Teaching yoga at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit
As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, my contribution to Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit was to teach a yoga class -- and I was especially happy when my niece, Sophie Herbert, agreed to join me for the trip. In addition to teaching yoga and taking part in other interesting business ventures, Sophie is also the New York coordinator and web designer for Energy 4 Orphans, a small but ever-expanding international nonprofit organization that raises support for destitute and orphaned children through yoga and other creative fundraising projects.
With Sophie's help, the full yoga class was so much fun and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. One surprise was meeting Brandy Chastain, the famous soccer star. She had never practiced yoga before and said that her taut muscles felt great afterwards. Another testimonial that yoga really works!
I love that photo of Warren Buffet, you and the historic photo of Joe Biden and Sarah Palin debating for the vice presidency. It made me think that it would have been interesting to get your feedback of that event..and if I had to choose which would be more interesting: attending the debate or attending an event to talk to you and Warren Buffet about the debate.
The photos of the yoga are very informative..thank you to Sophie and to you for sharing. I need to find an introductory class for the winter.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | October 9th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I'm so jealous!! And Martha you look great!
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | October 10th, 2008 at 12:31 am
It takes great self-esteem for a woman of Martha’s stature to post a picture of herself in the “Thread the Needle” yoga pose (picture #5)
You go girl !!!
Posted by: Renay | October 10th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Wow! Sophie looks great!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | October 10th, 2008 at 1:51 am
You and Sophie look like GREAT Yoga teachers!
Posted by: Jed Lewis | October 10th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Martha and Sophie, the girls in the yoga class are so lucky to have you as their instructor. I was really surprised when I saw the picture of you with your palms up on your back! How does she do that? I tried it! Oh my gosh, that's hard to do. Are you going to do more classes on your show? Sell a Yoga Video? I'd Love that too.
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Mech | October 10th, 2008 at 2:22 am
How funny-Martha Stewart trying to look short. It is nice to see everyone enjoying themselves. Sometimes sessions like these are all it takes to move the boulders in front of us. Glad to see everyone smiling.
Posted by: Margie | October 10th, 2008 at 3:33 am
I would love to have been there!
Posted by: Madeline | October 10th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Martha, the Reverse Namaste is insane!. I just tried to do it here at my desk and could barley get in to half of the position. I think, once again, you have inspired me.
Still loving the blog and the photos.
Posted by: Diana | October 10th, 2008 at 4:20 am
I want to take a yoga class with Martha!
It ssounds like a blast.
Posted by: Greg | October 10th, 2008 at 4:31 am
...another great set of inspiring pictures, Martha! YOU LOOK FABULOUS, by the way...(yes, I did mean to shout it out [grin] ) You have never looked better!
I am just simply enamored with you! Do you have ANY idea how much we, your fans, adore you?!! (I'm serious!) Do you ever feel like you have to pinch yourself, to see if it's all real?!! God has blessed you richly and has given you m-a-n-y talents!
Thank you for taking time to read what I have to say each day, Martha. My wish is that you look for me every day, to get your daily dose of admiration and adoration.
Many blessings!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | October 10th, 2008 at 4:43 am
...another great set of inspiring pictures, Martha! YOU LOOK FABULOUS, by the way...(yes, I DID mean to shout it out [grin] ) You have never looked better!
I am just simply enamored with you! Do you have ANY idea how much we, your fans, adore you?!! (I'm serious!) Do you ever feel like you have to pinch yourself, to see if it's all real?!! God has blessed you richly and has given you m-a-n-y talents!
Thank you for taking time to read what I have to say each day, Martha. My wish is that you look for me every day, to get your daily dose of admiration and adoration.
Many blessings!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | October 10th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I have been wanting to get into yoga, it seems like such a release and the clothes are always so comfy! If only we had better facilities around here. Welp, i`m off to check out the E4O site
Posted by: Kim | October 10th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Oh, Martha!
I just tried that pose and I think my wrists just snapped off! I SO need to start Yoga!
Posted by: Michelle Smith | October 10th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Okay, I've looked at all the pictures and now I'm off to rest! Thread the needle on all fours and reverse namaste? Are you kidding? Ouch! But I am totally impressed with you and Sophie. You make a great yoga team! Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 10th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Lovely inspiration. I have recently expanded our yoga studio and this just offers me encouragment to keep it going.
Posted by: Angelia | October 10th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Yoga looks sooo great. I wish there was a class or gym LOL around here, that taught it. Do you or Sophie know of a good DVD that could show me the ropes of it? My office job has really added the pounds and I am having to get me a good routine. Your show always has such great tips. I am working on Tae Bo, but some days a little less intense workout would be nice!
Posted by: Ashley | October 10th, 2008 at 6:20 am
hi martha, em sorry because my english is quite weak...but i just want to tell u that, i love to watch your show....... from Malaysia
Posted by: alieya | October 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Martha,
Respect.
You can do it.
Greetings from Poland,
Ewa
Posted by: Ewa | October 10th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Hi Martha, This second blog of your trip to San Diego was certainly worth waiting for. It almost feels like I am right there enjoying my first yoga lesson with all of you. Your photos are really great. You and Sophie look like you are having a wonderful time. You both look fantastic and very relaxed. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 10th, 2008 at 7:06 am
You are redefining the 60's! You look fantastic!!
Posted by: susieshomemade | October 10th, 2008 at 7:19 am
What a neat thing to take a yoga lesson from you. How fun for your students and I agree, you look great.
