In this fast paced world, everyone is working longer and harder to get a leg up, and it's spilling over into our fitness life as well. What if taking a break is exactly what you need to live a full, rich life and achieve the goals you've set?

My goal for 2013 is to share this radical idea. To create gaps to have more room to be creative, daydream and be open. To take the time to recover and heal yourself so you don’t burn out, but instead shine more often. How are we going to do this?

By putting your legs up the wall.

how to do it

Sit with your hips against the wall and roll onto your back, taking your legs up the wall. Your seat should be pressing as close to the wall as you can. Spend 5 to 30 minutes here.

Contraindications: avoid if you have glaucoma. If your toes get tingly, bend your knees, and with your feet together bring your feet closer to your pelvis.

what’s going on in this pose?

• Your femur bones are dropping into your hip sockets, relaxing your psoas. These are the muscles that help you walk and support your lower back.
• Blood is draining out of your tired feet and legs.
• Your nervous system is getting a signal to slow down. It's all stress release and recovery big time.

the benefits

The list of benefits is as long as your yoga mat.

• Do it before bed to help cure insomnia.
• Release of sore legs after your long run as it stretches the hamstrings.
• Helps with poor digestion and circulation.
• Helps to regulate your thyroid.
• Great for mild sore lower back.

legs up the wall week

Do it with your friends, loved ones, entire family, or by yourself. Life's not about the destination, it's all about the ride. Slow down and don’t miss anything. Share your photos on instagram, twitter, or on our Facebook wall, and tag it with #legsupthewall. How many legs can we get up the wall this week?

We’ve seen them in the gym, tanning and doing laundry and now bros everywhere are participating in a new form of physical activity – Broga. Yup! You read that right, yoga for bros. Briar Hill ambassador, David Good, shares his thoughts on dudes and their bromance with broga.

men and yoga

Yoga, when it was created, was a sexist practice. It was an activity designed for men by men and women were discouraged from participating. Now the pendulum is swinging back and more men are signing up. I’ve noticed especially because I have to share the small change rooms with them. Guys are letting go of their fears of not being flexible enough or their preconceived notion that yoga is for women. They’re starting to notice the benefits of yoga for their minds, as well as the ways it compliments their other fitness interests – Coach Taylor said it, “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” Right?

broga

Some studios are offering classes called ‘Broga’, which is designed specifically for men with an emphasis on strengthening postures. These classes make for a good introduction to the practice for guys who are self-conscious about being in a room full of women as they tackle their first class.

to broga or not to broga

The debate is still a hot one though. Are “men’s only” classes really the way to go especially since yoga, at its very core, is supposed to mean ‘union’? On top of this, tons of women are trying to attend Broga classes because they're looking for the ‘bigger challenge that’s being offered to these guys exclusively. I’m not really a fan for many reasons that stem directly from the history of the practice. I think it should be an inclusive practice that brings people together, not one that segregates them. Shouldn’t we all be able to play together?

What are your thoughts? Is Broga totally kosher or completely offside?