Here is a great little animation we thought you guys might enjoy... x Yogurt

HUMANS!

YOGURT LOVES YOGI WADE'S PODCAST PRACTICES

Are you...

a. super busy or travelling all the time and can't get to a studio as often as you'd like?
b. a newbie, and a bit shy or reluctant to go check it out?
c. nowhere near a yoga studio or teacher that floats your boat?
d. short of moolah?

Then try DOWNLOADING A YOGA CLASS and practicing at home!

Seriously guys, it's awesome. There are a range of yoga practices (and meditations) to choose from thru iTunes-- basic foundation building sessions right thru to real 'doozies'. Let's you practice wherever, whenever, however you need to. Gives you total flexibility-- which is, afterall, part of why we practice yoga in the first place!

If you like going to the studio for social reasons, and are worried that you'll miss the 'vibe', then try inviting some friends around to do a podcast practice together-- a couple of my buddies and I have gotten into the habit of doing this once a week, followed by dinner/ tea and a chat. It's the best.

Our favorite podcast practices are 90-minute power vinyasa style classes posted by Yogi Wade (Ohio USA). Check him out at:

Yogi Wade Podcast Practices

He is also listed in the iTunes podcast library. Downloads are FREE, but donations are welcome! (through the Tip Jar on Wade's homepage)

Yogurt was inspired by Wade- both as a teacher and as a cultural communicator, so we decided to make friends and find out more about him. This is what he had to say about yoga (and Yogurt!):

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOGA?
The most common misconception about yoga is "I can't do that I'm not flexible!" I explain to folks that yoga is not about being flexible or strong or being able to meditate through hemmorhoid surgery. It's about being willing to challenge yourself to change and grow. You may get to know yourself a little better and if you're lucky you may even earn to be more accepting of the person you've uncovered.

IS YOGA JUST FOR HIPPIES?
Yoga is for hippies, yuppies, Jews, Gentiles, Easterners, Westerners, athletes, couch-potatoes and even Republicans. Yoga is for anyone who is willing to look inside of themselves and learn how their body and mind are connected.

HOW COULD GENERATION Y (18-28 YR OLDS) BENEFIT FROM YOGA?
18 to 28 year olds (but also people of any age) can benefit from a yoga practice because of all the negativity they are exposed to in daily life. TV, news, movies, magazines newspaper and advertising in particular seem to emphasize that none of us are "good enough". Yoga emphasizes acceptance of who we are, our abilities and disabilities.

WHEN DID YOU START PRACTICING/ WHY?
I started practicing in my twenties (I'm going to be fifty in Dec.) I was a runner and I could feel my self tightening up from the repetitiveness of this exercise. I tried stretching but I felt something was missing. I bought a copy of a yoga book by Richard Hittleman and I practiced 12 postures that were recommended for runners for about 10 years. When I turned forty, years of running, triathlons, skiing, climbing and kayaking were beginning to take a toll on my body (as well as my mind). I found a VHS tape in a bookstore by Bryan Kest (Power Yoga I) and my life was changed. I found an athletic practice that could build you up rather that tear you down, a practice that asked you to focus and build your mind through concentration and a practice that seemed to integrate the body, breath, mind and spirit. I was always very competitive in my athletics but this practice allowed me to challenge myself and be accepting at the same time!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE POSE/WHY?
My favorite pose in yoga is Child's pose primarily because it just feels so damn good but also because it reminds me that all the postures should be approached with the playfulness of a child.

DOES YOGA COMPLEMENT OTHER SPORTS/ ACTIVITIES?
Yoga has been a great complement to my athletic activities. I did expect that it would improve my climbing and kayaking but what surprised me was the slow change that began to take place in my attitude towards the trials and tribulations of everday life. I guess what I'm trying to say is I just seemed to get pissed-off less often!

WHAT DOES THE 'ART OF LIVING' MEAN TO YOU?
The art of living and the art of finding yourself are really the
same. It seems to boil down to the realization that we are really all one even though we are all different!

