Even though he hasnt won one yet in his PGA Tour career, golfer Tony Finau is on the cusp of winning a major championship. Finau has a top-10 finish at all four of the majors on tour, including a career-best third-place finish at the 2019 Open Championship. With how hes played in recent years, 2020 could be his time to finally snag one of those trophies.

One place Finau is focused on is at the first major of the year, the Masters Tournament in April, where hes coming off of a top-five finish. The course also just happens to be one of his favorite places to play. (Finau and the tournament are also linked from the time he went viral in 2018 after dislocating his ankle while celebrating a hole-in-one during the Par-3 Contest; Finau was still able to tough his way through the rest of the tournament.)

Its one of the best-designed golf courses in the world, Finau tells Mens Journal. When you combine that with the history and the matches being played there, its definitely got to be at the top of my list.

For his MJ5, Finau spoke with Mens Journal about the way he tries to attack his workouts in the gym, his favorite lifts, the best advice hes received, and more. Check out the full MJ5 archives for more interviews with Chris Evans, Russell Wilson, Michael Strahan, Tony Hawk, P.K. Subban, Ewan McGregor, and more.

On the areas he focuses most in his training:The three areas I attack in my workouts are stability, mobility, and flexibility throughout the whole body. I believe those three areas are very important in the golf swing. I attack all parts of my body, just like I do with my golf game. I go pretty hard at the gym to get stronger every year. I try to gain an advantage by getting stronger and more fit than other players. At the end of the season, it makes a huge differencethe thing about the PGA Tour is its such a long season and we dont really have an offseason, so youve got to train and keep in shape throughout the whole year.

On his favorite workouts: I like to use kettlebells for power cleans, Olympic lifts and squatsbut thats about all the weights Ill use. Outside of that, I do a lot of floor work. Ill mix in yoga with pilates for core, and then Ill get on the bike. I also use a lot of bands.

On the best advice hes received: The best piece of advice Ive ever received is be yourself. Ive learned that if you can be your most authentic self, things will happen in your life the way theyre supposed to. I think we all learn things about ourselves, were all unique and have unique things about usand thats what makes everybody great. Thats probably the best advice I can give as well.

On his favorite courses to travel to: My favorite course is my home course I grew up on in Salt Lake City, the Jordan River Par Three. Unfortunately its not there anymore, but I just have so many great memories starting there and playing with my dad and my brother. Its my favorite course, and its the course Id love to play my final round on if I ever had the chance. As far as a golf course every golfer should play before they die, its Augusta National. Its such a treat to be on ground and play, and theres so much history there.

On his dream golf matchup: I had my opportunity last year with Tiger Woods at the Masters at Augusta National, and Id love that opportunity again this year. Hopefully I can have that chance again this year and have a different result.

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MJ5: Golfer Tony Finau on Doing Yoga and His Favorite Courses to Play - Men's Journal

HONOLULU, Jan. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Because of the ever-increasing interest in the Science of Identity Foundation and world-renowned yoga spiritual master Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda, the Science of Identity Foundation recently published questions and answers with Jagad Guru on the subject of "The Science of Yoga." The article reveals the essence of yoga wisdom in a clear and logical manner, allowing people from any background or belief system to contemplate on and apply authoritative teachings in their personal lives.

Addressing a series of important questions, Jagad Guru first explained why yoga is called a science. He said, "Just like anyone with a microscope can observe the structure of a cell, anyone who applies the tools and techniques of yoga science has the ability to observe and experience the reality of their spiritual essence."

Jagad Guru also explained how, "through yoga, we realize that the physical body is a set of outer garments and the mind is like our undergarments. Beneath our clothes, covered by the body and the mind, there exists an eternal spiritual self."

After explaining how misunderstanding our true identity is the root cause of anxiety, Jagad Guru described how the practice of mindfulness can help relieve anxiety. He also explained the deeper insights and realizations the practice of mindfulness can bring about. The article concludes with a link to a mindfulnesstechnique that anyone can practice.

