Get Bent Yoga

Yoga – It’s all about the breath

Every class I teach, we emphasize the breath.  We can manipulate the breath to energize ourselves or as most classes go, to invite a relaxation response.  Our breath is so important, that in yogic philosophy, the breath (pranayama) has a limb all of its own.  When we think of our breath, we usually think about our lungs and diaphragm. This article by Tom Myers explains the role of the diaphragm and how it works synergistically with organs such as our heart and kidneys. I hope you enjoy the read and be sure to watch the video he has in the middle of the article. It’s fascinating!
https://yogauonline.com/yoga-anatomy/tom-myers-why-yogic-deep-breathing-matters-more-you-think-many-important-functions

Hi everyone.  Props are wonderful tools to have available during a yoga class.  They help us make space in the body and to find comfort in our poses. I did a quick five minute video to show some possible props you might want to have ready for your Zoom yoga class. Give it a quick watch.  Looking forward to seeing you soon!

1. Arrive a few minutes early to your first yoga class, maybe about 10-15 minutes. This will give us a little time to chat and let me show you the space and what props you may need.
2.  Do you already have a yoga practice?    Have you been to a yoga class that was so tough you didn’t go back, or started with one that was too easy and knew you needed more?  Most classes I teach are all levels classes which means I offer options for the more experienced yogi, as well as modifications for beginners.  One of the tenets of yoga is to find the balance between effort and ease.  I work with this premise every class, helping students find their best practice.
3. What should I expect in a vinyasa flow class? We warm up the body and connect to our breath.  Our goal in yoga is to pay attention to the breath throughout class, allowing it to be even and steady.  We’ll do sequences of standing poses that “flow” one into the other, followed by seated poses that flow as well. We end each class with Savasana – relaxing on our backs with eyes closed, finding stillness. Savasana is where we fully absorb the benefits of the class and allow ourselves to simply be.
4. Wondering what to wear? Whatever is comfortable to you. You can come in traditional yoga pants or your favorite lightweight sweats or shorts. As for tops, you might want a top that is a little more fitted and will stay close to the body so it doesn’t ride up.  I often layer a looser top over a fitted one so I can shed them as I build heat.  As for shoes… who needs shoes?  Yoga is great exercise for the feet, so we practice barefoot.
5. It’s best not to do a class on a full stomach, but a snack beforehand is fine. A yoga practice can be physically challenging so a little extra energy won’t hurt.
6. What about equipment? Most people bring their own yoga mat to class, and I keep a supply of blocks and straps.
7. And that’s the basics in a nutshell. Come to class with an open mind and a playful attitude, knowing that you’ll be welcome.  We check our egos at the door and enter without any sense of competition.  We’re all on this journey together.  Come join me at a class soon!

Shena

Looking for some interesting articles on lack of flexibility?  I found a couple of articles to share I thought you’d enjoy. The first article is a great primer and second article a more detailed study.

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/yoga-and-flexibility

https://www.yogajournal.com/.amp/practice/what-science-can-teach-us-about-flexibility

Shena

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-yoga-is-good-for-athletes?utm_source=mbg&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=170606

Yoga happened for me after a running injury sidelined me for about six months.  My schedule lined up with a very athletic style class, and I loved it.  The thing is though, I thought every class had to be athletic-inspired and tough.  That was yoga to me.  I was looking for a workout and since I was depending on just yoga for my workout, I would easily be stressed or irritated if my favorite teacher was out or I had to miss class.

Going through 200 hour yoga teacher training changed yoga for me.  I still take and teach an active yoga class because I enjoy active movement; but I learned to ride my breath as I moved through the poses, finding my calm. I see the value in all styles of yoga now.  I can sweat it out in a hot class, savor the predictability of an Ashtanga class, and most importantly can enjoy slowing down with a restorative class or yin. The practice grounded me and centered me. I learned that yoga is not just a workout, it’s a Work-In.

Now I’m working on balance and have picked my running back up, as well as an occasional class or two. If you haven’t read Do Your Om Thing, Bending Yoga Tradition to Fit your Modern Life by Rebecca Pacheco, pick up a copy.  It’s a great read and was a great reminder to me to not depend on my yoga for all my fitness needs.  Toward the end of the book she has a section entitled Get Fierce About Fitness where she reminds that there is a place for all forms of fitness and if your yoga mat is your only form of fitness it can easily become a place of rushing, competing, obligation and overexertion.  Sound advice. So now I’m back to running some for that calorie burn and might pick up some weights, but most importantly I’m doing the yoga my body needs. Why?  Because I need balance in my life, and I like that my yoga now feels good just being Yoga.

See you on the mat,

Shena