Be A Warrior Not a Worrier...Happy Monday!

Brand New week! With each new week comes new opportunities. Maybe you are still working on long term goals and that is great, keep moving in the direction of your dreams and never give up. Maybe you want to set a new goal for today or for this week? That is great as well. All things are possible when we put energy into our intention. So rather than dread Mondays, look at it as a brand new chance to make your goals happen. It is going to be an AWESOME week! Take a deep breath and lets do this!

Rock on,

Libby

Chillin' out at High Falls in Dupont State Park, North Carolina

"The Answer My Friend is Blowin' in the Wind"

BE the change you wish to see in the world~ Ghandi

There is too much violence in the world my friends! As Bob Dylan sings, " Yes 'n' how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes 'n' how many deaths will it takes till he knows that too many people have died? The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind."

The answers come when we are quiet. Just a few minutes of meditation each day can bring you peace and tranquility. That is what the world needs more of. Let us teach ourselves and our children a more peaceful path.  

The news about this supposed Day of Rage tomorrow, July 15th saddens me.  It is tragic that two men lost their lives to police officers, but there are three sides to every story; each person's and then the truth.  A day of rage will not bring their lives back and may indeed cause the loss of many more lives.  Violence is NOT the answer. Rage is NOT the answer. LOVE is the answer. The world needs more LOVE! Give it freely. Give love to everyone you cross paths with. Love may come in the form of a smle, a compliment or just well wishes silently.  

So, please take a moment, close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose.  Now with your eyes closed, imagine a beautiful color (any color you desire) radiating out from your heart center. With each breath allow the color to spread down through your legs and out through your arms. Breathe in positivity and love, breathe out what no longer serves you. Now with your eyes closed, the color has filled your body and begins to exit into the space where you are through your nose. Breathe in peace, breathe out chaos. Let that color fill the room. Now with your eyes still closed, imagine everyone else in the world doing the same and suddenly a rainbow of beauty fills the sky. You inhale each others beauty, you exhale love. Breathe in love, breathe out love. Slowly open your eyes and feel the peace. We are ONE.  

Om Shanti, Om Peace,

Libby

 

Daily Inspiration

If you are breathing, then you can do yoga.  It is not about being able to touch your toes or stand on your head.  Yoga is a journey of the self through the self to the self.  Ultimately we practice to reach our highest state of being, Samadhi or ultimate enlightenment.  It all begins with an hour or so of meditative movement on the mat.  We focus on our gaze and breathwork while we move and suddenly the clutter in our minds is reduced.  A deep level of awareness is created that then carries off the mat and into your daily lives.  

Begin by taking even inhalations through your nose and even exhalations through your nose. Then start to gently stretch in a way that honors what your body needs.  Keep it simple at first.... welcome to yoga! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  We would love to hear from you! If you have questions or comments, please click on the Daily Inspiration Title and it will take you to the page where if you scroll down to the bottom you can interact with me! 

Peace & Love,

Libby

Yoga Fit Boutique STUDIO Bids Farewell, but We are not Leaving YOU

Lori teaching Scott an advanced arm balance.

Yoga Fit Boutique was designed as a unique place where you could experience yoga and fitness in a comfortable environment with less intimidation than the common studios. We have absolutely loved getting to know each of you and watching you progress throughout the past two years.  

Libby & Lori welcome the Instagram Twinning Challenge.  Bring on the chin stand!!

Change and transformation are an important part of growth. Some of the changes are sad as we announce we will be closing our STUDIO in the physical sense.  We will miss your warm smiles and hearing all about your families. However, we hope you will stay tuned to our website and keep in touch because we value you, and there are some exciting things in the works that we look forward to sharing with you in the near future.  
 

Shelby,Tish and Rona after celebrating Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.


Libby is thrilled to pursue other avenues of teaching you yoga in the comfort of your own home through private instruction and online videos.  It is an exciting time and Yoga continues to grow not only in its popularity, but also in the scientific discoveries of how it benefits the mind, the body and the spirit.  Libby deeply believes that yoga can benefit EVERY BODY! And she is determined to find innovative ways to keep it simple, keep it positive, and keep it encouraging. 
 

