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

#EveryBodyYoga Day 25 - Revolved Half Moon Pose

Day Twenty-Five of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Revolved Half Moon Pose}


Revolved Half Moon strengthens and stretches your whole entire body. This pose builds stability in the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, pelvis, and lower back. Regularly practicing Revolved Half Moon will help you develop physical and mental stamina. It also improves your balance, stability, and coordination - three things I majorly need help with... I don't know about you!  Twisting the torso around the spine massages and cleanses the digestive organs, which aids in their ability to release toxins and waste matter - the perfect pose to aid a cleanse! I highly recommend this pose if you are experiencing tightness in your lower back, but always be sure to work within your abilities!

 

Shift your weight onto your front foot and lift your back leg parallel to the ground. Bring your body down and parallel to the ground, with your arms under your shoulders and fingers tented on the ground. Keep your hand(fingers) opposite your standing leg on the ground and reach your other arm back then straight open in the air, rolling your middle and upper body open to the side. Find your balance and extend straight through both legs.
Practicing this pose on the beach on the way home today sounded like a good idea...ha! Keep in mind, I'm still working on getting into this pose fully so don't mind my form. As I said above, only work within your abilities! We only have a few days left in the challenge and I'm so pumped to share more about the sponsors with you when I announce our winners - be on the look out for the posts at the very beginning of October! 

 

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 24 - Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

Day Twenty-Four of the  #EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose}

 Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose helps to strengthen and stretch your legs, ankles, and hips. It deeply stretches your hamstrings, while also gently opening the hips, shoulders, and arms. This pose challenges and improves your sense of balance, which in turn helps develop greater concentration, focus, and a tighter abdominal section.

   Start by finding a "gazing spot", it'll help you find balance. While balancing on one leg, hold the big toe of your lifted foot, open your hip, and gradually extend your leg out to the side. There’s no need to completely straighten your lifted leg. Just try to keep your standing leg straight and strong, your hips level, and your back as straight as possible. Enjoy the deep stretch, repeat on both sides, and be sure to ease out of the stretch slowly.

Happy Wednesday, everybody! We only have a few more days left in the challenge,I can't wait to share more about the sponsors AND announce winners soon! Who's excited?!

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 23 - Reverse Table Pose

Day Twenty-Three of the 
#EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Reverse Table Pose}

Reverse Table provides a deep stretch to your entire upper body, including your shoulders, chest, abdomen, and spine. This pose will also help build strength throughout all the core muscles and the muscles surrounding the spine, which improves balance and posture! Additionally, Reverse Table Pose helps strengthen your wrists, arms, buttocks, legs, and back. Opening up the entire front side of the body is invigorating and energizing, which provides relief from fatigue and stress - the perfect way to fight the mid-week blues.

This pose is probably something you remember from elementary school as the "crab" pose. Start by bending your knees, place the soles of your feet hips width apart on the ground, heels aligned with hips. Press down into your hands and feet. Lift your hips up with your shoulders and hamstrings. Do your best to align your knees and shoulders in a line.


Can you believe we only have 7 days left in the challenge now? I've met so many amazing people while hosting this challenge, you all rocked the challenge - so proud of 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

Check out the poses everyday using the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga on all platforms!

#EveryBodyYoga Day 22 - Butterfly Pose a.k.a. Bound Angle Pose

Day Twenty-Two of the
#EveryBodyYoga Challenge


{Butterfly Pose a.k.a. Bound Angle Pose}

     Butterfly Pose is another seated pose and it's another one on my list of favorites. It stimulates your abdominal organs while also stimulating the heart and improving general circulation. It's also said that this pose helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, menstrual discomfort, and fatigue. Yogis say that Bound Angle Pose destroys disease and gets rid of fatigue; proof that a simple yoga pose can truly change your life!

This pose is one that I remember practicing in gym class as a child, we probably all can easily get into this pose but here's a few pointers: Relax your knees out to either side and gently press the bottoms of your feet together. Hold your feet or your ankles, whichever feels more comfortable.  Lean forward slightly, so you can feel your "sit bones" on the ground. If you want to you can allow your body to come over your feet to open up your back and relax your neck. Either way, the stretch is heavenly - enjoy and embrace it.


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

Check out the poses everyday using the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga on all platforms!

#EveryBodyYoga Day 21 - Seated Spinal Twist

Day Twenty-One of the
#EveryBodyYoga Challenge



Twisting poses in yoga are incredibly good for increasing your strength and flexibility. The subtle compression in this pose across your stomach actually helps in the digestion process, too. Seated Spinal Twist is counteracting yesterday's pose in some ways and feels so very good on your spine, embrace the stretch but don't pull too hard into it - work within your own abilities!

Begin by crossing your right foot over the outside of your left thigh, then bend your left leg at the knee. Keeping your right knee pointed toward ceiling, place your left elbow to the outside of your right knee and your right hand on the floor behind you. Twist right as far as you can, moving from your abdomen; keep both sides of your buttocks on the floor.

I had the most gorgeous view while practicing yoga today, it was a rainy day out but the beach somehow was still absolutely beautiful and just what I needed. I've been in kind of a gloomy mood this week and practicing a Seated Spinal Twist at the beach was so soothing. I love yoga and everything it does for me, if you don't practice - you should!


Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?
It's never too late to join us...
{well, you can't win if you don't enter by September 30, 2014 but you can always practice yoga and win that way!}

You can find out the details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

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

Check out the poses everyday using the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga on all platforms!

#EveryBodyYoga Day 20 - Seated Palm Tree Pose (Seated Tadasana)

Day Twenty of the
#EveryBodyYoga Challenge

{Seated Palm Tree Pose}

This pose is another relatively simple pose but learning how to sit without compression is essential for maintaining the health of your spine, mental alertness, resting, and digestion. Seated Palm Tree Pose stretches the upper body thoroughly, boosts respiration, and peps up the mind. Next time you feel stressed while at work or even while on the go, just casually get into this pose - you'll love what it can do for your body and your mindset!

{a covered bird watching tower in the middle of nowhere during a storm: my ideal yoga spot}

You can probably figure this pose out yourself, but you'll need to sit in half lotus or in full lotus. Inhale, raising your arms overhead. Interlock your fingers, turning them outward towards the ceiling. Exhale. Inhaling, stretch completely as much as you can, as if someone were pulling you up by your hands.

An easy pose for a lazy Saturday practice!

Namaste.

Do you want to be a part of the #EveryBodyYoga Challenge?
It's never too late to join us...
{well, you can't win if you don't enter by September 30, 2014 but you can always practice yoga and win that way!}

You can find out the exact details on how to participate in the yoga challenge here.

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

Check out the poses everyday using the hashtag
#EveryBodyYoga on all platforms!