Anyone who has practiced yoga can tell you the benefits it has on their body and mind. But there hasn't been a whole lot of scientific data to prove just how much of an impact it can have.

University of Illinois professor Neha Gothe hopes to change that.

Her research team just published a review of a number of studies that looked at brain activity as it relates to yoga exercises, published in the journal Brain Plasticity. The review confirmed what we already thought we knew: That practicing yoga indeed does have an impact on brain function.

"It's called systematic review," Gothe says. "The purpose is to really synthesize systematically what we know. And then where do we go, how do we move forward?"

Of the 11 studies the review focused on, many looked at the difference in brain activity between those who practiced yoga regularly and others who didn't. Some of the studies would engage participants who had no yoga activity and put them on a yoga regimen for a number of weeks.

"Now we have some studies that show where and how," Gothe says. "We identified some specific area, like the hippocampus. It's the first structure affected by Alzheimers and dementia as you age. It's a key area for memory processing. People who practiced yoga had a larger hippocampus."

Gothe worked in tandem with her team of graduate students as well as colleagues at Wayne State University.

She said the results were not unexpected, but that there is still more research to do. But it might be done best through scientific method as well as just talking to participants.

"A lot of it is through science for sure," Gothe says. "Anecdotally, anyone you talk to will tell you it helps them. The instructors, even though they are not scientists, can tell how different poses will help. But there definitely needs to be more science to back it up. The more research that gets out through popular media and other channels, that is really key to get people hooked on to it."

The studies they looked at ranged from 10 weeks to six months. Some asked participants to practice yoga for different amounts of time.

So, how much yoga do you really need to do in order to have a benefit on your brain?

"We don't know what the dose of yoga should be," she says. "Should I do it once a week, is that enough? Should I do it daily, for six months?"

All that science is nice, but Gothe says sometimes it's good to just talk to people who are practicing.

"We researchers tend to have very specific measures, but it's nice to get participants and hear what they like and don't like," she says. "I sometimes think I learn more just talking to people taking a yoga class. It's always good to see those perceptions."

Gothe, who serves on the U of I Athletic Board, even got the athletics department involved. She started a yoga program for the men's gymnastics team. The 12-week, hatha-based program already produced favorable results.

"We found that this season they had fewer injuries," she says. "They reported lower college-life stress. We are in the process of analyzing and publishing this data. It should be published sometime in the next few months.

As more research is done on the topic, we will hopefully be able to quantify something that most people who practice already know: Yoga is good for you, even if you can't exactly say how good.

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Illinois research investigates the science of yoga: BTN LiveBIG - Big Ten Network

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) Suffering a traumatic brain injury can be debilitating, leading to a wide variety of health issues. Our Avery Powell looks at a yoga program in our area that's working to help people heal.

"I don't care if you're laying in bed. There's yoga for you," Pete Daigle said.

Daigle suffered a severe traumatic brain injury years ago leading to a coma, weight loss and even paralyzation.

Through his healing, he discovered LoveYourBrain Yoga.

"We do a lot of modifications to support with improving balance, the pace of our classes is slow and consistent to prevent people from feeling confused or experiencing challenges following the instructions," said Kyla Pearce, the senior director of the LoveYourBrain Yoga program.

It's an evidence-based six-week series for people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

The LoveYourBrain Foundation was started by Pearce's husband, Adam, and his brother, former Olympic snowboarder Kevin Pearce, after Kevin's severe brain injury while training for the 2010 Olympics.

A study last year through the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College found the program shows positive results.

"People are experiencing higher quality of life, more positivity, greater resilience, so greater ability to adapt to adversity and improvements in their cognition," Kyla Pearce said.

Daigle has seen those results at the classes taught at Sangha Studio in Burlington, the first studio to do LoveYourBrain Yoga.

"When you have a brain injury, certain things don't work a certain way. People say, 'Well, I can't do what she's doing.' Well, it's not about what another person's doing. It's about doing what works for you," Daigle said.

"I think it's just a part of what we wanted yoga to be. We wanted it to be a place where everybody wanted community and connected to one another," said Abi Maviricke of Sangha Studio.

The program is free and the next six-week series at Sangha studios starts Jan. 8. Mighty Yoga in New Hampshire is also hosting LoveYourBrain starting Jan. 20.

