YogaFit Instagram Challenge

Announcing... The very first YogaFit Instagram challenge!!! During the month of August, join us to learn new postures, or new variations of the postures you already know!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM -------->>>> YOGI'S CLICK HERE

Participants have chances to win (seriously) amazing prizes from our sponsors @athleta 50th and France, @prana Minneapolis, @agra_culture AND MORE!!!                                              



How to participate:

1. Repost this grid on your Instagram account.  

2. Tag 3 friends and invite them to join!  


3. Use the hashtags #yogafitlife and #fuelingcommunity on every post.

Tag and follow our hosts on every post: @yogafit_lindenhills @yogafit_northeast_mpls and @yogafit_excelsior along with our sponsors: @athleta @prana and @agra_culture

We will be posting daily photos of our students, teachers, and members of the community doing the yoga postures with descriptions on how to get into the pose.  Post a picture of yourself doing the posture of the day and tag each sponsor and host to expand your practice and for a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes.  We cannot WAIT to see your posts!!

#yogafit #yogafitlife #yoga #yogachallenge #igchallenge #yogaeverydamnday #instagramchallenge #igchallenge #minneapolisyoga #minneapolis #minnesota #yogainspiration #inversions #armbalance #healthylife #exercise #nutrition @yogafitstudios

~NAMASTE Yogis

Thigh Gap

So... I have a thigh gap. I've never had a thigh gap - well at least not in the last 5-7 years. I probably did in junior high. Possibly in high school, but likely only for freshman year. During this prep I have seen some incredible changes in my body. Muscle definition being one. Clothes fit better, and I feel better - more confident, more sexy, more happy with my physical appearance.

However, this thigh gap (which undoubtedly will get wider as the next 11 weeks progress) has left me with mixed emotions. When the thigh gap hit its peak, I did not have a thigh gap. I found it entirely impossible to get a thigh gap. Actually, I didn't even want to strive for a thigh gap. The hype around it was so ridiculous - people salivating over this space between the legs like it was something holy, others hating on it with body shaming, eating disorder comments, and just all around negativity and nastiness.

My feelings are this: I have a thigh gap. I own that now. My shorts don't ride up with I walk, my thighs don't rub together in my swim suit... they don't touch unless I make them. Not going to lie - it's nice. However, my thigh gap has come with a lot of sweat, tears, soreness, good days, bad days, all around shitty days, lots of protein, lack of sleep, lack of sugar and fat and low calorie intake during my cutting phase of prep. My thigh gap was earned. I earned this. I worked my ass off for this. This change in my body makes me proud. This gap also makes me a bit wavered in my womanhood, as thighs are a sign of a healthy woman who can bear children.

This gap does not define me, it is not who I am. I have a thigh gap - so effing what. I also have biceps and boobs, an education, and a brain that is always seeking to learn something new and to become better. That is who I am, not some silly thigh-gap.

- Ryanne

Happy Place

One of my many happy places ❤️ 

http://instagram.com/yogafit_lindenhills

Competition Thoughts Part 2

Hey Friends... it's Friday. And a glorious Friday at that! Now, I'm not going to beat around the bush here.. I'm exhausted. On all levels. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and especially physically. I'm trying to pick myself up throughout the day and not let the exhaustion tear me down into a negative pit of energy zapping grossness, but it's a struggle. Thankfully some smart smart person invented coffee. 

About two weeks ago my meal plan changed on my prep. Along with a new workout plan, but more in that after this. The meal plan changed up my carbs, added a lot more protein, and took away some fats. For almost a little over a week now, I have been powering through some serious digestive issues, and all things aside, it hasn't been fun at all. The negative impact of a constant upset stomach and bloating is starting to take its toll. My sleep has been disrupted and it's also starting to impact my workouts and my stamina during my workouts. I'm hopeful that my body is just adjusting to the changes in the plan, and it isn't something more serious. (Don't worry, I will seek medical attention when I see fit, I'm not trying to tear my stomach apart with this)

My workouts - holy hell.... fasted cardio for 55 minutes. Enough said on that one. Someone bring me a coffee IV to hook up every day please. Lifts - increase in sets and reps. I'm rocking this new workout plan, finding what works and what doesn't. Even with my current tummy troubles I know I need to focus on the outcome and my goals! If I have to rest a little longer in between sets so be it. 

Some exciting news - I picked out my suit fabric and accessories. Oh, it is sooooo pretty and completely not what I had in mind as something that I would have chosen. Always surprising myself I suppose. I'm also keeping it a secret so the big reveal will be made on show day! 

Enjoy your Friday people of the universe. Stay Positive and get some coffee for you and me! 

~~ Ryanne

Yoga Q & A

Hey Friends - Here's a little Q & A about my yoga Journey!

1. Who or what influenced you to become a yoga instructor?
    -- I was influenced by a former co-worker who suggested I try a heated yoga class at a studio that was opening up by house. One class and I was hooked! I've been practicing for 8 years now, I'll admit my consistency hasn't been 100% all the time, but every single time I step foot on my mat or in a studio I am warmed to the core with feelings of gratitude. My practice continues to be influence by each individual yogi that I meet. We share a commonality and can have walked on a similar path which is a pretty cool thing!

2. How has this experience impacted your life?
     -- Yoga has changed my life tremendously. I have a new outlook on what it means to be thankful and non-judgemental. Each day, with each practice, I learn something new. Whether that is about me or the universe or just my practice in general; knowing that this is a lifelong journey and is always evolving is what keeps me coming back day after day.

3. What is your proudest moment as a yoga instructor?
     -- Although I am a fairly new teacher, I would say that my proudest moment thus far is having a student, new and apprehensive to yoga, stay in class for the entire 60 minutes. Her mind was stuck in "I can leave whenever I want" and I explained to her that the practice isn't about being able to do 60 minutes of posture, it's about understanding your body and mind and the self and even just by laying in Savasana for half of class she would be reaping so many benefits!

4. What is your favorite fitness routine to complement your yoga routine?
     -- Currently, I am training for my first 2 bodybuilding bikini competitions. I will be competing in October, at two different shows that are one week apart from each other. Weightlifting has become a great way for me to challenge my body physically and my mind mentally. Adding weighlifting has proven to me the power of yoga and how important coming to your mat can be in every aspect of life.

5. What are some of your goals with your practice?
     -- One day I would love to own a studio that is close enough to the water to hold beach-asana along with an in-studio practice. I'd love to bring yoga to as many people as my journey allows. Also, I've been working on handstand for about a year and am so close but still working through accepting the movement instead of freezeing and falling over.

6. What is your advice to someone who is new to yoga?
     -- Not everyone falls in love with yoga in their first class, and yoga isn't for everyone. There are aspects that you can pull from yogic philosophy to live a more happy and balanced life, and the postures just assist in that process. Yoga is a lifelong journey. Give it a few months of consistent practice before you make a full decision on how you feel about it! You didn't learn to ride a bike in one 60 minute class, you start on a training bike and then slowly graduate to bigger and better bikes, but along that journey you likely fell one hundred times and disliked biking at some point, but you didn't give up! Yoga is the same way...stay on the path and follow your own individual path!

~~ Namaste - Ryanne

 

 Bloom like a lotus | See “mud” as nourishment | Heal yourself | Rise up to your best self | Transform your surroundings | Be a healing presence in the world

Inversion Practice/Fun

 Just having a little fun today! Inversion practice - trying to go from handstand into wheel. I get a little tipsy coming into wheel but getting stronger no doubt!



Namaste! 



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