#lucent yoga

Revolved Triangle, aka Parivrtta Trikonasana, is an intense stretch of the hamstrings and lower back. This pose also helps detox the body by stimulating the digestive organs in the twist, as well as opens the chest and shoulders. Expect plenty of twists and perhaps some chances to take flight in my Saturday 4:30pm class @lucentyoga. See you soon!

Extended Side Angle, aka Utthita Parsvakonasana, contains many strengthening and stretching elements. This pose strengthens the legs as they are the main support, but also opens the inner thigh and knee. The spine is lengthened, the side ribs opened, as well as the chest. It’s important to not slump over but instead lift the torso up and out of the hips. This pose can be highly energizing, thus perfect for the insanely cold NYC weather. Join me Friday and Saturday @lucentyoga at the times listed below to energize and warm from within so you can better withstand all the cold air outside. Friday - 7am Saturday - 4:30pm #leslielewisyoga

Ahhh, the amazing opening sensation of Sun Salutation B, aka Surya Namaskar B, makes me feel like I'm 10 feet tall. With this summer heat loosening our muscles and joints, it's a great time to see if you can go a bit deeper and get a bit longer in your poses. We will be exploring this idea in my 4:30pm Saturday class @lucentyoga. Get ready to feel expansive!

Revolved Extended Side Angle Pose, aka Parivrtta Parsvakonasana, is a intense stretch that requires a good deal of flexibility and often a dedicated practice to get there. But once you do, the fabulous lower back opener is worth it. I came to this pose convinced that a twist this deep couldn't be a real and that maybe the teacher was wrong when she instructed us to do it. Luckily I was the one who was wrong, as not only is it part of the Ashtanga Primary Series but it also gives such an amazing opening to the back of the torso and shoulders while strengthening (and opening) the legs, that it's now one of my favorite poses to do. So join me Saturday morning at 11am @lucentyoga where we will move and open and twist...maybe even into this exact shape. 😉

King Pigeon is a very beautiful but intense pose. It opens the hips, both front and back, as well as the chest and shoulders, and last but certainly not least opens the spine with a lengthening backbend. Therefore, it can take a good deal of time of regular yoga practice before this pose is achievable because it requires so much flexibility. Join me Monday morning at 9:30am @lucentyoga where we will be moving and opening towards that gorgeous goal.

The temperature may have dropped 30 degrees or so since yesterday but that won't stop us from having a wonderful weekend. Join me on Saturday and Sunday to warm up from the inside out with plenty of detoxifying twists, deep hip openers and balancing poses to make you soar into the rest of your day. Times and studios listed below. Sat 11am - @sanghayogashala Sat 4:30pm - @lucentyoga Sun 5pm - @sanghayogashala

Dancer Pose, aka Natarajasana, is not only very beneficial but also pretty fun too. Dancer opens the chest and hips, strengthens the legs, and improves balance. Most people also get a pretty big rush when they can finally hold this pose for more than a breath or two, because, it's a challenge. We will be playing with this pose and many more in all of my classes this weekend listed below. See you there! Sat 11am - @sanghayogashala Sat 4:30pm - @lucentyoga Sun 5pm - @sanghayogashala

The snow may be beautiful, but trudging around in it with the added freezing temperatures makes your body tight and feel out of whack. So join me this weekend in Williamsburg or Greenpoint to realign, let go of workweek stress and perhaps burn some extra calories in advance of the upcoming Valentines's Day chocolate onslaught. Times and studios listed below. Sat 11am - @sanghayogashala Sat 4:30pm - @lucentyoga Sun 5pm - @sanghayogashala