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Yoga program aims to help people love their brains - WCAX

HERE

Deals for new skiers and snowboarders

Want to learn to ski or snowboard? Consider taking an adult clinic at Pats Peak in New Hampshire and get a lesson, half-day lift ticket, and lunch for less than the cost of a regular half-day lift ticket. The Weekday Adult Ski/Snowboard Clinics run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings (with a few holiday exclusions) through the end of the season. Clinics cost $40 per day for a one-time pass to $300 for a 10-clinic package. Or sign up for Passport Program PLUS, a weekend program that includes four beginner lessons, lift ticket, and rental packages. After finishing the program, you get a free Pats Peak Unlimited Season Pass, a free pair of Elan skis and bindings (limited quantities available), and discounts at ski shops in Concord, Salem, Nashua, and Manchester, N.H., and at The Ski House in Somerset, Mass. The prepaid program costs $389, for 18 and older. 888-728-7732, http://www.patspeak.com.

Bostons annual Celtic festival

Celtic musicians, singers, and dancers from around the world gather in Cambridge Jan. 16-19 for the 17th annual Boston Celtic Music Festival, known as BCMFest. The event includes more than 60 performances at Club Passim, The Sinclair, and The Atrium in Harvard Square, showcasing artists from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and other Celtic communities. Enjoy performances by renowned Cape Breton fiddling duo Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac, Irish step dancer Kevin Doyle (a US step dancing champion), and dozens of local dancers and musicians. Dont miss the Boston Urban Ceilidh Jan. 17, a Celtic dance party with live music at The Atrium, and Dayfest, which features more than 12 hours of Celtic music Jan. 18 at Club Passim and The Sinclair. Tickets range from free to $25, depending on event. Two workshops on Cape Breton music and dancing take place Jan. 19 at The Passim School of Music ($45 per person). 617-492-7679, http://www.passim.org/bcmfest.

Reel fun in Belmont

Bring your kids to Belmont World Films 17th Annual Family Festival and enjoy animation workshops and more than 35 films from around the world. This years festival, themed Where Stories Come Alive, features live action, animated, and documentary films geared to children 2 to 12. It begins Jan. 17 at Belmonts Regent Theatre with the East Coast premiere of Hacker, a Danish film about a boy whose mother, a scientist, disappears under mysterious circumstances and that ends happily. Subsequent days focus on different themes: the animal kingdom (Jan. 18), short films (Jan. 19), and the ideals and values of Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 20). Also attend The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Storytime with storytelling and an audience participation puppet show, and talks and workshops with writer/director Cinzia Angelini, the head story artist for Abominable. Tickets: $6 (shorts) to $20 (workshops); $50 festival pass includes all programs except workshops. 617-484-3980, http://www.belmontworldfilm.org.

THERE

Tis the season for Drunk Yoga

Two people walk into a bar and their discussion over a glass of wine leads to the founding of Drunk Yoga, a program that encourages people to try something new without feeling intimidated. Eli Walker, the founder of Drunk Yoga and a certified astrologer, isnt a proponent of getting drunk though youre welcome to enjoy a complimentary wine, beer, or mimosa in her yoga classes but its about getting drunk, in a sense, on the good feelings of connecting with others, celebrating community, and trying something new with supportive strangers. Walker has teamed up with CheapCaribbean to offer a three-day New Year, Do You Retreat in Cancun, Feb. 20-23, which focuses on self-care, mental wellness, and beachside fun. It includes Drunk Yoga classes (with cocktails, coffee, or water in hand), one-on-one birth chart readings, sunrise (sober) beach yoga, Walkers character-development workshops, and a copy of Walkers book, Drunk Yoga: 50 Wine and Yoga Poses to Lift Your Spirit(s). Cost: $1,299 per person, includes roundtrip flight from Boston, three nights at Haven Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa, and the above activities. http://www.tiny.cc/3ul2hz.

New hotel within Austin city limits

Austins newest hotel has a state-of-the-art gym overlooking Lady Bird Lake, an in-house yoga studio, and a welcoming dcor thats influenced by the areas historic craftsman-style homes and art nouveau flair. Austin Proper Hotel, the areas first LEED Gold-certified hotel, offers 244 rooms and suites that come with Nespresso machines and Apple TVs. Borrow an electric bike to cruise around town or have a Peloton bike sent up to your room for a private workout; the hotels full-service spa and swimming pool with private cabanas open this spring. The property has a Mediterranean grill with Israeli- and Turkish-inspired fare and an elegant sunken bar with signature cocktails. A coffee shop and caf with take-out options opens soon. Rates start at $350 per night, double occupancy. 888-333-0546, http://www.properhotel.com.