Lisa, our Teacher Training grad & instructor with her daughter. 


We thank you for all the positive memories and energy that we created together and we look forward to what is coming around the corner!! 

Please register for our email list to be a part of our inspirational newsletter that will go out every other week with how to do specific yoga poses, information on yoga & wellness, and much more. Also, check our website daily for new inspirational quotes and information, and follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.  We are not really leaving you, we are just shifting how we convey news, knowledge, and information.

Namaste to all of our friends! 

Tina and Libby after an amazing Healing Crystal Workshop.

Meditation: I heard it is good for me, but how do I do it and what is it anyway?

Anyone and everyone is capable of meditation. You do not need any set amount of time, you do not need to be affiliated or NOT affiliated with any religion. Meditation has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure.  According to Dr. Deepak Chopra, “meditation can both heal and reverse the biological effects of aging.” YES! Go back and re-read that line several times! It IS true! Just a few minutes of meditation daily has been proven to reduce heart disease by 80% and cancer by 50%! Now, imagine the benefits when combined with a healthy diet and exercise! You, my friends, are in control of much of your health. So, let me break this down in simple and easy to understand terms so that you can even meditate from the comfort of your own home.

There are many ways you can meditate. Even with just a few minutes you can consider a walking meditation. Walking down the street, pacing around the house, or even on a run. As your mind starts to wander, focus your awareness on the movement of your body parts and on your breath.  Pay attention to the feel of your feelings as they connect with the earth. Soon many of the other busy thoughts will fade away. This, is meditation, which is all about being mindful, present and focused. 

For seated meditation find a quiet comfortable spot. It does not need to be fancy.  It can be a spot outside, inside, or even in your car. Try to stay away from distractions to the senses; sights, sounds, smells…. Now, just allow yourself to be comfortable. There are no rules. You can sit cross legged if it is comfortable.  Or, feel free to recline. I want you to be comfortable so that you are able to let go of the clutter in your mind and focus on a single pointed thought. The purpose of meditation is NOT necessarily to clear the mind completely, but to lessen the chatter.

Meditation is not as difficult as you would think, it just requires practice. Try choosing a topic.  For example; you can meditatate simply on the breath ~ how it feels and sounds, and notice how as your thoughts quiet, the breath too will quiet and slow.  OR try to imagine with your eyes closed a place in nature that soothes and calms you. Be all there with all your senses.  Imagine how that place smells, feels, the sounds….. then when you are ready, bring yourself back to your present surroundings.  You can meditate on a color and imagine that color filling your body with each breath in and each exhale leaving your body and filling the space around you. 

As you can see, it allows for great creativity. There are also great guided meditations available on YouTube and meditation apps are another excellent reference.

The important thing to remember in this world that is glorified by multitasking and being overly busy is to SLOW down the pace! Take a few minutes of quiet time for yourself each day and allow your body and your mind to connect.  When we go on auto pilot too long, we disconnect and things go very badly. 

Try to practice at a regular time each day ~ find what works for you and your lifestyle. At first allow your mind to wander. It is perfectly normal, but also try to set those thoughts aside. Apply your choice of technique.  And with practice you will reach Samadhi, the ultimate enlightenment.

Namaste,

Libby

 

 

My Yoga Teacher Training Journey - By Libby McAvoy

Libby's 200hr Ashtanga cohort

People come to yoga for many reasons, all perfectly good and acceptable. For me, yoga centers and calms me. It creates a wonderful focus and allows me to grow spiritually into my best being. It is a constant journey of growth and evolution that requires full acceptance and self love that begins with an awareness that is created on the mat. 

Libby at Multnomah Falls

My Yoga Teacher Training Journey gave me confidence, physical strength, cultivated my daily practice, increased my patience and gave my life tremendous value. Teacher Training was when I really showed up in my very own life. I finally felt comfortable in my skin and knew I had found my calling. I took everything I loved about my personal training experience and then added everything I realized I did not know when I began teaching and tried to make the most helpful and useful course I could deliver. It is well rounded and will give you the experience and education to prepare you to teach immediately finishing your training if that is what you choose to do.