Link to the Q & A Article

https://sif.yoga/yoga-wisdom/science-of-yoga

About Science of Identity Foundation

Established in 1977 by Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda, Science of Identity Foundation teaches the practice of meditation and kirtanalong with the timeless yoga wisdom of Vaishnava Hinduismto help individuals achieve greater spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Passed down for centuries through an unbroken line of self-realized teachers, this ancient and authentic process of self-discoverycan be practiced by anyone.

Official Site and Social Media

https://sif.yoga/about https://twitter.com/sif_yoga https://www.instagram.com/scienceofidentity

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Jeannie Bishop 808-367-2633 176773@email4pr.com

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Science of Identity Foundation Releases New Q&A With Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda on 'The Science of Yoga' - PRNewswire

Details Published: 29 January 2020 Written by Melissa Hartman - Staff Writer/melissah@latc.com

Courtesy of Susan Mirbach Katie Sinnott, center, in white, poses with participants in a kundalini yoga class on National Kundalini Yoga Day, a tradition started a few years ago, April 27 last year.

Two local women are working to expand kundalini yoga classes to yoga studios throughout Silicon Valley. To start, theyre spreading the word about weekend classes at Yoga of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills Town Hall.

According to teachers Susan Mirbach and Miki Duisterhof, kundalini yoga is for people intimidated by the perceived demands of yoga, and participants dont need any yoga experience.

Kundalini yoga goes back to the roots of yoga, brought to the United States by Yogi Bhajan, a man born a prince in what is now Pakistan. Known as the yoga of awareness, Mirbach noted that it brings some of the most traditional aspects of mindfulness to a society constantly bombarded with change.

One of (Bhajans) key philosophies was that this is yoga for real people with real lives, working real jobs, not going into caves and meditating, she said. It wasnt (meant) to pull anybody out of the real world.

Kundalini yoga is inspired by the philosophy that we are perfect as we are, Duisterhof added, and Bhajan saw everyone at their highest potential.

The ancient practice includes physical postural exercises, breathwork, mantras and meditation. Bhajan created thousands of flows, called kriyas, for teachers to guide students through, meaning students could go years without repeating the same one or even the same individual moves, Mirbach said. Bhajan, familiar with numerous types of meditation, took his environment and incorporated it into kundalini yoga. Surrounded by musicians, the yogi wrote music and the beats of instruments into his practice.

Although kundalini yoga is a workout, it isnt meant for those who seek strenuous and more physical-type yoga like bikram, according to the instructors. Kundalini yoga is just as much about the mind, if not more, than the body. The practice is a happy medium between bikram and meditation-based yoga like jivamukti; teachers focus on activating specific types of energy, such as the fire that comes from the core.

So you walk into class and you might feel frazzled, quite stressed or scattered, Duisterhof said. The way the classes work is through different sequences, and that brings you to a more focused point within yourself. It really focuses you and then it calms you. So people generally leave feeling very grounded, very centered and more at home with themselves.

Because kundalini yoga is a mix of bodily and spiritual strength, those who try the classes may feel simultaneously sore from the physical challenges Duisterhof said she sometimes ask her students to hold positions for more than 10 minutes and find satisfaction in slowing down and feeling a sense of calm.

Kundalini yoga fits even the busiest lifestyles, Compass realtor and yoga participant Susan Sims said. Sims attends Duisterhofs class before her open houses on weekends to help her prepare to seize the day.

Youre doing a lot of movements that help the different systems in your body, so you can feel them detoxifying you and moving the energy around to clear out any energy thats kind of stuck, said Sims, a student of traditional yoga for eight years before trying kundalini yoga. What I think is a little different is its a way to go inward, to take a check of where I am and what I am feeling. Its self-introspection, which a lot of times we dont take the time to do.

Kundalini yoga is an acquired taste, Sims admitted. A Google search of what the practice may encompass cues descriptions such as jumping, yelling and chanting. But moving past the comfort zone and embracing the practice is worth the variety of techniques.

