February 27th, 2012

Yogi Of The Week: Jimbo

Meet Jimbo.

He’s a New Jersey fire fighter, certified rescue diver, doting husband, Harley owner and yogi. His teacher: none other than Manduka Ambassador and former wrestling pro Diamond Dallas Page, because “It AIN’T your Mama’s Yoga.”

Yoga has given Jimbo a power that's envied all around the firehouse: the ability to BREATHE himself into relaxation. Without crutches, without excuses, there is always the mat. Not only did he lose 30 lbs through Page's DDP Yoga, but his practice also literally saved his life. One day while called out to a fire, his foot went through the roof of a burning building. He was able to pull it out, and afterward faced even more heat from his team:

          "Guys you shoulda seen Jimbo, I thought he was going through, and then he starts dong this little dance.
          What was that bro; they teach you that at the academy?"

No, he replied, that was finding himself in Warrior II, and being able to pull himself out by transitioning into Warrior I. Fighting fires AND defending yoga to a group of New Jersey firemen? If that’s not bravery, we don’t know what is.

We loved learning about Jimbo. And we want to learn more about you, too.

Tell us a little about yourself on the You Series page: Manduka.com/You
Every week, we'll share the story of another real yogi. Maybe soon you'll see yourself here, or see something in yourself here.

Practice On.

--Manduka

February 23rd, 2012

Featured Retailer: Simply Power Yoga

Heidi Fricke is the owner and founder of Simply Power Yoga. After leaving Corporate America in 2002, Heidi discovered a whole new way of living. Marathon running is what brought her to yoga but she soon realized yoga had so much more to offer than just a physical practice. Yoga became a huge part of her daily practice and life. Heidi has trained directly with Baron Baptiste and his group of Senior and Master Teachers. She is a 500 Hour Certified Baptiste Teacher.

The doors of SPY opened in September of 2011. The studio has a state of the art heating system with radiant heat panels and a steam humidifier. There is both a heated and non-heated studio. There are over 40 classes offered weekly. The cork flooring allows for a more balanced and comfortable practice. The cork flooring was provided by Greener Stock a one of a kind Resource and Design Center in Cincinnati specializing in natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly building products for homes and businesses.

Simply Power Yoga is more than just a yoga studio. It is a community center for all ages. SPY is involved in both local and global community projects, including Africa Yoga Project, YWCA House of Peace a Domestic Violence Shelter in Greater Cincinnati and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.

At Simply Power Yoga, the classes will be challenging as the instructors will constantly take you to your edge. Power Yoga is about stepping out of your comfort zone and letting go of your fears. The practice will not only transform your body but also your mind and spirit. Our mission is to support the journey of each individual in the community both on and off the mat.

February 20th, 2012

Yogi Of The Week: Laura

This is Laura.

She's a former U.S. Marine, overseas contractor, utility power lineman and massage therapist. Laura thinks that people don't believe her when she says she practices yoga, but she's been an Ashtangi since back when she was stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. Now she travels to Mysore, India every year to study at the origin of the practice.

Her best friend (and best teacher) is her 5-year old nephew, Gideon. Her favorite way to get around is by Harley. Her favorite place to practice is at home in Washington, DC. And her mat is a Black Mat PRO.

She amazes us.

Meeting Laura was a lightbulb moment: we need to meet you too. This is your community, and this is the YOU year. Manduka is on a mission to get to know everyone who makes this yoga community so vibrant, and so real. Because we all have something to learn from you — about how we see ourselves, or approach our practice, or make yoga mats.

Tell us a little about yourself on the You Series page: http://www.manduka.com/you/
Every week, we'll share the story of another real yogi. Maybe soon you'll see yourself here, or see something in yourself here.

Practice On.

--Manduka

February 10th, 2012

10,000 Followers: You Take The Manduka Mic

Hi.

If you're reading this, you probably follow @MandukaYoga on Twitter. And we wanted to say, thank you. You've given us 10,000 reasons to be humbled, and truly grateful.

You inspire the conversation, so today we're giving you the microphone. We're using our Twitter account to share your message with the greater community. What would you like to say to 10,000 fellow yogis? Is there a cause, class or quote you'd like us to share? A question or a tip?

Let us know. Send us a tweet, direct message or just use hashtag #MDKmic to tell us what we can share for you today. And we will.

And every day thereafter, we promise to keep things interesting.

With deep gratitude,
@MandukaYoga

February 3rd, 2012

The You Series

Yoga helps you be YOU at your most real and most raw. And that's the you we want to meet.

For us, this is the year of YOU. We're collecting your stories, sharing your joy, and are always here when you need someone to lean on. Because you amaze us, and you make this community real. Check out our newest project, the You Series. If you're open to it, we might like to feature you in our next Yoga Journal Ad and send you $500 worth of Manduka gear.

You are the most interesting person we've met. Tell us more.