Annie's Blog

How To Use The YogaForce A-Line Mat For YOGA, PILATES, TRX, etc.

Annie — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:48:13 +0000

This is a guide on how to use the YogaForce A-Line Mat for all floor exercise including yoga, Pilates and TRX.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y_1VY3S-17w

Kate Betts of TIME Magazine said it best:

You Are What You Eat

Annie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:32:42 +0000

I have been going "Vegan" for three days now. I NEVER thought I would ever try that; I am so not that type of Yogi! However, I have a private client who is a Vegan. She is also perfect, as you can see. One day I asked her, "So, what CAN you eat?" She gave me a long list of stuff I had never even heard of. Leading the list was Quinoa. It is a very healthy alternative to rice. I am easing into this, so I make it with chicken broth, swiss chard, Rombauer chardonnay, kale and mushrooms.

YogaForce For Cross Training on TRX

Annie — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:40:01 +0000

I have been taking and teaching yoga for years! I was working at Paramount Pictures at the time and my friend dragged me to my first class on the Lot. I did not like it. I was a runner. Our teacher said, I needed to try it three times per week for two weeks. If I still did not like it, then yoga was not for me. I gave it a chance, and it changed my life. That was back in the 1990's. I started YogaForce in 1995 and people thought I was nuts. "What is YOGA?" I said it was what Movie Stars do to stay in shape.

DOGA Ready for the Closeup

Annie — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:14:16 +0000

I have a two year old Pomeranian named Madison Avenue. She got her name more than a decade ago when I was living in Los Angeles and working with stylists to place YogaForce on TV Shows. One day we all went out to lunch and someone tagged along who had a crazy job matching pets up with actors. I asked her what sort of pet she would match me up with and she immediately suggested a Pom. She did not charge me for this advice and although I really wanted a dog, I was traveling far too much at the time to get one.

The YogaForce A-Line Gets an A from The L A TIMES

Annie — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:10:35 +0000

Gear: A few new angles for yoga

The simple gear used in yoga has largely remained unchanged for

APPLE AND YOGAFORCE: SIMPLE

Annie — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:57:32 +0000

Here is a short clip all about APPLE Computer: http://watchmojo.com/index.php?id=9343 My last name is APPLEby, I grew up in Cupertino, CA before I moved to Hillsborough, CA when I was about seven. My primary investor started investing in APPLE in 1979 and in my company, YogaForce LLC, in 2009. I Think Different.

Spinning Spam in YOGA

Annie — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:27:27 +0000

What a week, and it is only Tuesday! I ordered Business Cards and somehow they came back, looking good; but, without my name or telephone number. At least they are recyclable and there will be no extra charges when I get them back the way they were ordered in the first place. Then, someone hacked into my e-mail account. They sent out a mass e-mail to all my contacts, including people at Johnson & Johnson, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show, ABC NEWS, my BOSS and a few EX boyfriends.

Sneak Peek of YogaForce Ad in The YogaJournal HOME Edition

Annie — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:35:12 +0000

YOGA AT HOME: POWER UP YOUR PRACTICE http://www.yogaforce.com/yogaforce-yoga-journal-ad

A Dog Eared Tale To Tell

Annie — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:05:06 +0000

I woke up this morning with a very bad feeling. What could go wrong? I just Feng Shuied my whole office?

TARGET PRACTICE FOR MUSCULAR INTUITION

Annie — Fri, 13 May 2011 04:15:14 +0000

I just read a very interesting article published in today's Tampa Tribune by Daniela Velazquez called SUBTLE SHIFTS CAN THROW BODY'S SENSE OFF BALANCE.

Yoga and Pilates teachers are consistently telling you that everything is connected to everything else, just like in the Skeleton Dance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpvuqj5nv6U&feature=related

If Your Head Hurts, Try Standing On It

Annie — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:15:50 +0000

I am very healthy; however, yesterday I woke up with a headache, chills and a sore throat. I did not feel great; but not bad enough to have to call in sick. So, I taught the first yoga class. Felt slightly better. Just the intake of concentrated oxygen is so healing. Afterwards, my friend Bruce was kind enough to invite me out to the nearest Starbucks for tea.

Is Your Yoga / Pilates Teacher Watching YOU?

Annie — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:40:33 +0000

OK, so I will admit it. When I have 50-500 students in a class, I cannot watch all of them! Does your front foot heel draw a line into your back mid arch? It sounds like a TRAIN lyric from one of their hit songs Hey, Soul Sister! (BTW, Big YogaForce Fans...) But, seriously, you DO need to align your body when doing all floor exercise or you can hurt yourself.

Out of Alignment: Why Charlie Sheen Is a WINNING Distraction

Annie — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:08:51 +0000

I taught a body alignment and breathing class yesterday at a v. big world-wide corporation. I normally teach a physically challenging class... This one was mentally challenging. The students were instructed to pay more attention to their exhales rather than their inhales. Relax their teeth, jaws and lips and only breathe through their noses. If they had a thought, they were instructed to breathe louder and take in and push out more oxygen. Add lots of complicated movements and it is a standard class.

