Last week, I was given the opportunity to try Yoga.  Not only is it yoga, it’s Ümbral, Yoga en Español.  This DVD is entirely in Spanish.  It’s pretty interesting.  I’ve seen and heard the hype about yoga, but never really gave it much thought.  I didn’t think I was that “bendy” to try it.  Especially with my lonjas love handles.

Ümbral, which means “beginning” or “threshold,” is a program designed to educate the Hispanic community about the health benefits of yoga and most importantly, to inspire women and children to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle for improved overall health and wellness.  Practicing yoga has shown to help increase flexibility, strength, create balance, reduce stress and build awareness of how the body and mind can work together as one.

I’ve been faithfully trying to grasp the goodness of yoga.  At first, it was very intimidating. I was am wobbling all over the place.  I was trying to bend & stretch like the ladies there, but found the balance quite challenging.  I did give it my all, by sticking to it, whenever possible. I still am, I should say.  Not only does it cater to me, it has a kid program also.  Yup, that’s where I truly excelled.  I was rockin’ those move with the kiddies.  Oh yeah!

“I designed the ümbral program and instructional video to help motivate Hispanic women and children to experience the benefits of yoga and to learn how adaptable and meaningful it can be to their lifestyle,” said Navia. “I’m confident that once people try it and experience the amazing benefits, the practice will grow in the Hispanic community.”

I am enjoying the DVD.  It was hard at first.  I thought to myself a couple of times, that this has to be more like advance yoga.  Not so much for a rookie, like me. If you understand Spanish I would recommend it, 100%.  One thing I do have to say is that I loved the way Lina connected through the DVD.  It’s weird?!?  I don’t know if it was because it was the first time doing a fitness program in Spanish, but she is SO easy, and calm, and fun!  She gives off such a positive vibe, that it give you encouragement to go on!  Really!  It’s like doing yoga with your best friend.  I love that.  She shows you different ways to do the positions, in case you aren’t able to them the way she does.  I hope you guys understand what I’m trying to say.  She is just a joy to watch.  Gracias Lina, for teaching me how to do yoga.  I may not be a star student, pero aquí estoy, dándole la lucha! (:

Here is more info on Lina and Ümbral:

The “Yoga en Español con Lina Navia” DVD features:

-        50-minute beginner’s yoga session for adults

-        25-minute yoga session for children ages 4-10

-        Interview with Lina Navia

-        Glossary of yoga poses

The DVD is available for purchase for $14.99 via www.umbralyoga.com.

About Lina Navia

Lina Navia was born and raised in Bogota , Colombia where she worked as an actress appearing in popular TV shows and telenovelas including Pequeños Gigantes, Oki Doki and Café con Aroma de Mujer. She moved to Los Angeles in 1998 where she took her first yoga class and was immediately drawn to the practice. Lina has since practiced yoga at a number of studios and has trained to become a yoga instructor with notable yoga institutions and practitioners including YogaWorks and Erich Schiffmann from the Exhale Center of Sacred Movement. Today, Lina’s mission is to educate Hispanics about the benefits of yoga and provide access to classes in Spanish. For more information on Lina Navia and ümbral or to order a copy of the “Yoga en Español con Lina Navia” DVD, please visit www.umbralyoga.com.

*Disclaimer~ I was given a “Yoga en Español con Lina Navia” DVD to try and work off my lonjitas and make me a better, healthy mommy.  Also, so I can review it.  These are my pensamientos. Sale?