I'm going with a yule themed pose on this Christmas week: knee to ankle is also called firelog pose because the legs should look like neatly stacked logs. I've also heard this pose called double pigeon and, on occasion, heard a few curse words thrown out as the hips open and knees settle into place. Happy Holidays!

What I like about most of these yoga mat bags is that they are not your typical mat-shaped tube (though you can find that here too, if that's your style), nor do they look like sporty gym bags (ditto). My favorites are stylish, functional, everyday bags that are enhanced with handy straps for carrying your mat on the days you need it. Any one of these would make a great gift for the yogini fashionista in your life.

Dear Aunt Yoga,

I go to my yoga class at least three times a week. Unfortunately, I've caught a cold with a cough that's lasted about a week. To be on the safe side, I haven't gone to any yoga. Do I have to wait until my cough is completely gone or can I continue to go to my classes?

Aunt Yoga's Reply

Today is the 91st birthday of renowned yoga guru B.K.S Iyengar. To find out more about this living yoga legend, read up on Iyengar yoga and his books Light on Yoga and Light on Life. You can also see an interview with Mr. Iyengar in the recent yoga documentary Enlighten Up!.

I'm really enjoying some balancing variations on
ardha chandrasana right now. Letting your bottom hand float off the floor reveals how much weight you are actually carrying on those fingertips. When you place your hand back down, it's with a lighter touch.

Though imperfect, the yoga on Nintendo's Wii Fit does at least get you on to the mat between yoga classes. At least that's how I'd use it. Let us know how the Wii works for you by adding your review to my Nintendo Wii Fit Review.

I know that January is the month for resolutions and fresh starts, but I'm bucking that trend by recommitting myself to my home practice right now. I'm back on the daily stretch horse and I swear, I started to feel better right away. Staying motivated to get out your mat day after day can be tough, so I'm pleased to share some home practice tips from readers just like yourself. And here's the trick that's working for me right now: I put on my yoga pants as soon as I get out of bed in the morning, so I am ready to do my stretches before getting dressed for the day. Hey, whatever works!

It's been awhile since I extolled the virtues of one of my favorite exercises ever, the pelvic tilt. Man, these feel so good. After waking up with a sore back a couple of mornings in a row, I got myself onto my mat and worked it out with some pelvic tilts. They'll cure what ails ya.

Yogitoes Skidless Towels make great stocking stuffers for yogis who have a hot and sweaty practice. I know lots of folks who love their Yogitoes- now you can weigh in by writing your own review of this product. Tell us whether it lives up to the hype or is a waste of cash.

It may be a little early to start talking about New Year's resolutions since we have barely begun the indulgent holiday season that will cause us to repent come January, so this one's for the plan-aheaders in the crowd. When you rededicate yourself to your yoga practice in the new year, will it be at a yoga studio or at the gym? Share your reason why so that others may benefit from your carefully considered choice. Cheers!