EVERYWHERE

An insulated chair for travelers

Keep warm on your winter adventures with Helinoxs portable Chair One and Seat Warmer. Chair One has rugged aluminum poles with internal bungee cords that make setup and breakdown a breeze they spring into place during setup and easily come apart for packing and a durable canvas material that quickly attaches to the frame. Slip Helinoxs new Seat Warmer, made of synthetic down, over the chair for extra warmth on colder days; cinch the cover in place using the drawstring cord so it doesnt shift around when you do. The low-riding chair packs down to the size of a loaf of bread and comes with a handy zippered travel bag so you can stuff it in the corner of your car or backpack. It weighs less than a pound and supports up to 320 pounds. $100 chair, $70 seat warmer. 877-267-2882, http://www.helinox.com.

KARI BODNARCHUK

Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.

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Celtic music, drunk yoga, and a new hotel that brings a Peloton to your door - The Boston Globe

indica News Bureau-

In an attempt to test the effectiveness of yoga as an intervention for treating many diseases, Indian-American cardiologist Indranill Basu Ray, will present a new method at the upcoming Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Bengaluru. His new protocol will be presented at the 107th ISC which is being held from January 3 to 7.

The cardiac-electro-physiologist at the Veterans Hospital in Memphis, US, said that as the RTC (Randomized Control Trials) was not proving to be very useful in testing the effectiveness of yoga, new scientific methods need to be devised, Hindustan Times reported.

Despite understanding the molecular mechanism, large trials of yoga using the standard protocol called RCT (Randomised Control Trials) has not shown as much promise as expected, said Ray, adding, We proved tobacco was toxic not by doing clinical trials, but by following people who smoke and showing they develop a particular type of lung cancer it would have been almost impossible to prove this using an RCT other than being phenomenally costly, he said.

Ray said, same is true for yoga, as a person who has a disease like hypertension that is due to chronic adaptation to stress, may be treated with a yoga protocol to eliminate the disease.

The Kolkata-born cardiologist proposed that with advanced molecular biology available wearable devices, the adaptive stress-response can be measured with yoga by monitoring hormone levels, a well-established biomarker of stress.

He added that the same may also be done through complementary physiological signals such as electro-dermal activity and heart rate variability, proxies for the arousal of the sympathetic nervous system.

It is the chronic arousal of this system due to adaptation to chronic stress that causes hypertension, he said.

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Indian-American cardiologist proposes new protocol to test effectiveness of yoga - indica News

Dallas weekends are packed full of events, but how many of them are truly worthy of your time?PaperCitys newevents calendaroffers a curated look at all of the best things to do in North Texas. But everyone can still use an expert.

PaperCitys Weekend Expert Megan Ziots culls our calendar for your must dos in this regular weekly series.

NYCs Original Drunk Yoga class debuts at Virgin Hotels Dallas this weekend. Founder Eli Walker is coming in town to teach special classes from this Friday, January 3 through Sunday, January 5 at the brand new Design District hotel. A twist on a vinyasa yoga class mixed with happy hour, classes are always held in non-traditional venues like at bars, on rooftops, or yachts.

At Virgin, a 15 minute happy hour will kick off festivities with wine and mingling. Your teacher will then begin a 45 minute beginner yoga class with wine in-hand. Then, a 30 minute wine-down will conclude the event. The $45 tickets include the yoga class and two glasses of wine. Students must bring their own mat.

Go to the fullPaperCityevents calendar listing.

The giant pyramid that was recently built just outside of Globe Life Park is now open for virtual reality showings. PY1 popped up on New Years Eve and will be open until February 1. With Dallas (or Arlington), its first stop in the United States, PY1 is offering two shows:Through the EchoesandStella The Time Machine Journey.

On Saturday nights, the pyramid will become a club-like nightlife venue and party for those 21 and up.Through the Echoesis a multimedia show that takes visitors on a virtual reality odyssey through space and time, whileStellais a new participatory show that encourages kids and families to move and dance together. Tickets start at $23.5o.

Go to the fullPaperCityevents calendar listing.