Doga Casting Call

Annie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:01:19 +0000

Doga is a FUN way to bond with your pet. The video below demonstrates a move that works the owners legs and abs with smaller dogs under 25 pounds. Pick up your feet, or you can work one leg at a time. Be careful of your lower back. Come take a class in March at the Burlingame Rec Center. More information can be found on the site @ http://www.yogaforce.com.

Everybody Has A Story

Annie — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:33:21 +0000

The 31 Flavors of YOGA

Annie — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 04:34:12 +0000

I just read REBEL YOGA about Tara Stiles in the New York Times today and she ROCKS! And she can because there are now many flavors of yoga. Baskin-Robbins had a famous 31 now it boasts well over 1000 flavors... So goes yoga. When I started YogaForce in 1995, people only had "friends" who did yoga. Now the number of yoga practitioners is well over 15 million in America alone. To each his own.

DOGA by YogaForce Class

Annie — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:42:20 +0000

The first DOGA By YogaForce class at the Burlingame Rec Center in California will start on January 29th. And it is NOT the New York Times version of dogs bending and twisting along with their human companions. It is much more about having fun and bonding with your pet.

When I first met my accidental puppy at a party given by my best friend from the second grade whom I reconnected with on Face Book, I blurted out "THAT'S MY DOG!"

ESP and How To Be A Better Teacher

Annie — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 03:32:51 +0000

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." -- Helen Keller

Yesterday I was briefly thinking about Anne Bancroft for no apparent reason. I had met her over dessert when I was with Kristin McGee in LA for the first Yoga Expo and the TONIGHT SHOW a few years ago. Annie, as she told me her good friends called her, was lovely and so down to earth.

A Real Pain in the Neck

Annie — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:08:31 +0000

One of the bummers about doing abdominal work in most floor exercise is that people tend to strain their neck muscles. This takes the workout away from the intended target. In addition to having poor form and not using all the range of motion for crunches, some people pull on their neck in order to get MORE range of motion. When you perform crunches, your hands should only be used for light support, and your neck should stay close to the neutral position. Here is the fitness solution to achieve the BEST RESULTS: You can use the YogaForce A-Line Mat as a hammock for neck support.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Annie — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:48:35 +0000

I was at the office today on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, California. You gotta love this car with the YogaForce Mat hanging on the fin. Seems like the owner had his hands full unloading the car. He forgot that he could wear the YogaForce hands free Mat! The GIANTS won the World Series and we are having wonderful fall weather. Sending a little sunshine your way! Orange is such a happy color!

Cheers,

AEA

Baseball and Yoga

Annie — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:21:49 +0000

When I graduated from Berkeley and flew back to do my summer internship at ABC NEWS in Washington, DC, I sat next to Sandy Koufax. He was really nice, we shared the same birthday, December 30th. I think he liked me because, frankly, although I had heard of him, I had no idea who the hell he was. I am not into watching sports. But, like most people who are from the San Francisco Bay Area, I am somewhat watching The Game Tonight! The GIANTS have a chance to go to the WORLD SERIES.

Hanging Out: Yoga and The Telephone

Annie — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:20:18 +0000

My puppy, Madison Avenue, brought me an old hanger. Frankly, I was too busy to look at it at the time; but, when I finally did I was shocked to see how old it was. "HATS CLEANED AND BLOCKED." Old. The Telephone number 3641 was a dead give away: Only four digits. Now, that is really old for a hanger! Who has hangers this old? I must have accidentally taken it from an ex boyfriend of a few years ago. He kept stuff from the 1930's... I digress.

LUCY, SEPHORA and YogaForce

Annie — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:52:26 +0000

If You Are Not In The Hamptons Right Now, You Are A LOSER!

Annie — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:09:02 +0000

It is Friday, August 13, 2010. Are you WORKING?! I am. I am not currently in The Hamptons, like everyone, who is anyone, is. August is the cruelest month! Things need to get done and NOW, but the decision makers are all on vacation, getting ready to go on vacation, or they simply do not feel like doing any type of work now. Lovely. So why are we working? Theme of the week a la Jet Blue.

HAPPY SUMMER! Thank God, it is almost OVER!

AEA

Align Your Neck in Yoga and Pilates

Annie — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:50:32 +0000

I am currently getting certified in Stott Pilates. It is intensive. My YogaForce A-Line Mat works well for both yoga and Pilates. I especially love it if you have any neck issues. You can use the A-Line as a hammock, to help you relax your neck when you do abdominal work. Stand by for the video. Alignment is key! If you grab the wide part of the Mat, you use abs and arms and no neck muscles! The Mat turned out to be a lot smarter than I thought!

xxoo,

Eight Yoga Moves You Can Do With Your Dog By Annie Appleby

Annie — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:30:49 +0000

8 yoga moves you can do with your dog
By Anne Appleby

I Am The Bridget Jones of Yoga

Annie — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:07:25 +0000

OK, so I teach yoga and I am getting certified for Pilates and I have an adorable puppy. I love to hike and walk and do yoga. Madison Avenue likes all of the above too. She naturally does a down dog immediately followed by a half-assed up dog EVERY morning as soon as she wakes up. She wakes up precisely at 8 am, no matter what. She is the most lovable, high energy, bossy, spoiled little brat imaginable. We do yoga together on our YogaForce A-Line Mats, and she LOVES it!

