Day Two of Yoga Teacher Training - Like a Virgin

Day two of Yoga Teacher Training began at 7:45 am. Trainees came ready to learn and deepen their practice. With three previous Teacher Trainees who are now Certified Yoga Teachers, the energy was awesome. Maritza came in for morale support of her lovely sister, Denise came in to lead the Bows, and Ricky came in to join and lead the bows. It was really beautiful. Our current 8 candidates learned the concept and act of Bows, which is specific to Bamboomoves Teacher Training. After the 100 bows, we progressed into pranyama, chanting, Level 2 class, more pranayama, break down of sequencing, Level 1 class, lecture on the importance of a healthy diet, abiding by Ahimsa, and watching the Film "Meet Your Meat", finally ZOGALATIES! Their bodies were sore after the bows, so when it came time to our packed class of Zogalaties, it was amazing. We were still in 80's week, so I changed into my Madonna shirt, and instructed the sweat fest! Lots of laughs, sweat, singing a long to the 80's music...but the absolute best part ever was when they were in HAPPY BABY pose, and the song was "Like a Virgin" (of course), and they all sang along!!! The power of good cues as an instructor has never before been as amazing as that moment!!! I wish I had a video camera to capture the volume and soul behind nearly 20 people belting out "Like A Virgin" while in Happy Baby Pose! Amazing!!! Is there any song more appropriate for that pose? Amazing Day for our budding yogis, and our Bronx Yoga Studio. We are looking forward to seeing Tao tomorrow for her workshop!

Yoga Class with Brilliant Live Cello Music

Monday night 7:45 at Bamboomoves is normally a wonderful sweaty Level 2 Vinyasa Yoga class. We usually have a fun variety play list of music to carry us through the flow from Eddie Vedder, Madonna, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, my own original music and much more. Last night, we were so blessed to have the brilliant Live Music Talent of Bamboomoves member, Elizabeth Glushko. We set up a space for her in the front corner of the studio, and everyone else was close near the back on their mats. As string instruments relate to the vibrational energy of our second chakra, Swadhisthana, we worked on opening this energy. The energy that heals our reproductive system, reinforces grounding, awakens sensual energy, creates fire in the body, awakens passion and much more! While the flow was not as challenging as usual, it was synchronized harmony, as myself and Elizabeth fed off of each others energy. The live music itself was echoing in our sacral area, and allowing us to open our hips, and deepen our poses. People were sweaty from the heat of this sensual chakra, and experienced the power of vibration. In general, everyone left with a glow, and towards the end of class we worked on some further dextox with a Tsubo point treatment, as it relates to Ohashiatsu. One student, Sara who came in with back pain was very sensitive to the Liver 4 point that also helps with sciatic back pain. She and a few other students also noted how the focus of the class, helped alleviate her back pain. When we practice yoga with the awareness of our subtle body (Chakra system), miraculous things take place, and last night I am happy to say I participated in a miraculous class. Thank you Elizabeth for gracing us with your talents, come back anytime! Thank you students for being present, and enjoying the experience!
Photos taken by Jody Concepcion

Yoga For Dudes is Back

Once again we (Bamboomoves) will be having the amazing "Yoga For Dudes Workshop"! Sunday November 21st at 4pm, after the FREE Meditation Workshop which will be at 2pm. The first workshop for men only was a wonderful experience. This exclusive workshop allows men to embrace the practice fully. The workshop itself was built around the theme of balance. The questions raised and discovered in the last workshop were:

• Imagine your life if you had everything you needed
• What if you had everything you needed but didn't realize it?
• How do you find balance between wants and needs?
• How do you find balance with who you are?

Yoga answers these questions and many more. While some may focus on the physical benefits of strength, flexibility, rehabilitation from injury, it is also the most amazing way to bring balance to the mind, body and spirit.

In many ways men have fallen victim to the limiting beliefs placed on society through various forms of media, creating a role and identity of a man should be. Men should ask themselves, what role do you want to play? Do you want to be in control of your senses? Do you want to be in touch with the core essence of who you are? Do you want a life that is limitless? If so, yoga is for you!

Although many don't realize that Yoga was originally intended for the Elite Warriors of India because somehow in the Western World it is being embraced by Women, the practice itself is very much like special ops, designing a mans mind, body and spirit to overcome obstacles and conquer everything with a calm mind first. It is time for men to reclaim their heritage and take back the yoga practice! No more letting limiting beliefs run your life guys, join us at Bamboomoves for an amazing experience!

Some people who have embraced the yoga practice and are a shinning example of the Mind, Body, Spirit connection include: The entire LAKERS TEAM, Sting, Evander Holyfield, Russell Simmons, Madonna, and NOW YOU!!!!