Theres no right or wrong way (to do yoga), Sims said. Just go see if you like it. Its a good opportunity for people who feel like theyre not in this tough shape.

Duisterhof echoed Sims sentiment, noting that it is OK if kundalini yoga isnt everyones cup of tea.

I tell everyone its wacky and wonderful, Mirbach said.

Duisterhof teaches kundalini yoga 8:30-10 a.m. Saturdays through May 23 at Los Altos Hills Town Hall. To register, visit bit.ly/2RiagW6.

Katie Sinnott teaches ongoing classes 1:30-2:45 p.m. Sundays at Yoga of Los Altos. To register, visit yogaoflosaltos.com/schedule.

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'The yoga of awareness': Alternative practice offered through local studios - Los Altos Town Crier

Ready to try a new workout, and wondering whether you should take the advice of your friend who swears by her yoga class or the one who never misses a Pilates session? If so, you probably have some questions, including: What's the difference between yoga and Pilates, anyway? And would either of them help you slim down, if that's your goal? Here, answers to your biggest questions about Pilates and yoga.

Pilates has a rep for being kind of intimidatingbut its actually a low-impact way to build strength in your core muscles. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, its an energetic and mindful total body exercise method that emphasizes strength, muscle control, and stability. The exercises are either done on the floor with a mat, or on special equipment, including a machine called a Reformer.

Its estimated that yoga has been around for thousands of years. The practice consists of a series of physical postures, and also focuses on breathing as well as inward attention and awareness. According to the Yoga Alliance, the largest non-profit group supporting the practice, yoga is a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual[its] a system not of beliefs, but of techniques and guidance for enriched living. Hatha yoga, a system of postures and breathing techniques, is probably the most well-known in the U.S.

Experts point to the fact that both yoga and Pilates involve a flow of movesbut the emphasis is different. Pilates focuses on core strength, while yoga is more focused on flexibility and has a stronger spiritual connection.

Yoga has a spiritual component and comes from a long lineage of teachers and sages in India, and Pilates was created by a man who wanted to help dancers breathe and move better to maintain a healthy spine, says Mel Russo, a certified yoga instructor in New York City. In my view, a main difference is that yoga has many variations and styles and Pilates has stayed pretty true to what its creator intended.

Pilates focuses on core strength, while yoga is more focused on flexibility and has a stronger spiritual connection.

Jennifer DeLuca, a master teacher of Pilates and the owner and director of BodyTonic, Inc DeLuca, says: They both ask you to use your mind with your body. They both strive to be total body conditioning and have movement in all planes. They also both have a breathing exercise component to them and focus on proper alignment and posture. She adds, In some yoga practices the emphasis is on holding postures, while Pilates has a brisk movement component. In yoga the spiritual is obvious, while in Pilates it is an after-effect of your exercise and comes in the form of a deep sense of well-being and renewed energy. Even though they both incorporate strength and stretch, yoga focuses more on stretch, and Pilates more on strength. But with all of this out there now, the lines are really blurring. It's getting more challenging to take a yoga class that hasn't picked up on the benefits of a Pilates exercise and vice-versa.

There are so many! says DeLuca, youll strengthen your core, gain muscle tone, increase flexibility and coordination, increase postural awareness and respiratory function, and even improve both your sleep and digestion. There are mind-body benefits as well, DeLuca adds: Youll have a brighter mood, clearer thinking, and more confidence.

Everything You Need to Know About Pilates

I don't think anyone should avoid Pilates, says DeLuca. I do think that some people should be in private Pilates training with a seasoned teacher, while others would be fine in group settings. I always encourage people to do at least three private sessions before joining a group. One other caveat that she points out: There are also many different forms out there calling themselves 'Pilates' when they're not the tried and true version, says DeLuca. Consumers should do their homework and find the right fit.

Losing weight is a mathematical equation, says DeLuca. You have to burn more than you ingest. What Pilates can do in that equation is help you to feel better and stay motivated. If you learn the method well enough, there is a cardio component, but it's nothing like running for 55 minutes. However, it can improve how easy it feels to run, bike, or go out dancing with your friends.

