Yoga for Cyclists - A Must-Have Workshop for the Avid Cyclist

For those of you who currently have that 'big' bike ride coming up, the Charity Ride that you're doing fundraising for, that Fondo or bike race you've been training all these months for, or simply that daily commute to work by bicycle, there is nothing more that can benefit your body than Yoga to alleviate and/or prevent cycling related aches and pains and potential injuries.  Yoga is the one thing that I can attribute my overall improvement on my body and health when it comes to my cycling.  Since starting Yoga about 5 months ago due to a cycling related injury, I have noticed a significant amount of improvement on my mobility and ability to get on and off the saddle with a lot more ease and a lot less pain. This has translated to longer pain-free rides which will be of great benefit for my future plans.

 I am extremely new to Yoga, and at first I had so much doubt whether it would be beneficial for me, but now I am convinced that it only makes me feel better and healthier.  I am now a believer and will continue to be so.  As I continue with my practice, I will be updating this blog with my progress and keep you all posted on the transformations I am seeing.  I am seeing some wonderful things and you should know about it.

Yoga for Cyclists.  A Yatra Yoga Studio Workshop
A workshop at YatraYoga Studio in Burnaby has been specifically designed for the cyclist in mind and is intended for the avid cyclist of all levels.

Beginning Saturday, June 1st - July 6th (2013): 5:30-6:30pm. (6week session) CAPPED TO 8 PEOPLE! This is a pre -registered class $90 (gst included)
Fostering teacher / student connection through a progressive class structure. Small class sizes enhance quality of teachings to be received by students, and enhancing teachers ability to attend to each individual student thoughout the class.

A yoga practice focused on flexibility, core strength and balance can be a perfect cross-training platform for the avid cyclist, a regular yoga practise can assist any cyclist to alleviate muscle tightness from logging long hours in the saddle and can aid in preventing cycling related injuries.

In cycling, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips never rest. As a result, riders often have overdeveloped quadriceps and tight hamstrings, which can pull the hips out of alignment. Also, a cyclist's spine is constantly flexed forward. If proper form isn't maintained, it can result in muscle pain and strain in the back and shoulders. Yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.

Cycling requires not only physical strength, but also intense focus and concentration to succeed on the road. The attention to breath and mind-body connection in yoga can be employed by the cyclist while riding to maintain mental clarity and calmness

Please email or phone Alexandra (yatrayoga at gmail.com)/  to register! Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 29th (2013). .

Please check out their website at  http://www.yatrayoga.ca for more information or join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/yatrayogastudio .

Our city needs more workshops like these so help me spread the word to ensure increased availability and support for the future.  Happy cycling and Namaste.

Maya Cycle on Dragon's Den Update

*post edited to be consistent with CBC's website changes 10/7/2013

Well, this update is a little late as it has been 3 weeks since the Dragon's Den and Maya Cycle's pitch was aired.  I wanted to take my time and talk to Marta some more regarding the show before I would update my blog.
For those of you who watched the show, you will remember how Marta handled herself with such professionalism and poise especially being under all that pressure.  She did amazingly well and I can not say enough how proud I am of her.  I was getting a little choked up while watching the show as friends poked fun of me.  I was truly that proud of her.

For those that missed the episode, you can still watch Marta's pitch online on CBC's Dragon's Den website here  Maya Cycle pitch - Dragon's Den .  Also please remember to click 'IN' if you are using a Facebook account in support of the Mayacycle pitch.
As for the rest of the story...  why not hear it from the woman herself!  Marta has finally had a chance to write her own blog about her experience...


"... No matter what would happen, I was going to present myself professionally and hope to God that this would reflect positively on my young business reputation.  As many of you have seen, the Dragons can tear people and their business completely to shreds and make a complete fool out of the presenter.  That was my biggest fear. In 2012, I spent the entire month of March out west attending 3 bicycle tradeshows in Vancouver, Seattle and Portland.  It was a busy month and I gave it all I had, literally.  These three shows and talking to the thousands of people who attended them, allowed me to build up enough experience and courage to finally audition for the Dragon's Den television show in Toronto.  The audition went well and I was confident I would get a call back.  A day or two after my audition I got the call, they wanted me on the show.  Of course I accepted! And two weeks later, we were scheduled to film the episode. ...

I had to be absolutely ready for anything.  I studied my numbers, stats, history, market and anything else I needed to know on a whim.  I prepared myself psychologically to handle any ‘curve balls’ thrown my way.  I told myself that no matter how rude and ignorant Kevin O’Leary was going to be, I would smile and nod, maintain my cool and move on to the next Dragon as I already knew that Kevin was definitely not “in” and knows absolutely nothing about the bicycle industry or the potential for the Maya Cycle bike trailer in North America or globally.  My hopes were set on partnering with Arlene Dickinson, the marketing genius.  Marketing and mentorship was exactly what I needed out of a partnership.

I did the best I could.  I gave it my absolute all.  And when it was all done, I skipped out with an offer from Arlene for $100,000 for 40% of my business.  I took the deal because I need the help and a strong partnership (especially with Arlene) will help my business grow.

So now what?  I had a few meetings with Arlene and her team and at this point, we have not closed any deals but have an open door for future discussion.  I have an extraordinary amount of respect for that woman.  It is incredible what she has accomplished, and above all, she’s got the no BS, straight to the point attitude about business.  And that’s how I like to do business. ... "

You can read the rest of Marta's blog here at http://www.mayacycle.com/maya-cycle-bike-trailers-on-cbc-dragons-den  As you can see, it was a truly memorable experience for her.  Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us Marta!  All the very best for your future both professional and personal.  It was quite the ride huh?  ;-) 

Having Fun With The Maya Cycle on a BMX Track!  :)