Many teachers have found charm in the animal associations of various asana. Antonia King, owner and founder of Zooga, Yoga for Kids, in Culver City, ran with that vision. In her tangerine-colored space bursting with plush toys, she has created a playful living zoo-like environment where children can learn animal poses. Everything about Zooga is a sanctuary for yoga for kids.

Zooga Yoga for Kids and Families

Zooga is thoughtful in its mission and impressively executed. The layout and schedule caters both to the needs of busy parents and developing children. Whimsical murals fill the walls of both studios. The images are used interactively for poses and games in a deliberate anti-tech approach. Here, children as young as six weeks are encouraged to use their senses, connect to their bodies, and cultivate mindfulness.

Many signature classes incorporate Yogaplay®, a specific trademark of Zooga that uses games and props to foster creativity while staying true to the yogic values of mind/body health. In addition to the variety of yoga, dance, music and parent and me fitness classes, Zooga offers one-of-a-kind birthday parties, kids nite out and camps. Zooga’s kids retail boutique also integrates with the experience.

Kids Yoga and Transformation at Zooga

“We’ve seen children totally transform,” King said just as a group of beaming toddlers waddled through the glass doors. “Students from the program have demonstrated improved focus and conflict-resolution skills. They are more in tune with their bodies and kinder to one another.”

The Zooga community has been thriving for six years. Their flagship location on Washington Boulevard in Culver City was completed in December, 2017, supporting families both on and off the mat. Franchises in West Hollywood and the South Bay have recently opened.

The Zooga Family Boutique

In addition to classes, Zooga’s boutique integrates with the experience. The retail selection is also community-focused and features items by local female artisans like Mommy and Me matching leggings.

Zooga offers an amazing new client special for one month of unlimited classes for you and your little yogi. Register online today at: zoogayoga.com.

For More Information about Zooga Yoga

Zooga Yoga
11054 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
310-839-6642
zoogayoga.com

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Zooga Yoga for Kids Features Practices and Playtime appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Let your light shine! Kym Herjevec is an Aussie native turned professional dancer and three-time Dancing with the Stars champion who envisioned building a studio to bring dance fitness to the people. When Kym heard that motivational fitness legend Richard Simmons was closing the doors of his famous Beverly Hills studio Slimmons (after 40 years of sweating with just about everyone), she jumped at the opportunity to move into the space.

About The BOD by Kym Herjavec

Inspired by the millions of people who found fitness as a means to self-acceptance in the 1980s, Kym sought to reinvent the Slimmons space but keep the soul. After a few coats of white paint, the addition of modern gold accents, and floor-to-ceiling curtains, The BOD by Kym Herjavec opened its doors in May with a full schedule of classes. Her goal: for students and clients to feel happy in their own bodies and for fitness to be the result, but fun to be the means.

The BOD by Kym Herjavec offers dance fitness in many forms, with themed classes including Latin, Hip-Hop, and Broadway. Dance Fit BOD is the studio’s signature class; it combines cardio dance with barre and sculpting. A wide variety of other options are also available, such as ‘80s BOD, Latin BOD (learn the moves you see on Dancing with the Stars!), Diva BOD (unleash your inner pop star), Yoga BOD, Mindful BOD (meditation), and R&R BOD (a class devoted to myofascial release through foam rolling). Private lessons in a variety of methods are available. Check out the Bridal BOD Program to get partners ready for their wedding day. If you’re not near Beverly Hills, you can sign up for virtual memberships to The BOD by Kym Online.

The BOD offers an introductory $50 one week unlimited package, and a monthly unlimited summer sale at $199.

The BOD by Kym Herjavec
9306 Civic Center Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
424-355-0024

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Open Doors: The BOD by Kym Herjavec appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Alanna Zabel, owner of AZIAM Yoga, which sits serenely over San Vicente and 26th Street, moved into the space because she felt the stars align. While following a series of undeniable signs from the Universe, her path led directly back the sun-filled Brentwood space where she taught 20 years ago when it was Maha Yoga. While sitting in meditation she listened intently; The message was clear: You’re home. So she opened AZIAM Yoga.

“To me, synchronicities and music are godliness.” As a dancer, Alanna has music in the forefront of the studio. The schedule includes classes such as binaural sound meditation, mind travel mediation, sound baths, DJs and ImprovYoga. The meditation practices on the Aziam schedule are free for people with class packages and by donation otherwise. Alanna’s branded YogaBarre, a fusion of Pilates, barre, yoga and sculpt adds some fitness to complement the spiritual and meditative classes, as does House of Core. Other teachers on the studio’s schedule include Tom Morley, Dianne Magnette, Amy Rose, Amanda Huggings, Ryan Bastiste, Stephen Bickle, Jenny Geyser, Jessica Jablonski, Carrie Costello, Ryan Orrico, Navaris Darson, Megan Taylor, DJ Sol Rising, Trevor Gribble, Barbara Scheidegger, Amanda Huggins, and Kishan Shah. Each week classes and ideas are centered around a different “I Am” theme, uniting a community around a positive state of being.

