NEW Pilates Mat Class at Dhyana Yoga Haddonfield January 24, 2012

I am so excited to announce that I will be bringing Pilates to the beautiful Dhyana Yoga studio in downtown Haddonfield beginning February 6th!  This Pilates mat class will be open to newbies as well as to experienced Pilates practitioners.  We will meet Mondays @ 5pm-6pm (stay on for a high-flying vinyasa class with Justin afterwards).

I was first introduced to Pilates through the ballet world.  This happened right around the same time that I was introduced to yoga (1996).   Yoga for me is a meditative, spiritual & physical practice & most of all a way of life.  Pilates compliments this through its methodology of mind-body functional movement.  Through my years of  intensive Pilates practice, training and teaching I have a heightened sense of body awareness, knowledge of anatomy and love bringing movement into peoples lives.   Pilates has helped to strengthen my core and made my yoga asana practice more refined.   Pilates is beneficial to people of all ranges of physical fitness and ability, male and female.  This class is a true all levels class where both beginners and experienced practitioners will benefit and feel supported.

Hope to see you there!!!

~Meg 

Benefits of Pilates:

• A refreshing mind-body workout
• Develop a strong core – flat abdominals and a strong back
• Gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
• Create an evenly conditioned body, improve sports performance, and prevent injuries
• Learn how to move efficiently

Read more about the history and benefits of Pilates here:

http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/pilates/index.html

Winter Ayurveda & Vinyasa January 6, 2012

When I think of winter I think of the qualities of the vata & kapha doshas, dry, windy, cold, slow, damp & dense.  These qualities of the season increase the both doshas.  Vata as we begin winter from fall & kapha as we are in winter and move into spring.  The elements of these dark winter months coming up & into spring are earth & water.  We are in the midst of transitioning from the windy & dry season ruled by vata.  Winter is in part both vata & kapha.  People with vata & kapha doshas may be more susceptible to depression & feelings of loneliness.  In this time of darkness it is important to find balance in the light. 

Tips for maintaining vata balance:

• Create a schedule for yourself, being mindful not to skip meals, keep to a regular sleep pattern & be sure to exercise!

• Start your day with warm lemon water to cleanse your lymph. 

• Pranayama - practice deep breathing for 10-15 minutes each morning.

• Vinyasa - practice grounding & hip opening postures in a slow vinyasa practice or yin.

 

Here are some tips for maintaining kapha balance:

• Maintain a non-sedentary lifestyle (no hibernation here).  January is a time of setting intentions.  Make time to schedule in activity into your daily routine.

• Drinking hot water with lemon (aids in elimination), ginger tea with cinnamon & clove (to aid in clearing out mucus) rather than consuming cold drinks. 

• Pranayama – Channel Cleaning Breath (Nadi Shodhana) to increase circulation & heat.

• Continue to build heat & energy by saluting the sun with variations of Surya Namaskar A & B.

• Winter is a natural time for reflection.  Embrace the silence & darkness through meditation & journaling.

• Bring the lightness & energy in by wearing bright & cheerful colors.

• Nourish yourself by preparing fresh, warm meals.  Seasonal produce is best!

 Namaste!

~Meg

“loka samasta sukhino bhavantu – may all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

 

 

In-home & Virtual Session Gift Certificates Now Available!!! December 19, 2011

I’m excited to announce that I’m now offering Gift Certificates for my in-home & virtual sessions!   Save 15% off all virtual session packages through 12/31/11!   Gift the gift of total mind-body wellness & live fit in 2012!!!

Choose from yoga, Pilates & barre-work or any combination of the three.   I will customize each in-home or virtual session to you!  With my Virtual Studio I can Skype or email you or your loved ones personalized sessions anywhere in the world! 

Email me to purchase your mind-body wellness gift certificate today!!!!  

Happy Holidays!!!!

~Meg

Yogalina Virtual Studio! December 1, 2011

Many of you may already know that I have offering virtual sessions for a while now.  It’s a way of me offering my services to those clients that are busy moms, traveling for work or don’t live nearby.  I am so happy to now officially launch my Yogalina Virtual Studio!  Read all about it below and message me with any questions!

Enjoy the benefits of working one-on-one with Meg Everingham from the comfort of home or on the go!  Personalized sessions in yoga, Pilates or barre work tailored to your specific mind-body fitness goals & nutrition planning is now available!  Email Meg for more information!