There are many benefits, depending on what youre looking for, says Russo. If you're looking to physically challenge yourself and become stronger and more flexible, then a more physical practice like Vinyasa flow will help you achieve that. If you need to move a little and connect to your mind and body, then a slower more restorative yoga practice would benefit you. The big benefits of yoga are that youre creating a good habit of moving your body, strengthening your joints, and becoming aware of your physical limitations. Experts mention that yoga classes can bring greater flexibility, strength, and coordination, as well as a healthier heart. But like with anything, you have to be consistent, Russo adds. You need to do the work to get the physical benefits. If you do that, then you slowly start to see changes. You get stronger and more flexible, and for many people their back pain goes away. But I cant emphasize enough how important it is to do your research. Finding the class style, level, and teacher that's right for you is paramount.

The Best Yoga Stretches for a Happy Back

How to Lose Weight By Doing Yoga

One of the big differences between yoga and other physical modalities is that it asks you to pay attentionthere is a huge emphasis on being present and on breathing, says Russo. If youre taking a yoga class with a good teacher, they have a way of sneaking in psychological or spiritual benefits. If youre not connecting to something deeper than how physically strong you are, then youre missing the point of having a yoga practice. Yoga asks that you listen to what your body is telling you; a good yoga teacher will remind her students that pushing and muscling their way into a yoga pose is not the point, and has the potential to injure them. I like to remind my students that who you are on the mat is who you are off it. So if youre learning how to be kind to your body and how to slow down, be present, and breathe, my hope is that you take that with you, and the benefits will show up in ways you least expect it.

Says Russo, The biggest drawback is that yoga, for better or worse, has become very mainstream, and in many studios its turned into a workout much more than a full mind/body practice. A poorly trained teacher who is not proficient in anatomy can easily injure someone. Also, if you have a long list of injuries and need special attention, opting for private one-on-one yoga is a safer option than a group class. Its hard for even the best trained teacher to give someone with serious injuries the attention they need in a group class.

This is a common question about yoga: Can it help you lose weight? Yes, but indirectly, says Russo. I get this question often, and unquestionably the best solution for weight loss is the food you eat. Be aware of the calories you take in and make sure youre mobile. But absolutely yoga can help. If you have a consistent practiceat least two or three times a weekthen youll start to see and feel changes in your body. Peoples appetite for fatty foods, their addictions to caffeine and alcohol, often lessen with a consistent yoga practice. The teachings and the breathing and the self-awareness start to kick in and you take better care of yourself.

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Yoga vs. Pilates: Which One Is Best for You & Your Health Goals? - Prevention.com

Yoga has gained immense popularity over the years, and there's no surprise why. Ask most practitioners, and they'll affirm that yoga is more than a typical exercise. Not only does it provide you with a highly effective workout without complex machines and wear and tear on your muscles and joints, but it also promotes harmony between your brain and body. Whether you're looking to sculpt a specific physique or searching for peace and tranquility, yoga is beneficial all around. Not many exercises can offer both wellness of the body and mind, but yoga is diverse and powerful, despite its simplicity.

While some may feel inclined to write-off yoga as just another health fad that will fade into oblivion given time, Yoga Teacher and Fitness Coach, Jolene Cherry, assures you this is not the case whatsoever. In this article, we review Ms. Cherry's list of mind and body benefits readily available to those willing to commit to regular practice.

Increased Flexibility

Have you ever seen a dancer kick their foot straight into the air, their leg nearly touching their ear, and wonder how they could do such a thing? Flexibility allows your body to flow like it was designed to. Unfortunately, many find it hard to reach their toes, so the idea of doing a high-kick or twisting themselves into a pretzel-like shape seems far out of reach, if not impossible. However, with regular yoga practice, improved flexibility becomes a reality. Over time, you'll notice your body begin to loosen and find your body naturally sliding into poses that were once entirely out of reach.

Flexibility does more than allow you to position your body in tricky poses. As stated earlier, your body was designed to flow, but without proper exercise and movement, it becomes stiff. For many, sitting at a desk five days a week for 40 hours is the primary culprit. A rigid body is a strained body. Tight hips, for example, can prevent you from proper alignment and cause damage to your knees. Back pain is also a common side effect of tightness, poor posture, and lack of movement. According to Jolene Cherry, yoga is a remedy for all of the above. As it helps loosen your body, it can provide relief for aching joints, and improve your alignment as well as posture in the process.

Improved Bone Health

Workouts that involve weight lifting are proven to be beneficial to your bone health by increasing your bone strength and helping protect yours from physical ailments such as osteoporosis. Conversely, you might envision a yoga mat and wonder how a peaceful yoga flow can improve bone health or compare in any way to a workout with dumbbells. It's simple. While practicing yoga, several poses you encounter will require you to physically lift your own body, meaning you must carry your weight. Sound easy? Even the most skilled weightlifters may struggle to properly balance and utilize their body weight in more advanced yoga poses. Even if you don't invert yourself fully into a handstand, poses like the crane and downward-facing dog strengthen the bones in your arms.

Less Stress, More Happiness

Yoga isn't only an exercise for the body; it's an exercise for the mind. It involves a lot of deep breathing and focus, which can help center you and quiet a busy mind. During certain yoga poses, you'll be encouraged to set your intentions for the day, be mindful of your mental health, and be grateful to yourself for showing up and doing something good for your body and mind. As a result, your ability to concentrate will improve and even carry over into other aspects of your life, such as work. Yoga is also believed to help with symptoms of depression since it increases serotonin levels, which can help boost your overall mood and increase feelings of happiness and positivity.

Better Blood Flow

If you have a job that requires you to sit for large portions of the day, you might struggle with poor circulation and blood flow. The good news is, yoga can yet again help. Yoga gets your body moving and your heart pumping without causing massive amounts of exertion. The diverse array of poses, especially inverted ones that elevate your legs, can promote healthy blood flow between your lower body and your heart. Regular yoga practice has also been proven to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood and boost levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells. As such, practicing yoga daily, or at least weekly could significantly reduce your risk of blood clots, which will decrease your chances of heart attack and stroke.

Increased Muscle Strength and Tone

Yoga is a full-body workout. It doesn't require you to run around or deadlift weights, but don't underestimate its ability to help you lose weight, tone your body, and increase your muscle strength. With regular practice, you can define your arms as well as your abs, and tighten your thighs. Not only will this boost your confidence during swimsuit season, but it will also help protect yours from conditions such as arthritis and back pain, which are often the result of weak muscles.

Improved Respiration and Increased Energy

Mindfulness of your breathing is one of yoga's core components. With many transitions (switching from one pose to another), you move on the inhale or exhale and concentrate on deep breathing as you feel your lungs expand. By practicing yoga flows consistently, you'll experience improved respiration and gain some excellent breathing techniques that can help alleviate stress. This is especially helpful if you're naturally a shallow breather. Yoga poses also help raise your cortisol levels, which, when low, can leave you feeling groggy and worn out.

Based on Jolene Cherry's professional experience, in most cases, a balanced and diverse active lifestyle coupled with proper nutrition is the ideal structure in the pursuit of health and wellbeing. However, if you only have the time and resources to focus on a single exercise routine, consider yoga. It's fun, rewarding, easy to learn, perfect for beginners, and you can do it at a studio or home. With dedication, persistence, and regular practice, you can truly achieve life-changing benefits, be healthier, happier, and push yourself beyond your previous physical limitations.

About Jolene Cherry: Jolene Cherry is a certified and experienced yoga instructor and personal trainer based in Portland, Oregon. She has always been interested in fitness, meditation, and nutrition and decided to help others reach their desired levels of physical fitness. Her international training and experience, ranging from Hawaii to Thailand, along with her nurturing one-on-one sessions have helped propel her to a prominent personal trainer and yoga instructor in the Pacific Northwest. She excels in a variety of yoga styles, especially Vinyasa Yoga, traditional Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, as well as meditation-oriented Yin Yoga.