In addition to the regular schedule, AZAIM (pronounced as I am) offers a One Day Detox Retreat. Participants enjoy superfood smoothies from Beaming, a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains followed by a detox elixir and yoga class infused with positive mind-enhancing techniques. The day finishes with treatments at Tikkun Spa, a detox soup from Soupure, and a restorative yoga and mediation.

AZIAM offers a grand opening special of 30 classes for $330, available through March 20.

AZIAM Yoga, 13050 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 202, Brentwood
310.260.2556
aziamyoga.com

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post AZIAM Yoga Brentwood appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

And blissful she is. The young California native has an impressive resume: a business degree from UC Berkeley, yoga teaching certification from YogaWorks, and professional experience with the yoga product company Manduka. However, Lara’s most significant inspiration for her life and practice is undoubtedly her travels. She says that after trekking through Asia, Australia, the Philippines and Bali, the wider perspective she experienced as well as the exposure to an Eastern perspective on life and practice—compelled her to create her own community through yoga.

Her studio is Yoga Bliss, located in Westchester near LAX. There is parking behind the studio as well as at the curbside right in front. It’s a cozy space tucked away from the street, with deep wood floors and cheerful teal walls. Heated vinyasa flow classes predominate the schedule with some heated candlelight flow and non-heated gentle restorative options. The studio is slightly heated at 85 degrees or just enough to feel like “a warm hug” Lara jokes. According to Lara, the tropical temperature helps to encourage relaxation, detoxification, and flexibility. A sound bath with live instrumentals and crystal bowls will occur monthly, along with special workshops. All classes will be discounted at $10 until the end of December. All levels are welcomed since the teachers offer modifications. Sign up online at yogabliss-studio.com.

Yoga Bliss Studio

6218 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles

424-442-0627

yogabliss-studio.com

By Kiara Justine Kinghorn, a yoga and dance teacher who finds bliss by moving and writing. kiarajustinekinghorn.com

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Yoga Bliss Westchester appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Gabriel Braun, a musician and sound healer, has been honing his craft to create his first solo project, The Sound Temple Album. This rich restorative experience combines crystal bowls, flutes, harmonium, and voice. While the idea of music as therapy is becoming more common, sound healing is a direct therapeutic experience using vibrations as tools for rehabilitation on all levels.  This works because we are constantly channeling vibrations in the environment, using our senses to interpret various wavelengths.

The album invites listeners to use their entire bodies as interpretative vibrational vessels, and literally soak up the healing powers of sound. Gabriel usually conducts his sound baths as live events so the true vibrational powers of the instruments can be felt fully, yet this album allows listeners to tap into their own private healing journey with a recorded version. The result is magical. Just pressing play, and closing one’s eyes becomes a transformative experience.

Quartz crystal singing bowls chime and introduce the meditative journey, while the sound of the harmonium evokes something both melancholy and primal. The didgeridoo acts as the most aggressive sound on the album, a sort of spiritual jackhammer that breaks up energetic patterns and releases old tensions once held in the body. A digital synthesizer is used to create hypnotic vocal loops, which allows Gabriel’s angelic voice to erupt into a kaleidoscope of overlapping sounds like gentle waves breaking on sand.  For more information visit gabrielloganbraun.com.

by Kiara Justine Kinghorn a dance and yoga teacher who lives on the Westside: kiarajustinekinghorn.com.

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post The Sound Temple Album appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

If there is one thing Angelenos are always in hot pursuit of, it’s a creative workout. For those who may have tired from endless crunches and arm curls, aerial performer and celebrity trainer Jill Franklin offers an exciting alternative fitness center. Her studio is Aerial Physique. Originally located in Santa Monica, Aerial Physique has moved to an expansive 10,000 square foot space in the LAX area (with free parking). The new location features classes that combine aerial work infused with Pilates and ballet concepts.

The result is a fun way to strengthen upper body and core muscles, while experiencing the rush of a circus performer. Much like inversions in yoga, aerialists reap many benefits of being upside down — increased blood circulation and decompression of the spine. Aerial students also gain quick flexibility and experience better posture. Jill cherishes the inner benefits of her clients just as much as the physical ones. “I love watching the transformation in people during the class,” she says. “They come in timidly and aren’t sure what to expect. Within an hour, I see their faces light up, their fears have been conquered!”

Aerial Physique offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced Silk classes, as well as Aerial Lyra (hoop), private sessions, teacher trainings, and programs for kids and teens. A special introductory class can be booked online for just $30 by visiting aerialphysique.com.

