The BEST Yoga pants I've ever owned: Luna Jai Athletics

I've shared my love of yoga pants in the past, but my infatuation with this item of clothing just reached a whole new level. I've found the most comfortable athletic pants ever and I have to share my secret with you...

I have friends that swear by lulu's or whatever brand they like at the time, but the other brands don't compare to Luna Jai Athletics.
 

Luna Jai has the most comfortable pants, with the Wik-Fit Fabric technology and the Ultimate Fit Waist Lock they fit to my body unlike any other pants. I love that the pants feel like they are painted on and I actually wear them for all sorts of activities; from running to practicing dance moves, these pants are comfortable enough for all kinds of fun.

The designs are so funky and unique, I own the Brush Waves Shorts,  the Cosmic Wink Yoga Pants, and the Vineyard Scroll Yoga Pants. Each item went above and beyond my expectations, the prints were so perfect and the beautiful colors haven't faded a bit with several washings! I'm actually so in love with the pants, I've become an ambassador for the company.So, if you want to score a pair of Luna Jai Athletic pants or shorts, use the code "LAURENH" to get 10% off your order!  

One lucky #EverybodyYoga Challenge participant has been notified that she WON a pair of these babies and an awesome Yoga mat from +Gaiam, I'm waiting to hear back and will officially announce the winners of the challenge soon!

#EveryBodyYoga Day 30 - Star Pose

Today is the final day of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge!

{Star Pose}

Star Pose stretches and lengthens your body in all directions all at once. It helps align your spine correctly, which helps to improve your posture and reduces back and shoulder pain. When practiced correctly, Star Pose will utilize every single muscle in your body. It strengthens the legs, ankles, abdomen, and back. Since your body is so outstretched you are providing more space for your lungs and heart which helps improve circulation and respiration.

This Super Star pose has all kinds of benefits - the perfect way to close out our challenge!

This pose is pretty simple and so very enjoyable! You'll begin by stepping your feet 3 to 4 feet apart, a distance that feels comfortable but still provides a nice stretch. Pointing your feet forward, spreading your toes, and balancing your weight evenly on your feet; Keep your knees soft and turn your tailbone under and contract your buttocks and hamstrings. Lift your arms up to shoulder height and out to your sides. Keep your hands in line with your arms, contract your ab muscles and as you lift your chest, pull your shoulders back and send your shoulders blades down your back.

Namaste!

I can't even believe the challenge is over! This month has flown by so fast and I've loved hosting the #EveryBodyYoga challenge so very much - it's always fun to learn, explore, and grow and this challenge has helped me do all of the above! I learned all kinds of things including several benefits of yoga poses that I was unaware of! I also learned that I can be really passionate about something and inspire others; that's pretty freaking cool in my book. I was able to explore new places around my city this month and I explored new yoga poses with the challenge participants. I grew out of my shell a bit, practicing yoga in wild places and I truly grew my yoga practice this month - they say if you want to learn something well then you should teach it; hosting a yoga challenge applies here too, I think.

I hope that you have taken the time to like all of our sponsors at some point through out the month,

if not then you definitely should today. You'll have the chance to win one of the awesome prizes!

Winners will be announced soon.

There will be THREE lucky winners:

ONE winner will receive the LUSH Cosmetics "You're a star" prize package! {RV: $75}
This prize includes 8 awesome items from Lush Cosmetics, these products are all celebrity recommended and absolutely amazing!

and

ONE winner will receive a pair of Luna Jai athletic leggings {RV: $69}
& a Gaiam Pink Ribbon Yoga mat! {RV: $22}
I'm a Luna Jai brand ambassador and a HUGE fan of their products - they are so incredibly comfortable and the fit is unlike any others. Be on the lookout for a review of my favorite pairs from their collection soon! Plus, the Gaiam Pink Ribbon Yoga mat is absolutely gorgeous and helps a great cause - provide hope, support, and love every time you practice yoga with this mat!

and

ONE winner will receive a custom zen painting from yours truly {RV: $75}
& a zen themed Spirit Locket Necklace! {RV:$75}

I'll be creating a custom painting for one lucky participant - a custom work of art that suits their style and passions. We'll collaborate and figure out the perfect work of art for your space. Plus, you'll receive a customized zen themed necklace - featuring gorgeous charms inside of a fun locket.