I love knowing I am getting closer and closer to ultimate enlightenment each day. Currently, I am training to become a Sage. Learning never ends. I will always remain a student. I love knowing that I am able to help others achieve their own goals and find acceptance of themselves, as well.  We are, after all, all one. Each day is different and each practice is different. Sometimes I have more energy or more love available to give. But every time I teach I feel better. 

So, if you want to cultivate a daily practice, improve strength & skill, embrace the attitude of conscious expansion, can identify with being a student and always keeping a beginners mind, and want to grow as a better human being, then please consider registering for our upcoming 200 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Alliance accredited program which begins Friday, June 24th at 5:30pm, Sat June 25th 10-4, and Sunday June 26th 9-4. 

Visit our Teacher Training Tab on our website YogaFitBoutique.com for our reading list and further dates, times and information.  If you have a conflict in the schedule or a problem with tuition please speak to me personally and we will try to work it out.  I really want this program to be fun, enjoyable, meaningful, and available to anyone who’s heart is fully in it.

I am super excited to share this journey with you and I truly believe that this life changing experience is the best thing you can possibly do for yourself at any age. 

Peace & Divine Love,

Libby

 

Dreams Do Come True - A Photo of Me Just Got Published in Mantra Magazine!!

Each decision we make directly affects our future. Some impact us more than others. In the last year I have put a significant amount of time and effort into growing my social media through Instagram and Facebook.  This has been successful in many ways and sometimes it has met with frustrations. But feeling connected to a community is what is so beautiful. I have been so incredibly inspired by so many yogis, foodies, and photographers and have developed lasting friendships with people, many of whom I know only virtually.  

Last Fall I had an opportunity to travel to Washington & Oregon.  While I was there I took a significant leap of faith and experienced my first professional photo shoot with the talented Paul Garrett, from Stone Canyon Productions. Paul is a great example of an Instagram connection that happened to truly help me out in life. Turns out that one of those photos he so patiently took of me was just published in this month’s issue of Mantra Magazine, a nationally publicized magazine. 

I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of such a great publication and such a great Yoga Community. Many of my Instagram friends have great articles written about them in this edition, as well. So go pick one up and soak up the great knowledge. Dream really, really big and never give up hope! 

Look for my future blog post about the details of some of the articles in this issue of Mantra Magazine and let us know what your favorite topics are in this edition and what it is you want to learn more about. 

Namaste,

Libby

PS - Here are some more photos from my photo shoot:

 

Summer Special for Students & Ongoing Discounts to Honor Those who so Faithfully Serve our Community

Stress cannot be avoided it is part of our lives. It is how we deal with that stress that really matters and some people have more than others. We have great news! Yoga Fit Boutique recognizes that Students, first responders, police officers, firefighters, nurses & doctors, military personnel and veterans truly give more than most and need to experience the relaxing benefits of yoga and meditation in order to recoup from their days.

Students can now take advantage of our Special Summer Student Package of our monthly unlimited, which is normally $180 for just $30! We are so proud of how hard you work three quarters of the year. Summer break is a time to rest and revitalize. Nourish your body and soul. It is a great time to go within and learn a little more about yourself. Gain confidence through your practice that will carry into your school year providing you with focus and patience.

Our 20% ongoing discount is for first responders, police officers, firefighters, nurses & doctors, military & veterans for all ten class passes and monthly recurring passes. We are so grateful for all you do in the community and we know your jobs are not only stressful, but can also be traumatic. Some of you may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and others may suffer from Compassion Fatigue Syndrome. You give so much of yourselves that eventually there is a breaking point. Yoga & meditation will also help reduce stress and heart disease. 

Stress can cause more problems than we sometimes even recognize. It is a silent killer. Yoga combines movement and breath work bringing the body and mind into alignment and harmony. There are many styles of yoga and we are happy to set up a consultation to help you choose what works for your lifestyle and needs. Yoga has been scientifically proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure and more doctors are recommending it as treatment and therapy each day. See what Mayo Clinic has to say about it in their article “Yoga: Fight stress and find serenity.”

Photo courtesy of the D.O.D.