The studio’s website also features an opportunity to order Jill’s book A Beginner’s Guide to Aerial Silk, and the option to subscribe to video tutorials, in order to become more familiar with the practice. Teacher training begins in January 2016.

Aerial Physique Los Angeles

8717 Aviation Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90301

Studio photos by TC Franklin Photography

tcfranklinphotography.com

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Aerial Physique moved to Los Angeles appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

1357 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles

Golden Bridge Yoga opened their newest venture, Golden Bridge Hot Yoga (GB Hot Yoga), located upstairs from their flagship location in Hollywood. Offering students a powerful mixture of spirituality and sweat, Olivia Kvitne, the studio’s Yoga Coordinator adds, “We want to emphasize that both practices, Kundalini as taught by Yogi Bhajan as well as heated classes, are important to a well-rounded yoga lifestyle. Our classes incorporate the principles and traditions of yoga into the heated room, instead of focusing purely on the workout.”

The classes at GB Hot Yoga vary from a joyful flow, a quick midday express flow, a “GB Foundations” class for newcomers, to a soothing evening candlelit yin. Olivia also created GB Hot, a signature set series that includes sun salutations, standing postures, balancing poses, hip openers, and twists before finishing with a calming savasana. While the sequence of GB Hot remains consistent, it simultaneously allows instructors to offer individual insights, or highlight different topics from day to day, accommodating students on their never-ending yoga journeys. With such a substantial foundation, both literally and figuratively, GB Hot Yoga looks forward to its exciting future, planning to offer day-long retreats for Angelenos that combine hot yoga classes, Kundalini workshops, and vegan meals which are already available on the breezy patio of the Nite Moon café.

Golden Bridge members can take hot yoga classes as part of their membership. Take advantage of the grand opening special: buy 10 classes and receive three free.

By Kiara Kinghorn, a ballerina, yogi, and editorial assistant for LA Yoga Magazine

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Heating up the Spiritual Practice – Golden Bridge Hot Yoga appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The first time I was introduced to the mystical sounds of Sheela Bringi was at her informal performance during the savasana portion of Sacred Dance Live in Santa Monica. With rave-like lasers still swirling from the exhausting dance party, and sweaty, panting bodies laying side by side on the wooden floor, it was easy to feel like Sheela’s music was taking you on a journey.

Her subsequent performance at the WitzEnd in Venice was no exception. With a gentleness and sensitivity, Sheela’s ethereal sound is both eerie and seductive. I ran into a friend there who offered her opinion of Sheela simply saying, “It’s amazing that God put so much talent and light into one tiny being.”

Tiny she may be but out of her diminutive frame comes a smoldering voice that is surprisingly nostalgic for her age. Incantations is Sheela at her newest and best, an elixir of sounds and traditions that are compellingly complex. Layered with traditional Indian music and vocals, Sheela transitions smoothly between instruments, melodies, and arrangements. Harmonium, harp, and bansuri are woven throughout the album, expectedly, but are also juxtaposed by a heavy element of jazz, one of Sheela’s prime influences.

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Incantations by Sheela Bringi – CD Review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“I have a passion for getting to the origins.” A history major in college, Nancy divided her time between academics and dance, and eventually landed an opportunity to study classical ballet in Russia. Following graduation, Nancy continued her classical ballet training with Ehrling Sunde at the United States International University in San Diego. Her director, Paul Hart, was the former director of The Royal Ballet, and entertained his class with stories of the great Russian dancers, including Rudolph Nureyev and Natalia Markova. “Dance is very much taught through stories. The best teachers are always great storytellers.” said Nancy, who often weaves snippets of history throughout her own classes.

This background in ballet technique, along with meticulous alignment, is integral to Nancy’s creation of Yoga Barre. Throughout the class, Nancy includes dance fundamentals and utilizes ballet terminology, such as plie when the legs are bent and port de bras when working the arms.  “After taking a ballet class, my body felt strong, but my mind felt at ease. I tried to duplicate this idea with Yoga Barre.”

Ballet led Nancy into her career as a barre teacher. While taking a ballet class in her twenties, Nancy noticed a classmate who looked particularly strong and centered. Intrigued, Nancy asked what she did differently, which was  how she learned of the Lotte Berk method, a fitness regime that combined dance and conditioning to create long, sculpted muscles. Soon after, Nancy flew to New York City and trained with Lydia Bach to learn the Lotte Berk method. “It was very different from today,” Nancy recalls “There was no formal certification process. I simply trained day and night at an old brownstone on the Upper East Side, where three floors of classes were held simultaneously.” She smiled, “Back then, we taught with giant red balls and music on record players.”

