4 Free Private Yoga Sessions Each Month!

Recently 2 wonderful women were in a private session. We asked them if they would like to try a class with group instruction.

They said, "No."  Then they told us that the only reason why they even tried yoga was because they had the option to work with an instructor privately.

We asked them, "Why"?

To which they responded, "Because we aren't young and skinny like all the girls are in advertisements for yoga."

HOLD. THE. PHONE.

If this isn't a calling to invite you for  a FREE one - on - one yoga session, I don't know what is!

I want to make Yoga accessible to EVERYONE.  I want you to experience the power Yoga and the mindset has on your success in live.  (How ever you define success)

Yes, Yoga helps increase flexibility, build strength and stability and a numerous amount of other physical benefits but it's much deeper than that.

Yoga helps us breathe deeper, control stress and is the original and most powerful personal development to date.  I want you to see how this can benefit you and create a dramatic change in your quality of life.

This offer is for you if: 

• You want to know more about what Yoga can do for you.
• You don't want to begin in a class environment but you are know that Yoga can help you in a way that you have been missing in life.
• You are nervous about walking into a yoga studio b/c of the way media portrays "yogis"
• You love personal development but there is a missing link.  But, you just can't put your finger on it.  

I will show you how Yoga and the mindset will help you slow down and create more success in your life.  A better lifestyle with more happiness, love and professional/personal success. 

Details:

• 1 - 55 Minute Yoga Session (at Yoga Pod or Video conference for non locals)
• Value $85
• 4 Free Private Yoga Sessions given each month! 
• I meet you where you are in your Yoga, spiritual and personal development. (any level)
• You have never worked with me before. 
• You MUST complete this attached form to be considered. Click HERE for Form

Since this is the first time I'm offering this I'm only telling a few small groups of my favorite peeps.  I just want to see how it goes.  After you submit the form, give me a few days to get back with you.  If you are not selected for this month, I have a surprise for you so everyone gets 'Yogafied' one way or another!  

I look forward to hearing from you and reading your completed form!  As always, just press comment below or press 'reply' to chat!

Love. Happiness and Mindful Success,

Erika Ervin - Modern Yinster

PS. Definition of  Modern Yinster - A driven individual that attributes stillness and mindfulness as a BIG part of success.  

Finally, accountability that WORKS!

Hey There!

I’ve recently been working on moving away from the ‘Your Fitness Girl’ brand and into the new ‘Modern Yinster’ brand. (definition below!)   Maybe I’m just getting older or maybe it’s that I really understand the importance of combining a slower lifestyle into the go-go lifestyle that I have always led.  (maybe it’s both!)  Stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this, I promise and you are going to love it!

 

It’s not that I’m letting all that go, I’m still a ‘doer’ but, I’ve just discovered over the past few years that always focusing on productivity never served me well.  I was going nowhere quickly.  (Think of yourself sprinting on a treadmill.  Your feet are going fast, but you are not going anywhere.)

 

Then, when I incorporated a slower version of myself the magic happened.  I became more focused, adaptable and open to change.  When I accepted that, the success in my business, my relationships and as a mother increased effortlessly.   

 

I want you to experience this also.  So, I’ve created a new 5 Day program that we do together in a private FB group.  I’m calling it, The Glow.  It’s 5 Days and to learn how to become a Modern Yinster.   I’ll teach you to reduce stress and  overwhelm and increase productivity.  Watch this quick video for details.  

Definition of Modern Yinster: A driven soul that believes productivity level is directly related to stillness and awareness.

 

If you want to join, it’s a simple as pressing ‘reply’ and letting me know!  Click HERE or on the picture for all the deets! 

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you can get the latest tips and inspiration on yoga and a beautiful life.  

Hurricane Harvey's Edamame Recipe

Hurricane Harvey Edamame!

My Boys CRAVE this yummy and savory snack.  Edamame is high in protein, fiber and offers healthy carbohydrates.  As we have decided to spend the rest of the weekend indoors due to Hurricane Harvey and massive amounts of rain (no it's not necessary where we live but it's a reason to bunker in!) we are coming up with a lot of delicious concoctions! 

I’ll get straight to the chase…

Ingredients:

1 Bag Frozen Edamame

2 Tablespoons diced or sliced Shallot

1 Table Spoon Minced Garlic

2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt to Taste.

