This beautiful and satisfying smoothie comes to us from the equally radiant new Twist Yoga teacher, Cynthia Pedraza. Once you experience one of her love-fueled classes, you’ll want to know what her secret is, too!

Eating before a football game is serious business. Players need to have sufficient energy to last for anywhere between 48-60 minutes. In order to do this, players must have energy in immediate reserves. Nutrition and sports go hand-in-hand to really take your craft to the next level. Well-rounded nutrient intake is vital for performance, while maintaining good health. Carbohydrates are especially key when it comes to game time.

Hydration is the key to good nutrition, healthy muscles, and peak performance. It reduces injuries, heat stress, and illness. Players must stay properly hydrated before, during, and after games and practices. But, how much do you really need to drink and why? And, how about sports drinks?

Summer is in full swing. It's officially "farmers market" season, and we couldn't be more excited to try this yummy, easy and versatile recipe from local business owner and yogi, Kelly Calabria, of Kelly's Jelly. Kelly was gracious enough to tape a quick video of this delicious recipe at another local favorite, Nic & Fig's.  Check out this beautiful Lake Oswego locally-owned spot for sewing, craft making and cooking class for kids and adults.

For several weeks after their Wednesday morning regular practice this summer, the entire Lake Oswego High School football team took off their cleats and joined the coaches on the field for a one hour yoga class. Lead by certified yoga teacher Ali Matt of Twist Yoga in Lake Oswego, the classes focused on the speed and agility that players need on the gridiron.

When you think of collagen, you may think of augmented lips and a lack of wrinkles. Although the popularized beauty enhancements of collagen come to mind first, its internal benefits are a powerful contributor to overall health.

Summer is here and it's a perfect time to rethink our summer beauty and wellness routines! Twist Yoga students Jen Albertini and Dede Lamont, local Arbonne District Managers, created this fun and informative video with their top 5 summer "must-haves". 

When reminding my kids to wear sunscreen last week, they asked me, why we need lotion with UVA and UVA protection. Usually, I am in a rush (or perceived rush!), and make up an answer. This time, I decided to refer to the ol’ Google machine and came across the nifty little video below. It has a brilliant and easy-to-understand message.

Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program finished at the end of May and we are still smiling with gratitude for the amazing experience and new Twist Tribe members. We thought it would be interesting to check in with some of the new teachers and see how post-training is going.First up, the beautiful, strong, smart Wanda:

It’s the Pacific Northwest and we love our granola. I can eat it by the poundage. The only downside is that most store-bought granola is FULL of sugar, and the high quality ones from whole food ingredients are so darn pricey. Luckily, there’s a solution with this easy, delicious, and versatile recipe courtesy of Monica Spoelstra Metz.

Converting a small unused office, or even a corner of your shared space is easy, and doesn't require much capital. Providing employees with a designated space to collect their thoughts, focus, and cultivate awareness will create an environment where employees feel supported, creative, and able to "make decisions on purpose" instead of simply reacting to daily stresses.

Why do we see Sun Salutations in so many classes?
Sun Salutation is important for two reasons. One, it moves the spine in flexion and extensions (the spine’s two great ranges of movement), and is a well-balanced workout. It also offers numerous health benefits beyond the physical level; relaxing and centering the mind and body, and leading it to meditation. Two, Sun Salutation gives us an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun, without which life on earth would be impossible!

Sit comfortably with your spine straight and close your eyes. Tell yourself you have nowhere to go and nothing to do. Take two or three deep cleansing breaths to settle into the body. Breathing naturally now, tune into the quality of your breath. Just notice how it is, without judgment. Do this for a minute or two. Now become aware of the energy within your body. If you can’t feel it then simply visualize energy permeating your entire physical body.

Everyone is doing it. The ubiquitous smoothie. The quickest way to get in a healthy meal before work or working out, or after working out, for that matter. Have kids that eschew all things green? Throw in some mild greens along with the fruit and they will be none the wiser. All you need is a blender and you can whip up countless variations to suit even the pickiest eaters.

It’s a New Year and we are all planning our healthiest one yet. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t want yummy stuff. Sally Goerges, COO of Metabolic Research Center, and Twist Yoga regular, to the rescue. These easy, low-carb, gluten free, and very adaptable cheese crackers/biscuits are a great way to start.

I don’t know about you, but I read these recipes all the time, and either they look too hard to prep or don’t actually look super-appealing. But, on Sunday after Thanksgiving, I was browsing my Pinterest boards and found this little gem. It looked easy, fast, and actually quite tasty. It delivered on all counts. It was just what we needed post stuffing, pie, wine, and relatives.

Are you making your list and checking it twice?

We don’t care who’s naughty or nice … we have just the right gift for everyone!

Vegan Dark Chocolate Truffles If you were fortunate enough to be in our Tuesday, Nov. 17h meditation class with Kristin Fritz, you experienced these delectable little gems of goodness. As we focused this month on Asteya, Kristin shared a practice of "non-stealing" as we concentrated on staying present. It was the perfect way to prepare for the holidays, and we got to enjoy these delicious truffles at the end! Meditation and chocolate - yes, please!