Go with the Flow
Banyan caught up with Free People yoga instructor Brooke Knudsen after her free monthly yoga class in Queen’s Court and asked her to share her post-workout picks around the mall.
✏ AJA TOSCANO
📸 KAINOA REPONTE
心のままに
インターナショナルマーケットプレイスで毎月開催中の無料ヨガクラスを教えるフリーピープル・ヨガのインストラクター、ブルック・クヌーセン氏に、ワークアウト後に寄るショッピングセンター内のお気に入りの店について聞いた。初心者から経験豊富な人まで楽しめるヨガクラスは、毎月第2土曜の午前9時30分から午前10時30分までクイーンズコートにて開催中。
Drawn to its balance of enhancing physical and mental health, Brooke Knudsen has made yoga a part of her daily regimen since she was 13 years old. Asked for her pose of choice, she’s quick to answer: Child’s Pose. “It’s known as a beginner pose, but it’s my favorite to begin a class with,” Knudson says. “It gives those practicing time to clear their mind and prepare themselves for their practice.”
Knudsen now shares her love of yoga as an instructor for Free People’s free monthly yoga class at International Market Place, where she meets participants of all kinds and skill levels. “There’s been times when people walking by will just jump in on the side and start doing the poses,” Knudsen says. We caught up with the yogi after class and asked her to share her post-workout picks around the mall.
Indie Girl at The Street
“If I’m on the go, I’ll pick up a Beauty Mantra smoothie from Indie Girl for a refresh from the inside out. But for those mornings where I need a little more substance, the Pineapple Aloha Bowl is a treat!”
GNC: IcyHeat Noni Lotion
“This natural lotion does wonders for me, especially when my muscles need a little extra TLC.”
Shiatsu & Massage Center
“The 30-minute quick chair massage is a great way to self-care without breaking the budget.”
Knudsen recommends five basic poses and stretches for a healthy body and mind.
1. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Start by kneeling on your mat. Extend into a backbend, opening up your chest. Tuck your toes beneath your feet and reach the crown of your head to the back of the room. Connect your fingertips to the back of your heels.
“Chest openers are good because many of us are always hunched over our computer or steering wheel. Save some gas. If its close, don’t drive. Just walk!”
2. Shoulder stretch
Stand with your feet apart. Interlace your fingers behind your back. As you fold over at the hips, pull your shoulder blades back to feel the stretch in your shoulders.
“I love forward folds because they get your blood flowing in a different direction.”
3. Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I)
Step your left foot behind you. Make sure your back foot is at a 45-degree angle from the front of the mat and lunge forward with your right foot. Keep your back leg straight as you square your hips and extend both arms up toward the sky.
4. Humble Warrior Pose (Baddha Virabhadrasana)
From Warrior I, interlace your fingers behind your back, opening up your chest. Fold forward at your hips, bringing the crown of your head toward the mat and reaching your arms toward the sky to feel the full stretch.
Novice and experienced yogis alike can join Free People for a complimentary yoga class in Queen’s Court every second Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