You do not need to be flexible to get started! Simply commit to yourself. It starts as a practice on the mat and in time carries off the mat into a deeper daily consciousness that will reduce stress, improve sleep, improve eating habits and equip you to deal with life with great ease.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful summer with you and we hope you will set aside an hour a day at least a couple times a week for yoga. Look at it as an investment in your future. It is after all your health and well being.

Happy Health,

Libby

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Reasons to Consider Yoga Teacher Training for the Summer of 2016

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There are sooo many reason’s to consider yoga teacher training, even if you have not considered teaching! Teacher training will boost your self confidence, offers the freedom of self employment, and will challenge you mentally and physically.

What to expect from Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Fit Boutique:

1.     We take our program seriously, however, it is Yoga and we encompass the rules of acceptance and can work with you both financially and with schedule conflicts within reason. We want our program to be accessible to everyone.

2.     Expect to grow spiritually. Yoga is not religious specific, however we do believe you will grow in many ways spiritually.

3.     Learn correct and healthy alignment for your body and then how to share that with others.

4.     Deepen your own self study, svadhyaya. The 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga teach you to live your yoga rather than just practice the physical aspect.  

5.     Yoga will add more meaning to your life. You will create an awareness on the mat that will eventually carry off the mat and into your daily life. This awareness will grow into cosmic consciousness allowing you to stay centered and focused in each moment free from judgement.

Our program is different from other training programs.  We will prepare you to lead multiple styles of yoga.  You will develop your verbal cues and speaking skills right from the start.  We teach not only sequencing, but also how to develop your very own sequence to teach any class at any moment to any level practitioner including modifications and the aids of props.  Our program also has a very strong business and marketing module, which will prepare you to market yourself as a teacher, private instructor or business owner. 

Register TODAY! We have several spots available for our summer session.  WE meet the last weekend of each month, beginning Friday, June 24th, 5:30-8:00pm.  For more information please visit the Teacher Training Tab on our website www.yogafitboutique.com .  ****I will honor early registration through June 12th***

Namaste,

Libby McAvoy

 

 

 

 

Gardening for Stress Relief, Health, and The Best Nutrition

You do not need a lot of space to garden. First, simply decide if you prefer flowers, food, or a combination of both. You can even grow herbs in small pots on your deck or porch. Just being out in the sunlight and breathing the fresh air while gardening will make you feel alive and relaxed. The connection with nature calms and centers us. Gardening creates mindfulness as you care for the plants, watering them, trimming and weeding the bed.

Gardening also allows for creativity! Plant a variety and feel the gratification when the plants reach maturation. The sense of immediate accomplishment as you dig the hole and place each plant is amazing. And when your cucumbers are ready to cut and eat, or your flowers are ready to be placed in a vase, you feel so much satisfaction. 

The food you grow is the finest you can possibly eat because you know exactly how it was raised. Studies also show that kids who are involved in gardening are more likely to eat a variety of fruits and veggies and are more adventurous about trying new foods. I know this was the case with my kids. I rented a garden plot six years ago. They started eating eggplant, peppers and all sorts of things after helping me in our garden. We no longer rent a plot, but instead use the space we have in our yard to creatively grow a variety of herbs, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, squash and some flowers sprinkled in.

We live in a stressful world.  Step away from the chaos and connect with the earth.  Putting your hands in the dirt is not only stress relieving, but physically gratifying.  For example, a person weighing 140 pounds burns approximately 305 calories an hour while gardening. Burning calories, connecting with the earth, releasing stress, growing your own healthy food and raising beautiful flowers are wonderful benefits of gardening.

So get to the local garden center and pick up a few things to play with. As Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” 

 

Love & Light,

Libby

Teen Completes Teacher Training at Yoga Fit Boutique and is Already Teaching Yoga Classes

Teenagers struggle with an abundance of stress from academics to social pressures and everything in between. They are tightly scheduled and highly structured. They deal with bullying and fight self esteem problems. It is quite frankly a miracle that so many turn out so good. Thank goodness for good support systems, families, and friends. Yoga is another great alternative that many have never considered to increase self confidence and combat stress. 

Yoga Fit Boutique welcomes and encourages kids of all ages (as long as they are respectable and well behaved) to attend any and all of our classes and special programs. Yoga teaches them awareness & acceptance on the mat. That awareness and acceptance carries off the mat eventually and into every facet of their lives, building a deep centering affect and stillness that brings peace.