If you know a guy, are dating a guy, are married to a guy, related to a guy, and most importantly if you are a guy, Come join us at Bamboomoves BX, Sunday November 21st at 4pm for our Yoga for Dudes workshop. Check the Bamboomoves Website for more details.

Also feel free to check out our amazing & hilarious Commercial for Yoga for Dudes, starring some of our outstanding yoga students/participants, yoga instructors and shot by our Rockin' Studio Owner, Michael Baez.

The Law of Attraction Part II

Often times with my yoga students, I invite them to create an intention/dedication for their yoga practice, to make the practice a Mind-Body-Spirit experience, but to take it a step further and not only offer the practice, but feel the emotions, joy and liberation that the manifestation of this intent would bring. The law of attraction is found in many sacred scripts, like the Bible when Jesus says "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24), The Hindu tradition of "Mantra" (translating into Man=Mind, Tra = free, therefore becoming an instrument of thought, reciting a mantra while focusing on the 3rd eye chakra, deepens our connection to the divine source of love, The Kabbalist belief "Kavanah" which means putting it out there and following through with actions, A Muslim belief of the prophet Mohamed saying "Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended", and the famous Hebrew saying "Don't tell God how big your problems are, tell your problems how big your God is".

Many times I have encouraged students to journal, or write down what they want out of their lives. Words are powerful, and our words evoke thoughts, and our thoughts evoke actions. Many blessings in my life are attributed to prayer, meditation (with unwavering faith) and writing down my desires. Months ago, I wrote down and meditated daily on a list of things I wanted in my life including more opportunities to perform music, while my love for my yoga and shiatsu schedule did not accommodate this desire, God (the Universe, source energy whatever you like to call it) instantly granted my desire by providing me with a gig overseas to perform music. Being that I wanted to stay in NYC, the performance schedule was a bit intense, I turned the gig down.

Other things on my list have since come true, and I am completely grateful. Another thing I had written was to have some more V.I.P clients, like celebrity clients and high profile people. Not for the fame, because after losing my mother years ago, there is really nothing material in this world that impresses me. However, I think people who work so hard, and acquire fame could benefit from the yoga practice. It could provide them peace in an industry that may not, it could help them to find grounding, help facilitate a healthy lifestyle, and help them find the God within. Being that I am a musician, and worked in a famous NYC record label, I am familiar with the life of a celebrity, and respect that they are people too. In my heart and mind, everyone of my current clients are a celebrity.

Just like everything on my list, the Universe granted my desire. I was offered a job to be the personal yoga instructor for a high profile Princess in Morocco, (to respect her privacy I will not be printing her name in this post). The job would pay for travel, accommodations, salary, and more. I would travel with her all over the world, and help deepen her yoga practice. While I am grateful for this opportunity to bring yoga to a member of the Royal Family, experience a new culture, and I am honored that I was even asked, I had to turn it down. The commitment to relocating to a new country (even though it would be palace living) was much to ask, and would also prevent me from working with kids with special needs, which is a joy for me. In my heart, I know there is something more I am meant to do. My work with kids with Special needs is very important to me, as is the variety of people I get to work with in NYC both in private settings and group yoga classes. Also, my personal projects with music is something I am very excited about.

So I write this post to encourage everyone to write down their desires, meditate daily on them, believe that they will acquire them, and be ready to get them. Most importantly, be specific with what you want, I just wrote V.I.P clients, instead of listing the types of people who I would be grateful to work with. People like Madonna (a musician, a mother, a girl who lost her mother, a devotee to yoga, and a humanitarian, someone who I have loved for years), Russell Simmons (a devotee to yoga, a vegan, a humanitarian, a music mogul, someone who inspired me to work at Def Jam after graduating Berklee College of Music, and later I had a job offer at Phat Farm where I walked by his office to be greeted with a friendly hello, before I left the music industry to pursue yoga & education but he probably would never remember), Holly Robinson Pete (a lady who is devoted to helping bring awareness to autism, a mother, a talented actress), and many other people who I also feel a connection with on a spiritual level.

Please get out your books, write what you want, meditate daily, offer your yoga practice to something beyond the physical, and know that we have a loving God (regardless of what your name is for God), there is a source of Love that wants the best for us. Do all things with love and be receptive to the love the Universe brings to you. ~Peace & hugs, Ambria

Cherry Pickers

Since Yoga-laties began at Bamboo, which I personally would prefer to call it "Zoga-laties" as it is a mix of yoga/pilates/Indian wrestler/mayhem/sweaty bliss all created from an inspired play list, the energy of the group, MY MIND, and the moment that exists within that sweaty 75 minute class. Each class is a challenge and sometimes I add new things, change the order/sequence, have new play lists, share inspiring stories, and crack random jokes. The substance of the class remains the same, while the tiny details can change.

