Adi at Yoga Today has done it again, this time creating an amazing yoga workout for rock climbers. It’s also a great workout for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and stay relaxed while facing down their fears. This yoga class comes at a perfect time for me, because I have been really nervous and unable to focus on the rocks lately. Adi’s anti-fear approach to poses, reminding her yoginis that “sometimes life is tough” and we need to “learn how to relax”, really helped me fight through the anxiety I’ve been feeling about climbing on recent trips.

The video also reminded me that it’s time to add some straps and yoga blocks to my fitness equipment collection. I have been meaning to get some every since I started doing Jason Crandell from Yoga Journal’s Morning Wake-up Routine. Yoga for Rock Climbing challenged my balance and stability so much that I definitely need the blocks now. But that’s OK, because challenges are a good thing.

No, not Yoda. Yoga.

Much to my delight this weekend, I discovered that Neesha at Yoga Today has combined two of my favorite things into one awesome workout called Star Wars Yoga. Neesha’s use of Darth Vader as an example of ujjayi breathing really helped me wrap my mind around it, which was great, because my big problem is that I tend to hold my breath. It was a great, relaxing and much needed yoga workout after a very stressful week, so I encourage everyone to check it out. I also LOVE Neesha’s workout top and would love to know where she got it.

My only complaint is that she nicknames her friend/yogini Ben “Ben Solo”, whereas I would have gone with “Ben Kenobi.” But that’s just the Star Wars nerd in me coming out. All in all, this is another great, inspirational workout from Yoga Today.

I got a new yoga mat over the weekend and it has totally re-invigorated my interest in yoga. I spent the weekend stretching and studying poses, and I came across this great site called Yoga Today that has free high-def yoga videos. Each of the videos is an hour-long workout set against the beautiful backdrop of Jackson, Wyoming. I did one of the workouts last night, and another today, and they are really fantastic. The instruction is easy to follow but the workouts were very vigorous and challenging. I love the scenery, too. It’s the perfect complement to the yoga, and really creates a sense of peace and relaxation.

This has all inspired me to practice yoga outside more often. Luckily, there are several outdoor yoga classes on the beach in Santa Monica in the summer. The Accidental Yogist provides details about some classes, but her info is from last year, so it’d probably be worthwhile to call first. Since I live so close to the beach, I think I may just ride my bike to the sand and practice some sun salutations on my own whenever the mood strikes.