My current, go-to, Pre-Surf Stretch for when my body is feeling stiff and a bit surfed-out. This sequence could also be nice for a brief Active Recovery practice post-training or post-surf/sport
It was an honor to have the opportunity to write a piece for the Manduka Blog as a part of the Manduka x Gerry Lopez collection launch. In this article, I share my personal experiences with surfing and yoga and how I view the two as similar spiritual paths that reconnect us to life.
Now don't get me wrong, sometimes simple can be easy. And that's great. And sometimes there is a place for complexity as well. But the simple, the simple is available. Accessible. And when noticed and practiced regularly, the simple can support us in coming back to center. Back to what's true.
We all come to yoga for many different reasons, yet there is also no denying that our yoga practice has a way of influencing and enhancing every aspect of our lives. Here are a few ways that my yoga practice supports my cross-training, beyond flexibility & range of motion.
Space for you to check in & recalibrate along with a practice of loving-kindness to carry with you into your day. This is a 10-minute, guided, and seated practice that includes some really gentle movement, a few rounds of breath work, and closes with a metta meditation.
These three simple + effective myofascial release (MFR or self-massage) techniques are my go-to when I’m experiencing tension in my neck. Whether I’ve been logging hours paddling around on my surfboard or working over my desk + computer, these techniques tend to give me immediate relief... And the best thing, you don’t need any tools!
As one of the largest producers of yoga mats (and for a great reason bc they make the best!) Manduka Yoga has been committed to keeping old mats out of landfills through their LiveON Recycling Program. To date, Manduka has recycled 7,595 mats and diverted 34,177 pounds of waste material from entering landfills!! Recycling your mat is easy with their LiveON Recycling Kit... Here’s how.
For this month’s wellness workshop we will be exploring myofascial release (MFR) techniques and gentle movement to support a supple and healthy spine. This workshop will benefit every body: Whether you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk during the week or put in hours working over your garden bed… Surfers and athletes will of course benefit from these techniques too!
I thought it’d be fun to share pieces of my practice in hopes that it’ll inspire you to roll out your mat and maybe provide you with some fresh ideas to incorporate into your own practice and/or teaching. My goal with these are to keep them short, sweet, and most importantly, effective. So if you’re interested, click through for these two mini sequences!
Did you know that you can practice with me anytime online over on The Salty Club App? Well if you don’t know, now you know! And I highly recommend checking out this incredible surf-inspired platform, if you haven’t already…
A 60minute Spotify playlist that’s nice for practice, movement, or general listening. This one’s called “Just Get Moving” because I like to use it for Sculpt Yoga classes or a more vigorous Vinyasa Flow. I find it supports a more grounding yoga practice as well, especially if you like to use energy + movement to help bring you into stillness + surrender. Enjoy!
Self care and MFR have been synonymous for me these days. MFR is great to add into a self-care routine because it doesn’t take much time, and you don’t really need a whole lot of space or many tools… But, if you wanted to invest in some high-quality MFR tools to add to your self-care tool kit, then here I share three I can’t live without.
It’s a New Year and life is still kinda weird so why not go ahead and switch things up a little bit!? I’m really excited about this new weekly schedule that features 3 different group classes: Flow, Yin + MFR, and NEW Sculpt Yoga. Classes are offered in-person and online. I hope to see you on your mat!
This playlist was inspired by the transitions of life. Most recently we've all gone through the big transition from one year to the next, but let this playlist (and your practice) encourage your attention to notice the subtle transitions we flow through from one moment to the next. Can we navigate these transitions with a little more gratitude and grace?
I just dropped some NEW merchandise (including a brand new design!) to my Online Shop as well as here locally at the Skudin Surf Shack above Maria’s Beach. Check out these new ‘High Vibes’ muscle tanks and ‘Salute the Sea’ crop-top tees (in multiple colors!) and maybe gift yourself or someone you love!
Unlike its ‘yang’ counterpart (the beloved Vinyasa flow), Yin yoga is a practice that focuses more on stillness and introspection. Here I share 6 poses that can be strung together for a 30-minute Yin Yoga sequence to help you unravel tension in the shoulders and the hips — Great for surfers, athletes, weekend warriors, and everyone in between!
As we find ourselves stepping into what we commonly refer to as “flu season,” still bobbing and weaving our way through a pandemic, there’s a lot of talk around boosting our immune systems, and for obvious and very good reasons. But a strong immune response isn’t just critical now, it’s crucial for keeping us healthy and resilient throughout every season of our life.
There’s no denying that a regular mindfulness practice holds this capacity to make you feel good. But, just as in life, the practice ebbs and flows. Although, it’s comforting to know that it’s always there for us to return to anytime we need it. Yesterday marked the final day of the #MonthontheMat challenge with Yoga Medicine Online and I’m grateful for my YM teachers that hold space for me, for us all, to just show up as we are…
This is a 20minute, energizing Breathwork Practice that is really nice to do first thing in the morning to help you wake up your body and to cultivate a clear, calm, and focused mind. You could also use this before a yoga practice, a surf, or a training session. We’ll begin with some MFR so grab a towel or a blanket and let’s dive in!