WHAT'S IN YOUR IPOD AT THE MOMENT?
My musical tastes are diverse. You might hear rap, new-age, folk or blues in any of the classes in Ohiopyle.

WHAT RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOGA?
I encourage people that come to practice to seek out as many different teachers as they can. There are a lot of great yogis and yoginis out there. Try Bryan Kest, David Swenson, Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Bikram Choudry, Dharma Mittra, Yogi Harry, Richard Freeman, or Beryl Bender Birch to name just a few.

WHAT DOES YOGURT ACTIVECULTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Thanks for the opportunity to talk, that's what Activeculture is all about anyway!

PRESS: Shop 'Til You Drop May 2006

We are one of Channel V presenter, Yumi Stynes', favorite things! Rockin'!

Our New Toy: YOGURT BOT

POP-UP PRACTICE | FREE POWER YOGA CLASS

You are invited to our very first
POP-UP PRACTICE

A FREE POWER VINYASA STYLE YOGA CLASS
Presented by www.yogurtactiveculture.com

Hosted by body maintenance studio
1b booth street | balmain | nsw | 2041 | 02 9555 1600
www.bodymaintenancestudio.com

Saturday May 27th 2:30-4:00pm

Yogurt Activeculture is a clothing and accessories line designed for wear in the studio or out on the street. What started as a nickname for our yoga practice (‘Yogurt’) is now a symbol of our vision of an ‘Activeculture’ where people engage creatively, playfully and positively in the world around them. Pop-up practices are one of the ways we encourage people to participate in our activities; they’re open to everyone and are designed to give people a little taste of what yoga—and the art of living-- is all about.

Note: This class will be recorded and made available as a podcast so you can practice again at home or share it with your friends!

PRESS: Follow Magazine May 2006

PRESS: VENUSZINE.COM May 2006

HARDCORE ASANA GEAR
Yogurt Activeculture keeps you true to your scene, while relaxing your soul
by Marilyn Perez


Some may cringe at the idea of “Disco Yoga” or “Punk Rock Yoga,” believing it defeats the purpose of relieving stress and finding peace within. With the popularity of Yoga in the West, along with yoga clothing lines such as Lululemon and Be Present taking off, it’s become apparent that people want to look good while holding Vrksasana (Tree pose). Sweatpants and a tee just won’t do anymore. Its popularity is especially growing among younger people. Some practitioners are concerned that the true meaning of the practice will be dumbed down for the secular crowd. Thanks to yogis like Morgwn Rimel, founder of Yogurt Activeculture Wear, they are hoping their product will not only draw people to yoga, but also show that it is safe to spice up this ancient practice. Yogurt Activeculture is using western language to introduce an eastern philosophy. They produce yoga clothes and items for the yogi who wishes to express themselves during their practice with shirts that say “Stay Tuned” or “Poser”.

Yoga is the Sanskrit root word for “union” or “join together.” It is the practice of joining together the mind, body, and spirit through a series of poses called Asanas. It is the practice of staying calm in the present moment while being in an awkward or uncomfortable position. It is a practice that can be used throughout our daily lives for dealing with any difficult situation. Yoga is open to everyone and not strictly devoted to one religion. Like the Punk scene, yoga can be misinterpreted by many and can even be misconstrued as something negative. Rimel adds “So often, Yoga gets boxed up into this super-chill, Zen, hippy package but anyone who practices knows it’s not always super-relaxing or feel-good stuff. It can be really confronting and tough sometimes … hardcore even!”

Yogurt Activeculture is starting a peaceful revolution to show that yoga is for everyone no matter what your background may be. Rimel believes that “Every design communicates an idea that we’d like more people to think about … we hope to develop an Activeculture that’s NOT just about yoga, but that broadly promotes truth and beauty, encourages playfulness, cultivates individual style and wellbeing, and most importantly, inspires us to make positive changes in our lives and in the lives of others.” It’s not just about poses but to encourage a healthier lifestyle. And to throw a little Karma Yoga into the mix, $1 from every item sold goes to charity.

