We’re heating things up in Albuquerque! With our new store opening a few weeks ago, we turned to our local team to find out what’s HOT, HOT, HOT in ABQ. Pink skies, hot air balloons and chile that’ll set the roof (of your mouth) on fire, here’s what we suggest you get up to if you want to discover ‘The Land of Enchantment”.

if you happen to be in albuquerque (for 24 hours or less…)

coffee
Satellite Coffee is a locally owned and operated caffeine shop, where you can feed your addiction with a tasty Mexican Latte that has hints of cinnamon and sweet chocolate.

eat
After a hike up the Sandia Mountains, treat yourself with a New Mexican meal in Albuquerque’s North Valley. El Pinto offers a charming hacienda environment in the lush riverbed of the Rio Grande. When asked “red or green” by your server, they’re asking about your preference in chile, not for your favorite color. Be sure to try the Chile Con Queso to start and Flat Blue Corn Green Chile Enchiladas!

yoga
We love Blissful Spirits Hot Yoga studio! If you’re up for a challenge, check out our ambassador James’ hot Hatha classes or Nicole Law’s Yoga Sculpt. In the mood for something spicy? Give Pilates Caliente a try. Our ambassador Kelly, will get you fired up while strengthening and conditioning those long lean muscles.

beer
La Cumbre Brew Company offers award-winning beers in their Euro Style Brew pub where dogs and laughter are welcome company. Order a Green Chile Cheeseburger from the food truck outside and, if you’re a hops fan make sure you try the Elevated IPA!

sleep
Built in 1926 and converted into a hotel in 2010, Hotel Parq Central is a boutique hotel at the gateway to Downtown Albuquerque. It’s a great blend of historic elegance and contemporary comfort. Watching one of our New Mexican sunsets from the hotel’s rooftop lounge will show you why we’re called the Land of Enchantment…

Headed to Albuquerque or playing tourist in your own town? Check out our new store and ask the team for even more recos!

Bend (verb): To take on a curved, angled shape or cause something to do this or a very accurate name for a town whose limits curve around the

if you happen to find yourself in bend (for 24 hours or less)…

eat
After our eight hour drive we were more than ready for some good grub, luckily we knew a local that could point us in the right direction (thanks, Emily!) Topping her long list of awesome places to eat was Kanpai Sushi. We Vancouverites consider ourselves to be sushi connoisseurs and Kanpai can definitely kick it. Innovative rolls, intricate nigiri and a cozy patio made for the perfect treat after our tri state trip!

sleep
If we were going to move to Bend, we’d simply move in to the Pine Ridge Inn. Perched on the hill above the Deschutes River, each of our rooms at the inn had a glorious four-poster king sized bed, cozy fireplace and furnished patio.  Add to that the complimentary beverage upon check in, the made to order continental breakfast and the fresh baked ginger cookies and you can understand why we were so sad to leave.

sweat
We weren’t kidding when we said we got bendy in Bend. We hit up Namaspa for Suzie Harris’s Baptiste Style Vinyasa Flow and got bent and stretched in all the right places. The next time you find yourself in a super sweaty yoga class remember what Suzie said, “no one ever drowned in their own sweat.”

Insider note: Keep an eye out for the Om Cycle smoothie cart, parked outside the studio for post perspiration rejuvenation!

sweet treat
Blacksmith’s S’mores Brownie dessert is the stuff dreams are made of. A crunchy graham cracker crust, dense chewy chocolate center, topped with a flame-toasted marshmallow and then drizzled in salted caramel sauce.  Is this real life?

Our timing in Bend couldn’t have been better as we managed to catch the Pole Pedal Paddle in action. Special shout out to our ecommerce manager’s dad who placed first in his age group - Go Jim! Now, onwards to Portland…

you asked...

I am looking into alternative therapies to help me get back on my feet and a number of people have suggested yoga. I’ve done yoga minimally in the past as cross-training but I’d like to hear now about the therapeutic benefits of yoga and if you think there is a way that I could ease myself into it to the benefit of my back health. - Kim

a yogi answers

Hi Kim,
Without knowing details of your physical condition or being qualified to give medical advice, I can only provide you with general information regarding yoga which should be secondary to your doctor’s advice and your own knowledge of your limitations or injuries. I definitely believe that if you select the right class and practice safely and properly on a regular basis, yoga will help you regain your physical health.

Yoga helps the spine stay supple, promotes circulation in all the organs, glands, and tissues, increases flexibility, improves balance and increases strength in the entire body. I believe yoga is the perfect system for maintaining and balancing the whole body, not to mention all of the incredible mental benefits, and can be a great therapeutic tool if it is utilized properly. However, if you have an injury, do not be over-aggressive, modify poses to avoid reaggravation, and most importantly become knowledgeable about your injury so that you understand what you can and cannot do.

There are many different types of yoga, and with a little research, I am sure you can find the perfect class to put you on the road to physical and mental well being. You'll also enjoy meeting all the other students, many of whom are also dealing with physical issues.
- Danielle

A recent tripod headstand at lululemon Banff.

you asked...

At the end of most classes, we do plow pose or shoulder stand. For some reason plow and shoulder stand give me an INSTANT headache. Any reason why? - Kelly

I was wondering what to do if my head starts to hurt during headstand. I know it sounds stupid, but it prevents me from practicing the pose and I really want to master it. - Bianca K.

a yogi answers

Hi Bianca and Kelly,

Even though I am not a doctor, I know headaches can be a serious and complicated problem. My initial reactive answer to both of your questions is to tell you to stop doing these poses that give you headaches, until you figure it out with your yoga teacher or (if it is persistent or bad) your doctor.

There are all kinds of possible causes. I have also learned that headaches during or after practice can be due to a number of other causes, such as: dehydration, sinus congestion, allergies, hunger, lack of sleep or many other possibilities.

Regarding Bianca's question: I want to tell you what one of my teachers preached about headstands: Do not attempt headstand until you have mastered Shoulder Stand (Holding Supported or Unsupported Shoulder Stand for 10 minutes). Once you have a regular practice of Shoulder Stand, you can try Headstand A, but make sure you are able to keep most of the weight on your forearms with minimal weight on the top of your head.

Headstand is an intermediate/advanced posture and should be practiced under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Remember, your cervical spine is meant to only carry the weight of your head.

Regarding Kelly’s question: you should spend several months working on a variety of other postures to help strengthen your back and neck muscles. For Shoulder Stand or Plow Pose you need a great deal of flexibility in your neck. Forcing your neck into this posture where it is in full flexion can lead to injuries. Try supported Shoulder Stand, where your shoulders are on blanket,s to maintain a natural curve in your cervical spine. Your neck should not be pressing down into the mat. Make sure that you place the blankets under your shoulders and not your neck. Have a certified yoga teacher check your alignment in the pose and check to make sure the back of your neck remains soft.

- Danielle

Read the other Ask a Yogi posts:
Introducing... Ask a Yogi!
Ask a Yogi: How to Begin