The Magic YogaForce A-Line Mat Improves Posture

Annie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:02:11 +0000

You can now spend close to $200.00 on a designer yoga mat and bag. But, why? Those mats offer nothing beneficial. They are not ergonomic and they do not improve posture. The YogaForce Mat is A-Line and it is contoured to mirror your body. It does help improve your posture and makes you look and feel great! It comes with an invisible mat bag attached so you can wear it on a plane. You can never loose the bag. And, the Mat gets you back in proper alignment after a long flight.

The Green APPLE iPhone 4

Annie — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:46:24 +0000

June 24, 2010, is the date you can get the new APPLE iPhone 4. This phone is eco-friendly. I stopped by the Apple Store in Burlingame, California today with Madison. It was mobbed! We are regulars. We use our One To One lessons. We are going to get this phone. This time it looks way too cool to pass up. The iPhone 4 packs the most GB for your buck in terms of storage, with the base $199 model coming with 16GB of built-in storage, while the Incredible and Evo 4G coming with only 8GB bundled for the same price.

YogaForce Is In A Lather Over One Of Oprah's Favorite Things

Annie — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:58:35 +0000

"In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul." These soaps are wonderful gifts. Not only do I teach yoga, but I also take all types of yoga, Daily Method and Pilates Classes. After a hot yoga class, these soaps are so luxurious! No wonder they are one of OPRAH WINFREY'S FAVORITE THINGS! Mine too!

Sex And The City And YogaForce

Annie — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:11:16 +0000

I remember chatting with Patricia Field. She was really fun on the phone. I was in LA and she was in NYC. I called her up when she was working for SEX AND THE CITY on HBO years ago. I wanted my YogaForce Clothes on her new show. The girls did yoga and she bought YogaForce Athletic Gear Clothes from me. She loved the fact that I had colorful clothes. She liked the names of my colors: BLUE SKY, RED DAWN, TEAL HURRICANE, MINT TWILIGHT, BLUE SKY, RAIN, YELLOW SUN and PINK CLOUD. She said, "That is so fresh." I liked her. She was cool!

Mercury Turns Direct Today So Have an In Home SPA Treatment

Annie — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:44:28 +0000

Mercury experiences a retrograde cycle about once every 4 months, and remains retrograde for about 3 weeks. So if communications have gone array, note the stock market's wild ride last Thursday as an example, you might be in need of a little in home SPA action to make you feel better. The last Mercury Retrograde period happened on April 18 at 12:06am EDT and turned direct today at 6:37pm EDT. AU NATUREL AYURVEDA smells wonderful and helps to calm you down. I highly reccomend all the products from shampoos to soaps to lotions!

I Love My Puppy, Why Don't People Tell You About The Food?

Annie — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:44:46 +0000

My cute little dog wants new food. You can just tell, and she is naturally adventurous. So, I get her new food. She gets sick and I am immediately blaming the gardner. However, it was all my fault, no one told me that you cannot immediately change a puppy's dog food. The process can take up to 10 days! You are to GRADUALLY introduce the new food in with the old. Madison has been doing lots of down dogs and up dogs, it works to make her feel better. She is doing great now that I have been educated. Please send along any DOG TIPS. I will post them and use them. Thanks!

Good Reasons To Get Your OWN Mat!

Annie — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:15:36 +0000

GREG E. COHEN, a podiatrist at Long Island College Hospital, hears the same story a lot: women complaining about a flaky red bump or a persistent itchy patch on a foot. By the time he sees them, they're embarrassed and horrified. A few years ago, Dr. Cohen, who also has a private practice in Brooklyn Heights, didn't know what to make of it, but these days he doesn't blink an eye. ''The first thing I ask is, 'Do you do yoga?' '' he said. As often as not, the answer is a resounding ''yes.'' In the last two years, Dr.

Downward Foods For Dogs

Annie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:02:55 +0000

I recently got a puppy and she just got her first cold. So I went on-line to see what I should do before I need to take her to the Vet. Colds should naturally go away in about a week and if her symptoms appear worse I take her to the Vet. OK, check. What I was shocked to learn as I was doing some research is what people foods dogs should NEVER eat. There is quite a surprising list: No avocados, chocolate, grapes, raisons, onions, bread dough, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and raw fish. REALLY good to know as I had no idea, she did not come with any directions.