 

What is the Yogalina Virtual Studio?

The Yogalina Virtual Studio offers you the same total mind-body holistic wellness offerings from Meg as a private in-home or studio session through the ease of the web.  Meg is a certified & experienced instructor of yoga & Pilates, an innovator of barre work & an avid believer in holistic nutrition.  Receive the personalized attention from Meg while attaining an increased level of mind-body balance & wellness.  You decide the focus of each virtual session.  Choose from yoga, Pilates, barre work or any combination of the three!  Whether you’re on the go because of your career, taking care of a family & kids or live in an area far from a studio, you can now get the highest quality of instruction at the time & place that works best for you! 

After a complimentary phone consultation discussing your mind-body health wants & needs Meg will create a video virtual private session tailored specifically to you.  Your virtual session will be sent directly to your in-box!  You will be able to practice these virtual sessions whenever, wherever you go!  You can choose from a video (HD recording on Flip camera) or Skype session. If using Skype a time will be booked that works best for you (web cam required for Skype)!  You choose from Pilates (mat or Reformer), yoga or barre work (or any combo of the three) and Meg will customize a total mind-body workout for you.  Follow up phone/email sessions included.  Meg is here to support and nurture your total mind-body fitness goals!

If better nutrition is a part of your goal Meg also offers virtual nutrition consultations.  With this phone & email based consultation program she will learn more about your current diet & nutritional status, health issues, lifestyle & habits.  Meg will then put together a 28 day nutritional plan created just for you!  There is no one size fits all diet plan here.  Each 28 day program is created for you to help you attain your nutritional goals.  Your plan will be clearly laid out & emailed to you.  Weekly email follow-up sessions will aid in keeping you on track & successfully reaching your wellness goals!

 

Benefits of Virtual Studio Private Sessions:

*Flexibility!  Train whenever, wherever you choose!   Convenience & comfort!

*Accountability!  Follow up consultations keep you on track.  Skype sessions allow for Meg’s trained eye to watch your form.

*Savings!  Private sessions can be very pricey in studios (typically $85/session)!

*Mind-body health!   Feel empowered, energized & total mind-body wellness through training with Meg.

 

Benefits of Yoga, Pilates & Barre work:

*Increased flexibility & balance

*Tone, shape your body

*Build long lean muscles, no bulk here

*Reduce stress

*Build core strength

*Alleviate back pain, improve posture

*Balanced muscle development, injury prevention & recovery

*Overall heightened mind-body awareness & well-being!

 

Packages:

Are you committed to finding mind-body wellness?  If so, consistency is the key to seeing true results.  Try one of these packages to save money & reach your mind-body fitness goals!

5 pack virtual private sessions $300

10 pack virtual private sessions $600

Virtual Nutrition 28 day Program $85

Email Meg for more information: mzeveringham@gmail.com

$10 Lunchtime Yoga & Pilates Classes! October 19, 2011

 

Fall Into Fitness – Yogalina Fall Schedule is Here! September 30, 2011

As we roll into fall, take a moment to evaluate your heath & fitness routine. Are you in balance? I would love to help you find balance & reach your health & fitness goals through my mind-body private sessions or group classes! It is important for us all to take the time to make your wellness a priority. As we transition from the high activity season of summer into the slow down & darkness of winter, stay fit with me!

I am happy to offer a variety of classes at 3 wonderful studios this fall. Pilates Core Center (PC2) is a boutique Pilates studio that offers so much more than Pilates. If you have never taken a Pilates Reformer class before please email me to set up a private session. After taking a private session with the equipment (the Reformer) you will be able to join a group class. If the class times don’t work for you or you want more personalized sessions another option is to set up a semi-private class. You pick the time & a friend or two to join in on the workout! I am also teaching Jumpboard on Mondays which is a fun cardio class that involves low impact jumping on the equipment & $10 lunch classes. VersaFit Studio offers a range of fitness classes, including VersaShape Barre Fusion, Bootcamps & Spinning. I am excited to bring my barre expertise to this studio with their VersaShape Barre class. Finally, I am happy be teaching teens in a cool After School Yoga program at Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club.