Lauren Paints | a beautiful life:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Lush Cosmetics:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Luna Jai:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Gaiam:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Spirit Lockets:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

#EveryBodyYoga Day 29 - Sun Salutation or Upward Salute

Day Twenty-Nine of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Sun Salutation with Arms Raised or Upward Salute}

Sun Salutations are my favorite way to begin any yoga practice. I chose to do my favorite pose within a Sun Salutation, known as the "Sun Salutation with Arms Raised" or an Upward Salute for day 29. This pose stretches the sides of the body, spine, shoulders, armpits, and belly while it also tones the thighs, improves digestion, and helps to relieve anxiety and fatigue.  By creating space between the vertebrae, the pose improves posture and helps to prepare the spine for deeper stretches and twists - the perfect pose to help with more complex poses and it just feels good!

 
This pose is super simple to get into, stand straight with your feet touching. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed, close your eyes, and begin to concentrate on your breathing. Raise your arms upward and slowly and slightly bend backward, stretching your arms above the head. Relax your neck and enjoy the stretch.

Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?

It's never too late to join us...
but there is only a few more days left to enter to win some of these awesome prizes... You can find out the
details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

You'll need to follow me and all the generous sponsors
& be sure to tag us all in your photo submissions:

 

Lauren Paints | a beautiful life:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook 

Lush Cosmetics:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Luna Jai:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  
    

Gaiam:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook
  

Spirit Lockets:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  Stay connected: check out the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga

#EveryBodyYoga Day 28 - Figure Four Pose

Day Twenty-Eight of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Figure Four Pose}

Figure Four Pose is an incredible hip opener and helps build flexibility while also strengthening the core. I love that this pose also helps to increase balance and concentration skills, two things that every yogi probably loves to work on. If you don't have a calm mind, finding balance in this pose is difficult so it's a great way to work on finding that calmness while practicing yoga.

With the feet hip distance apart, bend into the knees slightly. Inhale the right knee up and cross your right ankle onto your left thigh like you are sitting with the leg crossed. Bring your hand to your heart in prayer.

Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?

It's never too late to join us...
but there is only a few more days left to enter to win some of these awesome prizes...
You can find out the
details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

You'll need to follow me and all the generous sponsors
& be sure to tag us all in your photo submissions:

 

Lauren Paints | a beautiful life:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook 

Lush Cosmetics:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Luna Jai:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  
    

Gaiam:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook
  

Spirit Lockets:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  Stay connected: check out the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga

#EveryBodyYoga Day 27 - Tree Pose

Day Twenty-Seven of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Tree Pose}


Tree Pose is another one of my favorite poses, it stretches your body all over - your thighs, groin, torso, and shoulders. It also tones the abdominal muscles while helping to improve your sense of balance and coordination.Gotta love yoga! The reason I love yoga, specifically this pose so incredibly much: "It teaches the benefits of a meditative state of mind, and is a gentle reminder that you can bring calm focus and clear-headedness to all situations, not just when you are practicing a seated meditation."

While standing in a normal posture, shift your weight onto one foot, then lift your other heel up to your inner thigh. Reach arms straight up, or press your palms together at your chest or behind your upper spine - whatever feels comfortable for you. Stay in the pose and enjoy the calmness that comes over you!

Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?

It's never too late to join us...
{Don't forget you can't win sponsors from the prizes if you don't enter by September 30, 2014}
You can find out the
details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

You'll need to follow me and all the generous sponsors
& be sure to tag us all in your photo submissions:

 

Lauren Paints | a beautiful life:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook 

Lush Cosmetics:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Luna Jai:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  
    

Gaiam:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook
  

Spirit Lockets:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  Stay connected: check out the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga

#EveryBodyYoga Day 26 - Triangle Pose

Day Twenty-Six of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge


{Triangle Pose}

Triangle Pose is a great stretch for the hamstrings, groins, and hips, Triangle Pose also opens the chest and shoulders - an all over body stretch that feels oh-so-good! It helps relieve lower back pain, stress, and sluggish digestion and is known to be therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, osteoporosis, and even sciatica! More than just a simple yoga pose, Triangle Pose helps improve overall balance and stability, both physically and mentally - a great yoga pose for tough days. If you feel stressed, just do some yoga; I promise it helps!

Start in Warrior II, straighten your front leg, and follow your front hand forward then down to your shin or the floor. Reach your top arm straight up, and bring your body and legs in one line. Your hand can go on the inside or outside of your leg, or even balance on your leg if need be - whatever feels comfortable! Enjoy the stretch and have a fantastic Friday!


Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?

It's never too late to join us...
{Don't forget you can't win sponsors from the prizes if you don't enter by September 30, 2014}
You can find out the
details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

You'll need to follow me and all the generous sponsors
& be sure to tag us all in your photo submissions:

 

Lauren Paints | a beautiful life:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook 

Lush Cosmetics:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

Luna Jai:

Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  
    

Gaiam:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook
  

Spirit Lockets:
Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook

  Stay connected: check out the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga