Tuesday, November 1, 2016

5 Tips To Customize Your Holiday Body, Mind and Spirit With Yoga Flava!

Halloween is over, ration out the candy for your cheat days and customize your holiday body, mind and spirit: 2016 Holiday Ease with Yoga Flava.

Set your wellness intentions for the upcoming holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Get ready with a sense of "Holiday Ease" for those family and holiday party photo opportunities!

1. Keep, discard and / or create family and friend traditions.

Be honest, what is working for you, your family and friends?

2.  Plan and budget.

Where will you spend the holiday and with whom? 

3. Reflect

What can you reflect on from the past year with an attitude of gratitude?

Please share with me in the comment section and / or reflect for yourself in a journal.

In November, I celebrate 20 years of being a Yoga Instructor.  I will be celebrating by sharing posts on Throw back Thursdays that feature "Yoga Flava Family Focus: Betts Twins / Radha Ruiz (Raww Flava)"  and 20th Anniversary Yoga Flava.

4. New Year, New You (2017)

Who are you creating yourself to be in 2017?

5. Create a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

Take time to prepare and visualize the outcome you desire. Is there an outfit that you want to look your best in?  What body weight do you need to be.  Do you need to cultivate a calm persona?  Selfcare is essential to cultivating peace and joy.

Reach out for a FREE telephone consultation by emailing to schedule your phone appointment: robin@yogaflava.com

Sign up for your private / customized 2016 Fall into Holidays prep :

Yoga Flava HOLIDAY EASE Package:






Gift certificates available!  Feel free to reach out directly for your customized package: robin@yogaflava.com

I will be posting on the Yoga Flava Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Page.  Please like and share the posts.  If you have not done so already, please sign up for the Yoga Flava Newsletter
Thank you for sharing your practice with me.  Sending positive vibes...
Namaste,
Robin Downes
Yoga Flava

Read more Yoga Flava Articles

Highlights From Yoga Flava On The Vine











Friday, September 2, 2016

Happy National Yoga Month - FREE YOGA CLASS

Happy National Yoga Month! During the month of September claim your free private Yoga Flava session @yogaflava with @robindownes Choose via Skype or the Yoga Flava Sanctuary on the upper west side in NYC. Email: robin@yogaflava.com Subject: Free Session. I look forward to practicing with you. 🙏🏾

Yes, I need to start planning for Fall, however, Fall does not officially start until September Thursday 22nd. Therefore, I’m going to be grateful for the month that I have left of summer in NYC first of all ... then pace myself with my plans for the Fall. I say all this to say that I found myself getting anxious for the Fall and neglecting the joy that is still to be found ... right now ... this summer. 
Countdown to Fall Fresh Start 2016... plan to take advantage of the remainder of the season. Consciously being in sync with the official change of season, which is a great time to cleanse your body, mind and spirit.
I will be posting everyday in September on the Yoga Flava Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Page.  Please like and share the posts.  If you have not done so already, please sign up for the Yoga Flava Newsletter

Thank you for sharing your practice with me.  Sending postivie vibes...
Namaste,
Robin Downes
Yoga Flava

Read more Yoga Flava Articles

Highlights From Yoga Flava On The Vine

Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Vibrant Nation Experience

Shelly Zurek, Liz O'Donnell, Robin Downes, Zipporah Sandler
I am participating in a VIN (Vibrant Influencer Network) campaign. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Athleta and do not earn a commission or percent of sales. 
I have always had delightful experiences when visiting the community at Vibrant Nation. Vibrant Nation is the leading community of women 45+ - they really DO understand! I enjoy looking through the content and sharing my thoughts with the community.
I was very lucky to be selected to participate in a Vibrant Nation experience. It included shopping for athletic clothing for a yoga event with fellow bloggers, going to dinner, and then attending a yoga event!
During the Vibrant Nation experience, I was able to meet other bloggers from across the country.  How marvelous to enjoy the company and wisdom of mature likeminded women.
It was great to learn about other bloggers, as VN treated us to Zero Otto Nove, an Italian restaurant. We shared stories from our unique perspectives and engaged with our "vibrant" personalities.

