Yoga for Everyone

January 2012 in Lakeland

2012-01-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

'It's going to be a good year'- that's what everyone keeps saying! So lets keep the good vibes going and see what we can achieve. One inspiration is my Yoga studio, we have a lot of new offerings this year and I am proud to be a part of the Satya Life Yoga team!

Check out our latest Newsletter and feel free to share why 2012 will be prosperous!

Namaste

Whitney

Teaching in a New City

2011-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Lakeland, FL has started to feel like home. Breaking in to the city as a new Yoga instructor with a Canadian passport was not easy at first, but it has been a heart opening experience.

Finding a gorgeous studio to study, grow and teach at was a huge blessing. Satya Life Yoga has been a perfect place for me to connect with like-minded friends and find a way to continue my Yoga journey.

The biggest lesson that I have learned is how to open your heart. Since studying at Satya my practice has veered toward an alignment focus and a million and one ways to open your heart. My confidence, upper body awareness and strength has awakened. Finding upper back strength has really helped with low back tension, too. My favourite heart opening class has been Aerial Yoga. We fly very, very high in this class! It gives amazing traction for the whole spine and the anti-gravity feeling is phenomenal. So grateful to have such a unique class offered at the studio. The combination of classes I take on a weekly basis have strengthened my wings;)

So thankful for everything Lakeland, FL has shown me.

Peace, Love & an Open Heart!

Let me know if you have ever done Aerial?

YOGA JOURNAL HAS A TALENT SEARCH

2011-03-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hello blog readers-- that is if you still exist! I am having a wonderful time teaching Yoga in LAKELAND, FL at Satya Life Yoga Studio. The studio offers everything from Therapeutic Yoga to Aerial Yoga, my new found love!

The classes are great because of my teacher FRANKIE HART. Tuesday, March 29th she entered the Yoga Journal Talent Search competition and I am trying hard to make sure people vote! She has a beautiful practice which is truly depicted in her photograph!

We are up against BIG competition so please go to the site below & give her the unlimited amount of FIVE STARS that she deserves!!!

Talent Search Website: http://talentsearch.yogajournal.com/view/2899

Please, Love & Asanas!

Day Two

2010-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Two students showed up for Yoga Basics last night!

It was not my best work because I was sincerely prepared to have no students. I prepared the class well in advance. For some reason, I did not mentally register the idea of teaching it. I took the two students through the class but my nerves were ever so present. Speech nightmares from grade 7 and 8 always linger when I teach in a new space.

When my first student arrived I was overwhelmed with joy! I helped her pay for the class, after successfully swiping her card! Afterwards, I made sure she had all of the props and was ready to start. My mind was racing to remember how I wanted to start the class and all of a sudden my husband knocked on the door. He was barely on-time but I managed to find a starting point for my two students. While in the opening moment of silence, I realized that I had positioned the class different from my class plan. Quick thinking was needed because the class was supposed to start on the wall. Hopefully, my facial expressions did not indicate my panicked thought! Somehow my chi found balance and class begin to flow. I improvised by bringing the ballet bar to them.

Both students had very tight hamstrings. They made a great pair for teaching. The time flew by surprisingly and I did not get to all of the planned poses.

I will let you know if my student returns because I will be surprised.

First week down- I look forward to the weeks to come!

peace & joy

Day One

2010-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Like trees, new yoga classes take time to grow : )

My class had no participants Monday night. Satya studio anticipated a very small turnout. The holidays know how to fill someone's schedule and Monday night's New to Yoga is a new class. In a small city like Lakeland, FL, yogis must be gathered and informed. Lakeland is not NYC where 'everyone' is seeking Yoga. It is easier to get a yoga job than it is to get a yoga student. My night turned around quickly once I joined another yoga class at the studio, Core Yoga!