Posted by: Sandi | October 10th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I linked from blog to blog -- taking a break from a writing project at the office to clear my head -- and I discover this beautiful place. Now I'm inspired to give yoga a try! For years, I've admired anyone practicing yoga. Thank you for sharing, Martha.
Posted by: karen | October 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I just read an article on Brandy Chastain the other day. It was in Runnersworld, she was talking about how she has switched to running and how much she enjoys it now that she is not competitively playing soccer. Yoga definitely is a nice counterbalance to strengthening and conditioning your muscles and joints after long distance running or any activity that's hard on your body. Kudos Martha and Sophie =).
Posted by: sushi2 | October 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Hi Martha,
Very cool! Here's a business idea: maybe you and Sophie (or just Sophie) can do a yoga dvd set for women 50+, 60+, 70+. You can partner with Gaiam to distribute it or even start using it at your center for living in New York. I've just noticed that it's so hard to buy exercise dvds for my mom/grandma. Plus Sophie seems like such a patient person - maybe she could do some segments at your CT studios and some in India - I'm sure there are lots of scenic sites there.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | October 10th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I wish I was there! I just love yoga.
Posted by: Amy from Texas | October 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Martha,
You mentioned on your Friday show in the segment with Bryan Batt that you would be traveling to New Orleans next week. What brings you to our Crescent City, business or pleasure? Hope you enjoy your visit.
Posted by: Becky | October 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Reverse Namaste?? Why can't I do it?
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | October 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
very flexible Martha! she bends but never breaks!
you cannot break our sexy Martha!
Posted by: Alexandre | October 11th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Go Martha! Just coming over from SITS (The Secret is in the Sauce). You're on the "saucy blog" list!
Posted by: Kaza | October 11th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I have always been a runner and skeptical of yoga. I recently took up Bikram and am totally hooked. It is the best/most rewarding exercise I do. I regret not having started earlier.
This looks like a wonderful class you taught!
Posted by: alexandra's kitchen | October 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I remember little Sophie mentioned in articles and books....she's grown up! You both look great and what fun!
Posted by: Jeanne van Etten | October 11th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I am attempting to begin "Yoga For Dummies", a DVD I found for beginners and "vintage" women! I'm looking for something my body can handle after having a major fibromyalgia attack in my legs. I think yoga may be the answer!
Best wishes, Sherry in Ohio
Posted by: Sherry Sidner | October 12th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Oh Yoga is something I'm only brave enough to do in my hotel rooms. I find it very relaxing, especially after a 9 hour day inside an airplane.
Posted by: Ritch in Love | October 12th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Dear Martha,
HELP! I guess my dryer has a rusty place in it and now some of my favorite clothes have rust spots on them. How can i get rust out of clothes???
Also, a friend wanted me to ask how to get paint out of her jeans? I figure she will need an iron-on flower or something over the paint.
But I just know if Rust can be removed from my clothes YOU WOULD BE THE ONE TO KNOW HOW.
Thank you,
An Okie who has a rust
challenge.!!!
Posted by: connie sanmann | October 12th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hello Martha,
I am so happy you are sharing yoga; may your gift for enlightening and inspiring people's creative spirit also inspire more people to explore yoga all over the world. As a fellow yoga teacher I wish I could've shared a yoga class with you while you were here in San Diego.
Thank you for the difference you are making in millions of lives.
Wishing you all the best
Namaste
Naomi Call
Posted by: Naomi Call | October 12th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Good Morning Martha!
I used to do Yoga all the time and I felt so so good. I wasn't as tired at my desk at work, had good energy, way less stress, woke up earlier because I didn't need as much sleep and wanted to get in there and do my routine. And it made me want to eat better so I'd feel better and look better too. I felt wonderful... then I became pregnant and was on bed rest most of it so the doctor said no yoga. My son was born 6 weeks early and 8.5 pounds, and I was in labor for 2 months before he was born. Yikes!
I am going to definitely have to start getting back into doing it to feel better!
Any suggestions on a specific show on tv or a dvd or something to get? I used to always watch Denise Austin and Guthie Ranker is it? I probably have about 4 or 5 of her videos. I remember the first time I did one of her videos I was exhausted but I kept going and going until I couldn't go anymore. Finally I just sat down and stopped because I couldn't do it anymore. I was really upset when I realized the video was only 3 more minutes. hehehe After that I learned to watch an exercize video before I actually do it.
Please let me know if you have any other suggestions.
Have a fantabulous day today!
Laney Brown
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posted by: Laney | October 12th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Martha,
I was in your class (grey t shirt/black pants) - I hurt for days after too many downward dogs. I am now working daily to practice on the mat with the props you gave us - blocks, straps and the book. Thank you for sharing your stories of how it kept you mind and body limber during times of crisis - we are all experiencing difficulties now in financial services and yoga is one way out of it!!
My best,
Anne
Posted by: Anne Erni | October 28th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I'm offically volunteering to teach yoga/relaxation for the next summit.
I'm a yoga teacher, yoga author (Guiding Yoga's Light, Human Kinetics, 2008) and full-time marketing professional.
Having had a yoga practice since college has quite literally kept me afloat. It's a life-changing practice that every corporation should include in their budgets.
Kudos! And PLEASE--keep me in mind for the next summit!
Posted by: Nancy Gerstein | July 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm