Yoga with Rockstar Adam Levine

With amazing billboard hits like "Makes me Wonder", "Payphone" and "Moves like Jagger ft Christina Aguliera" with the bandmates of Maroon 5, (to name a few), the gorgeous Judge/Coach job on NBC's the voice, Adam Levine attributes his incredible physique to Yoga.  Like many people worldwide, celebrities embrace this practice into their daily routine.

Nearly six years ago, Levine embraced the yoga practice to help with back pain and tight hamstrings, and has not returned to a gym since. Adam shares how yoga has helped to ground him, prepare for shows, and keep him relaxed.  He has noticed the physical benefits of the practice and states the best thing about Yoga is that you can practice it anywhere! 

Adam Levine in Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) a great pose for balance and hip opening.

Adam Levine in Headstand (Sirsasana) the King of the Poses.

Adam Levine in One Legged Koundinyasana for arm balance strength.

Namaste Matt Dillon

It is not surprising that on occasion I am tired. Last Wednesday nights yoga-laties class at Bamboomoves was a doozy, and when I instruct, I tend to demonstrate. The next day, I am off to teach some more private yoga sessions on the Upper West Side. My body was tired, and I was feeling parched and hungry, which is usually not a good sign. When I am hungry/thirsty or fatigued life creates wonderful stories for me to share with blog fans.

I venture into one of my favorite little Vegan Cafe's with intent to get something to eat and drink. I notice a charming gentlemen appearing to discuss his juice with the staff. I found him oddly familiar but couldn't pin point it. As he was leaving, he appeared friendly enough (smiling etc), so I stopped him and said "pardon me, what is that juice you are drinking?" He politely explained which one it was, asked my name, and I asked his....and then it occurred to me, I have seen him on some show or something.....so I ask...."are you in shows & stuff?"....he says yea. We have a nice chat about yoga, where I teach yoga, areas of New York and random nonsense (which is what I tend to talk about when I am hungry/thirsty/tired), I invited him to practice yoga with me, and to take class at Bamboomoves-while warning him about the challenging Yoga-laties class (I never want somebody's first experience with a yoga class led by me to be that sweaty torture class- which is how the students refer to it) I thank him kindly for the juice selection and wish him all the best with everything as he leaves the cafe. Still pretty much unaware of who this dashing gentlemen was, and more inspired by the fact that he mentioned he has practiced Ashtanga Yoga (which is the style I wanted to practice pre injuries). I felt bad that I didn't know who he was off the bat because I could tell by his energy that he was clearly gifted. I was also impressed with the fact that he knew most of the areas of NY that I know, and truthfully everyone knows the names of the Burroughs, but Canadians don't always realize that. At this point I am still oblivious to who he really was. I head to the Yoga Studio and mention to the girls that I met a celebrity, I think. His name was Matt. They freak out! Then they start googling. Matt Damon they ask? I say yea, I guess. The picture comes up, and I say....no he was cute and had darker hair. Matt D.....Matt....something. Matt Dillon....up comes the picture.....and YES....It was him! Certain things happen in only in NYC.

They laugh at me for carrying on a conversation with a major celebrity without knowing it, and I had to admit I was more focused on the juice. I also don't really get phased by the concept of celebrity, eventhough I appreciate talent, our journey on earth is so much deeper than all of that. I was totally impressed with the kind heart/spirit of this man, his good selection of juice, the fact that he does Ashtanga (WOW-really powerful yoga practice), and that he said he would maybe take a class with me. The funny thing is, many of my long time clients are people that I gave my card with a genuine desire to help them deepen into a mind-body-spirit practice, and this was the same situation, only I didn't realize who he was in terms of celebrity. While it is possible he was just being polite, just so I could make up for being such a goof, I am putting it out in the Universe that I would love to help deepen your yoga practice Matt Dillon....and I totally disliked you as the mean cop in Crash. If you are ever in Pellham Bay, you are welcome to Bamboomoves on Saturday for Yoga, or you are more than welcome to a complimentary private yoga session with me. While I normally ask permission to post blogs about people, I feel like this is too cute of a story not to share. Namaste Matt Dillon.

Celebrity Yoga

Madonna, Russell Simmons, Gwenyeth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, and Sting DO IT! What is it? YOGA! The ancient Indian practice which is considered to be a component of the fountain of youth in the East, is sweeping the West with a major Celebrity stamp of approval. Whether is it to shake the pregnancy weight, maintain a slender shape, or for finding inner peace, many celebrities are totting around town with Yoga Mats. With beach season approaching us, many people are eager to get into shape. In the world of celebrity, it is partially their job to stay in shape. Having a trim body and a healthy spirit is what yoga brings to everyone, famous or not. Health and Wellness is something we all aspire to, and it is wonderful to share our fitness routine with the celebrities we love.

From Musicians, Models, Actors, CEO's and more, there are many celebrities who share your love for the mind, body, spirit connection. To name a few: Madonna, Gwenyeth Paltrow, Russell Simmons, Allesandra Ambrosio, Jessica Biel, Shilpa Shetty, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Reece Witherspoon, Sting & wife Trudie Styler, Charlie Sheen, Christy Turlington, Jenny McCarthy, Tina Turner, Jerry Sienfield, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi, Danny Glover, Uma Thurman, Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan, Candice Bergen, Barbara Streisand, Jeff Bridges, Jamie Lee Curtis, Camille Belle, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah, Trish Stratus, Melissa Joan Heart, Angelina Jolie, Ricky Martin, Meg Ryan, Nicole Sherzinger and many more.

So every time you take out your yoga and spend time doing your asana (yoga pose) practice with hopes to improve your mind and body, know that you are in good company! Many of the most awe inspiring celebrities are sharing your love for Yoga! Om Shanti~

Pictures: Christy Turlington, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Ansiton, Trish Stratus, Sting & Trudie Styler, Russell Simmons, Nicole Sherzinger, and Madonna