The Lotte Berk technique contains its own interesting history, beginning with Lotte herself, a German modern dancer who studied with the legendary Mary Wigman in the 1930s.  Lotte was an eccentric and flamboyant feminist who developed the technique solely for women in the spirit of liberation. Although svelte and muscular, Lotte faced physical challenges when a dance injury left her with eight fused vertebra. Her method was developed with the consultation of an osteopath. “The Lotte Berk Method is orthopedically designed to keep the core strong and the back supple. It’s ideal for dancers, but helpful for everyone.” Nancy explains. After studying in New York, Nancy returned to Hollywood to manage the only Lotte Berk studio in Sunset Plaza, which she later went on to own. At the time, Nancy was the only licensed instructor of the method, and owned the only barre fitness studio outside of New York City.

After decades of teaching the Lotte Berk method, Nancy was invited to create a sequence for Hot 8 Yoga, which granted her the unique opportunity to add Yoga to the blend of techniques. “I have a very choreographic mind,” says Nancy. “I love designing sequences, and then constantly improving them.” The use of asana in addition to cardio and stretching gives the class a meditative quality and yogic feel in the midst of fast-paced sequences. For example, Nancy uses downward dog to warm up the hamstrings, child’s pose to rest, and plank for arm and core strength. The class helps increase joint flexibility and enhances recovery time for weight lifters, runners, and elite athletes.

“The three components of stretch, strength, and balance develop an intelligent muscle.” Nancy explains. “The barre elements can be combined with any workout. Beginners are welcome as this class educates you and encourages you to go at your own pace.” In keeping with traditional yoga practice, Nancy leads a savasana at the end of class, which offers a final moment for reflection and peace, something rare for any cardio or dance class. “Any time you breathe, move or think, there is spirituality going on. You can’t separate your spirit from your body.”

Spirituality and breathing continually keep Nancy centered through trying times. She has six children, five of which were delivered at home. Her youngest daughter, Grace, was born with Down’s Syndrome, and underwent heart surgery at ten months. “She teaches me how to be comfortable in my own skin,” says Nancy. Motherhood has developed her perspective on her own practice and has given her new insights into her own body and capabilities. “Giving birth allowed me to experience an inner wisdom. It allowed me to let go and trust my body’s inherent wisdom. That has changed my teaching, too.”

Today, Nancy stays busy with Yoga Barre, which she teaches at Hot 8 Yoga in Santa Monica, and also at Revolution Fitness. She practices hot yoga regularly and also enjoys traditional ballet class after she drops off her children for school in the mornings. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Felix, and her children, who are also involved with dance and yoga. She is currently holding Yoga Barre teacher training workshops at Hot 8 for anyone looking to learn this unique fusion of disciplines, and also to find strength at their core.

Learn more about Nancy and Yoga Barre at Nancynorby.com or check out the schedule at hot8yoga.com

Kiara Kinghorn is a writer and dancer who lives in Santa Monica. She holds a BA in English and a BFA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara, and is also a 200-hour Sphota Yoga Teacher Trainee.

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Nancy Norby: Strength at the Core appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“Our vision is to fill the world with the light and warmth of yoga, and in doing so, we strive to provide transformative and rejuvenating yoga experiences for you on your path toward your highest potential,” says owner Sherly Utal. Ready to explore your highest potential? Red Diamond is now offering 10 days of unlimited classes for only $10 for all new students.

3500 Overland Ave. Suite 210

Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 425-8528

Reddiamondyoga.com

By Kiara Kinghorn who holds a BA in English and a BFA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara. She is a ballet dancer and a Sphota Yoga teacher trainee.

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Explore Your Potential at Red Diamond Yoga appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Athleta combines a community-minded and eco-friendly commitment with its retail presence. One example of this is S.Cafe, a natural and sustainable product produced in part from used coffee grounds. When woven into fabric, S.Cafe helps reduce odor, provides a UV light filter, and is quick drying. On the community front, Athleta opens their space for an eclectic schedule of free fitness classes including a running group, Zumba, yoga, and even kickboxing. In the Santa Monica store’s first month, Athleta featured yoga classes hosted by Hot 8 Yoga, including Hot Power Fusion, Yoga Barre, and Yoga Sculpt. “Yoga can be intimidating for beginners, especially in Santa Monica.” said Joanna Bateman, manager at Hot 8. “We are thrilled to hold classes at Athleta, as it encourages women of all pursuits to give yoga a try. Runners and hikers benefit from the stretching and strengthening of asana practice, and our staff keeps the classes fun and informal.”

Athleta

1318 Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica, CA

(310) 393-3040

Athleta.com

By Kiara Justine Kinghorn, a ballet dancer and Sphota Yoga Teacher Trainee who holds a BA in English and a BFA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara. 

Kiara Kinghorn

Kiara Kinghorn is a cardio-dance enthusiast, writer and editor for LA Yoga Magazine, and manager at The BOD by Kym.

The post Athleta Opens on Third Street Promenade appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.