Balance, Bones and Baby Boomers

Annie — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:24:45 +0000

It is easy to think of bone as a hard, lifeless part of our body. In fact, bone is living, growing tissue that is constantly being formed and broken down. Between birth and about age 30, your body is building up a strong skeleton. Most of the bone building during your life takes place right before puberty – between the age of 9-14 years. While your body is building bone, it needs enough calcium, weight-bearing exercise, and normal hormone levels to build the strongest possible set of bones. By age 30 your bones have reached their maximum density. This is called peak bone mass. For the

YogaForce Helps Heal The Damage Caused By High Heels

Annie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:30:21 +0000

I LOVE FASHION to a point. Note the shoes in this picture. They are pointy and high. 4 and 1/2 inches to be exact. I am only 5’ 3” and 1/2, so when I go out I wear them; but, only for a few hours. I was enrolled in law school after I graduated from Berkeley and worked at a few law firms, but told my dad it was not going to be for me because I did not like the clothes. (That was in the 1980’s when everyone wore high heels to work and Dianne Feinstein suits.)

What People Are Saying About The YogaForce A-Line Mat

Annie — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:34:23 +0000

" The YogaForce Mat is excellent for alignment awareness and practice comfort. " Dr. Paula Pullen of THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE " The YogaForce A-Line Mat is great! It is a very good design. " Dr. Andrew Weil " A brilliant concept... Anyone can benefit from the YogaForce Mat from brand new beginners to seasoned yogis. " Kristin McGee pictured above. " A bonus for those who find themselves perpetually late for an over crowed class: there is no need to fuss with a bag. A YogaForce Mat comes with a Velcro carrying strap that detaches so you can grab a spot FAST!

YogaForce LLC Supports The Y

Annie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:10:38 +0000

YogaForce LLC supports the local Y. The San Francisco Bay Area has several locations. Check your local listing for the Y nearest you and contribute to their programs for the benefit of your own community.

Cement Bunnies and White Balloons

Annie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:20:53 +0000

My puppy is brave. She was ONLY afraid of two things until further examination: Cement bunnies and white balloons. Fear is good to a certain extent as a healthy dose keeps you safe; however, fear can sometimes really hold you back. Be sensible but try to fight your irrational fears. Do something new that scares you, try it today. It can be very rewarding to find out that your fears had about as much bite as a cement bunny or a white balloon. Madison Avenue is no longer afraid of anything. Lucky for her as she also has a leash.

2010 Brings In Some Changes

Annie — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:34:48 +0000

As 2010 starts, YogaForce has become an LLC with Phil Schlein, the former President and CEO of Macy's California, as the Chairman. I am now the Chief Creative and Founder. Everything is new, I even have a new puppy named Madison Avenue. We have a great team and I am so happy to get to work with such great people. This month is big for yoga in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Hyatt will be hosting the YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE from January 28-February 1st. I will be attending! Tons of fun, check it out on the Embarcadero!

Timing is Everything in Life

Annie — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Love at first sight at the most inconvenient time. So what. That is called life. As John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” The happiest lives are messy and loud. I recently saw George Clooney in UP IN THE AIR, an interesting movie on several levels. His character talks about traveling light through life. He is ultra organized and neat and is home about 20 days a year. Although he is a frequent flyer, he is caught in a web of running away from life.

YogaForce Launches at Sports Club/LA SF

Annie — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:16:55 +0000

We launched last night at Sports Club/LA and I will be back from 10:00-2:00 on Saturday, December 5. Great place to shop and workout! See The NEWS PAGE/SHOP PAGE @ www.yogaforce.com if you are not in California. Laura Compton, the Style editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, had this to say:

Find Inner Peace at the InterContinental SF

Annie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:18:00 +0000

YogaForce A-Line Mats are now available at the (I)Spa at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco just in time for the Holidays! Recently recognized in “Best Urban Hotel Spa” and “Favorite Spa Manager” Categories by SpaFinder, Inc., the (I)Spa is located on the sixth floor of the Hotel.

Make Your Mat Your Own

Annie — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:18:00 +0000

When you go to a yoga class, you check your ego at the door. However; in really packed classes, it helps the teacher to know your name. Everyone knows the teacher’s name. And it is his or her job to help guide YOU!

Yoga is not about ego, but it is about individuality. It is your practice after all. So, feel free to autograph your mats and let the teacher know of any special issues or injuries you might have to facilitate suggestions for alternative positions to help you to improve.

Sticks and Stones and Words Hurt

Annie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I teach kids yoga. Yoga truly helps with self esteem. It brings balance and agility. It opens minds. It creates awareness.

My students are the nice kids. However, it pains me to see some mean kids outside of yoga. No surprise, kids have always been mean. They grow up to be mean, bitter adults.

Just unDo It

Annie — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:18:00 +0000

So it is starting to feel like fall. Work is in full swing. The office phone interrupts the ring of the cell. You are glued to the computer screen. Everyone wants something and all at the same time. It is easy to reach for a Twinkie and keep on going. STOP.

How To Get Fit Without Really Trying

Annie — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:18:00 +0000

It is healthy to be fit. Always has been, always will be. However, when you workout hard and go for the burn, you usually get really hungry. When you go slow and easy, you are more mindful about what you consume and how healthy you eat. Yoga and walking do the trick. Nothing hard. Easy does it. “No pain, no gain” is so last Century because, working out too hard can actually make you gain weight.