Head over to the Farmers Market this Friday for a Drink Dash. In celebration of the New Year, purchase a $10 ticket for 11 drink fills at participating locations and a souvenir glass. From mulled ale to wine, The Market shops will be open for an evening (6 pm to 8 pm) of strolling, shopping and eating. Merchants include The 2nd Tap, American Butchers, Beyond the Butchers, Cajun Tailgators Cafes, Rexs Seafood and Market, Charming @ The Market, Simply Irresistible, Market Provisions, Lone Chimney Mercantile, Scardello Artisan Cheese and Doc Popcorn.

If you sample at least five drinks, you can guess the number of black eyed peas in a jar for a chance to win a prize.

Go to the fullPaperCityevents calendar listing.

Comedian Taylor Tomlinson is coming by Addison Improv for the second year in a row to do a weekend of shows. Having recently filmed her first stand-up special for Netflix, Tomlinson is on a roll as one of the countrys youngest and most successful touring comedian headliners. Shes also appeared onConan,The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Comedy Lineup.

Tomlinson is sort of a millennial comedian for the non-millennials. Her comedy is a mix of self-deprecation and jokes about being in her twenties, as well as others in the millennial generation. Tomlinsons putting on six shows this weekend through Sunday, January 5. Tickets start at $20.

Go to the fullPaperCityevents calendar listing.

See Just Mercy early at a special private screening at the new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum this Sunday, January 5. Based off the true story of human rights activist Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) as he takes on the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), Just Mercyis a must-see film.

This special fundraiser screening will begin at 5 pm with a reception and follow with the screening at 6 pm. Tickets are $100 each and will 100 percent benefit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museums Museum Experience Fund, which provides free transportation, admission and curriculum support to students from Title I schools.

Go to the fullPaperCityevents calendar listing.

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Drunk Yoga, Pyramid Wonders and a Young Star Comic the Best Things to do in Dallas - PaperCity Magazine

With all the Christmas drama-la-la-la-la-la-la over, we decided to give our bodies a good, om-azing stretch at a chill yoga studio.

By Stacey Makiya and Katrina Valcourt | VISUALS BY KATIE KENNY

Published: 2019.12.30 06:00 PM

Editors Note: Stacey and Katrina are at vastly different fitness levels (and ages) but both enjoy working out. We thought itd be fun for the two of them to try new or interesting workouts together each month. This time they took the Flow 75 class from The Yoga Room Hawaii.

The Yoga Room Hawaii offers a variety of invigorating yoga-and-Pilates-focused classes that stretch the mind, body and soul. The heated studio offers hot Hatha, Pilates and sculpt workouts in 90-to-95-degree temps. The chill studio, located across the parking lot from the heated one, holds vinyasa, restore and Shakti (yoga, dance and functional fitness) sessions in a nonheated studio. We took the Flow 75 vinyasa class, a 75-minute class that concentrates on breath and posture, ending in meditation.

Katrina: I finally recovered emotionally frommy last yoga class. And this one is open to all levels (read: newbies), so I knew Id be OK. I brought a towel this time to keep the sweat out of my eyes and off my palms. Plus, I know what a tree pose is now. Bring it on.

Stacey: I needed a chill class. Shopping, soires and story deadlines were making me bah humbug. And all of the delish cookies, cakes and charcuterie snackies I inhaled in the last couple of weeks were putting me on the naughty list. So, yoga sounded very merry.

The chill studio is a bit smaller than most yoga studios, but the class we attended had about 10 people, so there was plenty of room to make house and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Of course, it being a flow vinyasa class, the people were very Zen, including our instructor, Rian Mokiao-Lee.

Foam blocks (used as support or to enhance the workout) are available. Its $2 to rent a mat.

SEE ALSO:We Tried Bouldering at The Arch Project Climbing Center

Stacey: My position on warming up in a yoga class is indifferent. To me, a yoga class, especially a noncardio one, is just one long warmup. We started off with childs pose. Katrina, howd you feel?

Katrina: Like an idiot. Right off the bat, Rian pointed out that my mat was upside down and flipped it over. Aaaaand then my foot cramped. But after that, the first few poses helped me get into the zone and work on my breathing. Im a shallow breather, which is probably why I hate endurance movesits not that my muscles hurt or Im tired, I just get out of breath quickly and want to stop.

SEE ALSO:How Do You Do Yoga on a Horse? We Found Out at Turtle Bay Resort

Stacey: After stretching our inner thighs and backs with childs pose, we jumped into one of my favorite moves: the bird dog. You start on your hands and knees, then extend one leg and the opposite arm at the same time. Then, you pull in that arm and leg in a crunchlike move.

