YogAlign Yoga in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga

Sunday, 15 March 2015 20:58

Free the Feet

How often do you take your shoes off just to feel the grass between your toes, walk around the house barefoot because you can? My guess is probably not often enough ...

Your feet are incredibly important and were designed to be mobile, otherwise you wouldn't have 26 bones in such a small body part. But feet that sit in shoes all day long (particularly high heels, steel-capped boots or any heavy, high-ankle or thick-soled shoe) are not happy feet. They need to breathe and have the freedom of movement.

Because of the amount of nerve endings found in the feet (more per square centimeter than any other part of the body) , they're your gateway to proprioception or, the awareness of where your body is in space. So imagine if your feet were stuck in thick-soled, flat shoes all day, not knowing if there was a need to alter your movement due to uneven ground, inclines, declines or changes in temperature. These are all important messages that should be received through your feet, but when they're constricted within shoes, the brain doesn't receive the feedback.

Furthermore, issues with and stiffness in your feet can eventually affect muscles and joints higher up in the kinetic chain, like ankles, knees, hips and spine. Paying attention to and exercising your feet can change pain experiences in other areas of your body ... never underestimate the importance of happy, healthy feet! Here are three things you can do to reclaim your feet.

1. Mobilize your feet.

Using a tennis ball, golf ball or a posture pro (as seen in picture), gently apply pressure to the bottom of the foot and roll back and forth along the whole arch, targeting any areas of tenderness. This can be done in sitting or standing. Spend at least one minute working on each foot, if not longer.

2. Get your feet moving.

Though they seem simple, these foot mobility exercises can make a huge difference. Try any of the following:

Spread your toes apart, then squeeze them together.
Point your toes, then flex.
Point your foot up from the ankle, lift it up a few inches and move it side to side, making small circles with your foot one way, and then the other.

If your feet and toes are really stiff and you struggle to connect with them, use your fingers between your toes to help get your feet moving!

3. Take your shoes off.

Spend as much time as you can barefoot. Walking your dog in the park, doing chores around the house, train barefoot in the gym ... anything that re-connects your foot with the ground.

Try it! Your feet will thank you. You'll gain more mobility, stability and, if you're someone who suffers from repeated ankle sprains, you'll definitely benefit from a barefoot lifestyle as your ankles are clearly trying to tell you something!

Photo Credit: Stocksy

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Wednesday, 04 March 2015 16:09

Butterflies of the Night

Judith Bell's Fabulous Threads & Theatre

presents

Butterflies of the Night

April 15th - 18th 2015

Classic Flyers, Mt Maunganui

A theatrical extravaganza bringing to life exquisite

vintage garments and stories from their past.

Grandstand Tickets available TicketDirect 0800 224 224 & Baycourt

Table tickets from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.butterfliesofthenight.com

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Monday, 16 February 2015 16:49

Guided Meditation

I am excited to offer you a guided meditation at the the YogAlign Studio in two weeks time. Athol has generously offered to take us through this mediation, there is no charge.

The meditation will be at 125 Ocean Beach Road in the studio, on Thursday 26th of February starting at 7.30pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes earlier to settle into a comfy spot, you are welcome to bring along a cushion. It is important to be comfortable and relaxed, so wear some loose clothing and please no cellphones (leave them in the car or at home thanks :O) There are some bolsters and rugs available for your use.

The meditation will be approximately 30-40 minutes. Please confirm with me by email, text or phone me on 0274 96 96 33 if you would like to attend.

Namaste Leonie

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 16:28

Love Summer!

I've decided to make the most of the beautifully warm ocean & have challenged myself and others to take a swim in the ocean every day this February & you are welcome to join us!

It's so energizing and washes off any tensions you may have invited in over the course of the day.

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Monday, 05 January 2015 12:12

Jazz 'n Soul by Candlelight

Dee DeLuca

Jazz 'n Soul by Candlelight feat. Jazz Legends Dixon Nacey, Kim Paterson

& Karika Jr. Turua

Saturday 10.01.2015

Mauao Performing Art Center

11 Totara St. The Mount

Pre sale: $15 / Door $17.50

8:00-10:30pm

Tickets at Eventfinder.co.nz

Mauao PAC / Flaveur Breads

More info at deedeluca.com

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Tuesday, 30 December 2014 22:34

Happy New Year!

Wishing peace, love & light to all in 2015 and beyond!

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Monday, 22 December 2014 18:07

Beginners Welcome … Come Join Us!

All yoga gear provided, just bring your water bottle and a smile.

Please leave phones at home.

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Tuesday, 09 December 2014 20:26

Om

"Tensions are our guests; we have invited them. Relaxation is our nature, we don't have to invite it. You don't have to relax, you have to just stop inviting tensions, and relaxation will start on its own accord. In your very being, in every fiber, in every cell of your being there will be relaxation. This relaxation is the beginning of meditation."

Osho