YogaForce Mats Are Now On Backorder

Annie — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:18:00 +0000

WOW! Due to the overwhelming response to our own www.YogaForce.com on-line store, the YogaForce Mats are now on backorder!

We are so excited to announce the next generation of YogaForce Mats.

Stay tuned for more details...

Yes You Can

Annie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:18:00 +0000

When I teach a yoga class my favorite word is MODIFY. You should always do poses that feel good to you, if something hurts... STOP! Listen to your body and how you feel in the moment and modify accordingly.

You are not the same you, every single day. You have to listen to your body and not to your ego and act intuitively.

Be Smart Line Up Your Practice

Annie — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:18:00 +0000

This is a patented and ergonomic exercise Mat. It is also a rehabilitation tool that aides in body alignment. Apparently, you must be smart to use it. Funny story, I sold the Mats to Macy’s and they lost the first batch. Later, they took photo shoots with models who were pretty but, did not understand how to do yoga. You can see, the pink top Macy’s model is using the Mat backwards and her feet are not even on the lines. Your shoulders are wider than your hips, so you face your shoulders where the Mat is wide.

Ergonomics and the Spine

Annie — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Might look a little weird at first; but when it helps you feel better, it is worth a second glance. When it is hot, it might be nice to sit in a chair that breathes. This is the revolutionary Aeron from Herman Miller. It was designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick in 1994, just prior to the start of the dot com bubble. This is an office seat that puts the chair’s user’s comfort and posture first. The mesh office chair simply did not exist before the Aeron ergonomic chair.

Inventing a Mat to Heal Injuries

Annie — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:18:00 +0000

In 1994 when I was living in LA after I cashed out on my 401K from Paramount Pictures to start YogaForce, I got in a serious car accident. I had left Paramount and was working full time and then some on designing YogaForce clothes and athletic towels. (See above for a shot of my first product, the YF Athletic Towel.) Anyway, I was driving to the Paramount Gym to deliver my first big order and that is when it hit me. Literally, a car going fast. POW! My hip bones loudly cracked out of place. It hurt.

Preventive Medicine

Annie — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Boomerang Three Icons Lost

Annie — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:18:00 +0000

On Tuesday, June 23rd Ed McMahon died. Two days later, I posted this Tweet to my Face Book Page: RT @hawkt michael jackson, farrah fawcett... what a morbid day. it's like watching your childhood die.

Do Not Try This At Home

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Cement and heights and narrow surfaces do not mix well with yoga! It freaked me out to realize that I could have fallen and landed on my head... Lights out. You can see that I am tentative in the pose. The mind/body connection really kicked in and got me off the ledge quickly and without incident. However, it did get me thinking about something really important: Integrative Medicine.

May is Skin Care Awareness Month

Annie — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:18:00 +0000

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The sun is out and the sweaters come off and we are once again reminded to wear sun protection. YogaForce has participated in the recent Sunday Streets events and being out in the sun for a few hours requires SPF 30, especially on your face. Yes, you do have to reapply after two hours. Speaking as a skin cancer survivor, I know.

Join Us For SUNDAY STREETS SF

Annie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:18:00 +0000

YogaForce and The YMCA are teaming up again this year to bring you some fun outdoor yoga at 11:00 am - 1:00 on April 26, 2009. Come bring a mat and a friend and don’t forget the SPF 30. Join us for some Power Yoga in a car-free zone! This is a FREE event and I will be teaching! The location is @ The Bow and Arrow on The Embarcadero between Folsom and Howard. We hope to see you there. Sunday Streets starts at 9:00 am. You can take a dance lesson with Cheryl Burke Dance Studio, run the bases at AT&T Park or go to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Aligning Your Practice with YogaForce

Annie — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:18:00 +0000

You have an hour. If you are lucky, you have an hour and a half all to yourself to do your practice. You can not afford to waste a moment. You need to reap all of the benefits. First thing you need to do is align.

Twitter and Facebook... The Beat Goes On

Annie — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:18:00 +0000

“Here's to the " crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things...

We Are Living In A Grab And Go World

Annie — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Remember the song Material Girl now so sadly out of date? Well, the original Material Girl was way ahead of her time about yoga! She has a YogaForce Mat, or at least her publicist, Liz does. Who knows, it is Madge!** Kate Betts even mentioned her, among other mat-toting celebrities, in her article entitled Yoga’s Growing Reach in TIME Magazine.

A Rod Get In A Line Condition

Annie — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Bud Selig, the Baseball Commissioner, signed a YogaForce A-Line Mat for Stand Up 2 Cancer a few months ago, see the Auction Page @ www.YogaForce.Com. A-Rod knows Madonna, the queen of yoga, see everywhere and previous entry. No doubt she told him that the practice of yoga would be an advantageous activity to take up to improve his game -- no steroids needed. Get on the Mat, A-Rod!

Max Out That Library Card

Annie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

You know that sinking feeling you get when you waste money on a bad book? It is sort of the same feeling you get when you go out on a bad date. Well, in this economy the Library Card gives you all the pleasure of feeling like you bought something without the pain. Most people can read a book in three weeks and that is how much we get here in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can also check out DVDs and magazines. I think three weeks is about standard all over the country. It’s all good, it’s also green.

My Bad Little Cupid

Annie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Just got back from seeing an early screening of He’s Just Not That Into You. It is billed as a comedy. I cry at these kinds of so-called comedies, every time.* I am not normal. It was a good movie. I think it was a chick flick, but guys would like it too.

Hiking with SPF 60 in February

Annie — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

McNee Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California is a wonderful place to hike, mountain bike and do yoga. Last week, the weather was clear and spectacular. People who have never had skin cancer before are often shocked at my care in using sun block all year round. But, frankly everyone needs to take good care and protect their skin.

I used Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock with an SPF

Skin Care on the Top of Spring Mountain

Annie — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Mr. Y and I shared a picnic on the top of Spring Mountain before our reservation at Vineyard 7 & 8 (see previous entry). We got our lunch from the Oakville Grocery Co. I highly recommend this place! Awesome food!

Bad Economy and Great Wine Strike a Pose

Annie — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Many good yogis love good wine, especially now. If you can strike a pose in 5 inch MBs then perhaps you would like to check out the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley. A true find is Vineyard 7 & 8.

A Little Jack To Get Well Fast

Annie — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Ok, so I have been taking some Hot Yoga at Being Yoga Studios in Burlingame. I LOVE it! It is HOT and it is GREAT! I used to take a lot of Hot Yoga Classes when I lived in LA and I really do miss the experience. So, I was just thrilled to find this place. Check it out @ www.beingyoga.net. Robin and Kevin are amazing!

The Accidental Yogi

Annie — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I just came back from attending The 6th Annual San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference. It is always fun to see the type of yogis who go to this event. Everyone is on a journey! I was a runner when I first started taking yoga classes in LA in the late 1980’s. I got into a few car accidents and needed to fix my back, so I really began to take yoga seriously. Yoga really healed my injuries and inspired me to create and patent the YogaForce A-Line Mat.

Why am I Fat

Annie — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I have no idea. You could have a tumor. You could have a slow metabolism. You could either be too happy or not happy enough. You could be eating too much. Maybe you are just bored. If you feel like you are too fat and you cannot fit into your clothes, it is always a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting a diet and exercise program.

Adidas vs. Puma and the Stripes

Annie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:18:00 +0000

All Day I Dream About Sports aka ADIDAS. When I was growing up, it was All Day I Dream About Sex. But really it was all about Adi. Adolf ( ADI ) DASsler. The name is a combo of his first and last adidas. Say it correctly now.

S is for Sociology and M is for Malcolm

Annie — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:10:34 +0000

I majored in Sociology/Pre-Law at UC Berkeley a long time ago, because I wanted to be a lawyer. I was a Paralegal upon graduation; but, I did not like wearing suits and high heels to work. I wore black tights. I got in trouble, I was in my twenties. I used VOGUE as my defense that it was fine as well as fashionable to wear leggings to work and they did not have an established dress code. I won my case. I moved to LA. Sociology is good for fashion designers who really do not want to be lawyers at all.

A is for Apple

Annie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:10:34 +0000

So, I am raving again about Apple Computer. This is completely off topic, but I LOVE APPLE! I have no idea how I can link yoga to Apple except, the guy who literally wrote the book on Apple bought one of my YogaForce A-Line Mats for his yoga- loving wife. And “She loved it!”

Yoga Gets You In Top Ski Shape

Annie — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:25:34 +0000

OK, so it is that time of year again when we need to get in skiing condition. Yoga really helps, as most good skiers already know. The CHAIR POSE is a good place to start.

A New Brand For America

Annie — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:21:34 +0000

Well, my friends we have a new American Brand. We have finally ended the longest and most expensive presidential campaign in history.

Vitameatavegamin or Yoga for this Economy

Annie — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:21:34 +0000

So Lucy says “ The answer to all your problems is in this little bottle.” Hmmm, the wine industry is certainly booming. Also, anti depressants are on an upswing, for those who can afford them and the sky high cost of health insurance. Really, the answer to all your problems and how to cope with them in this uncertain economy can be found in doing yoga and making tons of money. Jeanie is blue. Eating popcorn and watching TV seem to cheer her up... Can you say escapism!??

Silver Lining For Stand Up

Annie — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:21:34 +0000

Note to self: Never do an eBay auction on 3 days notice, especially when you never use eBay. Lesson learned.

A Village and YogaForce Stand Up 2 Cancer

Annie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:21:34 +0000

OK, so I got the call on Tuesday morning from Major League Baseball that Mr. Selig, the Baseball Commissioner, would sign the YogaForce Mat and send it to Laura Ziskin Productions for Stand Up 2 Cancer.

My Day At Sunday Streets SF

Annie — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:23:34 +0000

The weather was perfect! The atmosphere was amazing! It was the most fun I have ever had teaching yoga, ever. The class before mine had a naked man. I said, “Ummm, is that guy naked?” I did not believe my eyes. I was too shocked to take out my phone and take a picture. My friend said, “ No, Annie are you nuts!?” Then upon a closer inspection... “Oh, my God that guy is naked and here come the cops!!”