Directions: Hint – Salt as you go

In a large nonstick skillet heat up Olive Oil on medium heat.  Add shallots and allow to cook until almost crispy and most are brown. Add Salt!  Nom Nom!  Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 or 2 minutes.  Just enough to cook through. 

Add the bag of Frozen Edamame and stir in immediately allowing the olive oil to coat every bean. Add Salt!  Lower heat just a bit and cook for 5 minutes.

Add a tablespoon of filtered water.

Stir often and allow beans to heat through.  Make sure the heat is not too high as to burn the garlic.  If you burn the garlic this dish will suck and you will scare your kids for life. ;)

Please comment below and sign up for my newsletter to get emails like this and more about a well balanced life, mind and body!

Sign Up HERE!

Are you Making This HUGE Mistake With Your Personal Development?

This is the #1 Mistake most people will make when it comes to professional and personal development.  Hint: It's more than 'Not implementing'.  It's the Reason WHY you don't implement! 

A Mother's Day Taste Explosion!

Show your Mom or a Mom you love how much you love them by creating this healthy taste explosion for them this Sunday!  

It never occurred to me to add simply roasted veggies into a fresh salad of tender lettuce until recently.  I was at a friend's crayfish boil and one of our friends brought this delicious and light salad.  It was oddly perfect for the sunny day.  

I say “oddly” because I usually think of roasted veggies as something we eat warm and as a side.  The slight char of the veggies and tangy dressing made this salad something I had to replicate... and of course, put my own spin on.  

Roasted Veggies:  I chose brussels sprouts, green beans, broccolini, beets and asparagus. In hind sight, I could have done without the asparagus.  The taste was overwhelming and too bold for this salad.  The beauty of any salad is you can pick and choose the ingredients you want in it!  So don't stop at these ideas.  Use your favorite roasted veggies!

I did not segregate my veggies on the roasting pan.  I cut them all about the same size and then tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper.  Actually I did more than toss them, I massaged them.  Just to make sure the oil coats all of the veggies well.  

If you have a large batch, consider using a few cooking sheets so as to not overcrowd the veggies. If you over crowd them, they do not cook as well or get as crispy.

I then roasted @ 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  I let them cool then added them to some soft butter lettuce.

The dressing was simple and light.  A new mustard called Maille and it's spicy (and gluten free) A friend from Dijon, France said it's the best thing she can get over here in the states.  Of course I'm going to trust that statement coming from her. 

For the dressing..

·       Juice of one lemon

·       ¼ cup red wine vinegar

·       2 tablespoons of Maille Dijon Mustard

·       Pinch of salt and pepper

Whisk all the ingredients together.  THEN, drizzle 1/2 Cup - 3/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil in as you are whisking.  It makes a creamy-zingy emulsified dressing!

Add everything together and enjoy!  Please comment below to let me know how you like the recipe AND if you have any ideas to alter the recipe!! 

Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog or my Yinspiration Newsletter to receive notification of great recipes like this one.  

Happy Mother's Day!

Day 2 of Yin Yoga Challenge

Childs Post to Frog Pose! 

Day 2 – Groovin’ Groin!  Open up your inner thighs and hips to provide greater mobility and ease of movement!  This pose also aids in relieving cramps.  Once your hips open, your emotions are more grounded and balanced. 

What to do:

Take 5 minutes today to settle your mind and body and commit to stillness.  Breath is your one single thought during this Yin practice today.  As emotions arise, acknowledge them, remind yourself they are a product of your thoughts and then let them go.

Frog is a small back bend which will help open your heart to release these emotions and prepare you for tomorrow’s pose! Watch the short video above to know how to enter into the poses!

Focus on letting go of muscle engagement with each long exhale. It gets intense but stay with it!

     

1.  Hold child's pose for 2 minutes then move into Frog pose for the remaining 5 minutes or longer! (Frog is the second pose and is optional!)

2.  Place a blanket under your knees for comfort and use a pillow or bolster under your chest

3.  Feel heat and fire in the inner things but never lightning.  Relax your muscles!

Just tag #inittowinit and post on YOUR profile page!  I'll find ya and enter you into the contest to win over $240 worth of prizes!  

Yin It To Win It - Free Online Yin Challenge w/ PRIZES!

Day 1 – Bananasana

Open up your side body and relieve hip and knee pain!

Because you look like a Banana! This will loosen kinks in your soft tissue from your IT Band all the way to the top of your side rib cage.

