Other posts from the On a visit to.. series:
- On a visit to… Katie aka The travelling light, Brisbane (Australia)
- On a visit to… Krystal Lynn, Albuquerque (NM, USA)
- On a visit to… Konstantina aka Redhead Explorer (Wellington, New Zealand)
Namaste, beautiful yogis!
If this sounds familiar to you, you’ll probably be as enthusiastic as me while reading this interview. I can proudly say that we have a real yoga star here – Ali Kamenova, the creator of the Interval Yoga living her dreams in LA, USA! When I wrote her with the proposal to take part in this rubric she agreed with an open heart. Thank you, Ali, for your deep soul and an open mind! Since, I’ve started practicing yoga, I get an inspiration from her for my home practice and if you want to do the same, which I totally recommend you to do, you can see her YouTube channel where you will find many free yoga videos for any levels, or find her on Instagram where she posts nice stories every day, and, of course, seeing all the membership programs she has to offer on her website. The best thing in Interval Yoga is the cardio part which is missing in most of the yoga practices, don’t be shy and give it a try!
And what a coincidence… I think that this is one great way to celebrate the 4th of July while taking this imaginary walk on the streets of the City of Angels and dreaming about the beaches and the places that we can see, all the things we can do and all the people we can meet.
BG (На гости на… Али Каменова (Лос Анджелис, Калифорния)
How do you imagine the perfect “om trip”?
When I visit new places it is key for me that I am able to slow down and experience the pace of the place. I love seeing the nature sights in the area I am visiting.
For the last years, you are living in LA. Tell us where and how do you find peace in this crazy busy city?
LA is a very busy city. Everyone here has come here to fulfill some kind of a dream so the pace of the city is like no other city I have been to. I have been living in Los Angeles for near 15 years and in the last 8 years, I moved into the suburbs near the San Bernardino mountains and the Angeles Forrest in a very quiet and peaceful neighborhood which nowadays I find the key. I love the buzzing of the busy intercity life but in order to stay grounded and connected to my intuitive side, I need peace in my day to day life.
Three things which we absolutely have to take with us when traveling to Los Angeles?
Sunblock 🙂
Flip flops
An Uber app if you are not driving
A place in LA you’d like to share with us.
A must-see is The Self Realization Center which is built on a natural lake in Malibu by Paramahansa Yogananda and The 26-Mile Bike Path in Santa Monica. Both places are a must-see and must experience spots.
Where would you take us for a tea/or a good coffee?
LA’s hundreds and hundreds of great coffee places that are either 100% vegan or have multiple vegan and healthy options so the choices are endless. Ah, that has to be the hardest question ever haha. There are literally far too many phenomenal places here.
In Venice Beach, there are a number of funky places such as The Butcher’s daughter, MoonJuice, Gjusta (not vegan! but great coffee and sourdough bread, plus a great atmosphere), Urth Cafe for vegan boba, Coffee Commissary for the best pour-over.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLHlQH0hJUx/
We always take books with us while traveling. Which book do you think will be most suitable for our trip to LA?
You can never go wrong with The Autobiography of a Yogi.
Where would you take us for a yoga practice in the City of Angels? Where can we practice yoga outdoors in LA?
When did you start practicing yoga? What did you find more tempting in this practice at the very beginning?
I started at home while living in Las Vegas and I practiced all by myself for the first 3 years of my yoga life.
You have created your own yoga style. It’s called Interval Yoga. How did you take the courage to start this project? What is the story behind the name?
I felt the need for an evolving yoga practice that is not stuck in time. Yoga at the time I was practicing was very much a strict and a traditional discipline and most of the time it lacked fluidity, femininity and strength elements. I personally needed that for myself so I offered what I felt was lacking in the community at the time. The name indicates its dynamic nature as I interlace HIIT into my classes. This allows my classes to be a full yoga experience in under 30 minutes. Many people are very busy nowadays and I encourage everyone to have a strong home practice. At home we are able to connect with our inner truth; to hear our inner voice and to deepen our self and body awareness without the distraction of others and the need for approval or external leadership. If life gets too busy my classes offer you the possibility of maintaining a strong practice even if your time is very limited.
Three words that best describe the Interval Yoga Style?
Athletic, Evolving, Spiritual
What the other people share with you about how they feel after the Interval Yoga Class? What are the main benefits?
I offer classes for beginners which are my version of vinyasa yoga and I offer my signature style for intermediate to advanced practitioners called Interval Yoga. Expect to be challenged mentally, physically and spiritually! Expect to grow!
Where can we practice Interval Yoga?
Anywhere. All you need is a laptop or a phone, minimal space and an internet connection (I also have classes for download on my website in case you are traveling to remote areas).
Do you practice yoga while you travel? Tell us about your healthy routines on the road.
I practice no matter what. When I travel I do my 12 minute HIIT classes or my 20 minutes “Coffee Cup” Classes and that is generally enough to get my blood moving. Other healthy practices when I travel is finding the good fruit sellers in the places I am at and finding time to hike or walk in Nature.
Where should we go after visiting LA?
Hmm, maybe Santa Cruz. You get the beautiful beaches and the Redwoods all in one place. It is a must-see. Plus the road trip from LA to Santa Cruz is along the gorgeous coastline. Stopping at Big Sur on the way would make the trip an absolute dream come true.
Can you share your recipe for happiness?
An empty mind and an inspired heart!
Who is Ali Kamenova?
I am the founder and creator of Interval Yoga. I am an LA-based yoga teacher originally from Sofia, Bulgaria. Also, a mom, a business owner and an inspired yogi all at once. My love for movement, body awareness, Nature, and healing are my biggest drives when offering my online yoga and fitness classes.
P.S. All pictures are kindly provided by Ali Kamenova.
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Pingback: На гости на... Али Каменова (Лос Анджелис, Калифорния, САЩ) - OM TRIPS Blog
Pingback: На гости на... Али Каменова (Лос Анджелис, Калифорния) - OM TRIPS Blog
Nice photos! I wish I could go there some day. Thanks for sharing
I hadn’t heard of this place before but oh my goodness it looks stunning! Such beautiful photos really make me want to take a trip like this ASAP.
You haven’t heard of Los Angeles?
Looks like you had great time! Love your pictures! I would love to do yoga too!
Yes, I had a great time while taking this interview. Can’t wait to visit Los Angeles on my own so I can enjoy Ali’s recommendations.
I haven’t heard of this before, I’ll have to check it out next time I visit.
Ali’s recommendations are great!
first, great photos! second, i would almost bring the same in thailand Sunblock, Flip flops, An Uber app if you are not driving A motorbike :-). and this is a healthy fun way to do a trip!
I’ve never been to Thailand but If I plan a trip to there I will follow your advice 🙂
This is super cool! I’ve been to LA but never to any of these places. Your pictures are so cute too
Yes, Ali is taking great pictures! 🙂
This is awesome info! I love yoga and I need to start doing it more!
Home practice is a great way of practicing more often.
I love the idea of a OM Trip, that is awesome idea. The best place I ever stay in CA for that would be the Tradewinds Resort in Carmel, CA it had a great yogi vibe. The reflecting fountain of peace was a fabulous spot for meditation.
Jen, such a positive comment! Thank you so much 🙂 I have to check this place, too, it sounds like something special 🙂