Tuesday night is my second scheduled class- I have one guaranteed participant, my husband ; )

Time to start recruiting because I am looking forward to teaching more classes and people!

namaste

My First New To Yoga Class

2010-12-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Focus: Downward facing dog

Props/ Person: 1 Strap, 2 blocks, 2 blankets, 1 chair, 2 mats

Room Format: Mats lined-up on walls

Warm-up (10-15 mins)

Mountain Pose w/ 1 min of silence
Posture awareness, weight placement, elongation of legs to crown of head
Upward facing hands w/ gentle side stretch
Swinging chair pose w/ arms (flowing from bent to straight knees, breath & arms flow together)
Standing forward fold w/ bent knees (or using support of chairs)

Stretch (12-18 mins)

Chair/wall down dog, depending on students in class
Using wall calf stretch w/ straight & bent knees
Lunges w/ blankets & blocks (focus on hip alignment & stretch)
Childs Pose
Hero Pose: Rolled-up mat between calves & hamstrings to release quad & hamstring tightness (knee injury: might refrain from pose or have everyone use a blanket and blocks for those who need them).
Small down dog with bent knees (use props if class is trying down dog for first time

Strength/balance (4 mins)

Tree using wall

Core (8-10 mins)

Cat/cow & finding neutral spine.
Boat Pose (Feet/toes on ground and working on feeling the core work through lift)

Cool-down (7-10 mins)

Reclined on back using straps to open hamstrings (a one-legged twist)
On back w/ bent knees: 2 part in-hale with 2 part ex-hale

Final Relaxation (5-10 mins)

A little celebration : )

2010-12-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

The meeting was a success and it looks like I will be joining the Satya Life Yoga studio as a faculty member. The night classes are New To Yoga on Monday and Yoga Basics on Tuesday. The yoga space has two-story high ceilings and spring flooring. Satya also offers massage therapy and Tai Chi.

In preparation for my first week of classes my mentor has encouraged me to buy a new Yoga book, '30 Essential Yoga Poses For Beginning Students and Their Teachers' by Judith Lasater, Ph.D., P.T. The book arrived yesterday and I look forward to reading it today! I also wrote the yoga class proposal in advance so that I could get feedback before presenting it to students.

Now I can only hope to have a student in each class next week!

namaste : )

Loving & Hunting!

2010-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Two months of living in Lakeland, Florida! A lot has changed this fall but it all seems to be coming together, just like the marriage plans for this Saturday, November 13th. All six of our parents are set to arrive by the time of the wedding.

Aside from getting married to the love of my life (former yoga student- thanks Holly), most of my time has focused on yoga, coaching, job hunting, and riding roller coasters (favourite: Manta at Sea World). I even got to visit the Florida Keys for the first time with my best friend Debra and her boyfriend, Jeff. It was a magical surprise Birthday celebration for Debra whom I also met in my Yoga class. Yoga knows how to bring people together. It is almost 2011 and I continue to pursue my long term goal.

Right now, I am searching for my next career step while trying my best to stick to a goal I made on a European trip during the summer of 2008. My best friends, Kaitlin and Lindsay, helped me realize my true passion for yoga. They helped by pointing out my tireless conversation about the practice and love for teaching. The conversation came about while we were sitting beside a gorgeous lake in Lucerne, Switzerland. We all shared our current direction in life and I seemed to be the most in need of guidance. I had just finished my undergraduate degree and was in a bit of a cross-road. Yoga had become a huge part of my life but I was not sure if I could pursue yoga as a career. I thought the safest pathway was to get a masters in a degree with a more secure financial future. I was all set to pursue a masters in Urban and Regional Planning after another good friend, Rachel (yoga class friend, too), helped guide me through the application. After much deliberation, I ended up choosing to pursue a different masters program, Sport Management, and yoga. Sport Management had room for me to continue studying and teaching yoga in Tallahassee, FL.

Kaitlin and Lindsay gave me confidence that day by the lake. Yoga had more sparkle and I was not ready to let it be a practice from my past. In case you were wondering, the goal is to one day guide students in my own yoga space. This is why I continue to practice, study and teach.