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Yogi, Jolene Cherry, Reviews the Mind and Body Benefits of Yoga - Nature World News

Back to Menu By Mike Richard January 27, 2020 8:00AM PST Close

Wellness vacation retreats are all the rage lately. From traditional spiritual exploration like tai chi and hot yoga to unorthodox alternatives like rage yogaand Deepak Chopra-flavored, pyramid crystal energy chanting, theres a wellness niche for everyone. Next month, one Mexican resort is launching a one-of-a-kind yoga-centric getaway where cocktails are just as important as Sun Salutations.

The New Year, Do You (get it?) Drunk Yoga getaway includes everything you might expect based on the name. Guests will spend two full days focused on self-care and spiritual well-being through multiple yoga sessions with a cocktail in hand, astrology readings on the beach, a personal character development workshop, and sober sunrise beach yoga to maintain the veneer of a legit wellness retreat.

According to USA Today, January 17 is the specific day when most New Years resolutions are abandoned. A full 80% of all resolutions dont last into February. In collaboration with Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, CheapCaribbean.com planned the retreat for next month as a way to reboot health-minded resolution-makers to get back on the horse. Thats the hope anyway.

Instructor Eli Walker founded Drunk Yoga in New York City as a way to introduce yoga to non-yogis. On the surface, it might seem like a pure gimmick. Indeed, Walker admits to receiving a fair amount of hate mail. But, shes up front that its not about the booze. Because her sessions add an element of familiarity (happy hour boozing) to something many people find unfamiliar and intimidating (stretching in yoga pants with a bunch of strangers), its a great introduction to yoga. Shes quick to point out that she sees a lot of people trying yoga for the first time, and yogis falling in love with the heart of the practice all over again. Not because of a few glasses of wine, but rather, a new perspective.

The New Year, Do You Retreat starts at $899 per person, including airfare, three nights all-inclusive resort accommodations, and, of course, boozy yoga and one-on-one birth chart reading sessions. The package is only available between February 20 and February 23, 2020, and must be booked through CheapCaribbean.com (with promo code DOYOU).

If Downward (Hair of the) Dog sounds too advanced for your liking, check out our guide to beginner yoga poses for mento get started.

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Drunk Yoga Is a Thing, and Its Coming to Cancun Next Month - The Manual

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Lebanon, Ind. - Chris Yovanovich had never done yoga a day in her life. But her ten years as a long-term care social worker were getting to her.

"Things just culminated and I started getting sick and I didn't know what it was," said Chris. "It took a long time to figure out they thought it was fibromyalgia."

Before yoga became her medicine, she was prescribed pain pills that barely touched her pain.

"So I just sorta drugged myself through life for about a year and that's when I picked up Autobiography of a Yogi. I read that and it talked about a lot of yogis healing themselves and I thought, maybe I can do that. After about a year I started feeling a lot better."

She became a teacher and for years she worked in other people's yoga studios, then in 2016 she found a spot in an historic building in the heart of Lebanon.

"When we first moved here, I knew that people here were super friendly."

But of course she wasn't sure how Indiana Yoga Studio would do in a small city. It turns out it would do very well.

"We have about 22 teachers and a lot of them are from Indy and they would come in and say 'What's in the water here?! Everyone is so nice!"

Naturally, she has a soft spot for social workers and those suffering from compassion fatigue.

The burnout rate for social workers is somewhere around three years. It's ridiculous. And that's pretty much what I went through."

"Research that's come out within the last five years has said 80% of all disease stems from stress, so I want to reach as many medical workers as I possibly can. Not only social workers but nurses, doctors and police officers."

She offers special rates for people in those fields. She also offers a big menu of classes to meet people where they are. She knows some might be feeling burnt out just like she was. Or some might just be having a bad day.

"And if someone does come in and have a bad day and they're in a bad mood, I can't wait until after class because they're going to be so different!"

Chris is a wife and a mom. Her husband has been a middle school teacher for 22 years and her daughter is turning 16 this weekend!

