On Staying Motivated and Committed To Your Fitness and Well-being
Are you staying committed to your practices? You know, the ones that bring value and richness to your life in many ways. Do you feel motivated to get better, stronger, more flexible and confident in your body each day?
Did you know that within the first week into a New Year, over 50% of people’s Resolutions fail. For the other 50%, most of these dedicated and disciplined troopers will eventually also fail in enduring to make an everlasting change. Within the first 6 months 80-90% of people will already give up on their New Year’s Resolution.
Here’s a little recipe that will help you stay committed to your fitness path this year:
A Mind, Body, Heart Fitness Challenge On Kauai In February
Lately I have been feeling so much gratitude for the ways in which my body supports me in living my life to the fullest. I have just recently been jumping courageously off waterfalls, hiking miles in the jungle, and dancing spontaneously with Kaili (and she loves to be held and swung all around when we dance). All of this with a freedom that I truly cherish.
I know that I know that I know, that my CONSISTENT commitment to my yoga and fitness practices have gifted me this freedom I appreciate in my body daily. Thank you practices!
So, this February I am offering a new challenge, a new opportunity to recommit to your devotional offering of love to your body, mind and heart. (more…)
Backing Off The Perifery So The Core Can Be It’s Best
My life is blessed and I give thanks every day, and I feel this gratitude in the resonance of my being. These are the top on my list when I think of all I am grateful for and blessed with: My ohana (all of my relatives), my connection to God, my daughter’s laughter and health, my health and the freedom I have in my body to move, my husband’s personal integrity and they ways in which he supports our family unwaveringly, my personal yoga and fitness practice which supports everything I do, my garden, our property and home, our animals, the unconditional love from my parents, my friendship with my mom, the connections I have with my students and dear friends, the yoga yurt, healthy food, …
Of course the list goes on and on….
I guess this story really starts back when I was in high school, when I started exploring my practice of yoga. Once I started I immediately began teaching yoga to my friends. I loved it, it was in my soul to share this practice. I mean, it was (and still is) REALLY in me to share this practice. (more…)
Yoga And Adventure Retreat Home On Kauai: January, 2012
To really describe the accommodations for this January Yoga Retreat On Kauai is not easy to do. Why? Because there is a magical essence to this space that must be felt, heard, seen and touched. It has it’s own pulse, a unique resonance and a divine beauty that speaks to the hearts of those that will stay with us for the week.
Here is what one couple from my last retreat wrote in the guest book,
“This home served as a perfect setting for our honeymoon and yoga retreat with Samantha. We sincerely appreciate the beauty of this property and feel truly blessed to have spent time here connecting to the island, each other, and ourselves. Our time here has been heart opening, it has brought to us joy and happiness, it has givin us a true sense of connection and a feeling of being aligned with grace.”
With deepest gratitude, Jeff and Beth
I am looking for people who’s hearts leap when they envision themselves spending a week on Kauai partaking in: (more…)
One Handed Handstand Tutorial
There is so much, infinite really, potential in our practices of yoga and fitness. Isn’t it so exciting and inspiring?!
Yesterday in my practice I fused together the disciplines of upper body strength building exercises, cardio blasts, and yoga. I love this fusion and I have been creating an entire unique and addictive curriculum around this fusion. Here on Kauai I call the class Booty Camp.
I made a short tutorial for you out of one of the exercises I played with in my own personal practice yesterday, a one-handed handstand. This courageous and strength building posture is available for you to practice IF you already have a confident handstand on your own in the middle of the room. Wow, what else is possible? (more…)
Miss Shri Cuisine’s Jana Kilgore And Our January 2012 Yoga Retreat On Kauai
I am super excited to introduce to you my friend, and co-instructor for our January 2012 Yoga Retreat On Kauai, Jana Kilgore!
Jana and I go way back. We both played in the same yoga studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan with our yoga instructor Behnje Masson, at the amazing From The Heart Yoga Studio. That was (wow), 10 years ago. She now resides in the Bay Area, CA. She enjoys a shakti filled yoga and meditation lifestyle where she also passionately prepares the most amazing meals with the co-creator of their catering company, Shri Cuisine.
Jana has a big, big heart and a contagious spirit for living life fully. She flourishes in her community as a leader and as a great student. I look forward to sharing her gifts with you in January. Our week together is sure to be a treat! (more…)
A Short And Simple Yoga Warm Up Video On Hanalei Bay
Would you like to do yoga on the beach, in paradise, right now? I invite you to come join me with this simple 3.5 minute basic yoga sequence to get that body movin’. The video is part of the work of Purple Inc., a new Hawaiian Lifestyles Magazine that is thriving with Aloha.
I am a grateful contributing editor for this magazine, they call me “the Wellness Wahine” and I look forward to offering more videos and articles as the months go by to bring the inspiration of yoga and fitness to all of you who have a heart for the islands. (more…)
Yoga Retreat On Kauai, January 2012
You will be nourished, delighted and empowered in this magical Paradise Play-Treat.