Meet Ben Brynjulfson, our youngest Teacher Training graduate. Ben is 16 years old and attends Sycamore High School. He began taking yoga classes at Yoga Fit Boutique about a year ago. Ben enjoyed it so much that he decided to deepen his studies and pursue his Teacher Training to accomplish something physically and spiritually new.  He also wanted to learn about another culture and a new way of thinking. After all, Yoga is a great pathway to expanding the mind. Ben finished our Teacher Training Program in April and is already leading his first class for Lululemon Athletica at the Kenwood Towne Center location on Sunday, May 29 at 11 am! We are so proud of Ben! He shows tremendous talent and we know you will love his calming nature and sense of humor! Come out to Lulu tomorrow and enjoy a fun and rewarding FREE yoga class with Ben. We are also excited that he will soon be teaching classes at Yoga Fit Boutique!

Interview with Ben:

1.     How has yoga changed your practice, changed your life?

a.     “It gave me a much deper introspective into what it is I’m actually doing; there’s more meaning behind every pose and I feel I want to push further, learn more, grow as a person with my practice instead of just using it as a physical activity.”

2.     What is your BIG life dream?

a.     “ “Haha I don’t think being sixteen is really an excuse, but I really have no idea.  I do not think there are too many people who have an exact goal.  I do know, personally, I want to reach a point where I ‘m happy with myself and who I am, both on and off the mat.”

3.     What is your personal yoga philosophy?

“To breathe and relax. Just try to completely isolate that moment of my practice, to find time in the day to reflect physically and mentally.  To get away from society for a moment and just simply exist without any feelings against myself or anyone else.  Just being.”

4.     Would you recommend Yoga Fit Boutique Teacher Training to others and why or why not?

a.     “Absolutely, it is an awesome way to connect with people while learning more about yoga and enriching your practice.  Even if you aren’t planning to be an instructor, it can only help one’s yoga experience. The ONLY drawback is the time commitment. Even when its just one weekend a month, it does consume that weekend and you can’t go into it thinking you are going to be doing anything besides yoga for that time.”

5.     What should we expect from your class tomorrow at Lululemon?

a.     “Hopefully a fun and exciting class, but nothing too serious.  I want to get somewhat of a sweat going.  There will be a little core work, several vinyasas and a good deal of saluting the sun.”

6.     Finally, tell us a little more about yourself outside of the yoga world.

a.     “ Welp, I enjoy reading, and quite a good deal of lazing around, ironically. A little writing and drawing too.”

The sky is the limit for this talented young man. He is truly a leader, a trend setter and a fearless adventurer on an amazing Life Journey. I sincerely hope that you will take advantage of attending Ben's class tomorrow.  We have really enjoyed everyone who has attended our Sunday morning yoga classes at Lululemon Athletica at the Kenwood Towne Centre during the month of May.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I look forward to meeting you tomorrow at Ben's 11 am class!

Namaste,

Libby

P.S. - Here's a map for Lululemon in the Kenwood Towne Centre at 7875 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH

Athletes Overcoming the Setbacks of Injury

Sports injuries can take a major toll on the body, as well as on the psyche of an athlete. Repetitive motion, hard impacts and pushing the body beyond what it is trained to do puts our bodies at higher risk for serious damage.

Meet Jessica T. Storms, Yoga Fit Boutique's newest yoga instructor. Over the past three years Jessica has experienced increasing shoulder pain. As a seasoned athlete, she pushed through the pain until it finally became unbearable. As it turns out Jessica had torn her rotator cuff (the collection of tendons and muscles that attach the upper arm to the shoulder). Her injury is serious enough that even after surgery Jessica may not be able to return to her full yoga practice for a whole year.  This has been very difficult news for Jessica because yoga is her passion. 

When Jessica began teaching, she found a great sense of stillness and freedom from depression, over thinking and negativity. "The clarity I felt after practicing made me feel alive and less complicated. I fell in love with the breath and meditation through my practice," said Jessica.  