Tonight, after nearly an hour of sweaty bliss, one devoted student called me (in the most indearing/loving way) "crazy" to which I agreed, I am. I am crazy about inspiring people to better health and wellness. If you are committed to taking class I am committed to your experience. Since she had also pointed out that "Pappa Don't Preach" was not played on our Madonna night class, I made sure to put the song on the playlist tonight, and share how this was another song I chose to perform as a little girl, at a slightly inappropriate age for my loving local, conservative Indian association. Looking back, it was great, "I" didn't think anything was inappropriate, but due to my age, and the lyrical content, many in the audience disagreed.

We had The Black Eyed Peas "My Humps" to inspire our butt section, Pearl Jam "Even Flow" to inspire some flowing sit ups, Aerosmith "The Other Side" to inspire to alternating side planks and "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" to lead us into Savasana. I love when people sing along, that is always fun! One thing that remains consistent in class is "Cherry Pickers". For some reason, while I changed the order of our sequence, people got excited that the Cherry Pickers would not be on tonight's menu of mayhem. No such luck Boogie Down Bronx. If the play list goes on, so do we. We picked, and picked, and picked while some students assumed that others had spilled the beans and indirectly reminded me, I was actually saving it till the end. Come on folks, "Cherry Pickers" is a staple in our class thus far....expect it every time. While we are not literally picking Cherries, it is a wonderful feeling! Tonight, it was the Cherry on Top, literally!

Michael Jackson Yoga-laties Night

Michael Jackson Yoga-laties night at Bamboomoves. Being that this past Friday was the one year anniversary of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson's passing, we had a full play list of MJ songs. I have to admit, having the Madonna night and Michael Jackson night were amazing experiences because the music is soooo good! Usually my mix play list for yoga-laties class has one song of each artist in the selection (since I am a big fan). After the Madonna night some people asked me "what about Pappa Don't Preach" ? "What about Borderline"? and I have to admit, while I LOVE and have the songs, it is only a 1hr & 15minute class. Even when it came to our Michael Jackson night, it is amazing how much brilliant music this one artist has. We began with "Rocking Robin" "ABC" and progressed into "Billie Jean" "Man in the Mirror" and more. Some people sang along through their sweaty workout, we let out a "HEE HEE", and a "CHAOOOO", if you are a Michael fan you will understand. Nobody busted out in a moon walk, but maybe in the future. I have to point out that both artists (Madonna & MJ) have "original" great music, not that they wrote all the songs, but their signature styles oozes out of every word. They had music that made people feel good, and style all their own. When "Billie Jean" came on the speakers, I couldn't help find myself with a second wind of energy. At this point in the day, I was tired, taught 3 classes, had a chakra workshop to conduct after yoga-laties, and it was HOT, but something about the beat of the music and MJ's voice that was fantastic. My second wind made us do extra sets of leg lifts, which led to various texts/emails from folks saying that "they didn't feel the jiggle in their butt", "their butt and thighs ached". YEAAAAA!!!! Michael Jackson night was a hit. Most people agreed that they enjoyed Madonna night and Michael Jackson night, but one person said loud and proud "I liked Pearl Jam Night". We did a Rock night and had some Pearl Jam music on, so our Pearl Jam fans were happy, as was I. Music does make a difference in a challenging class, and being that we are made of vibration, good music allows us to enhance this vibrational frequency. While there are still eye rolls, grunts, moans, awareness of summer humidity, screams for divine intervention "Oh My God" and a room full of soaking wet participants, people still keep coming back!!!! I feel the love! Good job to everyone who sweat it out! Bring your water bottles and stay hydrated throughout the week! See you all Wednesday night for another sweaty class with good tunes.

Madonna Night @ Bamboomoves

Yoga-laties class always has a fun playlist to keep the energy going. With the class being challenging, the music helps with the motivation to get us in the groove. Last night we had a Madonna night! A whole yoga-laties class with amazing music playlist from the amazing Madonna. I am a huge Madonna fan, she is a friend in my mind, I just think she is an inspiration. Her ability to reinvent herself, make great "feel good" music, stay in killer shape, and maintain a sense of humanity is great! Did I mention she is a friend in my mind? Growing up, I used to perform Madonna songs for a conservative Indian crowd, and despite suggestions to pick a different singer to sing songs of, I stayed true to my girl! We began class with "Like a Prayer" progressed into a mix of Madonna old and new, and then ended with "Take a Bow". You really don't need other music when you have Madonna songs! I am so thrilled to be part of the journey with the devoted faithfuls that come to class. Stephanie came in showing off her sexy toned abs, referring to it as "Body by Ambria". I love it!!!! Every participant has noticed changes in their body. At the start of class I felt the need to ask if anyone felt the heat today, and gave the disclaimer to take it easy, somehow I sensed the energy of heat exhaustion in the air. I am no stranger to heat exhaustion, as I have had my fair share from the many trips to India where I would be entertaining my relatives with fainting, nausea, and more fainting. Unfortunately, my instincts were right, and one devoted participant had the nausea feeling, later admitting to me that the AC broke down at her job. Thankfully she was fine. With the weather on the humid side, lets all be mindful to stay hydrated as it can bring on the dizzy, nausea, and fatigue. Also, putting ice on the wrists is a nice way to cool the body.