YMCA and YogaForce in SF

Annie — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:21:34 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Organizers of Sunday Streets San Francisco are thrilled to see the success of last Saturday’s Summer Streets program in New York City.

Yoga Helps Traders Bear The Market

Annie — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:21:34 +0000

The yoga industry is doing big business on the financial market as bankers, traders and money managers take a step back and rise above the market’s wild ride, according to Thursday’s Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121684836042178485.html. This was pretty big news.

YogaForce and Sun-Maid

Annie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:24:34 +0000

I am looking forward to teaching yoga at Sunday Streets on August 31 and September 14th. Sun-Maid is a great partner because raisins are such a healthy, natural treat.

As for the event, looks like we have jumped through most of the political hurdles and we are now a go.

San Francisco is the Walking Leader

Annie — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:24:34 +0000

"It's both healthy for the Earth and for humans to be able to walk to most of the places they need," said Kate White, executive director of the San Francisco office of the Urban Land Institute, a planning group. "Your carbon footprint is significantly lower than someone who has to drive everywhere ... and you're able to have real neighborhoods where you're not totally separated from your neighbors."

Sun-Maid for SUNDAY STREETS

admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:24:34 +0000

YogaForce by Annie Appleby Consulting brought in Sun-Maid raisins as a sponsor for the SUNDAY STREETS event being held in San Francisco on August 31 and September 14, 2008. I think it is a perfect fit! SUNDAY STREETS offers safe and free activities like yoga, biking, running, walking, skating and dancing and is all about being healthy. I will be teaching yoga. Bring your mat, leave your car behind.

Hope to see you there!

YogaForce and Sunday Streets

Annie — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:20:34 +0000

The time is right for dancing in the streets! YogaForce is working on SUNDAY STREETS, a pilot program that will bring physical activity space to San Francisco neighborhoods on Sunday mornings August 31st and September 14th. The program will offer safe and free activities like yoga, biking, walking, running, skating and dancing. It is our city’s next innovative step toward a healthier community. I will be teaching yoga. I will also be consulting on the sponsor and PR fronts. Save the dates now.

YogaForce and Napa Wine Auctions

Annie — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:20:34 +0000

Yoga and wine do go well together, as long as they are done in the proper order. A few weeks ago, YogaForce and the Junior League teamed up for a lovely event in Napa.

The money raised went to benefit the community.

This is a nice trend.

Comments should be directed to CONTACT @ www.yogaforce.com

Sudden Death and Sunday Mornings

Annie — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:20:34 +0000

It is ironic that Tim Russert died on Friday the 13th right before Father’s Day. The guy practically personified Father’s Day. I gave my Dad one of his books. (After graduating from UC Berkeley I worked in Washington, DC at ABC NEWS with Ted Koppel and Peter Jennings. Tim left quite a legacy.) Life can be short or long, and when your number is up, it is up. Unfortunately, you simply never know when it will be called. So live each day like it will be your last. Be enthusiastic. Be curious. Be perseverant.

YogaForce and Zobha and EQUINOX

Annie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:20:34 +0000

Equinox is a world class health club known for delivering style as well as substance.

Innovative Design and Mr. Saint Laurent

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:20:34 +0000

My father was with Macy’s San Francisco when I was growing up. I used to go with him to work and have The Shop On Union Square all to myself before the store opened on Saturday mornings. I was 14 when I got my first Yves Saint Laurent. I was 98 pounds, and I loved this wonderful little black backless number. I came home and modeled it for my mom. I remember her exact words. “Well, that is going right back.” I was so disappointed. But, she did have a point, it was not age appropriate.

SEX AND THE CITY and JAWS

Annie — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:19:54 +0000

SEX AND THE CITY is to romantics what JAWS is to swimmers. If you are a woman with a 4 in front of your age and your ex Prince Charming turned out to be a real Super Rat (a rather polite Holly Golightly term) then this movie is guaranteed to take a real big bite out of your heart, not to mention the box office.

Stand Up 2 Cancer

Annie — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

Yesterday, all three of the major American newscasters announced that on September 5th CBS, NBC and ABC will participate in a commercial free, prime time fundraising special called Stand Up 2 Cancer. Lots of celebs appear in the PSA, including Tobey Macguire, who signed a YogaForce A-Line Mat to help increase skin cancer awareness.

Snap Crackle and Pop in YOGA CLASS

Annie — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

Shhhhhhhhhhhh... What’s that sound? My knee or my ankle just popped. What causes that? Well, according to the June issue of the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, the sound you hear may come from the rapid release of gas bubbles that form in a joint when it is stretched. It can occur when you twist your back or move your ankle in a circular motion, for instance. It is usually harmless and it sometimes feels so good.

The Cost Of Indoor Tanning

Annie — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

I participated in Meghan Rothchild’s 2008 Your Future is in Your Hands Calendar. We did the shoot in Massachusetts with Miss Maryland, Brittany Lietz, and the Founder of The Shade Foundation, Shonda Schilling, and other women who have been treated for skin cancer. Meghan won the contest for the biggest scar. She and Brittany both paid the price for spending money to get a tan in a tanning booth.

