more health benefits of yoga.....

In earlier posts, I have outlined 3 benefits of yoga (from a list compiled by the Yoga Alliance).
Here's another benefit:
Weight Management: Yoga (even less vigorous styles) can aid weight control efforts and encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.

The New Year Approaches!

In less than one week, we will begin a new year. While 2009 was not kind to many of us (high unemployment, stock market losses, weird weather and more!), hopefully you are able to look back at the year and find many blessings and moments of joy and inspiration.
With 2010 just around the corner, I'd love for you to join me in a yoga class. I have 2 new community classes that begin the first week of January...and you still have time to register!

On Monday afternoons, I will offer a class at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan from 4:30-5:30pm. End your Monday workday with a stop for some yoga....then relax and head into the rest of your work week with more flexibility and energy! Class begins Monday January 4th!

Tuesday mornings I will offer a class at Aslan Institute in Eagan from 10-11:15am beginning January 5th. This class will end with journaling questions and time for relaxation and reflection to bring clarity and focus to your week.

I have room for more in both classes.....but contact me ASAP if you are interested! Thinking about January seems far away...but it'll be here before you know it!!

Have a peaceful day!
karenyogam@gmail.com
651-681-1672

Merry Christmas!!!

Enjoy the beauty of the snow....take some time to slow down and count your blessings!! Hope to see many of you "on the mat" in the New Year!
Peace

An easy at home practice!

Outline for a Yoga Home Practice:

Spend a few minutes in an easy seated pose just breathing (Set a timer for 3-5 minutes…or just count 10-20 slow deep even breaths)

Tune into your body and begin to stretch whatever it is that feels the most tight/stiff…..shoulders, neck or hips…..

(Do some easy neck rolls, seated cat/cow, or lean forward over the legs to stretch the outside of the hips).
Move to your hands and knees/table top….move thru child’s pose and table top or kneeling plank

Press to down dog….then to forward fold.

Find a standing mountain position, choose 2-4 standing poses (triangle, Warrior I, Warrior II, or side angle pose) and complete on each side.

Balance: Find tree pose or other balance pose (Count 6 breaths per side)

Return to the floor and stretch the inner thighs with butterfly or wide legged seated forward fold

Roll onto your back….do some abdominal crunches.

Release the hips with Happy Baby

Relax and congratulate yourself for taking some time JUST FOR YOU! SMILE! BREATHE! Take this rested and open feeling with you during your day!!

Looking ahead....

I can hardly believe that Christmas is in 8 days!!!
Look for a short outline for a yoga home practice that you can use as a guide over the holidays...I will try to post it early next week.
A gentle reminder/nudge to check out my upcoming class sessions that will begin in January. Particularly with the Tuesday morning class at Aslan, I need people registered by December 28th....which is coming up quickly!
With all the hustle and bustle of the season....try to maintain your sense of humor.....and BREATHE!

Music

Lots of yoga instructors use music to set a tone for class. I get asked from time to time about the music I play. I tend to go for instrumental music (songs with lyrics are distracting, I think) usually guitar or piano meant for relaxation. Julian Bream is one guitar player that I use frequently. Right now in my church classes, I am playing Billy McLaughlin's CD called Winter Songs and Traditionals. Tomorrow nite I have promised my yoga students a "joyful" class which will include some more contemporary tunes and carols. (Don't forget your favorite stocking hat!)
I also play Soothing Sanctuary and Zen Garden.
Next week I will try to post some tips for doing yoga at home....
Stay warm out there!

Another Health Benefit of Yoga....

Number 3: Better Breathing:
Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. This helps to improve lung function, triggers the body's relaxation response, and increases the amount of oxygen available to the body.
(from Yoga Alliance)

We'll be doing some pranayama (breath work) tonite in my classes!
Take care out there in the snow....
Karen

Class Registration

Hey All....
It is a busy and hectic time of the year....but take a look at my new classes that will be starting in January and get registered now.

Monday afternoons: 4:30-5:30pm at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan (On Lexington Ave between Diffley and Wescott). This one hour class will combine yoga practice with a short devotional and prayer....a great way to start your week! (Class session starts Jan. 4th).

Tuesday Mornings: 10-11:15am at Aslan Institute in Eagan (near Highway 13 and Cedar Ave). This class meets for 75 minutes and will include readings, affirmations, and journaling time at the end of class to help you deepen your practice. (Class sessions starts on Jan 5th).

I handle the registrations for both of these classes...so give me a quick call or send an email to get enrolled.

Have a wonderful and peaceful day!!
Karen
651-681-1672
karenyogam@gmail.com

New Class for 2010!

Sign up is going on now for a new class that will begin on January 5th. This gentle yoga class will meet at Aslan Institute in Eagan (4141 Old Sibley Memorial Highway) on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:15am. Cost is $60 for a 6 week session.
Do something postive for your body, mind, and mood in the New Year!
To Register or to learn more about the class.... contact me via email or phone.
Have a peaceful day.....
Karen
651-681-1672
karenyogam@gmail.com