After a period of rehab and rest, we are happy that to announce that Jessica is ready to start teaching off of her mat through verbal instruction so that she can share her passion with you. We hope you will join her Thursday and Friday mornings at Yoga Fit Boutique for her 6:00 am Vinyasa Flow and her 7:30 am Slow Flow classes.  

Alignment is important in the prevention of injury. At Yoga Fit Boutique we have small classes so that we can take the time to watch each student and are able to help you with positioning to adjust to how your body moves to keep you safe from injuries. We are able to actually teach rather than just saying, "go to the wall for an inversion."  We will guide you step by step and provide modifications based on the appropriate level for you. Each body is built differently and our anatomy determines to an extent how we will move.  

Intuition is perhaps your best guide to staying safe and preventing injury. If you are in touch with how your body feels and you let go of the ego, you should stay safe. If, however, you do suffer an injury, use the time to grow in knowledge and in spirit.  Read and journal. Have faith that this too shall pass.  

Health & Happiness,

Libby

How to Reduce Stress and Live a Better Life

We live in a world that is overly glorified by busy schedules and chaos. Even our children’s days are packed with scheduled activities and we need a daily planner just to know which child needs to be where and when. This leaves very little time for rest and pure relaxation, let alone creativity. 

In my humble opinion, and please feel free to share yours (this is an open conversation), WE are out of control as a society. It seems people schedule themselves months out for meetings and social events almost as if it's a status indicator.  What happened to the laid back dog days of summer? The sipping of tea or lemonade on the porch and watching the kids play in the yard? Yes, now we are spending more time on our phones while driving carpools here and there.  Very little time is spent spontaneously enjoying the little things. 

Stress is killing us. It is literally a contributing factor in so many diseases, including obesity and lupus, which costs our society billions of dollars in medical bills and countless hours of non productivity, which in turn feeds back into our never ending cycle of stress. So the lesson is that we need to S-L-O-W down as parents and allow our children to do the same. We are in control of a lot of the stress and we need to take responsibility. 

You will not find my kids in more than one sport per season. You will not find me scheduling social events months in advance. I am simple. I like it best that way. I have learned that I LOVE a social life, but to take things as they come and not to take on more than I can handle. I have learned that it is OK to say no occasionally and that people will still accept me and invite me another time. I have learned that my children LOVE time outdoors that is unstructured and that these are years to be treasured. I have also learned that meditation and yoga help ease stress when schedules cannot be modified.  Just a few minutes a day dedicated to yourself will help tremendously whether in a group class or on your own at home. 

So, give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy each day.  It is a journey, not a race! Ask yourself what is really important in order to find "the balance" that works for you and for your kids. Stay true to who you are. Wishing you all a stress free day!

Peace, Peace, Peace,

Libby McAvoy

Wendy Riker's Teacher Training Journey at Yoga Fit Boutique

I love sharing the yoga experience and growing our family here at Yoga Fit Boutique. In 2015 I was fortunate enough to get certified through the Yoga Alliance as a Nationally recognized Yoga Teacher Training Educator and School.  I absolutely LOVED my teacher training that I attended so what I did was draw the good qualities from my training and also include everything I realized I had not learned when I began teaching.  We have both an 8 month program as well as an accelerated one month intensive.  I am happy to share everything I know with my trainees because I want them to be the best of the best with a well rounded deep understanding of yoga philosophy, alignment, sequencing, modifications, history, and using their own unique voice to lead an effective practice. 

Today, I am super proud and happy to introduce Wendy Riker to you! Wendy has just completed our RYT 200 program and in her first month graduating is leading a class this Sunday, May 15th at Lululemon Athletica in Kenwood Towne Centre.  What a HUGE accomplishment! Wendy is sweet and caring but also determined to grow in her own practice.  I loved her positive spirit in class and I know she will be an excellent addition to the Yoga Community. 

Meet Wendy Riker - In her own words

I didn't grow up doing any sports but after 2 kids and approaching 35, I found fitness as a way to have some me time and relieve some stress! I loved the physical and mental challenge that exercise provided. What had started, as a casual hobby becomes a passion. I began incorporating yoga to supplement the other exercises (Insanity, HIIT, running, bootcamp) because I never stretched well after working (oops!). After my first yoga practice, I was hooked! I left that practice appreciating the physical benefits and surprised about the groundedness & peacefulness I felt. The more I practiced yoga over the years, the more I realized I get SO much more than the physical benefits. I am able to still my mind (better) and manage stress. I am invested to continue to be a student of yoga while also teaching others what it has to offer each and everyone of us.

