Friday, December 18, 2009

Quote for the Day

I read an interesting article about attempting new poses.  It seemed appropriate to post one quote in particular since my more advanced class will be starting after the holidays.  Take a moment to read the article and be inspired.


"In yoga, the journey never ends."   - Claudia Cummins (YogaJournal.com article - click here to read)


Namaste,
gretchen

Friday, October 9, 2009

Revised Article for Anytime Fitness Newsletter


I can't take a yoga class.  I'm not flexible.”  I hear those words all the time.  Fortunately, you don't have to be flexible to start your yoga practice.  Yoga makes you flexible.  It doesn't come after one class, but it will come.  However, yoga is about much more than flexibility.  Through yoga you can also improve your posture, circulation, immunity, and your ability to fight infection.  You can strengthen your bones and muscles and relieve stress and depression.  And while you are reaping all of these benefits, yoga gets you moving and burns calories.  But all that said, I understand the fear and trepidation you feel. So here are a few pointers for getting started:


  1. Arrive on time. Class starts promptly at 7:00 PM.
  2. Come wearing comfortable clothing that is neither too tight or too loose.  A fitted T-shirt and shorts are ideal. Yoga is practiced barefoot so be prepared to remove shoes and socks.
  3. Don't eat before class. You should wait at least 4 hours after a heavy meal to practice. A light snack about an hour before class is fine. You will need energy.
  4. If you have your own mat or any yoga props (strap, blocks, or blankets) please bring them. If not, mats and a few props are provided. Please be considerate and wipe your mat down after class with the sanitizing wipes provided.
  5. Let the teacher know if you have any recent injuries or surgeries, chronic pains, medical conditions such as high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant or menstruating. None of these should stop you from coming to class but there may be some poses that you shouldn't do. I'll provide you with alternate or modified poses.


Beyond that, come ready for a workout. I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!


Namaste,
Gretchen


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Sequence to Boost Your Immunity

To boost your immunity focus on opening your chest, armpits, and hips.  Get your head down as often and as long as possible.  If you are running fever, you should just rest.

Most of these poses can be found on the Yoga Journal website.  See "My Favorite Yoga Links" for the web address.

  1. Adho Mukha Virasana - use blankets between your calves and thighs and under chest and head for support
  2. Adho Mukha Svanasana - use blankets under your head for support
  3. Uttanasana - keep head down for up to 5 minutes
  4. Urdhva Hastasana - upward hands pose
  5. Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana - upward bound fingers pose
  6. Gomukhasana - arms only
  7. Paschima Baddha Hastasana - backward bound fingers pose
  8. Paschima Namaskarasana - backward prayer pose
  9. Uttansana
  10. Adho Mukha Svanasana
  11. Adho Mukha Virasana
  12. Bhujangasana - shoulders back and down, look up and open the chest
  13. Paschimottanasana - support head
  14. Janu Sirsasana - support head
  15. Upavista Konasana
  16. Baddha Konasana
  17. Supta Baddha Konasana
  18. Viparita Karani - hips elevated on blankets, weight on feet, eyes covered

Sunday, September 27, 2009

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root word "yuj" which has several meanings:  bind, join, attach, and yoke; to direct and concentrate one's attention on; to use and apply.  It can also mean union or communion.  On a physical level this implies that yoga joins the body with the mind and the mind with the soul to achieve a happy, balanced, and useful life.  Spiritually, yoga unites our will with the will of God.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Under Construction

I know, the blog looks kind of crazy right now.  I've ordered business cards and am trying to make the blog colors match the card colors.  Given  my limited HTML abilities, it's proving to be a challenge.  Have patience.  I'll get this color scheme worked out eventually...

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Your First Yoga Class

This is my rough draft of an article for the Anytime Fitness newsletter...