Aside: Thank you girls for being a part of my journey and for our European adventure. I will never forget how helpful you were, especially when I lost everything, including my passport at the Duomo in Milan, Italy.

Yoga and regular job hunting continues as I get to know my new city. After two interviews with Geico, I have yet to hear a response. I think their response is in the mail; ) I am not convinced that Geico wants a yoga instructor with a business degree and a Canadian passport.

Last week, I submitted my resume to a running shoe store and hope to hear back from them, too. I have considered applying to a fitness organization in town but a yoga studio would be ideal.

In effort to connect with a studio and to keep practicing I have been attending class daily at Satya Life yoga in Lakeland. I would be more than honoured to join their faculty and to continue learning from Frankie Hart. My soon to be husband has been encouraging me to approach her with my availability and interest. I am quite intimidated by the studio because of the instructors vast knowledge and skill. He has been an amazing back bone to my dream and I was planning on mentioning my interest to Ricky before the new year. Somehow the stars were aligned and after my second interview with Geico my instructor invited me to have a conversation about potential opportunities at her studio, Satya Life. Her interest absolutely made my month!

As some of you know, I had four amazing years practicing and teaching at two studios in Tallahassee. Finding my next opportunity has been intimidating. Satya has re-kindled my excitement and I will keep you posted once that meeting happens. So thankful !!!

Namaste

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y

Wheat Grass and Oatmeal Cookies

2010-11-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I love to cook and bake. I enjoy freely putting ingredients together and seeing how they turn out. I get a small thrill when I can use ingredients that are already in my cupboards.

Recently, I was baking some oatmeal cookies and decided to add my wheat grass powder to them. They came out of the oven with a healthy shade of green. They were perfect for distributing after my halloween yoga session last week! My taste testers have requested that I post the recipe. Please ENJOY and adjust the ingredients wherever!

Ingredients
3/4 Cup Butter
1 Cup Firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 Cup Water
1 tsp Vanilla
3 Cup Quick Oats
1 Cup Gluten Free Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 Scoop Wheat Grass Powder
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips/ Raisins
1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter, sugar, egg, wheat grass, water and vanilla un creamy. Add combined remaining ingredients, mix well.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

H a l l o w e e n Y o G a

2010-10-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

After a full day of preparing for my halloween yoga class- seven joyful Yogis showed-up!!!!

I created a super spooky Halloween playlist and the students really enjoyed the songs. Playing theme music in class can be a tad awkward but when you are all dressed up the music really adds the final touch. My homemade wheat grass cookies were a huge hit!!!! They were a healthy shade of green, too!

As for my costume, it came together after purchasing a crimping iron (which gives a nice 80s perm look), rainbow ribbons (from Michaels) and individual packages of starbursts all helped to create Rainbow Bright's image. If you were wondering, I did spend 40 minutes crimping my hair in the Florida Southern's Wellness washroom. The students were very creative with their costumes. We had a killer bee, a gypsy, a sweaty athlete, and an Avatar who's power was that of controlling the direction of wind (my best description with picture below- sorry=).

Selecting my costume was a bit of a challenge. I have never been good at creating a costume and in the past I have warn my former coast guard shirt with a wig. Rainbow Bright was a huge step and I hope to improve my efforts next year!

Halloween Yoga class had prizes, too! I burned the halloween playlist and drew names for the compact discs. I handed out some wheat grass cookies, too. A little give-away excitement is always fun! I hope events like these help to encourage more participation.

What are you doing for Halloween?

Enjoy one songs from the Halloween playlist, "I put a spell on you" from the movie Hocus Pocus!!!

Have a spooky weekend!

namaste

Whitney :)

Time for another Yoga Theme!

2010-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

For my final class at Florida State University I decided to make it an 80s theme! My best friends helped me create a wicked playlist and all he participants came fully dressed for a blast from the past! We had a ball and the excitement continues tomorrow on the Florida Southern College campus where we will re-create the idea of having a themed class.

