

Hearing stories like this one is what it’s all about – giving a space for us to come together, build a support system, a community. Adam, our Eastown lead, nominated a group of students who formed friendships in their 9am classes.

Here’s their story via Adam:

students of the month
By definition the word community is, “a social unit of any size that shares common values (practice of yoga), or that is situated in a given geographical area (e.g. Eastown Location).

I can not think of a better way to describe these individuals that can be found together daily at our 9am  Power Flow class in Eastown – Rhonda M., Michelle, R., Marc H., Jaimie H., Teddy H., Patti M. and Katelyn V.

April students of the monthThese students have built a support system and family together. There are three moms (Patti, Rhonda and Michelle), wife and husband (Marc and Jaimie) and the twenty-somethings (Katelyn and Teddy), but none of that matters come 9am.

They come together to practice yoga each and every day at. Beyond just practicing, they share their life stories from outside of the studio with each other.

They know when their vacations are, if they have kids what they are doing in school, what they are doing with their weekends, with their partners,  they share personal interests in music, books, and poses, with no judgement.

If you know anything about me personally, I am a huge fan of superheros. With this group, I have found my Justices of Yoga/Avengers of Yoga.

Thank you to every one of you for coming in sharing your sweat, smiles and stories with each other and with me. I do not know what my mornings would look like with out you.