I love to start my classes and personal practice with Bananasana. In fact at my studio this asana is know as, “Erika and that damn banana.”

 Our soft tissue, fascia,  is connected from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. In fact, 30% of what we call muscle is fascia! When we get a kink in one area of the fascia, it has a ripple effect on our entire body.

1. Play your edge. Feel heat and fire but never lightning

2. Keep shoulders and hips on the ground

3. Hold on each side for 3-5 minutes

Breathe deeply and make your exhales as long as possible. Release all muscle and commit to mental and physical stillness. You deserve this. You can do this. You will release and grow from this. Have a wonderful day!

Cut and paste on each day you post: (put it on your phone 'notes' section!)

A personal challenge from me to you. I want to help you experience calmness in your chaos! No catches or tricks. (Just a bribe to get you interested. Lol)

Slowdown, gain flexibility and forget pain! Win some jewelry and a free ticket to the Online Yoga and Mindset Retreat! ($230 value!)

We want to share with you and persuade you with money The beauty of committing to stillness only 5 minutes a day? (You can do this from anywhere)

Every evening we will post a Yin Pose and benefits of the pose for the next day. All you do to win $110 Mala Bead Jewelry and a Free ticket to my Online Yoga and Mindset Retreat ($129 value)

💫like our pages
Www.facebook.com/yourfitnessgirl
Www.facebook.com/Phoenixenergies

Instagram:

@modern.yinster

@bethephoeniz_findyourflame

💫   ach day, tag us with a picture of your pose (all 5 days)

 tag a friend

Make sure to hashtag #yinittowinit #findyourflame 

so you are in the drawing each time!

Saturday May 13th, we will announce the winner! It's that simple.

You in? INVITE a friend!

GET OUT OF A RUT AND INTO CREATION

I’m very excited to share this new tool I created for you! This is a workbook for those of you who feel stagnant in life or are in survival mode.  This Mindful Life Workbook gives you the tools and strategies you need to be more aware in your life.

I have always lived my life so that I can keep my stress levels low, but until recently, I did so in a way that halted my success.  I was hiding behind the fear of success because of the anticipation and aversion to stress.  Then a beautiful thing happened… I figured out how to be still.  I was able to stop the pinball game being played in my head by my thoughts.

I am now aware.  I’ve succeeded by creating a stronger understanding of my Self.  My mind has slowed down and I can see a brighter light and bigger picture for my future.  This has allowed me to enter ‘creation mode’.  I’m creating my future rather than surviving in my present.

We are going and doing 24/7.  Life is zooming by us and if we don’t learn to slow down, we will miss it all.  We will wake up in 5 years and wonder where time has gone.  This workbook teaches you how to create stillness and awareness in your life so you can make the most of every moment.

All you need to do is click below and you will have full access to it!  

Mindful Life Workbook HERE!

Erika

P.S.  Don't forget that I'm having a contest on my Faecbook Business page!  I'd love your help to grow the page and the "Stillness' movement!  As a way to say "Thank you," I'm giving away some pretty amazing prizes!!  Check it out -- >  My Facebook Page

What is Yin?

YIN IT TO WIN IT!

Photo Courtesy of Captain Shayne https://captshayne.blog

Slow your roll or you will miss everything. I post stuff all the time about Yin and slowing down because it's absolutely changed my life. It's made me happier, more productive and an allowed my heart to open.

Many peeps have asked me 'what is Yin'? First, Yin is NOT just yoga. It's a part of the everlasting balancing act of life. Yin is the missing link in many of our lives. Becoming a MonderYinster allows you to:

• Slow down to speed up success
• better organize your life 
• create more time
• become more productive
• build a life with maximum impact..

Over the next few days I'll be telling you about Yin and how to connect with yourself and get what you desire from life by...

• explaining the opposite of yin
• teaching how to bring calmness to your chaotic life with Yin. 
• showing you how to slow down but also sped up your progress in life.

I'll be delivering this video series on my business Facebook page (link below). 

Link to my business page: https://www.facebook.com/YourFitnessGirl/?pnref=lhc

Instagram: @modern.yinster

I'll also be starting a CONTEST next week on my Business FB page and Instagram. The prizes are Humungo!! Such as:

• My 3 Day Juice cleanse ebook
• 3 Books that will change your life.  1.  The Untethered Soul  2.  The Prophet and 3. The Naked Now
• A FREE Ticket to our May 15th, Online Yoga and Mindset Retreat. A $150 value!