Hallowe'en is our theme of choice and I just finished creating a spooking soundtrack filled with horror. I really with my friend, Jessa, could be here to celebrate because Hallowe'en is her absolute favourite holiday Last year she hosted an awesome Hallowe'en Yoga session at Journeys In Yoga Studio. Jessa, your wigs will be missed!

My next blog will feature the Hallowe'en excitement! Check out this spooky Yoga session!

Whitney :)

Substitute Teachers

2010-10-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is a shout-out to all the substitute teachers and leaders who are never given the benefit of the doubt!

Substitute teachers have always been a target for students test their leadership capabilities by slacking off and misbehaving. I thought it only happened in grades K to 12. Unfortunately, skepticism continues no matter the age of the audience. Mature students might not misbehave like an adolescent but they are usually apprehensive before trusting in the substitute's ability to lead. The Yoga world is an excellent example of the struggle to find comfort when the official teacher is absent.

Last Friday I went to my routine Therapeutic Yoga class. The class meets three times a week and caters toward those who are working through personal injuries. Participants tend to be retired and in the early stages of their Yoga practice. I am somewhat of an exception because I am not retired; however, I find the class highly beneficial as I continue to work through my low back injuries. Needless to say each participant has worked hard to trust in their instructor and in their own abilities.

As the therapeutic members arrived, many were discomforted to discover a substitute instructor. The instructor teaches at the studio but she was not familiar to the therapeutic group. Several students left before class started because they did not want to risk injury but the other sixteen or so stayed for the experience.

The class was extra gentle and catered to the students need to progress with care. The substitute instructor had big feet to fill and she did an amazing job! She took the lead and when she noticed the unexpected increase in class size she quickly guided the students into the larger room. The students were not happy to be moving but followed her lead. It was re-assuring to see the instructors preparation notes and to find out that she had previewed the class earlier that week. Students would have been comforted to know that they were having a substitute instructor. At the same time it is in good practice to go with the flow and just accept change.

Subbing for a Yoga class can be super nerve racking. It is a great opportunity to meet and practice teaching a different group but jumping into an unfamiliar setting as the leader can be quite daunting. It is best to make each student feel comfortable and confident in your guidance. We're human and we make mistakes!

Please share your substitution experiences. I know we all have stories.

Bon soir!

Whitney :)

Yoga and Roller Coasters

2010-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning- I am currently enjoying the free wi-fi outside on the Starbucks patio. Yes, the coffee shop has its perks.

I awoke fully rejuvenated, after a wonderful weekend of Yoga and Busch Gardens with my fiancé. It is so nice to feel refreshed and ready for a new week. I had another wonderful Yoga class with Rick Hart on Saturday. My back muscles were really reacting and she was more than accommodating. After class I joined their usual lunch social at the local coffee place and was able to meet more yogis at the studio. Practicing Yoga in a community is really nice when you get to know each individual. To make the city feel even more intimate I bumped into my coach and his while as they were running for the downtown area. Another chance to share the splendid energy of the morning.

Sunday morning, Cooper and I woke early so that we could enjoy the roller coasters and animals at Busch Gardens. I love the roller coasters! I have trouble opening my eyes but find it really calming to just feel the sensations. I feel free as the coaster drops, twists and turns upside-down. Sheikra and Montu are my favourite rides by far! The other amazing experience is watching the animals. Cooper mentioned after we watched the gorillas for 30 minutes that he felt a sense of calm. The gorillas were bending and moving there bodies in crazy ways. They showed a sense of enjoyment while in a world that seems simple.

Alas, Lakeland is starting to feel like home. Like clockwork, I awoke and dropped off my recycling at my friend's curb by 6:30 a.m. After I proceeded to Starbucks in order to enjoy the free wi-fi before Yoga class. It feels good to have familiar places to go within my city. Now I hope to contact a couple of gyms for potential Yoga opportunities.