You can check out their apparel and order online at yogurtactiveculture.com.

http://venuszine.com/stories/diy/1690

PRESS: CLEO April 2006

PRESS: BUST Magazine (New York USA) Apr/May 2006

HEY HO, LET'S OM!
From classes to clothes, yoga is going punk rock

When you hear the words 'punk rock yoga', you might picture Sid Vicious doing a shoulder stand. But the latest twist on this ancient fitness tradition has more to do with a DIY ethos than musical chaos.

In 2003, Seattleite Kimberlee Jensen Stedl 'rebelled against the trappings and dogma betraying yoga.' A working-class gal from Boston, Jensen Stedl created Punk Rock Yoga (www.punkrockyoga.com).

'Yoga in this country is white and elitist,' she says. to make it affordable and approachable for a wider audience, she holds her hour-and-a-half classes in an all ages club, charging only a suggested donation of five bucks.

'There aren't a bunch of people doing whiskey shots and putting their cigarettes out on eachother's jackets. Hell, it's got less dust thatn half the yoga studios I've been in.'

There are others taking punk rock to the mat as well. Australian yogis-cum-e-tailers Morgwn Rimel and Gaylee Butler recently launched Yogurt Activculture (www.yogurtactiveculture.com).

'Yoga gets boxed up into this super-chill, hippie packaging,' says Rimel. 'Anyone who practices knows it can be really confronting and tough--hardcore, even.' To reflect this, the two are producing a line of yogic 'proactive-wear' that includes everything from The Six-String Mat (featuring an electric guitar) to saucy rocker tees that read 'Poser' and 'Enlighten Me'.

'Punk rock is more than just music and style-- it's an attitude, a way of being. just like yoga,' explains Rimel.

Hardcore, indeed.

[Alle C. Hall]

PRESS: Men's Health April 2006

SERIOUSLY TWISTED

Yoga: you get fit, surrounded by ludicrously flexible, deep-breathing women in compromising positions—what’s not to like? Well, your outfit for a start. That’s where Yogurt Activeculture saves you. With cheeky slogans like ‘Convert’, ‘Enlighten Me’ and ‘Stay Tuned’, you get the benefits of yogi wellbeing without looking like one. And they’ll donate $1 to charity for every item sold. Now that’s enlightened!

The Rules:
1) Do wear clothing that is technically geared towards activity, but…
2) Do have some fun with it; you don’t need to sport a swoosh to work out.
3) Don’t think you can’t double-up your gym shirt—if it’s cool like this one—with a pair of jeans on the weekend.

PRESS: Sydney Morning Herald April 8-9 2006

DOWNWARD DOG ADOPTS A REBELLIOUS POSE

Edgy Chakras

Like all good trends, this one began with a supermodel. A real supermodel. In 1999, Christy Turlington launched her yoga range, Nuala, with Puma. Six years later, the very glamorous and well-connected British fashion designer Stella McCartney added some fuel to the charkas when she paired up with adidas to introduce an upscale range of yoga gear for her downward dog devotee pals Madonna, Sting and Gwyneth.

There are Gucci yoga mats, Hermes yoga bags, yoga shoes that are perfect for shopping and yoga outfits that have only ever saluted the long lunch. Yoga-wear has gone mainstream and now, like all things fashion-related, it is time to rebel.

Yoga gear is branching out from its more refined, demure beginnings to a rock chick in-your-face-eat-you-for-dinner-and-wash-you-down-with-a-chai-soy-latte kind of way.

Sydney duo Morgwn Rimel and Gaylee Butler launched Yogurt Activeculture online in January in response to the increase in the ’25-40 age group where yoga is part of your life and you’re not a hippy and not a mum’, says Rimel, who adds the range in just as comfortable on Oxford Street as in a yoga studio. Best-sellers include shirts writ large with the words Poser or Enlighten Me, and their electric guitar-printed yoga mat.

‘Yoga’s not always relaxing,’ Rimel says. ‘It can be quite confronting and intense and we wanted to express that mental and emotional side.’

This feature article appeared in:

The Sydney Morning Herald
LIFE Section April 8-9, 2006
Trends by Jacqueline Lunn