I Will Take A Cigarette With That Tan Please

Annie — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

Just as a doctor would never prescribe a lung cancer stick a.k.a a cigarette for reducing stress, people should not flock to tanning beds to get a tan as they greatly increase their chances of getting skin cancer. Tanning, like smoking is so dumb. The Indoor Tanning Industry (ITI) is a $5 Billion industry. Please note: Tanning beds do not give your body vitamin D. Adequate amounts of vitamin D can be obtained by most people just from getting 5-15 minutes in the sun three times per week. Tanning beds and cigarettes are out. Be smart. Blow them off.

Pucker Up for MAC and SEPHORA

Annie — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

This is sort of old news, but have you guys heard that Eric Dane a.k.a Dr. McSteamy from ABC’s GREY’S ANATOMY had skin cancer on his lips? Must have hurt to kiss for awhile... Yikes! He is OK now. He went to see his dermatologist in January and had the skin cancer tissue removed.

Skin Cancer Trumps Torture

Annie — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

The sunburns that blistered McCain's skin as a child may prove far more of a threat to his longevity than his time as a prisoner. McCain's 2000 brush with melanoma wasn't his first and, experts say, may not be his last. He had a melanoma removed from his left shoulder in 1993 and had other noninvasive skin cancers removed from his upper left arm in 2000 and his nose in 2002.

Bay To Breakers The San Francisco Treat

Annie — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

Lots to do this weekend if you are in San Francisco, California. Fist off, everyone ( gay, straight, cat, dog or mouse) can now plan a marriage. Yea!

Go With Your Own Glow

Annie — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Body">This takes just a few minutes to watch and it is appropriate for Skin Cancer Awareness Month and all year long. I wish we knew more about the harsh aspects of the sun when I was growing up.

Hiking with AVEENO A View From The Top

Annie — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:20:34 +0000

We left for a pretty hard, pretty vertical hike in Half Moon Bay at 11:30 and finished up close to 3:00 this afternoon. I am blond with blue eyes and my friend is brunette with dark brown eyes. I am the one who really has to worry about getting burned. We both used the new continuous protection AVEENO FACE 70 sun block lotion. We both re- applied after 2 hours.

Risky Business

Annie — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:20:54 +0000

Just as your skin needs sunscreen for protection, your eyes also need protection from the sun’s Ultra Violet rays. In fact, UV radiation is one of the greatest threats to the eyes, with the effects 3 times greater in the summer than in the winter. Even when it is cloudy, there is still a risk of overexposure to the damaging UVA and UVB rays.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Annie — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:20:34 +0000

Since 1996, May has been a time for spotlighting skin cancer awareness. I was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2003, so I wish I had been paying more attention and not have been so lazy about applying sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are more than 1 million new cases detected each year. Current estimates are that 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Bank of Thin

Annie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

‘Tis the season to loose some lbs. Funny as it gets closer and closer to bathing suit weather ( not to worry mid west and east coast readers, it is coming soon enough) my students in California are asking for some diet advise in ever increasing numbers.

Apple Cart

Annie — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

Cheers to Apple Computer! I love my MacBook and iWeb as I am now getting my feet wet with Blog Practicing. But, I really LOVE my iPod and Nike running shoes. I have logged in over 100 miles in April alone. You track your progress and set up personal goals. And, the best part is you get to walk or run to all your favorite songs! Apple makes a chip that fits into your Nike running shoes and you are good to go. ( Note: The chip does not work well with other shoes). Apple makes everything so simple.

The YogaForce Unisex Triple Cross

Annie — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

The patented YogaForce Mat design has just been reincarnated into a necklace. Like the YogaForce A-Line Mat, this new offering makes use of recycled materials. Also known as the “YogaForce Tree of Life” the symbol is representative of the interconnecting forces of life. It connects the three planes of existence: Spiritual, Mental and Physical. It is a tool for channeling your inner power and strength.

Yoga Tips

Annie — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

All students want to get the maximum benefit out of their yoga class. First and foremost, I find alignment to be the key. If your positioning is off then your whole practice is off. Why waste your valuable time? Using the patented grid on the YogaForce A-Line Mat will ensure proper body alignment.

Method to My Madness

Annie — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

How to Clean Your YogaForce A-Line Mat

Good Habits and Good Lines

Annie — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

According to Aristotle “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” I designed the YogaForce A-Line Mat with this principal in mind.

Sun Spots

Annie — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:19:45 +0000

In mid March it was reported that CNN News anchor Anderson Cooper, the cute fair haired son of fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt, had a skin cancer removed from his face. Apparently, “he had not planned on mentioning it” but did anyway because it was on his face. This also happened a year ago when First Lady, Laura Bush had a mole removed from her leg. She did not want to say anything at all, even though it was all over the news.

A Day in the City

Annie — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:20:34 +0000

Today I took BART into the City and got off at the Powell Street Exit.