Wish me luck on finding a new little Yoga opportunity!

yours gingerly,

Whitney

Obstacles

2010-10-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am back and blah-blah blogging for the second time this week=)

Yesterday, I received a phone call from my supervisor. Her message was to let me know that my Yoga classes were being reduced from 3 to 2 per week. I was instantly disappointed because I really love the group that has been established. I began to reflect on my performance as an instructor and how it would impact the Yogis at FSC. My classes have been substantially low compared to FSU but they have maintained a minimum of 5 enthusiastic participants.

Understandably, FSC is a small private college and needs to work hard in order to attract group fitness participants. The abrupt mid-semester change is to see if they can get more participants. It is hard not to take the change personally. Fortunately, I think I am ready to explore other teaching realms in Lakeland and I look forward to meeting new Yogis and new people in the city of swans.

While teaching this fall semester I have run into the challenge of pleasing everyone. Of course, the impossible! Within the first couple of weeks, some students complained to my supervisor that my class was too challenging. Again, I took this personally but was super grateful for the supervisor's concern for the quality of the classes and their safety of the patrons. Yoga can be detrimental when alignment is ignore and students are going beyond their edge in a posture.

While teaching I place a huge emphasis on students taking the time to feel out the posture. Any sign of pain means you should back out of the posture. I focus on learning each student's name, physical make-up and walking around the room to assist each student with the posture. I also, really encourage students embrace a variety of modifications and to ask me for assistance- anytime and all the time! At the end of the class I re-introduced myself and encourage the students to approach me with their concerns or simple conversation. Alas, I repeat the purpose of my job as a Yoga guide, which is to make Yoga accessible to everyone who comes to class. Yoga has the power to create an amazing community filled with so much positive energy. I love the interaction with the students and the feedback they provide. Like any instructor- we long to be better for each person listening to our voice.

In general, Yoga classes held in a fitness center are a challenge because everyone wants to try Yoga. Of course- everyone should try yoga! I just love it- fortunately, classes can be designed to suit individual differences. For example, someone trying Yoga for the first time shouldn't expect to go to a Yoga class and be able to do every posture, breath and meditation exercise. If you could do everything perfectly what would be the point of practicing and enjoying your own Yoga journey? There are so many ways to enjoy a yoga session that does not involve physical exertion. Watching and listening can been highly beneficial.

I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of students and have always considered myself to be extra caring when it comes to each person's needs for modification. After a mere 4.5 years of sharing and practicing I look forward to my adventures in Lakeland. I wonder where my next teaching opportunity with be?

Finally, my message to instructors and aspiring instructors is to follow your heart and take each bump in the road as a learning point. Yoga is an endless journey- it can be a piece in your whole world- your passage through life. Find the light- something that my new Yoga instructor, Rickie Hart, keeps encouraging!

yours gingerly,

Whitney

Something New

2010-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

First of all- I would like to thank Ms. Aker for encouraging me to keep writing in my blog. Even if no one is interested in reading my writing I really enjoy the personal reflection and life record keeping.

Like others- Moving to a new location and accepting change can seem like an impossible challenge. Where do you find your first friend and locate a place of like-minded peers. Where will I find a place to practice and teach Yoga?

Present Life Outline:

My current role in Lakeland, FL is as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cross-country and track team at Florida Southern College. I am also working for the Wellness Centre and teaching Yoga to the students. Florida Southern is a Frank Lloyd Wright campus and it was ranked number 9 on the most beautiful campuses in the USA.

Cross-country practice is every morning at 5:30 a.m. Over the first set of weeks I found the morning wake-up a challenge- it is starting to get easier. Setting my alarm clock for 4:30 a.m. did not make me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Some mornings I found myself arriving late because I had failed to move upon the alarm. I am getting better at waking up early and I kinda love the early morning routine. Bed is no later than 10:00 p.m. and I usually feel well rested after I get moving in the morning. The darkness just makes it hard to budge out of bed.

The Cross-country team has two assistant coaches and the other assistant coach is basically- awesome. She is my first official friend in Lakeland, Coach Beaver=) Great gal who loves to adventure everywhere- especially in thrift stores. She can always find the treasure.

