Yoga and pilates are two of the most popular mind-body modalities around. Everyone from professional athletes to Hollywood A-listers does one or both.  It's no secret that they both provide a wealth of physical, mental and spiritual benefits.  Both practices systematically stretch and strengthen muscles throughout the entire body. So, which one should you do? The answer is: Both! Find out for yourself how yoga and pilates go hand in hand.

Body Balance Studio on Mclaws Circle in Williamsburg is offering a unique Summer Savings Package - practice monthly-unlimited yoga and pilates mat classes throughout June, July and August for just $295!* Classes are offered 7 days a week. This special is guaranteed to nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual development (not to mention your financial well being).

Class Descriptions:

Hot Yoga

Although Hot Yoga is suited for all levels of students, from beginners to advanced yoga practitioners, Beginner Friendly Intro classes are offered. The series has 30 postures and is practiced in a heated room in order to warm muscles for a safer, deeper stretch, soothe tendons and joints, and flush toxins from the body through heavy sweating. (60, 75, and 90-minutes classes offered)

Body Balance Studio has a new class that is all the rage! It's called Pilates & More and it'll get you whipped into shape and swimsuit ready in 10 weeks.  It's a vigorous, challenging, fast-paced, total body workout unlike anything you've tried before.  This unique 60-minute cardiovascular sequence is an energetic, updated form of classical Pilates, guaranteed to improve your flexibility, strengthen and tone your legs, abdominals and back muscles and sculpt the thighs, seat and arm muscles.  The best part is that with just a little dedication you can expect rapid results and have fun while you're doing it:

• Sculpted physique
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Long, lean muscles
• Improved strength and endurance
• Better flexibility
• Firm, lifted glutes
• Stronger abdominal muscles

So now in addition to Body Balance's diverse workshops and class offerings - Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kids Yoga, Pilates Mat Classes and The Reformer - you can try something new...Pilates & More.  After all, summer is right around the corner...

On my Williamsburg Wish List

People often ask me what are ways that I relieve stress, stay sane and be healthy? These are hot topics among my circle because we're always on the go. So, here goes. My biggest stress reliever? Might sound a little crazy but I'm a list maker. I make lists for everything. It helps me feel accomplished. On the top of every list I try to start with something positive and empowering. My new favorite list-starting words - Faith, Possibility, Patience.

How do I stay healthy and sane? By going to the gym, doing yoga and getting massages. There are some fantastic places in Williamsburg that fit the bill nicely. Iron-bound Gym is a great place for working out. They offer great classes, equipment for every muscle in your body and best of all it's never overcrowded. I used to live in Manhattan and I couldn't stand waiting for a machine or feeling like someone was going to bump you every time you lifted a weight. For yoga, Body Balance is tops in Williamsburg. Upon a blogger's recommendation I went to Body Balance and honestly I haven't looked back since. After every hot yoga class I leave with the most amazing feeling of satisfaction and peacefulness. I understand it to be very similar to the way a person feels after they've run a marathon. And my final recommendation on my Williamsburg wish list is the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. It is a world class place for a massage. They were recently listed by Vanity Fair as one of the top spas in the world. Makes you feel extra special having a place like that here in the ‘Burg. I encourage you to check them out. 

The Joy of Yoga at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Wed. mornings, 9:15-10:45 AM
6 week sessions - Mar. 18, 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29.

You've probably heard all about the healing and balance that yoga will bring into your life. Well, it's true. Yoga is an ancient practice with many benefits for the mind, body and spirit. It helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit and most certainly brings balance. Practicing yoga will help you connect to things you've probably lost touch with during your day to day routines. With yoga you will re-connect with the rhythm of nature and quiet the chatter of your mind. It will help you relax and focus your energy. Yoga helps you reflect inward and learn to calm rhythms of breathing, movement, and posture. You will find your body will become more toned, flexible and stronger helping to relieve pain and make you feel younger. Transition to a path of inner reflection, practicing this ancient art that strengthens the body, quiets the mind and fulfills the soul. I practice yoga every week, but I consider yoga to be part of my daily life. After a while you no longer just practice yoga - it becomes a part of you.

Looking for something different?  The Elements Center offers the biggest variety of Yoga Classes in Virginia Beach. Complete with a Tea House Lounge, Free Wireless Internet, a huge library of books and magazines and a variety of Herbal Coffees, Teas & Juices.  Check out their posted list of Yoga & Movement Classes, there's truly something for everyone:

• Hot Yoga - Advanced yoga postures performed in a room heated to 95 - 105 degrees. 
• Yoga Extreme - Advanced yoga postures performed in a "not hot" room. Tone the body and clear the mind. 
• Yoga Lite - This class is slower paced and not as strenuous as Hot Yoga or Yoga Extreme.
• Hot Lite -   This class involves slow movement, stretching and breathing techniques to help relieve symptoms of stress. 
• World Fusion Belly Dance - A funky combination of Belly Dance & Yoga. 
• Sweet Beat & Happy Feet - Music, Dance & Exploration for parents and children ages 3 and up.
• Family Yoga Night - This beginner level Yoga class is suitable for Mom, Dad and kids ages 7 and up. 

The Elements Center 

Get fit in the garden and pull weeds not muscles!

Get ready for spring gardening with yoga classes designed to keep you limber. This beginner-level yoga program is for everyone who loves gardening and wants to stay healthy and injury-free. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Refrain from eating two hours prior to class, wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Registration recommended.