Next, we threaded the needle, another favorite stretch of mine. Check out the video of Katrina doing it! GET IT GIRL. This move is supposed to relieve any tension or stiffness in your shoulders, neck or back. If youre a desk sitter and stare at the computer all day, this is a great, easy stretch.

Katrina: Easy is not the word I would use. Everything looked and felt wrong since its not a natural position, leaning on your head with your butt up in the air, but the longer I held it, the deeper I sunk into it.

Rian helped me get into position a few times and showed me where to put the foam blocks to make certain moves easier. He adjusted my downward dog early on so I knew how it was supposed to feel when we did it again. And again. And again. (It took me a few cycles of upward-to-downward before I realized thats what svanasana meant.) It wasnt hard but my sweaty feet kept slipping off the mat. I never know if Im supposed to be up on my tippy toes or down flat. Maybe I need two towels. And a fundamentals course.

Stacey: I was sweating! I thought chill studio meant it was an air-conditioned room (it is not), so I wore a long-sleeve top. And, since it was a flow class, there are no breaks. You go with the flow and jump from one pose to the next. On one hand Im glad I was feeling the burn; on the other, I wanted to hang loose.

Katrina: There was no slowing down. Things just kept getting more twistedliterally. I had a hard time going into Figure 4, balancing on my right foot with my left ankle crossing my right thigh. I broke the pose a couple of times as I tried to bend my right knee and lower myself into a sitting position. I seemed to be the only person shaking. Crossing my right leg over the left was easier, but then I was supposed to rest my right elbow in the arch of my foot and look up toward the ceiling. How is that possible?!

Stacey: My booty got off the ground when trying the bridge pose. Thats some heavy lifting, so I was proud! Rian tried to come and help me lift my body higher, but I was cracking up and (ungracefully) fell to the ground. He tried to be calm and not laugh, but he let out a small giggle.

Katrina: Toward the end, my glasses fogged up and I felt sweat dripping down my face like a teardrop. When we were supposed to take three more breaths, I took like nine. I couldnt do the move where you crouch like a frog, put your knees against your forearms and lift your feet off the ground. I just looked at Stacey and laughed. So much for all levels. Neither of us attempted a headstand.

Stacey: Yeah, HARD NO for the headstand. But major props to the women and men who made it look like cake.

Stacey: We ended with a three-minute shavasana. If youve ever been to a yoga class, you know this is the icing on the cake. This is the feeling when you bought your last Christmas gift. This is the moment when everything is calm and jus riiite. All you do is lie down, face up, hands by your side, close your eyes and not think about ANY. THING. Ahhhhhh.

Katrina: Lying on my back isnt relaxing to me. I tried not to think about anything but since I wasnt comfortable, I was very aware of my position, and the fact that Id have to get up in a few minutes, so better not get too comfortable. But I did like the final stretches. When breathing in, I could feel my spine lengthening; breathing out, I folded my body even lower. I was definitely more flexible than when class started.

Stacey: Sooo-ul good. However, within the next couple of days, my right shoulder started aching. I may have bent the rules and tried to do more than what my body is used to. It still hurts. With that said, I still want to try the sculpt, restore and Shakti classes. The heated and nonheated options are super appealing, and theres no mad rush to snag a spot in a sardine-packed studio. Plus, the staff and instructors are flexible (pun intended) with your yogi level and will help you find a class that works with your lifestyle and health goals.

Katrina: I like the idea that yoga contributes to my overall well-being and helps fix my terrible posture, but it doesnt even register as a workout on myFitbit. To me, yoga is what you do after working out. However, this studio is wayyyyy less intimidating than CorePower, and I love that the class was small, so if youre a beginner, I recommend it.

Membership fees start at $69 and go up to $220 for a 10-class pack option. Drop-in fee for one class is $27.

Heated studio: 1120 12th Ave., Second Floor; Chill studio: 1152 Kokohead Ave., (808) 888-7588, theyogaroomhawaii.com

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We Tried to Bend It Like Bikram at The Yoga Room Hawai'i's Vinyasa Class - HONOLULU Magazine

Today only, as part of its Gold Box Deals of the Day, Amazon is offering fitness, yoga, and wellness products from$7.35. Free shipping is available for Prime members or in orders over $25. Our top pick is the 68- x 24-inch Yoga Mat in various colors for$18.74. Thats down from the usual $25 price tag and an Amazon all-time low. This lightweight and thick yoga mat is designed to be durable and last throughout various workouts. It also has a non-slip texture, which if you know anything about yoga, this is a key component to ensure safety and performance. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 100 Amazon reviewers. Head below for more deals or jump into the entire sale right here.