Teaching Yoga on the Florida Southern campus is quite a bit different from the Florida State campus but I have a regular group of Yogis whom I adore:) Classes are much small, so I am still longing for the packed classes full of energy back in Tallahassee. Miss you guys! Coach Beaver comes whenever she is not working at the Holiday Inn and she really helps add to the classes energy. It is nice to have familiar faces in class- they help calm my nerves and make guiding postures easier. Our Yoga/ fitness room overlooks Lake Hollingsworth and it is a gorgeous view! I can even adjust the rooms temperature which is a huge plus!

My new home is nestled in South Lakeland with my fiance, Cooper. We have been working hard to live in a small space with limited storage. Under our bed is the main storage space. Our rent is cheap and the place is well kept. I am looking forward to a cockroach-free year! We do have tennis courts, lakes filled with gators and some beautiful pools. I have been working on my tennis skills however my focus is really off. It is so hard to focus during a racket sport and Cooper is trying to guide me in the 'right' direction. Everything is feeling more like home and the streets are much more familiar.

As far as my personal yoga practice goes I have found a wonderful Yoga studio, Satya (Truth) Yoga. My instructor, Rickie Hart, is a former dancer from NYC. She has an Engineering degree, is a Chi Gong master, and has studied with numerous Yogis. Her physiological background has been highly informative and I am learning so much about my own physical restrictions. My restrictions have become my guides to better alignment and muscle movement. I love her guidance and I love her patience. She teaches on average 4 classes a day and takes Sundays off. Her energy is boundless.

Off to Cross Country practice and teaching Yoga!

Peace.

Moving Meditation

2010-08-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

It is my final week at the Coast Guard and we are working hard to enjoy each day.

Today, we drove to the tip of Long Point on Lake Erie. My sister drove, while her crew partner and I just enjoyed the smooth ride. The water was flat and we ripped along at 38 nautical miles per hour. Time flew by and I found peace in the steady ride. There were a few boats out along our usual route. The majority of the scenery was open water, sandy shores and trees. My ear plugs reduced the loud sound of the twin 175hp motors and the powerful winds. As you can see, our boat is completely open and leaves you susceptible to the blazing sun. It is amazing that we can find peace at such a high speed. I call this my moving meditation and it has provided much peace over my hectic summer at the Coast Guard.

Back to savoring my final moments at the Coast Guard. Next adventure is Lakeland, FL. Five sleeps :)

yours gingerly,

Cox Schnarr

Sleeping + Snoring

2010-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

After a long two weeks of working on Lake Erie for the Canadian Coast Guard, I decided I needed to attend Bikram Yoga. I am always pretty tired after my two week shift and this time it was no different.

I arrived twenty minutes early for Yoga class. I quickly put my belongings in the change room and took a Svasana in the hot Yoga room. Bikram is a really great place to enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You can barely hear the hum of the heaters and the lights are off when you first arrive. It is the perfect place for a nap after a long shift at work.

I instantly relaxed into Svasana before class. I was so calm that I guess I fell asleep. Just before class was about to begin, I woke myself up with my snoring. Sleeping on your back always causes snoring. My heart beat began to race and I was embarrassed. There are numerous embarrassing noises, sounds and sites that can occur in a Yoga room. You can let your mind reflect on those special effects. Flatulence is probably the number one contender in a yoga room. Silent or loud. The body is moving and twisting all over the place, so it can only be expect.

The rest of the yogis might not have noticed but I could not believe that I had started sleeping loudly. From a first aiders perspective, heat makes you tired and can cause you to faint. If you are already tired than it would be easy for heat to have a larger impact on your system.

I have even noticed students laying longer in svasana because they had fallen asleep, too. It is hard to find meditation in a horizontal position when you are used to it being the position of sleep. We train ourselves to go to sleep by laying down and closing our eyes. When you are laying down in a hot room it is hard to resist entering a the sleeping zone. Hour long Yoga nidras have even put me to sleep. Even while sleeping I have noticed a calmness after the guided meditation because I was still listening to the guide.

