Tim Miller's Workshop

Over this past weekend I had the opportunity to learn under Tim Miller, the first American to get certified in Ashtanga Yoga. Tim has over 30 years of practice and it was very evident in his teaching. I shared a very sweaty Mysore and Led Primary experience with about 40 other people while Tim strolled the room with confidence and grace giving adjustments. His adjustments transformed my practice. Tim's presence alone seemed so calm yet confident; masculine yet nurturing; strong yet graceful. He had this way about him that you just had no other choice than to want to just sit and absorb every word that came out of his mouth and every action that moved from his body. The energy among the practitioners who attended his workshop was very uplifting. I cannot express enough what it feels like to have about 40 people in one room practicing yoga, creating this energy through movement, breath, and focus. The more I put myself in learning situations like Tim's workshop the more life and my purpose becomes clear. Knowledge is a very powerful thing to have and the hunger for it is what keeps you alive.

Knowledge is power; The question is what are you going to do with the power?

Namaste,

Abby

Now We're Rolling...
Transformation of the Martial Arts Space

Before...


After...

PS - Very excited about the Kid's BJJ program starting Monday June 15th!

Tribute To Guruji

On May 18th 2009 I received an email from my yoga teacher in Richmond about a ceremony in honor of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. I wondered, what was the special occasion, an anniversary or birthday maybe? Sadly, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois who is also referred to as Guruji to many Ashtangi practicioners passed away. He was 93 ( he would have been 94 this July) years old and lived a long life teaching hundreds of thousands of people globally about the beauty of yoga.

The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system that Guruji has passed down over the course of 70 years has transformed not only my physical practice and health but my overall being. Entering womanhood I have grown to appreciate myself and to be thankful for the path that I have been following and who I have met along the way. My story has transformed from a girl living in a small town with big dreams to a girl not only living my big dreams but thriving and growing. Ashtanga has helped me to continue my pursuits of athleticism but to also take time to train my inner self and my mind. Having a balanced mind and body has affected my relationships, choices, and subsequently my outcomes.
Guruji has left a legacy that will fill the history books and his method will continue to prosper through everyone who practices. I can feel his wisdom around me, and his teachings will live forever for those who open their heart to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
Namaste-
Abby

The Kid Inside

The other day I found myself on my hands and feet sprinting up the side of a mountain. Not for a workout, but moreso because I let myself go and it just felt good. The sprint was, of course, short lived but as I collapsed and panted on the ground I felt a beat inside me that I hadnt felt shaken up in such a long time.



"That's just a kid. That's what I miss. Oh take me back, take me back to that beat again" - Dave Matthews Band



One of my favorite songs of all time, Dave puts it so simply, yet so truthfully. Take me back to that beat again. Being a kid isnt just tons of energy and no responsibility...its a totally different beat. Getting lost in the vitality of your body and mind is so natural; you dont even think about it because it feels so good to engage. But many of us are stripped of this gift as we age and forget to take care of our whole self. Just remember though... its never too late to get it back.

-Danny

Before and After of Our Studio

On April 3rd 2009 Danny and I opened our studio in the Cedar Street Bridge located in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho.  We spent at least 3 weeks preparing and creating our space and along the way took some pictures so that you can see the changes we have made.  The space itself is awesome.  It is suspended over Sand Creek which flows into Lake Pend Oreille and  you can see Schweitzer Mountain (the ski slopes) from our studio window.  It took a lot of time and hard work but I think it really paid off.  Everyone that has walked into our studio comments on the positive energy and feels welcomed...exactly what we wanted. 

Before...

After...

-Abby

Protien Test and Supplement List

Sun Warrior protein, you are our hero.

In a long search for a clean, natural protein that doesnt leave you bloated and nasty feeling after a workout, we finally came across a rice derived powder that actually tastes great and sits well.

When you are fed heavyweight gainer whey protein shakes from the age of 7 and used to the gut bomb induced coma that follows, a light concotion that is just as effective in the development of lean muscle mass and recovery is a huge relief.

We take protein within an hour post-workout in order to harness the "anabolic window" and give our bodies the building blocks it requires for recovery.


Here is a list of other supplements Abby and I have found extremely effective:

-Acetyl L-Carnatine, an amino acid (focus, clean feeling energy)

-MACA, a peruvian root powder (energy, hormone regulation)

-Taurine, an amino acid (clean energy)

-Cissis Quadrangularis, an herb (joint and connective tissue support)

-Systemic Enzymes, naturally occuring enzymes (general wellness, joint support)

We both are very picky when it comes to what we put in our bodies, so we only take these supplements in pure, free form powder and mix them up in the ratios we decide.

Also, Coming Soon to our site: Our warrior circuit workouts will be posted and archived on our website.

-Danny

Our New Home In Sandpoint, Idaho

 So this is a glimpse of beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho.  The mountains in the background are the Monarch mountains which surround Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced ponderay).  This has become our new home and we are thrilled.  Sandpoint, Idaho is located in the north western panhandle area with Washington, Montana, and Canada being its neighbors.  There is so much activity and places to explore that you could spend a lifetime exploring this region and still never get bored.  Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, swimming... man the list just goes on and on.  We decided to move here after an intensive and fun road trip from VA to the midwest hoping to find our new home sweet home.

We had a great time exploring the west but we did not find a town that really fit with our lifestyle.  After some research on the internet Sandpoint popped up.  We immediately flew out in January to check it out...AMAZING. We returned to VA in packed whatever we could into our cars and drove for 4 long days across country in the middle of winter (more of that to come later) and well, here we are!