There is also a studio in Brownsburg. Click here for more on some upcoming event, including something special for Valentine's Day.

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Your Town Friday: Former social worker finds healing in yoga, and a new career - FOX 59 Indianapolis

By Len Lear

There was a time when new mothers were regarded as delicate flowers who should not move around much to avoid harm to the anatomy. Not anymore. We know now that a post-natal exercise regimen is a boost for the physical, mental and emotional health of new mothers. And our areas foremost proponent of this philosophy is Crystal Widmann, 36, a highly regarded yoga instructor who has carved out a special niche for herself with Y2B Fit Yoga & Barre, which started as a virtual fitness program and is now a studio at 7101 Emlen St. in West Mt. Airy.

A certified personal trainer, Widmann specializes in helping new mothers regain core strength and pelvic stability through her mommy + me programs. I just checked the 14 most recent customer reviews on yelp.com, of which 12 were five-stars and the other two were four stars.

For example, Whitney S. wrote on Dec. 16: I tried the Y2 Barre 45 class today after work with Lauren (Leavell) as my instructor, who was great. I was pushed to my limits today after not working out for a couple of months, and I honestly feel great after class I will be back on Thursday to get my butt kicked again, LOL!

Jess G. recently wrote: I absolutely love attending barre classes at Y2B Fit! I have been coming here for a year and a half, and I keep finding new things to love about it ! The teachers strike the perfect balance between keeping the classes consistent (so you can practice and get better at the moves) and dynamic (so you never get bored). I have taken classes at several other barre studios and have never felt as comfortable and at home as I do here. I would recommend Y2B to anyone!

Widmann is a health and post-natal fitness expert, specializing in barre and yoga training with over 11 years of experience in the yoga and fitness industry. She won the 2016 Philadelphia Family Magazines Love Award for Best Personal Trainer for Families.

Widmann graduated from Temple University with a BA in psychology and a masters in education. She earned a second masters degree in exercise science & health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. The knowledge gained there, combined with Widmanns personal experience as a new mother, helped her develop her innovative BYO Baby Barre technique that targets the specific needs of post-natal women. The program fuses barre technique, traditional fitness training principles and physical therapy elements.

Although the purpose of Y2B fit is to engage mothers in a fitness routine, the classes are open to everyone. Most clients now are not new moms, and some are men. The programs offered include yoga, barre, post-natal fitness training and health coaching through either private sessions or online videos and live-streaming.

While I was getting my degree in psychology, said Widmann, I was also doing yoga training, I took a yoga course for a fitness requirement, and that sparked my interest in becoming a teacher. I loved yoga, barre and exercise, and I knew that after I had my son (Nesh, now 5), I wanted to help other new mothers with fitness.

Widmann developed BYO Baby Barre when she was post-partum with her son, utilizing her background in exercise science (masters degree) to modify the workout to make it safe for the postnatal body. Being a mother myself, Widmann said, I know how challenging it can be trying to exercise, let alone do anything without your newborn child, so I wanted to share fitness with new mothers through online videos. I later found an open space available that looked great for a studio, and it led me down a whole new path that I never imagined happening.

When the business opened three years ago, it was just Widmann as the teacher and a handful of students. It has since grown, however, to a staff of eight teachers (plus Widmann) and a solid membership base. In addition to barre and yoga, they have also added more cardio and strength-based classes including Tabata and TRX.

Are there any plans for the expansion of Y2B? We have been exploring options for expansion but are still in the planning phase. Im not sure what this will look like yet. Hopefully, well have more details soon!

What is the best advice Widmann has ever received? The best advice Ive ever received is to trust your gut and slow and steady wins the race.

For more information about Y2B Fit Yoga & Barre, call 267-278-6251 or visit y2bfit.com.

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- Just what the doctor ordered for post-natal fitness - Chestnut Hill Local

Its another year and yet another moment for gym memberships to shine. If youve thought about signing up, you might want to consider your options first. Working out on your own and fighting over free weights can become monotonous so weve rounded up the top workout classes in Boston to consider for your cabin fever and New Years resolutions -- from rowing to aerial yoga to pole dancing.