Svasana is an area of my practice I would like to deepen. Finding stillness of the mind and body but avoiding the temptation to sleep will be a challenge. I am sure many people have fallen asleep to the calm voice of heir instructor. Please share some of your funny stories!

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS to Cooper, Audrey, and Rachel!!!!!!

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y

Elsie's Yoga Podcast with my Sister

2010-07-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard takes up a huge portion of my summer and it is nice to have Yoga classes available while at base. I have been practicing with John Friend, Elsie and P90X Yoga. Sometimes I practice on my own and some days I have people who join.

Today, my sister Ainsley joined the yoga train. I am lucky to be working with my sister. We decided to partake in one of Elsie's 75 minute yoga Podcast classes. A free yoga class while at base is AMAZING and it is nice to introduce Ainsley to different styles of Yoga. Ainsley struggled a little with the podcast cues because she is most familiar with Bikram. In general, a verbal class is tough for individuals who scarcely practice Yoga. It was nice showing Ainsley the postures in the comfort of our Coast Guard base. I really enjoy the verbal communication, because it helps me focus on the postures and gives me description ideas for when I am teaching Yoga.

Today, Ainsley almost completed the whole class. She only skipped savasana and part of pigeon (I skipped corpse, too). The laying still has yet to catch on for her! Quite often, I cannot focus on my Yoga practice, too. At first, savasana was really awkward for me and now I get so comfortable that I almost fall asleep... oops! During Elsie's class she started with a good amount of planks and chattorungas. I was struggling, because last night I did arms and back on the P90X video. My arms were heavy and exhausted. Elsie's class was tough but as I loosened-up, the postures felt manageable. Thanks Elsie!

Ainsley knows that she needs to stretch out and try Yoga but she has really been struggling with the classes that exceed an hour. Her attention runs thin and she cannot focus on the simple tasks. She has a similar back injury to mine and stretching seems to help her pain. P90X yoga was far to long for her, so she enjoyed a cookie/water break. I think a music filled class would best suit her. A playlist with Justin Bieber and Janet Jackson, perhaps?

Finally, I want to make a shout-out to my fiance who just finished writing the bar. CONGRATS! He is now off moving all our stuff to our new home in Lakeland, FL. Wish I could be there to help out! Love you Coop.

yours gingerly,

Cox Schnarr :)

Basement Yoga with Mother, Sister + Friends

2010-07-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

'Twas the night before coast guard shift three and all through the house, the ladies and I were practicing yoga.

The night before my two week shift at the guard, I always try to enjoy my free time at home. The group yoga session was a spontaneous event. My mom and I had plans to experiment with the P90X Yoga but we did not intend to have four other participants.

After teaching my regular night time Yoga class, I swung over and picked up my cousin Bailey. I had not seen her in a long time so we planned for yoga, dinner and a sleepover. When I returned home I was surprised to find my sister, Ainsley and her two friends, Briar and heather. They had come over to join the yoga party in our basement.

We re-arranged the furniture and managed to comfortably fit all six P90X Yoga participants. The basement could have fit about 20 yogis, so if you are interested let me know!

I love the 90 minute session because it is a good way to practice the chattorunga. I appreciate only practicing, while doing yoga with my friends and family. It is fun to share and teach the family but it is also nice to just practice alongside them.

My cousin Bailey was loving the session to, until she needed a snack break to replenish her energy. One break lead to another, Ainsley disappeared for a good 20 minutes. She went upstairs to snack on my mother's famous Skor cookies, and fetched everyone water.

Team Yoga weakened quickly, but Briar, Heather and my mom held on strong. Some postures sequences were far too challenging for introductory students, so they chose to watch and learn. Tony, the P90X instructor, has a balancing sequencing that does not come naturally on your first attempt. He works from warrior I, to airplane, to standing split, rotates the hips open into half-moon and finishes in full moon. The flow is great but it takes time to strengthen and find endurance in the postures.

