Author Articles: Nicole DeAvilla

Postpartum Meditation: Does It Exist?

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Nicole DeAvilla

Well-meaning friends, acquaintances and even strangers are quick to give all kinds of advice to a new mother. Before she knows it, a new mother is likely to be given the following advice from a variety of people. “When the … Continue reading →

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Prenatal Yoga Tips on Meditation

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Nicole DeAvilla

Anyone can receive many benefits from meditation during pregnancy, and all of those benefits—calmness, communion, centeredness and more—are especially important at this special time in life. Meditation practice can help you get through, not only the challenges of pregnancy, but … Continue reading →

Keeping on Track with Knees

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Nicole DeAvilla

Have you ever heard Raffi’s rousing rendition of the children’s song “Knees Up Mother Brown”? It goes something like this: Knees up Mother Brown, Knees up Mother Brown, Knees up, knees up, never let the breeze up, Knees up, Mother … Continue reading →

Posted in Yoga Therapist Training | 9 Comments

The Great Knee Quiz

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Nicole DeAvilla

Quiz answers are at the bottom of this page. Hyperextension When the leg is straight, the knee is said to be in extension. When the leg bends at the knee it is said to be in flexion. When the knee … Continue reading →

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Isometric Strengthening of the Vastus Medialis

Posted on September 21, 2007 by Nicole DeAvilla

Start by sitting against a wall with legs extended in front, and with a blanket or sticky mat rolled up under the knees (see photo). The roll under the knees is very important as it prevents hyperextension while contracting the … Continue reading →

Posted in Yoga Therapist Training | 2 Comments

Prenatal Yoga: Are You Ready for the Good News? Part 2

Posted on June 21, 2006 by Nicole DeAvilla

In Part 1 of this article Nicole discussed how to handle three “prenatal situations” that you might encounter in your teaching: (1) a new, pregnant student drops into your general yoga class, (2) a pregnant student and her pregnant friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Yoga Teacher Training | Tagged pregnancy, prenatal yoga, Yoga Students with Unique Needs | 2 Comments

Prenatal Yoga: Are You Ready for the Good News? Part 1

Posted on December 21, 2005 by Nicole DeAvilla

Read Part 2. It’s in the news: prenatal yoga is a great choice for mothers-to-be. Researchers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, and Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital in Bangalore, India collaborated on a research project (published in The … Continue reading →