Vibrant Nation's staff are sincerely tuned in to their audience and work diligently to inspire, empower and provide quality content. The content goes beyond their powerful online presence to intimate in-person settings.
Vibrant Nation treated myself and fellow bloggers with an outfit from Athleta so that we could feel well dressed for an aerial yoga event we were attending the next day. As you know, I teach yoga so I was very excited for this opportunity.  When I walked in the store, the shopping experience provided us with a personal connection to the Athleta brand quality customer service.
My first introduction to Athleta was during my participation in the Solstice In Times Square 2014: Athleta Mind Over Madness YogaThe volunteers got great outfits sponsored by Athleta and I would browse the Upper West Side, NYC Store.
The Athleta staff in the Flatiron, NYC store with the Yoga studio below, was very helpful.  Once they saw me selecting several items, they took the selections and set up a dressing room for me.  While in the dressing room, the staff kept checking on me and bringing me alternative sizes and styles to meet my specifications in an outfit.



Yes, I showed off my new tank top and legging from Athleta at the Solstice in Times Square event June 21, 2016.
I will definitely shop at Athleta again; they are the kind of athletic gear facility that makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. I recommend Athleta to my yoga students who are looking for quality clothing to practice in.
At the yoga event we were treated to a light breakfast while enjoying a meet and greet. The aerial yoga session was amazing and challenging; your muscles are really tested.  It was my first time trying it and it evoked my childhood gymnastics days and my 20-year yoga practice.  I surprised myself with the amount of strength I did have to pose for the awesome photo shot of me in an Aerial Yoga split!
 I am so grateful for the Vibrant Nation Network and highly recommend other bloggers to connect with likeminded women engaging this nation of empty nesters, midlife entrepreneurs, mothers of adult children, caregivers, and business leaders. VN is professionally run by a caring and dedicated staff.  VibrantNation.com is the leading online community for women over 45 – the place where they connect and support each other on issues unique to their stage of life, including fashion, beauty, family, work, relationships, health, fitness, money, and sex.  I look forward to continuing to contribute and grow with the Vibrant Nation Network.


I am participating in a VIN campaign. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Athelta and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.




I am participating in a VIN campaign. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Athelta/Abbott and do not earn a commission or percent of sales

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Highlights From Yoga Flava On The Vine

"You are amazing, our session was such a treat!" - Rakhara Edwards
The Yoga Flava On The Vine experience was a magical mystical tour for me to the New England island of Martha's Vineyard.



The Vineyard gained it's reputation as a tourist destination because of the extraordinary delightful summer weather that usually never gets above 90 degrees. So popular, that during my stay from August 6 - 14th, President Obama and family were there.

I really enjoying providing the Yoga Flava experience in private small group settings.

The Vineyard gained its reputation as a leading tourist destination primarily because of its very pleasant summer weather — during many summers the temperature never breaks 90°F — and many beautiful beaches. In general, the summer season runs from June to the end of August. - See more at: http://www.mvy.com/play-here/index.aspx#sthash.qAZMqnDU.dpuf
The Vineyard gained its reputation as a leading tourist destination primarily because of its very pleasant summer weather — during many summers the temperature never breaks 90°F — and many beautiful beaches. In general, the summer season runs from June to the end of August. - See more at: http://www.mvy.com/play-here/index.aspx#sthash.qAZMqnDU.dpuf
The Vineyard gained its reputation as a leading tourist destination primarily because of its very pleasant summer weather — during many summers the temperature never breaks 90°F — and many beautiful beaches. In general, the summer season runs from June to the end of August. - See more at: http://www.mvy.com/play-here/index.aspx#sthash.qAZMqnDU.dpuf
The Vineyard gained its reputation as a leading tourist destination primarily because of its very pleasant summer weather — during many summers the temperature never breaks 90°F — and many beautiful beaches. In general, the summer season runs from June to the end of August. - See more at: http://www.mvy.com/play-here/index.aspx#sthash.qAZMqnDU.dpuf
  Just another day in MV having a private yoga session with Robin Michele Downes - better known as Yoga Flava and Angie Hancock #lovethewayyoulivefeeling thankful in Edgartown, Massachusetts. - Charlie Lewis

Last day of my private yoga finding my center with Robin Michele Downes Yoga Flava with Angie Hancock ‪#‎mv‬ ‪#‎lovethewayyoulive‬ ‪- Charlie Lewis

Yoga Flava Playaz ~ Having the ability to relax, gives you the ease to be dynamic.