Do it for you and the people you love most in life!  Transform your life by training your brain to relax and you don't even need a chill pill!  ;) 

As always, if you want to contact me about the still life or possible collaboration and affiliations, please contact me @ erika @yourfitnessgirl.com

Lesson on Sun Salutation A

We Are In This Together

Today is a very big day for me, my husband, Kyle and some close friends. We've worked very hard to see a new online product called the 5 Week Yoga and Fitness Retreat come to fruition. I took some time this morning to be still and my meditation this morning turned into an epic moment and I was overcome with gratitude.

During that moment of stillness, this is what I saw. Normally, I don't share this kind of stuff but hell, I'm all in now. (This is from my journal. I write after silence. Pay close attention to subtle transition in the story.)

It started with meditation. I visualized a single piece of grass gently blowing in the wind.

It didn't feel right. Then I imagined that single blade of grass among thousands of others blowing in the soft wind on a sunny day. But, my focus was still on that blade of grass.

A refreshing rain came and we experienced it together. A furious storm beat on us and we became all tangled up together. But, when the chaos passed, we still remained. Still sharing space in our field but separate and individual again. Blowing peacefully in the gentle breeze, together.

Somewhere in that moment, instead of just observing that blade of grass I became that blade of grass. This can very easily be you and your tribe or just a representation for our society in general.

Maybe you read and process that moment in a very different way. I'd love to hear it, please comment below.

For more info on our new Virtual Retreat, press on the image below... :)

:)

Quick Announcement and Favor :)

I'm very excited to announce that we are really close to wrapping up a project that I’ve been working on for years!  It’s called the 5 Week Yoga and Fitness Retreat. It’s all online and accessible to everyone!

I’ll be opening up registration for our Beta group on March 1st but I’d like to ask you a favor.  Can you answer one question?

You can answer this question HERE and also get more info on the Online Retreat @ --->>  

http://www.yourfitnessgirl.com/yoga-and-fitness-retreat--virtual-.html

Also, keep your eye out for two things.  First, I’ll be sending out a Template I created to help you design your very own At Home Yoga Practice.  


Second, early next week I’ll send you the agenda for the Yoga and Fitness Retreat so you can get a very clear idea on how it will dramatically change your life!  I'm excited to share it with you! This is kind of like my 3rd Baby.  lol       

Love, Erika

Skinny Tonic

This is a tonic to get your energy UP, inflammation down and naturally suppress your appetite. It's delicious also! 

A big thank you to my friend Kristi Grosse. She is always sharing wonderful things like this!

12 ounces boiling water
Juice 1 lemon
2 tsp Local rae honey
1 tsp matcha powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp Finley ground pepper
Grated or finely sliced ginger
Add cayenne if ya want!

Steep and serve!

Be sure to follow this blog, I just added the button!  You can also down my bloat free Juice Detox here:

    Download it HERE! :)

A Book to Help Create Clarity in Your Life

This morning I took some time to read some pages of this book.  I’ve shared it with a few friends lately and I want to share it with you too!

This book has helped me process and pass all the ‘sticky’ stuff in my life.  By ‘sticky’ stuff I mean confidence, creativity, compassion and expression blockages.  It’s one way I find stillness and clarity.  

It's like finding the eye of the hurricane.  We are still in the middle of the mess, but we've found peace.  

I suggest buying the old school way, paperback.  You will want to take notes when you have epiphanies and that’s hard to do with audio book.  Plus, you can use this as a resource to pick up and read at any time! You can find it on Amazon for $10.00. 

Also, please comment below some books you like to read and want to share!!  I’m always looking for a great read to use as resources to pass on and share with my friends and my online fitness group! #fithackers
 
I hope you enjoy!

Peace and Love!

PS: just added the subscribe button to my blog so don't for get to sign up for more resources and programs!

Dine Out Healthy - Chuy's Restaurant Review

How to Dine Out – The Healthy Way

Chuy's Tex Mex Review

As a Mom with severe food intolerance and the desire to eat healthy, I don't eat out much. I don't trust restaurants.  BUT, what if I started to review some restaurants and brought about more awareness and options for food intolerance?  

Don't get me wrong, I believe that if you have food issues, it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to take special care in where and what you eat.  It's never the restaurants problem.  But, it sure would be nice for people like me and millions of others out there to be able to eat at more places with confidence.  