I have seen you peering in to the group exercise room during my class. You see me bending over and grabbing my toes and think, "I'm not flexible. I could never do that." Let me confess, I couldn't when I started either. You don't have to BE flexible to practice yoga; practicing yoga MAKES you flexible. But all that said, I understand the fear and trepidation you feel. So here are a few pointers for getting started:

1. Arrive on time. Class starts promptly at 7:00 PM.
2. Come wearing comfortable clothing that is neither too tight or too loose. You should be able to move freely but you don't want lots of bulky clothing getting in your way. A fitted T-shirt and shorts are ideal. Yoga is practiced barefoot so be prepared to remove shoes and socks.
3. Don't eat before class. You should wait at least 4 hours after a heavy meal to practice. A light snack about an hour before class is fine. You will need energy.
4. If you have your own mat or any yoga props (strap, blocks, or blankets) please bring them. If not, mats and a few props are provided. Please be considerate and wipe your mat down after class with the sanitizing wipes provided.
5. Let me, the teacher, know if you have any recent injuries or surgeries, chronic pains, medical conditions such as high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant or menstruating. None of these should stop you from coming to class but there may be some poses that you shouldn't do. I'll provide you with alternate or modified poses.

Beyond that, come ready for a workout. I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!

Namaste,
Gretchen

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Namaste

I say it at the end of every class as do so many yoga teachers, but what does it really mean?

Namaste is Sanskrit. Breaking it down piece by piece:

Nama = bow
as = I
te = you

So "Namaste" literally means "Bow I you" or "I bow to you". If you delve deeply into its meaning you'll find all kinds of religious symbolism, mostly from Hinduism. I've seen it translated as I bow to the soul, the divine, the spirit, the God, and even the Universe in you. But being a mother of three small children, the best translation I've read is from a children's yoga book: "I bow to the good in you."

Say Namaste everyday
To the good in you and the good in me
Say Namaste everyday
And the world will live in harmony
- Sydney Solis

Regardless of your religious affiliations or non-religious affiliations, I hope we can all agree that within each individual there is good. I respect and am grateful for that good. I respect and am grateful that you are my student. Without you, I would not be a teacher.

And so I say, Namaste!

-gretch

Read more at
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/822

Sunday, August 23, 2009

More on the Free Day of Yoga

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free day of yoga. Here are a few suggestions for classes:

My teacher, Marj Rash, will be giving a 108 sun salutations class at Dragon Fire Yoga near White Rock Lake and the Arboretum. Class starts at 12:00 PM (noon). Sun Salutations are challenging and yes, you really will do 108 of them. The class is for all levels of students so don't let the challenge scare you away. Over 60 different yoga poses will be included. How's that for variety? For more information about the studio go to http://www.dragonfireyoga.com/index.htm. My plans for Labor Day weekend aren't solidified but if I'm in town this is where I will be. Come join me!

I would also recommend any beginner level class at the BKS Iyengar Studio near SMU. I especially like Sally's classes. For more information about this studio go to http://www.dallasiyengaryoga.com/.

I'm not sure if the studio websites reflect the Labor Day schedules or not. For a detailed list of all the classes in the Metroplex go to http://www.freewebs.com/dallasfreedayofyoga/2009schedule.htm.

Namaste!

-g

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Take a Class for Free

Third Annual Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

FREE DAY OF YOGA

Monday, September 7, 2009

A free day of Yoga is presented by the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex area Yoga community and sponsored by Luke's Locker!

Go to http://www.freewebs.com/dallasfreedayofyoga/
for more information and to find participating studios

Friday, May 22, 2009

Why do I do yoga?


Quite simply, I do yoga for my family. There is some truth to that saying, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I have a herniated disc in my back. Getting out of bed every morning is painful. Practicing yoga, even just a forward bend or two, every day makes getting out of bed the next day possible. But I get more than physical benefits from yoga. I am much calmer after I practice Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand). I handle temper tantrums and whining with a smile on my face. When the kids yell, I don't yell back. I feel powerful after practicing Salamba Sirsasana (supported head stand), like I can conquer the world or at least those last few evening chores. Rather than make the same mistakes day after day, I take time to reflect on how my actions have made me and those around me feel. I consciously make an effort to correct my bad habits by replacing them with good ones.

Yoga has made such a positive change in my life. I am excited to be sharing it with others. I want my students to not only do yoga but LEARN yoga. I want students to learn the proper way to execute the asanas (poses). I want them to feel comfortable performing "their pose". However, my classes are no cake walk. Performing asanas correctly means making changes in the way you sit, stand, walk, move, breathe, and even think. It means realigning your body to the posture it was intended to have. From day to day this can be exhausting and even a bit painful, but the long term benefits are immeasurable. Your body will feel better and your mind will feel calmer.

So whether you are brand new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, I encourage you to drop in for a class. Who knows, maybe you will smile through the next temper tantrum be it from your child, spouse, or boss.

Namaste,
Gretchen