Read more Yoga Flava Articles:
Mind Your Muscles

Black Yoga Superstars: Interview with Robin Downes of Yoga Flava.

Yoga Journal Launches The Live Be Yoga Tour 2016

 

Monday, August 1, 2016

Athleta Shopping Experience

I am participating in a VIN campaign. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Athleta and do not earn a commission or percent of sales. #ad #vn

Vibrant Nation treated myself and fellow bloggers with an outfit from Athleta so that we could feel well dressed for an aerial yoga event we were attending the next day. As you know, I teach yoga so I was very excited for this opportunity.  When I walked in the store, the shopping experience provided us with a personal connection to the Athleta brand quality customer service.
Being that I am a 34DD, I was concerned if they would have something that worked for me. Anyone who has larger assets like myself, knows that finding something flattering AND functional is a real job!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J4K3NtEInvyQ6x5huaGiDVjOmpt0vruQJJrwuIlERhAyt_tT5SB5SpW-zaxf8y3LbsdXByrdKE8a6frGXrZt4BdGGbBRrtvNEgfgq_b7VrBhrpgQMzyDsu5OmBXLF2mkDnSnz7hk4dccRIxrfg

I was very excited to find many clothing options that worked for me! 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PFSOoNCLelJQ6xyIHvs9iOYf6SqoekHMfExMxAGgqHnnzrRoYKY90qLS5HaCpTuOAA_oxQgR-W16zqtLbS_AmuPgcyVyguQpPTFqsj8ppF_3NsQH3hTHuguCEJ15CGy3hPtKP-AD0ulxhGmGcg
The staff was very helpful.  Once they saw me selecting several items, they took the selections and set up a dressing room for me.  While in the dressing room, the staff kept checking on me and bringing me alternative sizes and styles to meet my specifications in an outfit. 
Check us out in our new outfits!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/27PniDS5ywmyR0xqcuWSkk5U7ioRK5h9QkYDr9qzXXbZFZ8jMxAEgywQ03THrkVubOpp2_QyN29g34GvF8GvNnRhpXGS2ADTLBdvVqxXOk-KSyS0sDwCKvA-fNuIFfVD0dZEe-7FItxsXWJFLA
I was very surprised by the community aspect of Athleta's studio and classes. The store we visited, debuted a fitness studio in the basement. The fitness studio is your typical studio with a large mirror and wooden floors. They even have equipment for the classes such as mats, light hand weights and towels. The classes are completely free to patrons who wish to participate and range from Barre to yoga to lunchtime meditation. 
Anyone wishing to participate in a class can sign-in through a no-fuss digital front desk.

Check your local store page for details, then show up and get your sweat on. I would love to take part in the classes and perhaps one day teach a yoga class there.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p2Trt_lLFhf2tpva_CgrxSp6y-icXsf12hcxNXOOI_L8xZsmuJjfD87BSnMhcXZ8ugjkDpP-P7KzFljdXB_LeZ-iCWA8GTAegYh7bvxfDulxK0rI0j6l9VaARS5Gtib4Vvn00kuLQxobzZAqQg

My favorite Athleta purchase was the Optimism Tank top that held my 34DDs and it performed well when I wore it. Even when I went upside down the aerial yoga session.
My favorite part of the Athleta shopping experience was that I never felt rushed or neglected. I took my time while trying to pick the perfect outfit for my event. The staff was patient and asked great questions about what exactly I was looking for!

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6R48Rm70a2o/V4O6os7NcWI/AAAAAAAACPs/oHCSRFOYN408_3MjUBxeCO0F2KvML8wxwCLcB/s320/IMG_5540.jpg
I will definitely shop at Athleta again; they are the kind of athletic gear facility that makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. I recommend Athleta to my yoga students who are looking for quality clothing to practice in.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vibrant Nation.  #ad The opinions and text are all mine.



Read more Yoga Flava Articles:
 
Mind Your Muscles