Sip series no. 6 | star bright yoga

This Thursday's Sip Series, we're taking a breather from the Holiday rush with Star Bright Yoga. Join us for a twist on "glow yoga," we are partnering with Meg Gregory + The Fitness Factor for a free yoga class next to the Christmas Tree on the lawn at Brickerton. The class starts at 5:30 (arrive early) and will be followed by cocktails and holiday shopping at The Mill.

'Tis the Season to sweat... I mean sparkle.

Our mat Pilates class with Alise + The Fitness Factor was a blast. So we are so excited to be collaborating again for a fun filled event. Head over to our event page here for more details. AND for an inside scoop from Meg on all things health, fitness and holidays - check out our Q&A session below. 

model: Caroline Walker | outfit via The Mill : Design Home or macycarlisle.com

The Mill: Staying on tracking with a fitness routine and making healthy diet choices can be demanding. Do you ever slip up? What are some ways you work to get back on track?

Meg: Of course! I always feel like it's harder to stay on track this time of year, especially when traveling to visit family and friends and you're taken out of a normal routine. Having a good plan of when I will workout and set in place before I go to bed helps me make it a priority. For me, having a plan makes the world of difference!

The Mill: When you feel like “cheating” or “splurging” - what are you go-to’s? Do you have any healthy hacks for snacks or treats that we need to try this Holiday season to curb our sweet tooth.

Meg: My weakness is holiday cookies!! And I love to make Gingerbread cookies with my kids!  My best advice to help curb a sweet tooth is to keep some peppermint tea on hand to enjoy after a meal or midday! Peppermint acts as an appetite suppressant but I also find that I benefit from the added hydration because I don't always remember to reach for my water this time of year!

The Mill: We're always interested in ways to get a boost of energy and feel more productive. Do you have any tips or advice for a quick pick-me-up?

Meg: Get upside down!! Practicing inversions like handstands or shoulder-stands encourages blood flow through your body and is a quick way to boost your energy! But if you don't have the space to do full handstand, practicing a heart opening posture such as Cobra Pose or Camel Pose can make you feel more energized.

The Mill: For those of us that are looking for a new beauty regimen to try, what wellness ritual or beauty routine is making you feel your best these days?

Meg: I have been loving the Brightening Facial Oil by Beauty Counter! It smells amazing and feels so hydrating on my skin with the dryer weather we've had lately.

The Mill: What is something that everyone should know before they dive into a yoga class?

Meg: It's important to pay attention to your body and to remember to breathe in and out of the movements as much as possible. Part of the yoga practice is bringing your mind to pay particular attention to different parts of your body in new ways and to arrive there more with an attitude of curiosity than of judgment. To me, yoga Asana practice teaches you such an amazing appreciation of how your body works.

The Mill: What is your mantra for staying motivated with your fitness?

Meg: My favorite mantra from the father of modern yoga: "Practice and all is coming." 

The Mill: For those that are unfamiliar with a typical yoga routine, what can our visitors on Thursday be expecting? 

Meg: My goal is always for class to have a balance between periods of work and periods of rest--we need both for the health of out body and our mind! We will practice moon salutes (a variation from a traditional sun salutation as we're doing an evening class under the moon!), standing postures, balances, and will close with seated postures and guided relaxation.