Explore, dream and discover on one of the most magical islands on the planet! Join Samantha Fox Olson (certified Anusara yoga instructor and local Kauai resident!) and Jana Kilgore (Anusara Inspired Teacher, Ayurvedic Chef & Gifted Healer) on the majestic island of Kauai for a week long yoga retreat that will inspire you, awaken your senses and connect you deeply with nature. (more…)
A Donation Yoga And Fitness Class For Carmen
One of my daughter’s little 4 year old friends has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. Please read this and support in any way you can. Carmen is an incredibly amazing child and you can learn more about her and her strength in the link below. Send love and come practice for her on the 26th.
SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH 11:30-12:45 a Donation Based Yoga and Fitness class for Carmen White. Come to bring your financial and prayerful support for this amazing spirit, and do some all-levels appropriate yoga and some strength training and cardio fitness in the process. (more…)
A Meditation That Honors This Gift Of Life
The theme this week in my yoga classes has been “Each Day Is A Gift.” This is a theme that holds such a great significance for us now, and always. Although with what has been happening globally it is such an uplifting and refreshing reminder that the very miracle of being alive, right now, is an absolute gift to be treasured and appreciated.
At some point in the class I have been placing an intentional pause, with which we have been filling with a wonderful depositing of appreciation and recognition for all that our body does for us. Without us even having to think about it our heart beats, our blood flows, our liver cleans our blood, our intestines digest food and absorbs nutrients so we can thrive, our lungs our kidneys and our lymph systems also work to keep us healthy as they are designed to remove toxins from our bodies in one way or another. We have an amazing world of support within us, right now. Our bodies are truly miraculous gifts and when we take the time to appreciate them, there is a palpable feeling inside that reminds us to that honoring this gift that we have been given is good! (more…)
Yoga Detox Workshop With Samantha Fox Olson
SPRING CLEANSING TIME!
YOGA DETOX WORKSHOP WITH SAMANTHA FOX
This is the perfect time to detox our bodies and we can use our yoga practice to facilitate cleansing on many levels.
During this yoga workshop, certified Anusara yoga instructor, Samantha Fox Olson will guide students through a cleansing and flowing practice. Additionally, I will open the workshop with very helpful instruction regarding alignment principles that will be applied during this practice to facilitate an effective yoga detox. The workshop will close with a meaningful meditation that applies to cleansing our minds, bodies and hearts.
Each student will be able to take what they learn in this workshop and bring it into, and enhance, every other yoga practice, no matter what form of yoga you practice! (more…)
Focal Points And Balanced Action Yoga Workshop On Kauai
This Sunday, March 27th I am teaching a workshop that I know will enhance your practice.
FOCAL POINTS AND BALANCED ACTION: How to get the most awareness and mind-body connection, in every single pose!
This workshop will be from 10:00-11:45 and is appropriate for all levels. Cost of the workshop is only $22!!!! Child care is available for donation this Sunday too! (more…)
Kauai Yoga And Fitness Supports Peace For The Whole Wide World
I wish to take you on a journey. This is story that has impacted me greatly and has moved me deeply. It is about a dream and a big prayer. For Peace. Peace For The Whole Wide World. Will you join me?
Part 1: How it all began. (more…)
What Does Boot Camp And Yoga Have In Common?
I recently asked a couple of my Bootie Fusion students to put into words what they thought of this particular format because it is quite the paradox of a blend. This Bootie Fusion class, not only boasts a wonderful title, but also infuses together two seemingly opposite forms of expression: Yoga flow/vinyasa, and Boot Camp! This class is currently offered Wednesdays on the north shore of Kauai, from 5:15-6:30 pm. We begin with a heart pumping Boot Camp class where we use any our own body weight, and finish with a fluid yoga flow. Here is what a few of the ladies in this class had to say about this uniquely blended class…
“Boot Camp & Yoga? Who would ever imagine that mixing a spiritually centered physical practice with a tough love sweat it out attitude would make for an amazing hour of self discovery, self confidence, strength and gratitude. Samantha’s boot camp yoga will rock your world, don’t miss out!!!”~Heather (more…)
Opening Our Hearts, Backbending With Strength and Freedom
Yes, you CAN find bliss in backbends!
Sunday, Feb. 13th: 9 a.m. – 12:00 in Kilauea Farms
In this 3 hour workshop we will explore the Anusara ™ yoga Universal Principles of Alignment to find a new found strength and a joyful freedom in backbending asanas. Samantha Fox (Certified Anusara yoga instructor) will playfully guide all levels of students to safely bend backwards! (more…)
Int. – Advanced Backbend Yoga Workshop On Kauai
On Sunday, Feb. 13th I’ll be teaching an INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCE LEVEL BACK BENDING WORKSHOP!!!
Come find freedom in expressing the authentic fullness of your heart through a wide variety of back bending asanas. This class will be structured around the Anusara yoga Universal Principles of Alignment to bring you a deeper understanding of your shoulders, upper back and neck and also on how to create more space in the low back too.