Below is a short interview I conducted with Wendy so you can get to know her more and hear her personal experience with her Teacher Training Journey.

What made you consider taking teacher training and how did you go about choosing the program you chose?

After a couple years of practicing yoga and seeing the benefits I get both on and off the mat, I knew I wanted to support others in their experience and on their journeys. When I looked into different programs around Cincinnati, I was attracted to the program by Yoga Fit Boutique because Libby emphasized the balance of theory/philosophy along with real practice. I know that I learn best through jumping in with both feet. Her focus on student teaching really resonated with me along with physically practicing the different styles to truly experience it.

How have your thoughts about yoga or your personal practice changed since completing the training?

I've always liked a more strength-focused yoga practice, however teacher training (TT) has given me a greater appreciation for the other forms such as Yin and Hatha. Overall, TT has helped me to personally appreciate yoga more deeply. My TT journey has taught me to appreciate the present and living life more fully - in a more fulfilling way. It also help me to establish a personal practice (which is tough for an extrovert!) that was not there before I began TT.

What is your next goal?

I really want to put my 200 RYT certification to work right away! This community is so supportive and I've been surprised by the opportunities to teach so quickly after getting my certification. My next goal is to teach at a studio on a more consistent basis. Additionally, I have a personal goal to continue to hone my arm balances & inversions. 

What should we expect from Sunday's yoga class at Lululemon in the Kenwood Towne Centre?

I'll be leading a Yoga Boot Camp practice which is a blend of fitness moves and fun yoga sequences. Expect to get a little sweaty and have some fun while doing it!

We hope you will join us this Sunday for Wendy's yoga class at Lululemon starting at 11 am. This session is absolutely free, and Lululemon is such a great store that supports our local athlete’s. So come out, introduce yourselves to us and let’s have some fun on the mat while getting healthy at the very same time! This class will be done on the mat with bare feet. I will be back at Lululemon on Sunday, May 22nd to teach Rocket Yoga so mark your calendars for this two great yoga opportunities.

Our next Yoga Teacher Training begins Friday June 25th at 5:30 pm. All of the Teacher Training dates and details are listed on our website www.yogafitboutique.com. Please know that I will work with you if the price is out of your reach and if you need to miss a couple dates it is OK! Life is good! Breathe, relax, and grow!

Namaste,

Libby

P.S. - Please leave a comment below. Let us know if you have any questions about our programs (if you do not see a comment box, click on the title of this post and scroll to the bottom. Also feel free to click the heart icon if you enjoyed this post.  We love your feedback!

Bathing Suit Bod and NO Diet Involved

Throw all the diets to the curb and still loose weight. Yes you heard me. My personal theory is that diets do not work because once you start to eat “normally” again the weight will return. Well, that theory is now scientifically proven. The NY Times wrote several articles this May talking about the TV show The Biggest Loser and how all of the contestants weight returned. This happened for several reasons, but one was that they lowered their metabolic rate so low that they could not continue to burn calories at the same rate. The lower the metabolism, the fewer calories you can burn. Also, the contestants work out for many hours a day, which is not realistic for most of the participants after the show ends.  

It is very important when you want to lose weight to drink a lot of water, get adequate physical activity (muscle burns more calories than fat) and plenty of sleep. Eat smaller portions of food, but do not deprive yourself of any one food (balance is key). Eat as many fresh, organic and local fruits and vegetables as possible combined with whole grains low in saturated fats. Avoid processed foods and too much sodium. Your body will begin to function better, feel better and the pounds will start to fall off. 

Try a yoga class and meditation several times a week. Also get plenty of sleep. Studies have proven that a lack of sleep and high levels of stress are to blame for weight gain. Specifically if you sleep at least 7.5 hours a night, it is proven to help you shed weight. 

