Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Yoga can be a bit contradictory. On one hand, a yoga practice is calm, relaxed and serene. In class, you move your body and try to find your center; the peaceful loving part of you that wants to be good and do good.

But as an acquaintance pointed out to me the other day, perhaps a dark underbelly lurks behind our drive to practice yoga. Aside from our pursuit of a peaceful state of mind and life, why else do we go to yoga class? To relent, release and relieve the bottled up stress, tension and emotion we hold in our muscles. In short, we’re pissed off, emotionally burdened and we need to let the damn tension out of our bodies before we freak out and do something VERY irrational.

That’s why we love the warrior pose. Strong, attentive and forceful, the warrior exhibits the contradictory nature of yoga as well as the reasons why we come to the mat. The pose pumps us up, yet it still extends a harmonious message: I am strong, I am ready and I can survive peacefully…as long as I keep going to yoga class.

Shootin’ at the walls of heartache, bang bang, I am the warrior.

We admit that it isn’t always easy being green. It can be hard to purchase your wants and needs and fulfill your lifestyle with a conscience, especially when cost and convenience are weighing factors. But if you’ve been waiting for the right time to begin the green leap, today’s your day. Earth Day, that is. Start small—it’s best way to go. Little choices and behavioral changes can seem subtle at first, but they often lead to big end results. So green it up, baby.

Still stumped about where to start? Lucky for you (and planet earth), we’ve got a few suggestions to help you get started.

Shop Green

From TP to Teddy Bears, the great Gaiam has put together a list of their 25 greenest products. Many of their picks are not only earth friendly, but pocketbook friendly too, so you can shop for mind, body and home without breaking the bank.

Live Green

We’re pretty keen on yoga. Evidently, so is everybody else on the planet. As the popularity and hype of yoga is ever on the rise, start getting back to your yoga roots by checking out this article. Together, we can achieve a greener practice, studio and mindset.

Go Green

What better way to celebrate than to take your workout outside this afternoon. Whether it’s running, walking, biking or rollerblading that yanks your green goddess crank, take it to the Midtown Greenway today.

Quote Green

In the words of our favorite green buddy ol’ pal, Kermit:

“I am green and it’ll do fine, it’s beautiful!
And I think it’s what I want to be.”

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.



Bits and Bites

Matisse and Jack’s Bake at Home Snacks

• What: Customizable bite-size snacks made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Why: Home is where all muffin tops are accepted.
• Where: Find recipes online at M&J.

Got to Have It

Hardtail Roll Down Short

• What: A solution to your warm weather workout wardrobe woes.
• Why: We wear short shorts.
• Where: Available online at Londo Mondo

Around Town

Minneapolis Recycle Run

• What: A local 5krun and a great opportunity to recycle those old running shoes. Proceeds go toward watershed clean up efforts.
• Why: Run [for the] forest run.
• When: Sunday, April 19th
• Where: Registration takes place at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway.

I Think I Can

Lance Armstrong Nike Commercial

• What: Watch one of the world’s most motivational men do what he does best.
• Why: Cutie patootie.
• Where: Online at You Tube.

…or not. But you really should be. Align Pilates retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica is a mix of heaven, peace and true bliss.

Check it out here and put it on the books for next year. Believe me, you will thank me for the push.