Effective 10/1/11:

Monday

8:00am-9:00am Group Pilates Reformer @ PC2

9:30am-10:00am Jumpboard! @ PC2

12:00pm-12:45pm $10 Lunchtime Mat Pilates @ PC2

6:30pm-7:30pm VersaShape Barre Fusion @ VersaFit Studio

Tuesday

9:30am-10:30am Group Pilates Reformer @ PC2

Wednesday

8:00am-9:00am Group Pilates Reformer @ PC2

12:00pm-12:45pm $10 Lunch Yoga @ Pc2

4:15pm-5:00pm After School Yoga @ Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club

5:30pm-6:20pm Barre All @ Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club

Thursday

6:30pm-7:30pm VersaShape Barre Fusion @ VersaFit Studio

Sunday

9:15am-10:15am Group Pilates Reformer @ PC2 (every other Sunday)

*Group Reformer & Jumpboard classes require registration online (spaces limited).

I am available for in-home private & group training sessions for yoga, Pilates, barre & fitness. Email me for more information on this month’s special!

Links:

Pilates Core Center

VersaFit Studio

Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club

Got Questions? Email me at mzeveringham@gmail.com

After School Yoga Classes for Teens September 22, 2011

Teens frequently battle low self-esteem and issues of being self-conscious.  During this stage of development, which is highlighted by change, both physically and emotionally, these teens are discovering who they are all while being faced with new challenges such as peer pressure, being overly stimulated by technology and pressured by peers.   One of the many benefits of yoga for teens is the sense of self-acceptance and love it fosters.   The Sanskrit term “namaste,” which is commonly said at the end of a yoga class, means “the divine light in me honors the divine light in you.”   Yoga also benefits practitioners of any age to achieve reduced stress and increased health, strength, flexibility and focus. 

Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club (CHHRC) believes strongly about educating children on the benefits and rewards of a physically active lifestyle. With this concept in mind, they have created fun, imaginative programs for children as young as two, and more competitive, challenging programs for teens up to 18!   I am happy to be teaching After School Yoga this fall for teens age 12-16.  It’s a 10 week sessions but it’s not too late to sign up! 

After School Yoga meets every Wednesday 4:30pm-5:20pm. 

Dates: 9/21 thru 11/23

Family Member—FREE

Child of Mbr. – $80

Non-Members – $100

Join me for a Women’s Entrepreneur Retreat Weekend! September 21, 2011

I am thrilled to announce that I’ve signed on with the awesome team at Good Commons to co-host a Women’s Entrepreneur Retreat on November 10-13 at Good Commons in Vermont!

This intensive and intimate retreat weekend is geared towards women who are starting or in the beginning or planning stages of building their own businesses, and is designed to provide them with the support, tools, and network to assist them at every stage of their journey.

Have you been dreaming about starting your own business? Or have you already started and are looking for additional support and guidance? Whether your business is art, design, sales, dance, fitness, fashion, marketing, PR, coaching, retail, non-profit, law, writing, teaching, food, hospitality, or anything and everything in between, this retreat is for you!

Business & Leadership Training

• We have partnered with the inspiring Laura Huckabee-Jennings of Transcend Leadership Coaching who is going to be leading us through a series of workshops covering everything from developing a strategic business plan, identifying your key strengths, time management, communication, and more. Leave with a clear plan and actionable steps that will help you take your business to the next level.

• We will be discussing the oh-so-important topic of money, including funding and financing, with Debra Boudrieau of the Vermont Small Business Development Center.

• Alejandra Ramos from Always Order Dessert will be leading a session on social media success and marketing for your business and personal brand
• I will be leading discussions onyogic philosophy, defining your dharma, tapping into creativity and how to channel this into your work.

Take Networking to the Next Level!
There will be nightly group discussions to encourage sharing and peer mentoring, plus a plan to keep us all connected and accountable once the weekend ends. Forget those awkward happy hours and disappointing networking events; this retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop real bonds and share with like-minded women. Build valuable connections and friendships that will support you, and help you and your business grow for years to come!

A Holistic Approach

Because we understand that it is impossible to build and run a successful business without taking care of yourself first, the weekend is also going to feature a strong wellness aspect.

• Three home-cooked meals will be provided each day (and dessert!) made with whole, fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. All the recipes prepared throughout the weekend will be meals that can be made easily with limited amounts of time (with the recipes of each to take home)

• I will be leading daily yoga practices and discussions that tap into our strengths and creativity. These classes will be geared towards people of ALL levels (even total beginners) so everyone will feel comfortable.