Above all, love yourself and practice full acceptance throughout the journey. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Our bodies are the temples in which our souls dwell so honor that space. For guidance with your weight loss journey, please contact us. We can set up an individualized program to help you meet your personal goals with success.

Peace, Light, and Sunshine,

Libby McAvoy

PS - We would love to hear what works and what doesn't work for you when you are trying to take off the pounds. If the comment box does not appear below, click on the title of this post (and all of our blog posts) and scroll down to the bottom where the comment box should appear. Thanks for joining this conversation!

Treat Yourself to a Free Mother's Day Yoga Class

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and Yoga Fit Boutique is celebrating at Lululemon Athletica at Cincinnati’s Kenwood location with a FREE yoga class. So come and pamper yourself with a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga session!  Let’s face it stress is an unavoidable part of life, but how you deal and cope with it is what really matters.  Yoga has helped me to reduce stress, increase focus, and become a better mother, daughter and friend so I want to share that with all of you! 

Photograph by Morgan McAvoy

I will be leading a 50 min yoga session with lots of hands on relaxing adjustments for those who choose to take them, breathwork, stretching and meditation. This is a very gentle class which is appropriate for beginners, as well as advanced practitioners who just need some relaxation!  There may even be a small take away gift involved ;)

See you Sunday, May 8th at 11:00 am on the mat at Lululemon in the  Kenwood Towne Centre just above the food court and next to Micheal Kors. All are welcome!

Libby McAvoy

 

A Balanced Life Through Yoga

Music by Nahko and Medicine for the People, Simplicity

Balance in life is so important. Work hard, but play hard too.  Pets are a big part of my life.  I love their unconditional love, innocence, and playfulness.  But, with pets comes chaos! I have 3 rescue dogs, 4 cats (2 indoor, 2 outdoor), and 6 hens.  Add two children to that and life gets crazy but I would not want it any other way.  

Yes, sometimes my house is a mess, ok, a down right disaster.  But…it can all be cleaned with a little time and effort, and happy memories are being created. 

This is where yoga comes in.  Yoga has taught me that in times of chaos, we just need to pause and breathe to become more responsive and less reactive.  So what does that mean anyway? Well, when a lot is happening in life, do you ever fly off the handle and over react to something small?  I used to too.  Since living my yoga I am more centered and calm and less reactive.  

Life is so good.  Trust the process, let go of judgements, and practice full acceptance.  Love the life you live and live the life you love!

Hope to see you on the mat soonies!

Libby McAvoy

Yoga Fit Boutique is the "Yoga Studio of the Month" at Lululemon Athletica

                                                                                                 Photography by Morgan McAvoy

I had such a great time teaching the Sunday Yoga class this morning at Lululemon inside the Kenwood Towne Centre. I want to give a huge thank you to all of the wonderful yogis who participated. You guys are awesome!

I also want to thank Lululemon for making Yoga Fit Boutique the Yoga Studio of the Month for May. If you missed this morning's class, I will be teaching again at 11 am on the following  Sundays:

May 8th - Libby McAvoy - Treat yourself to gentle slow flow (Jaba Yoga) for Mother's Day.

May 15th - Wendy Riker from our studio will guide you through a fun Yoga Boot Camp class.

May 22nd - Libby McAvoy - Join me again for another energetic session of Rocket Yoga! 

May 29th - Benjamin Brjnulfson-Reardon will lead you through his Vinyasa Flow class.

Lululemon is located inside the Kenwood Towne Centre at 7875 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

If you can't make any of these dates, I invite you to join us for classes at Yoga Fit Boutique. Check out our schedule and register for a class today.

Libby McAvoy

Lululemon Athletica at the Kenwood Towne Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio

Welcome to Our New Blog and Website!

Thank you for visiting our new website!  Under the "ABOUT" menu you will find helpful information about our instructors and the classes that we offer.  We invite you to join the YogaFit community and start your journey to becoming a better you.  Please use our REGISTER tool to sign up and then visit our SCHEDULE page where you can enroll in one of our many yoga and fitness classes.  Once again we thank you for your interest and we look forward to meeting you at our studio for Yoga Fit Boutique at 10776 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.  You can also visit our CONTACT page to see exactly where we are located on a map.  Have a wonderful day!

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