This will be my first of many food reviews. I'm going to be very honest and will be reviewing the atmosphere that accompanies the food.  While I'm not one to complain, if I'm going to do this, I gotta do it right for you.  

Maybe this is my outlet to bitch about restaurant experiences, maybe it's just me being honest or maybe it's both.  :)  

First official review is Chuy's Tex-Mex in College Station, Texas.  The negative far outweighs the positive but I will say, it was the day before Texas A&M University Classes started which made it very busy.  

On the other hand, they should have expected that and staffed more servers and perhaps not have a someone new in the kitchen.  (The server told me this fact)

I have had other decent experiences there before but nothing I'd rave about.  This was maybe the 'straw on the camels back'?  Is that what the saying is?  

First, my salad was just okay but they did cater to food intolerance.  I ordered the Cobb Salad.  Nothing fancy but still good and it allowed me to join in with my family as they ate their Tex Mex favorites. 

In the salad, they cooked (fully and then some) an non marinated chicken breast on a clean surface and omitted any diary or egg. I was just happy I could confidently stuff my face! 

The cobb salad was delivered with missing ingredients but when I could finally flag down my server she handled it promptly.

The 'Pinky-Up Restaurant Snob' side of me.... Here goes...

Onto the salsa! The first bowl of salsa was great but be careful, there is a TON of sodium in it.  But, the second bowl was WAY off.  I don’t know if it was old or just the wrong recipe.  It looked normal but I had a gag reaction to the taste. I had to spit as much as I could out and pray that I didn't end up nobody wants from a restaurant.

Normally I would flag down the server but I didn't.  This was at the end of the meal at by this time, I didn't have another minute to wait on them.   We were strapped for time.

The entire lunch experience was 1 hour and 30 minutes long.  I know I’m going to sound like a raging bitch but they were slow as hell and our server was nonstop helping patrons.  She worked very hard but she was doing all she could.  

They were obviously packed and not staffed for it.  The server also told me that some of their kitchen staff was new.  Now when what is supposed to be a quick lunch takes more than 45 minutes, I get pissed and want to send them a invoice for my time lost.  Too bitchy?

The music was so loud that the people behind us in both directions were yelling just to hear each other which means we got to hear two stories being shouted at the same time.  If we wanted to speak at all, we had to yell.  It was awful.

What was meant to be a fun family lunch ended up being stressful and annoying.  While my boys enjoyed their bowl of salty, calorific Tex Mex, I wish we would have went someplace else. 

If you go there, they don’t have much on the menu for gluten or dairy free peeps like myself but they do have something so you will at least have one healthy option!

The original intention of this was to give you ideas on how to eat healthy whilst dining out but that just turned into a full on restaurant rage review.  But, I do feel better now for some reason. 

Press subscribe to receive more ideas on how to eat out with confidently with food intolerance as I write them.

Also, sign up here for my free 5 Day Tummy Tuck.  I’ll send you tips most people won’t tell you and a complete 5 Day Clean Eating Meal Plan!

http://eepurl.com/Kg7Zn

3 Steps to a Fit Life in 2017

As I look back over the years and the experiences those years gifted me, there is one thing I can tell you that will make you successful on your fit journey and it's this....  

We need to find a way to surround and educate ourselves on the lifestyle every single day. Otherwise, it gets put to the back burner and becomes another task to do tomorrow.  

Here are three things you can do starting TODAY to live the fit lifestyle...

1.  Surround yourself with others who share the same goals.  If you are trying to lean out or workout out more or maybe be more mindful of nutrition, put yourself in front and communicate with others who want the fit life too!

2.  Educate yourself in it.  Stop and take a moment every day to learn something new.  Maybe it's discovering a new food or recipe.  Maybe you are curious as to how others stay fit.  Perhaps you are curious as to a new fad diet.  Just ask me or good ol' Uncle Google about it!  Education keeps you in the loop and motivates you to stay the course!

3.  Feedback.  As hard as this may be, make sure you have someone in your life that can provide CONSTRUCTIVE AND POSITIVE feedback.  It should be one of those people you surround yourself with on a daily basis.  

I don't just want you to be successful with achieving your goals, I want you to sustain them!  These three action points will allow  you do be wildly successful for life! #fithack

Erika!

P.S. I posted a video on FB about Fad dieting and what I said may surprise you!  Head over there and give me some feedback!  www.facebook.com/yourfitnessgirl