Another standout is the Gaiam Yoga Block and Strap Combo Set in various colorsfrom $9.94. Youd typically pay $15 with todays deal being within $1 of the all-time low price. This is a perfect pair with our featured deal mentioned above, ensuring that your next yoga class has all the essentials for a great workout. Designed to provide the stability and balance needed in your practice to help with optimal alignment, these blocks are an easy buy if youre serious about taking yoga classes in 2020. Rated 4.7/5 stars.

Youll find even more at-home workout essentials, energy snacks, and more in todays Gold Box starting at$7.35.

These durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats provide additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine. Yoga mat features a textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip and a stylish design to keep you motivated and focused. Yoga mat purchase includes a free bonus downloadable yoga workout to help get you started.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

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Load up on yoga essentials from $7.50 in todays Gold Box - 9to5Toys

TURNERS FALLS Hot yoga, in theory, is the same no matter where you do it. The classroom studio is heated to about 105 degrees, and every class session runs through the exact same positions in the exact same order, the same way every time.

Even people who love it admit that it may not be for everyone, said Mishel Ixchel, the owner and instructor of Fire+Embers Hot Yoga at 142 2nd St. But the people who get hooked say it gives them something they cant get any other way; or, at least, something that is very hard to find.

Ixchel got her first taste of hot yoga the way most people do, she said: a studio offered a ridiculously low introductory price, and after she tried it, I was starving for more.

That was almost 15 years ago, when she was living in New York City. She quickly moved on to a nine-week training course, and was soon teaching.

I dont know how much of this has to do with my zodiac sign, but when I commit to something, I focus my energy and I go right in, she said.

Fire+Embers opened Dec. 21. Preparation took a bit longer than expected, Ixchel said. The studio is on the upper floor of a repurposed old house. Along with construction of the studio itself, the building also needed new insulation to make a 105-degree yoga studio workable.

Almost every contractor I brought in thought I was out of my mind, Ixchel said.

What makes hot yoga unique, other than the intense heat, is its twenty-six and two sequence (usually written as 26+2), Ixchel said. Every class follows the same program of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, presented in the same order every time, no matter who the teacher is or where the studio is. On paper, every class is exactly the same.

The repetition is the point, partly, Ixchel said. The more you commit to it, you start integrating the sequence. You know what to expect. You can work with it and get better and better. Youre fine-tuning these postures.

What changes is what the student brings to it each time, Ixchel said: how much sleep they got that night, what stressors they might be dealing with, how they feel about the weather that day.

So youll never have two classes that are the same, even though every single class sequence is the same, she said.

And then theres the magic the brilliance of how these postures were laid out, she said. One thing leads you to another thing leads you to another thing. So youre moving systematically through your body in a healthy, safe way.

The results are apparently hard to put a finger on. Ixchels students, getting ready for a class on Tuesday morning taking off snow boots, hanging up coats, figuring out the yoga mat situation talk about it in superlative terms: its rejuvenating, its a full-body cleanse, theres nothing like it.

Its the one time in my life, when Im in here, that in my mind Im present, said Faith Diemand, one of the owners of Diemand Farm in Wendell. Work isnt running around, the kids, the car broken down, blah blah blah. Tapping her head, she added, Its hard for me to quiet whats up here.

The magic of the 26+2 sequence is what it does for the spine, Ixchel said. Most of us go through our day-to-day lives chronically abusing our backs in little ways leaning over a desk, bending to pick things up, not paying attention to posture. What people love about hot yoga, she said, is that it takes away those little pains that distract us even when we may not realize it.

Once your body starts feeling good, which this practice does, it ripples out to every aspect of life, she said. You can focus on the things you want to focus on because youre not in pain. You have more patience in your relationships because youre not in pain.

She emphasizes that anyone can do hot yoga, regardless of age or physical fitness. You dont need to be especially strong or flexible. And because every class is the same, its easy for beginners to get going.

Classes at Fire+Embers Hot Yoga are 90 minutes long, Monday to Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., with more times to be added later. For new students, there is an introductory rate of $40 for two weeks unlimited access, or $111 for 30 days. A full list of prices and membership options can be found at fireandembers.com.

Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 261.

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Going through the motions for better health: Fire+Embers Hot Yoga opens in Turners Falls - The Recorder

theconsumer electronics show is one of the biggest tech events of the year. since 1967, thousands of people have travelled to las vegas, where the show is held annually, to observe the latest in tech trends, all shaping the year ahead.companies from around the world gather to tease future possibilities, like concept cars and smart home gadgets, whilst others announce new products that reveal our more immediate reality within the tech industry.

fiat chrysler recently unveiled its airflow vision concept carfor the consumer electronics show (CES 2020) with an all-digital six-screen interior cabin (read more)

from january 7 january 10, CES 2o20 is set to unveil the next generation of transformative innovation, encompassing 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart cities and resilience, sports, robotics and more.heres what not to miss

image courtesy of holste centre

there looks set to be a host of technology that responds to the wellness tech consumers increasing desire for products that promote wellbeing. among them, research and development center holst centre will present several human-centric wearables including a relax shirt, which reminds its wearer of taking regular breaks, and an infrared headband that reduces stress. by integrating electronics in textiles, holst centre wants to build on the intimacy of clothing whilst offering support of healthcare and wellbeing.

image courtesy of yogifi

also coming to CES 2020 is a smart yoga assistant called yogifi from wellnesys that is powered by artificial intelligence and comes equipped with a companion mobile app. the AI is used to recommend personalized wellness programs by yoga professionals and the embedded yoga mat tracks postures using pressure sensors that respond to touch and gives visual and haptic feedback to correct positions. the mat also correlates vitals and breathing patterns by pairing with devices such as an apple watch.

image courtesy of samsung

the mercedes-benz show stand invites visitors to experience the highlights of the product and technology brand EQ the all-electric EQC 400 4matic, the vision EQS and also a new, futuristic concept vehicle. the 2020 show stand will give visitors the opportunity to dive into an adventure world, underscoring the consistent enhancement of the mercedes-benz trade show concept. the focal point comprises the brand world as well as its products, services and innovations.

image courtesy samsung / 4kfilme

images appear to show a new frameless samsung 8k QLED TV, predicted to launch at CES 2020. the new TV will feature a panel welded to the tv body to create a display thats free of edges. this new series of TVs will only be available in sizes of 65-inch and above. details on the display panel technology and price have not yet been revealed but its likely samsung will pair the new model with its QLED 8k panel with this premium bezel-less tv series.

image courtesy of UBTECH

UBTECH will be showing its newest and most innovative robots, including the latest updates to walker, the intelligent humanoid service robot that wowed audiences at last years CES. it will also show its autonomous indoor monitoring robot aimbot, enterprise service robot cruzr, and award-winning jimu robot kits for kids. this years presentation will demonstrate walkers faster, human-like walking as well as yoga poses with dynamic stability showing its huge improvement in motion control. walker will also demonstrate new abilities such as the ability to push a cart, draw pictures, and write characters, showing improved static balance with full-body compliance control.

image courtesy of picnic

seattle startup picnic is bringing its pizza-assembly robot to the las vegas convention center. the robot can produce up to 300 12-inch personalized pizzas per hour and uses a vision system that allows it to make adjustments if the pie is slightly off-center. perfect to feed a crowd of tech-goers, the machine is linked to the internet and sends data back to picnic so the system can learn from mistakes. specific location details for picnics robot and where to enjoy its pizza will be revealed at hellopicnic.com, prior to the start of CES 2020.

kieron marchese I designboom

jan 03, 2020

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robot pizza makers and AI yoga at CES 2020: here's what you can't miss - Designboom

Norine Knight, left, Neil Chesshir and Christine Price eat lunch on the covered patio at Cafe 180, a non-profit, pay-what-you-can restaurant in Englewood Aug. 25, 2016. (Seth McConnell, The Denver Post)

Life in the city can get expensive, and sometimes people cant afford a little self-care or a fun night out. Fortunately, a growing number of businesses and organizations in Denver and other cities on the Front Range use a pay-what-you-can model so there can be some equity in services and experiences.

We believe it is important for all people to have access to good food, physical and mental well-being and community, said Catherine Clements-Matthews, founder and president of One Good Turn, a non-profit with four different initiatives helping people find housing, jobs, counseling and meals. Caf 180 in Englewood was One Good Turns first enterprise; there, diners who cannot afford a meal can exchange one hour of work.