North End As the citys first indoor rowing studio, Row Republic offers 50-minute boot camp-style classes packed with fast-paced, full-body workouts. Nicknamed the Deep Blue, the space turns completely dark minus the rays of blue light to help set the mood before you work nearly every muscle in your body. Cost: $29 for drop-ins

Downtown If you think you know barre, think again. Barre Groove takes a different approach to the core-strengthening and glute-toning workout with classes like Bounce & Barre, which is 45 minutes of intense cardio -- all on a trampoline. New to the lineup, Bounce & Dance Sculpt is 45 minutes of choreographed moves to let your inner dancer shine. Cost: $8 for the first class, then $21 per class

South End Looking to bump up your yoga game? For an elevated experience, check out Swet Studios aerial yoga. In these 50-60 minute sessions, youll work on your form and a variation of poses mid-air. Classes range in intensity, from the slower-paced Deep Stretch to the advanced aerial core classes. Swet Studio also offers rowing and meditation classes in case youre more interested in remaining on the ground. Cost: $30 per class

Somerville You may think of rock climbing as a fun weekend activity or memorable date idea, but your upper body can be your best friend in this scenario -- or worst enemy. At Brooklyn Boulders, you can sign up for an intro to climbing or a Learn the Ropes class to learn the basics. You can even register for Yoga for Climbers or boot camp once youve quite literally reached the right level. Cost: $36 for a day pass

North End If youre an avid runner (like most everyone in the city), but would like to avoid braving the elements, classes at MYSTRYDE running studio might be your new addiction. The studio offers classes that incorporate both cardio and strength interval training, which can help pick up your pace and increase your time on the trails. Cost: $28 for the first class

Multiple locations If aerial yoga isnt your thing, CorePower Yoga is a great alternative to practicing traditional poses but with a twist. Classes are typically heated (except for CorePower Yoga 1) so youll be sure to get a good break from the chilly temps for at least an hour. With upbeat music set in a modern studio to help you through, theres no doubt youll be back for more -- just make sure you bring a water bottle and towel. Cost: You can sign up for a free trial week, then $28 per drop-in

Financial District and Seaport Founded by George Monk Foreman III, EverybodyFights is a studio that fosters the fighting spirit wrapped up in an encouraging community. Youll most likely meet friendly (while still intense) faces and passionate instructors that push you through a variety of classes that include treadmill workouts, circuit training, and boxing. Cost: $25 per class

Somerville From intro workshops to classes featuring stilettos, Fly Together Fitness takes pole dancing to new heights. If youre feeling ambitious but still skeptical, the choreography itself will leave you feeling as confident as ever. Classes are approximately 75 minutes long but expect to learn moves you never thought you could do. Cost: $28 for the first class

Downtown, Back Bay, and Chestnut Hill Youve heard of it but nows the time to give Barrys a shot. This high-intensity boot camp can burn up to 1,000 calories with options to focus on your arms, abs, back, or total body all in 50-60 minutes. Cost: $32 per class

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Jillian Hammell is a contributor for Thrillist and occasionally exercises. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Best Indoor Workouts in Boston - Thrillist

Ozark Regional Library recently became the recipient of 61 new childrens and young adult books with a value of $1,031 from the Pilcrow Foundation.

The Pilcrow Foundation and Deborah Barker of Missouri matched funds donated from local businesses Brad Wooten Auto Body and Ozarks Federal Savings and Loan. Barker made the donation in memory of Agatha Daley and Melissa Pendarvis.

An additional $400 worth of math and science books were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman of Colorado.

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The Pilcrow Foundation, located in Cottage Grove, Oregon, has the mission of providing new, quality hardcover childrens books to rural public libraries across the United States. The library is pleased to have been selected as a recipient for this generous donation.

All books are currently processed and ready to be checked out.

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Pilcrow Foundation donates children's books to the library - Daily Journal Online