If you have a desire to open your heart with freedom and clarity, here is your workshop! (more…)
A Testimony From The Heart For Kauai Yoga And Fitness
I am always so touched when heart felt testimonies come my way. I aspire to fill each class, and each private session, with a physical practice that meets my student’s needs, AND with a heartfelt intention that invites them to connect to their own hearts and their own goodness. This is the recipe for personal transformation that expands into making more beauty in this world!
The other week we started another session of Gentle/Prenatal yoga. The group of students included: a woman with a plate in her cervical spine, a woman in a full length leg cast, a woman with a couple of ruptured discs in her low back and a pregnant mama! Yes, what a group! I guess we could call this class Gentle/Prenatal/Yoga Therapy.
They each brought their courage to try something new, along with a deep desire to understand themselves and their bodies even more. To experience more freedom. Here is what one of those students had to say after our first class (via an email to me)… (more…)
What Does Yoga On Kauai And Wedding Photography On Kauai Have In Common?
I feel incredibly blessed to have such amazing students in each of my classes. Some have been so consistent in their own practice, coming to class 3 times a week. What is so beautiful about this is to be able to witness the growth, transformation, strength, body awareness and a deep desire for well-being flourishing as each week passes. These fruits are developing over just a few months with their consistent and playful dedication.
One of these students I am referring to recently wrote a blog on her wedding photography on Kauai website about her inspiration from Anusara yoga and her desire to carry that with her into and through 2011. Her blog is from the heart and I know you will enjoy it. Make sure you click the link at the end to see her amazing photography too! Thanks for the love Keri Cooper. You are one talented, fun and beautiful woman! (Pictured here with her mama on the beach during our 108 sun salutations/offerings during Global Mala this past year. So cool!) (more…)
2011 Yoga Intentions On Kauai
Happy New Year everyone! As I move forward into 2011 I intend to live life full from my heart. And when I fail, I intend to pause, to breathe deeply and try again. Will you join me?
Today I am honored to share a testimony from a student who was visiting Kauai from Alaska, a year ago now, and reconnected to me today with this beautiful email.
“Hi Sam! I still think about you and your most delicious yoga classes and have been eager to return to Kauai for them, (more…)
Kauai Yoga And Fitness Classes For 2011
Wow, it really is hard to believe that I am putting together my schedule for 2011! Didn’t it seem like not too long ago when Prince was singing about partying like it was 1999?
Well, I am delighted to be offering a more advanced Anusara yoga class this coming year! Way to go Kauai kula, we are stepping it up and going deeper. This is a fruit of your dedication and love for your practice. And the beauty is that there is always more!
So in 2011 we will be adding a Level 2 Anusara yoga class as well as a Guided Practice!
My last class of 2010 will be Tuesday, Dec. 21 and for the remainder of the year I am available for private sessions. I look forward to deepening our understanding of this practice with you in 2011! (more…)
Yoga Therapy Workshop December 19
I hope you are all still marinating in the gratitude of your hearts as the holidays flow.
I am happy to announce December’s Workshop. This workshop gives you the opportunity to give yourself the GIFT of a DEEPER UNDERSTANDING.
YOGA THERAPY FOR THE FEET UP TO THE LOW BACK with an emphasis on: Deepening Our Understanding of the Balanced Action Between Inner and Outer Spirals of the Legs (more…)
A.T.O.N.E. Yoga Retreat On Kauai
November 6-13 was my first Yoga Retreat On Kauai! A.T.O.N.E. Attuning To Our Nature’s Essence was the theme of the week with a very deep rooted intention of Connection.
The week was held on the north shore of Kauai, in an extremely sacred and luxurious home in Hanalei neighboring a bird sanctuary and endless fields of wetland taro. This space was our home for the week where we awoke to morning meditations, enjoyed 2 hour + morning Anusara yoga practices and evening practices of acrobatic partner yoga, gentle yoga and yoga therapy. (more…)
Global Mala On Kauai 2010
I was honored to host the Global Mala event for the second year here on Kauai. This year I had invited any instructor that wished to partake in the event and all the proceeds that came in went directly to KORE. An organization on island that helps handicapped children and adults get into the ocean on surfboards or stand up paddle boards!
We had 5 instructors and we partook with 108 sun salutations along side of the ocean on the north shore of Kauai. Daphne opened our practice of yoga, offered for world peace, with a traditional Hawaiian chant of which we honored the 4 directions. (more…)
Yoga On Kalapaki Beach, Kauai
I have just started teaching a yoga fusion flow on Kalapaki Beach on Thursday evenings. Right near the Lihue Marriot, on the grass right along side the beach. This class starts at 5:15 and ends with the sun setting.
Come and enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves gently meeting the shoreline, the blessing of deeply breathing in fresh prana filled air, and the gift of moving your body and expressing your heart. If you are standing in front of the Marriott pool, looking at the ocean, we will be to the far left side.
If you are a visitor to the island and don’t have your mat, just bring a towel. Drop-in fee for this class is only $15.00. See you on the mat!
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Samantha Fox is a yoga and fitness instructor on the Garden Island of Kauai in Hawaii. She is a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor and holds a Diploma in Ayurveda Sciences. Samantha has been practicing yoga for over 17 years and began teaching in 2002.