The pay-what-you-can model allows all walks of life to enter into our spaces and experience something in exchange for their time or in exchange for what they can afford,Clements-Matthews said. It breaks down barriers that typically exist within traditional payment models.

In a given week, about 250 to 300 people dine at Caf 180, and 35% of those are volunteering their time in exchange for a meal.When people volunteer at Caf 180, they can also exchange their time for an hour of professional counseling (the counselors are, in turn, volunteering their time). This program is called Counseling 180.

Clements-Matthews sees the pay-what-you-can model as different than a typical charity.

I started One Good Turn because I wanted to offer a hand up to those in need, she said. Traditionally, charity is focused on those who have giving to those who dont. But I believe that everyone has something to offer. I wanted to create opportunities for dignified exchanges.

Next time youre in a financial pinch or are looking for a socially-conscious business where you can pay it forward check out one of these local organizations.

Caf 180 3315 S. Broadway, Englewood,cafe180.org The restaurant is also available as a special events space, with a rate starting at $200 per hour. The lunch-only menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, soup, wraps, pizza and cookies.

SAME Caf 2023 E. Colfax Ave., Denver,soallmayeat.org Denvers first pay-what-you-can restaurant which also has a food truck you may have spotted around town opened in 2006 and is lunch-only. The menu, focused on healthy fare, offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options in salads, soups and sandwiches.

FoCo Caf 225 Maple St., Fort Collins, fococafe.org Also open only for lunch, the Fort Collins restaurant posts a menu on Facebook daily so visitors can learn about that days soup, salad and dessert options. Like similar concepts, FoCo allows visitors to volunteer their time in exchange for meals and also encourages those with plenty to give more as a way to pay it forward.

Shyft at Mile High 1401 Zuni St., Denver, shyftatmilehigh.org An offshoot of One Good Turn, Shyft at Mile High offers meditation and yoga classes. Classes include guided meditation, yoga for people with eating disorders and the LGBTQ+ population, and Guided By Humanity private classes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The studio is currently pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $10 per class.In 2020, Shyft will alter its pricing model to allow paying customers to pay it forward for those who cant afford classes. Those who are unable to pay will never be turned away.

Kindness Yoga Multiple locations in Denver, Aurora and Golden,kindnesscollective.com At Kindness Yoga, all regularly-scheduled adult classes are considered donation-based, but those who can afford to pay are encouraged to do so the teachers and rent need to be paid, after all. There are introductory specials such as $30 for the first 30 days of classes, monthly memberships and bulk class discounts.

Whole Yoga 1735 E. 17th Ave., Denver, wholeyoga.com Students are invited to speak with the owner about creating an individual pay-what-you-can plan so that everyone can take yoga classes, regardless of income.

Yoga Hive 917 Front St., Louisville,yogahivecolorado.com This yoga studio offers aerial yoga and a pay-it-forward program in which prospective students apply for financial assistance. The studio also offers deals such as $33 for 14 days of unlimited yoga.

Cambio Yoga 3326 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., Colorado Springs,cambioyoga.com While donations of $9-15 per class are accepted, this donation-based yoga studio has a give-what-you-can policy for all classes, as well as monthly memberships on a sliding scale.

Buntport Theater 717 Lipan St., Denver,buntport.comDenvers Buntport Theater in the Santa Fe Arts District offers pay-what-you-can nights during the runs of each full-length production. The next pay-what-you-can nights for their forthcoming as-yet-untitled production will be held March 19 and 30. While that seems like a long time to wait, Buntports offers one-off, inexpensive shows that range in price from $0 to 10.

It has always been part of our mission statement to be affordable, said Erin Rollman, a member of Buntports collaborative company. The performing arts are, unfortunately, out of reach for a lot of people. Over our history, our pay-what-you-can nights have always been well attended, so its always seemed like were meeting a need.

Curious Theatre Company 1080 Acoma St., Denver,curioustheatre.org In Denvers Golden Triangle neighborhood, Curious Theatre has a program that allows volunteer ushers to receive complimentary admittance to a show after completing two shifts during a single production.

Dangerous Theatre 2620 W. 2nd Ave., Denver,dangeroustheatre.com This small, cabaret-style space produces original plays and comedies and offers pay-what-you-can non-table seating at every show. The companys current production, Nicks Last Christmas, runs through Dec. 29.

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Pay-what-you-can Denver restaurants, yoga and theater - The Know