Surya Namaskar translates from Sanskrit to something along the lines of "adoring" or "bowing to" the Sun. Now these sequences of postures meant to invigorate the body and spiritual heart are commonly called Sun Salutations. When practiced quickly, they are very warming and excellently prepare the body for further yoga or physical practices. When practiced slowly, the postures bring a meditative presence to the body and mind. The steps are simple and intentional, beginning and ending with the palms at heart center to signal adoration and appreciation for the sun, the divine light that exists within all of us.
Breathing is very important to this practice. As you flow, try to match the inhalations and exhalations to the totality of the movement. For instance, try to extend the inhale as the hands move away from the heart all the way to the sky. Once the breath completes its course, allow the exhalation to lead you down into the forward fold. As you become comfortable with the breath initiating and finishing the movement, you will begin to develop a natural pace that suits you each day.
Follow along to our Sun Salutation videos in the mornings upon waking or whenever you need a moment to refresh the mind, heart and body.
Start standing tall in Tadasana (Mountain pose) with feet 2-3 inches apart, hands at heart center and chin parallel to the floor.
Start standing tall in Tadasana (Mountain pose) with feet 2-3 inches apart, hands at heart center and chin parallel to the floor.
Uplift changed my life! I started to train with Nancy as a way to restore my health, increase strength, and manage stress. After six months of training at this evolved and body positive gym, I feel terrific and have lost a lot of weight. Training at Uplift has been the best investment in my health I’ve ever made, and has taken me to a completely new level of health, strength and wellness. For me, all physical activities are easier now - running, yoga, swimming - and so are life activities, like work and travel. What I love the most is that Nancy’s personalized program provides rapid improvement and results but at a manageable and safe level. She also provides a sense of community without being invasive. This is the ultimate safe space and low key gym that really helps people reach their goals. Strongly recommend if you want to try weightlifting for the first time.
Uplift has greatly exceeded my expectations! I started with the sole objective of getting fit and increasing strength, but I have gained way more. Both my approach to exercise and relationship with food have positively changed for the long term. Amazed at what my body can do, and with the help of Nancy, Gary and the staff, I have built body and mental resilience. I have never been a person who exercises, but that has now changed. I am happy, active, and I eat, sleep and cope better with stress thanks to Nancy, the team, and the supportive community they foster.
I discovered Uplift a little over a year ago. Within the first 6 weeks, I was already down a size. I focused on the workouts and was sensible about my food. I never felt deprived or stressed. I have always been active and, like many people, as I got older, things got soft. I tried many things - a personal trainer, BeachBody programs, my own workouts - and each time they worked but were not sustainable. Either the personal training was way too intense so I got burned out or in the case of Beachbody, it's a defined program for a set period of time that you do alone in your house and then when it's finished it's up to you to figure out what to do next to maintain the progress. Not so with Nancy and Uplift. First, the programs are designed for your INDIVIDUAL goals and fitness level. And, she emphasizes working hard but not insanely to the point of burnout. The workout is challenging but I walk out feeling energized, not drained. And, when you stick with it the little changes happen quickly - you walk faster, you can all of sudden consider a 5k with your friends, you can play with your kids or nephews without feeling like you're going to die! The list goes on...
I wanted to share this review because you can look high and low and not find a workout OR a studio that is fit for you specifically, welcoming, and a place you want to go each time.