Yoga Journal

Actress Charlotte McKinney's Summer Essentials
3 Reasons to Try Resistance Bands on the Mat
6 Circulation-Boosting Yoga Moves

Actress Charlotte McKinney's Summer Essentials

Posted: 20 May 2020 07:54 PM PDT

Check out the yoga, fitness, and mindfulness tools she uses to stay bright all summer long.

Charlotte McKinney has come a long way since her Carl's Jr. Super Bowl commercial went viral in 2015—you know, the one that came under fire for casually objectifying women . . . and beef. In February, the devout Pilates and hot yoga enthusiast appeared alongside Lucy Hale and Nathalie Emmanuel in Fantasy Island, the film adaptation of the classic '70s TV show of the same name. McKinney is also garnering attention for sharing her battle with chronic pain with her 1.5 million Instagram followers and for her volunteer work with Best Buddies—a nonprofit that benefits people with developmental disabilities—which she's been committed to since she was 15. Here, McKinney shares what helps her prioritize her health while she's on the go.

1. Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Capri: "The fabrics are soft and have a great stretch. The leggings hug my curves and keep everything in place. They're also squat proof, which makes me feel more confident."

2. Sakara Life Meals and Energy Bars: "The meals are organic, plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO, which is right up my alley. And since I'm always on the move, I keep an energy bar with me in case I need a quick pick-me-up before or after class."

3. Bala Resistance Bangles: "I bring these along when I'm traveling so I can stay on track if I can't make it to yoga or a workout class."

4. Water: "Hydration! I always make sure I have a bottle by my side during hot yoga."

See also Best Yoga Equipment Sets

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3 Reasons to Try Resistance Bands on the Mat

Posted: 20 May 2020 07:48 PM PDT

No. 2: Think of a band as a skillfully administered hands-off assist.

Nearly a decade ago, the yoga poses I'd practiced and taught for years were resulting in pain. So, using principles of biomechanics and body science, I started experimenting with resistance bands—first at the gym, then on the mat. The pain went away, but I never ditched the bands. Ever since, I've been teaching my yoga students not only how but why they should use them in their physical practice.

In fact, this is the subject of my upcoming online course with Yoga Journal, Resistance Bands 101: Build Strength & Skill in Your Practice. But if you're wondering about the whys, I'm happy to give you a taste right now. Here, three reasons you should consider joining the resistance.

Watch also Got SI Joint Pain? Try Banded Monster Walks for Relief

Want to explore modern movement science and get stronger? Join Laurel for her six-week online program, Resistance Bands 101. You'll discover how bands can help your body adapt toward resilience, flexibility, and precision. Sign up today!

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6 Circulation-Boosting Yoga Moves

Posted: 20 May 2020 01:46 PM PDT

Cramped from sitting all day during the coronavirus shutdown? Give your back some love (and alleviate pain) with this satisfying practice for spinal mobility.

The human spine has the capacity to move in six different directions, yet often we only move our spines in a couple of ways all day long. Taking the time to move it in all directions—side bending, twisting, backward, and forward—allows your spine to experience its complete range of motion, which helps increase circulation and can boost your mood. So next time your body feels stiff or your mind seems stuck, give the theses six movements of the spine a shot. Kripalu Yoga teacher Janna Delgado has your back and shows you how in the sequence below.

See also 38 Health Benefits of Yoga

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