Bamboomoves goes Cherry Picking

Every week the Yoga-laties groupies join together to moan, groan, sweat, sweat, and sweat some more with me. This class is a high energy class packed with yoga, pilates, Indian wrestler moves, football core work, JOKES, and much more! While the class is only 1 hour long, within a half an hour people feel like they have been there for at least 2 hours! Despite the fact that some of my regulars could not make it due to "a date", "need to sleep" and "the gorgeous weather", (which are not entirely justifiable excuses as it lacks collective consciousness, but I will let it slide LOL ) the room still had a good amount of folks ready to sweat out the core! This past Saturday we rocked out with Pearl Jam, Nickleback, Madonna, and had three new people in the class. I love new students because they enter with excitement and joy and leave with both, along with sweat! One punctual lovely lady, (who I later found out was the boss of a regular yogi at Bamboo), and two gentlemen (one regular "yoga" student and his buddy) who entered in a little bit late, who I quickly deflected the blame to in advance for the challenging class that we were about to progress into. I like to tease and rib the participants, deflect blame, and make jokes as often as possible in order to distract participants from the grueling workout that they are joyfully participating in. It is no secret that week by week, the class increases the challenges and works the muscles to screaming fatigue. The whole process is bliss and joy. While many participants refer to the class in a loving way, as "torture" and often call out for divine intervention by moaning "Oh My God" they return every week. Some may ask why they return, and the answer is simply, results! Most of the group has admitted to seeing physical changes in their bodies, and new found strength for their regular yoga practice! I admire their dedication, and it inspires me to come up with new fun variations, and new songs for our play list. One of our beloved exercises is "Cherry Pickers" which involves a variation on "Navasana" or boat pose. We imagine we have a gorgeous bushel on our backside, and cherries on our toes, then alternate hand to foot we go picking! This is usually done after doing a lot of other exercises, so the divine intervention "Oh my God" moans are generally echoing around. I love to encourage the faith building! Last Saturday, Our gorgeous April Yogi of the Month (Milta) stepped in just in time to capture the brilliant yogis "smiling" in the middle of "Cherry Picking"! Thank you Milta for getting the group in full smiles, mid pick with glistening sweating bodies! You Rock! I bumped into a few students two days later and the responses/gossip was "I felt it everywhere", "I couldn't walk up the stairs without feeling it in my butt", "You tortured us", "I couldn't take class on Sunday because I was too sore from your class", "the two new guys really felt it", "my boss took your class and said it really kicked her butt"! Your feedback is always appreciated! Thank you Michelle for treating me to the delicious Vegan Carrot Cake after class! You Rock! Two more Wednesdays will be covered by Wendy, and this Saturday will be Mary, as I am completing my Pilates certification. Love you all, See you soon!

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

BOOGIE DOWN Pellham Bay

In the heart of Pellham Bay is the lovely Bamboomoves. This location has authentic Bronx energy (friendly & feisty all in one). Saturday was a record high day of heat in NYC, a sizzling 90 degrees. After teaching level 2, Kids, Level 1 yoga, I decided that I will not necessarily demonstrate everything in the Yoga-laties class. Because I had a meeting at 6:30 in the city, I was avoiding getting sweaty. While yoga-laties is the fun, sweaty class that promises to having you laughing, sweating, sighing, praying to God, and maybe even cursing me out under your breath all at the same time, it is usually always a packed house. The playlist I create, promises to be a collection of upbeat and high energy hits meant to drive us through these core inspired exercises. I do my best to tease and encourage participants to keep momentum. But this Saturday, I decided to just call out the exercises, again to avoid getting too sweaty. Well that lasted all of two lines in the fabulous Madonna song "Holiday".....special thanks to Dorris for calling me out, reminding me to get back into it, by jokingly asking "What about you?"! I LOVED IT!!!! It was clear everyone shared in the laugh. So much for me avoid the sweat. It was a highlight of the day for me....and has inspired an extra special yoga-laties class for Wednesday. See you all then! Special thanks to Carissa for giving me the packet of wet nap things, that I could cleanse myself off with. What a life saver!