• I will also be teaching everyone a series of short exercise routines that we will all be able to take home and incorporate into our busy daily lives to manage stress and stay focused and fit.

• And finally, there will be two hands-on cooking classes featuring recipes and techniques for quick, healthy meals that can prepared at home regardless of how limited your time is. Learn time-saving tips and ideas throughout the weekend that will help you take control of your kitchen and mealtimes.

Relaxation

Located in the heart of the Okemo Valley in the rolling foothills of the Green Mountains, Good Commons is a picturesque and stunning retreat. Escape the mad rush of the city and enjoy the crisp fall air, changing leaves, miles of lakes, and star-filled skies.

There will be a massage therapist on site (massages are priced a la carte), a gorgeous outdoor hot tub for relaxing,nightly bonfires, and plenty of time for early morning walks or afternoon excursions in the gorgeous countryside.

The trip is all-inclusive, with all meals and round-trip transportation from New York City provided via the center’s private jitney included in the rate. Those traveling from other locations or providing their own transportation are eligible for a discount in price.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I am so incredibly honored and excited to be a part of this weekend. Good Commons is such a special place and I know that you’ll fall in love with it just as much as I did.

Rates for the all-inclusive weekend start at just $550, including round-trip transportation from Midtown Manhattan. We will leave after work (at 6:15 PM) on November 10 (Thursday) and will return Sunday evening. (A boxed dinner and snacks, prepared by me, will be provided on board the jitney.)

To sign up and learn more, visit the Good Commons website or feel free to email me with any questions you may have! When you sign up, be sure to send me a note or leave me a comment to let me know you did!

Fall into Autumn Ayurveda & Vinyasa August 22, 2011

As the summer drifts away, let us embrace the last few weeks of Yang energy before we lull into the Yin of winter. This has been a very active summer for me personally & I have gravitated towards gentle & yin styles of yoga, meditation & eating grounding foods. I have noticed a more exagerated whiplash to my health when I have veared off this track (creating a vata imbalance). The weather here in the northeast has been wild and extra active this summer as well. Last month we expereinced an earthquake, a hurricane and tornadoes (oh my) in one week and the wild weather has continued.

September is a natural time of renewal and reflection. Kids are returnning to school, the air and weather are shifting & we can take the time to reflect on our dharma & goals in our lives. Embrace the slow-down of the seasons as the year slowly winds down & we move slowly into the slumber of winter. It is a time to look within & contemplate all that we are.

Let’s begin this inward reflection with a practice of Pratyahara. This practice is 5th part of the 8 limbs of Classical Yoga. It is the practice of drawing in the energy of the energy senses. It is an often elusive and misunderstood limb.

It was three years ago around this time when I participated in a beach yoga retreat in Ocean City with my yoga teacher, Bob Butera. As part of a pratyahara exercise he had us sit on the beach with our eyes closed and tune in to the sound of the breaking waves. It was a powerful exercise to hear the roar of the ocean amplified in such a way. He asked us to listen to what the ocean had to say to us.

This is an exercise we can practice today, whether you’re at the beach or not. Close your eyes a draw your attention within. Now bring your attention to one thing – the sound of your breath, the stillness, and absorb what this has to offer you.

Another exercise you can do with pratyahara is during savasana. In corpse pose you are shedding the layers (sheaths) to attain a state of true peace and rest. It is the practice of pratyahara not to be distracted by wandering thoughts or the sound of the teacher walking around the room. You still hear sounds but no longer need to react to them.

This pause between stimulus and reaction can be carried out on and off the mat. You can pause before being critical of yourself in an asana just as you can pause before reacting to a person that typically causes you stress. With this practice let us take pause to reflect on the change of seasons and renew within ourselves.

Me taking a moment for reflection after a hike outside of Asheville, NC.

Virtual Private Sessions Special! August 17, 2011

For those of you on the go and unable to make it to the studio for a regular, in person, class or away from home for work or play, I am happy to be offering a special on my virtual private sessions.    Get your fourth virtual private for free when you buy three at regular cost.

How it works:  You choose the length, focus and genre for you tailor-made private session and then I create, film and email you the session.   You can choose from yoga, Pilates, mix in some barre work or have a combo of all three! 

Message me at mzeveringham@gmail.com for more information!

~Meg