Overall, I had a great session at home with friends and family. I hope to do a repeat class with them upon my return. I think I will share my John Friend Yoga DVD's with them next time.

After Yoga we ate some delicious Quinoa topped with veggies and a peanut sauce created by Jessa. Everyone adored the dish and found it to be very satisfactory after one of their first Yoga classes.

What do you like about P90X and Yoga DVDs in general?

yours gingerly,

Cox Schnarr

Asia's Vinyasa

2010-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

After an exciting day of wedding planning, I was graced with five pleasant Yoga students. Four women returned from Monday night class and we had a new male! It was his first class and he did amazing. Class flew by quickly. I even managed to finish on-time, because the karate kids do not like to wait for their space to practice.

I now know all the students' names and we have started our own yoga community at Bodyworks Gym. The students are enjoying the change in class structure each class. I love the variety of choices Yoga provides, because you can structure a yoga class different each day. During class, my primary concern is the well-being of each student; therefore, I focus on giving tons of cues and further guiding a student when they are in a compromising position. After six weeks, the class is starting to flow and the new Yogis are showing more familiarity with the postures.

After teaching class, I re-focused on getting to my own Yoga practice at Energi Studio with Asia. I had 30 minutes to get across Kitchener to Waterloo for my 6:30 p.m. Yoga session. My first class was free, so all I had to do is show up in comfortable clothes, and listen to Asia's instructions.

My dentist, and a friend suggested I check out her class. I heard she was great, but no one could pin point what made her such a great instructor. I think student's keep returning because of her clear voice, yoga knowledge and passion for the practice. It really showed. A yoga class continues to survive each week, when the instructor does a great job and it looks like she has the right recipe. I love going to new yoga classes but if the class does not intrigue me I almost never return. I hope to return to Asia's class before moving to my new home in Lakeland, FL.

Asia had a great sequence for the class's level. She had clean postures and left an appropriate amount of time to enjoy each posture. The mirrors helped students see their alignment and watch her from a different angle. Fortunately, I was warm before class because the warm-up was short and the room was freezing. The yoga flow incorporated Anusara and Ashtanga techniques. The style combination was greatly appreciated, and it was refreshing to have a new instructor.

I have fallen for Anusara alignment, because it has really helped me find depth in certain postures such as Uttita Trikonasana. The class could have benefited more by her giving direct instruction to students out of alignment but she did do a great job of explaining each posture verbally and through physical demonstration. Each instructor has his or her style, I just prefer the instructor verbal instruction over demonstration.

Studio Energi had a great space. The room was built in a corner. Asia stood in one corner and the room fanned out with students. The music was very calm and it help create a comfortable ambiance. If you are in the Kitchener-Waterloo area I recommend that you go and try Asia's class at Studio Energi. I know she is also, offering a teacher training program for those looking to expand their practice.

namaste

yours gingerly,

Coxswain Schnarr

Morning Yoga + Raw Pad Thai

2010-07-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sticking to my Bikram Yoga classes, I returned this morning to join my two friends Stephanie and Natalie. Class provided its usual drip fest, and was led by a delightful instructor, Tamara. My hamstrings were a tad tight and my eyes were fussing over the salty sweat. Class flew by but I have begun to notice a couple of things while practicing.

I attend Bikram for several reasons- predictable (no vinyasa), heated stretching, and to sweat. I love VINYASA but sometimes I like to give my upper body a break. No flow is great, however, good alignment cues and modifications are not a traditional part of the Bikram instruction. Bikram practitioners need to investigate each pose on their own in order to better understand the postures. There is far too much room for error without thorough alignment cues and modifications.

For instance, tree pose does not have any variations while in Bikram. They encourage each student to work towards getting their foot in front of their quad,and up by the groin. Tree has a variety of different modifications and Bikram's style is not ideal for everyone. Making sure that the foot is in line with the shin is extremely important because sickling the foot will only put more strain on the bent knee. During Bikram I have modified the tree pose due to pain in my knee. The instructors immediately request that you do the pose only by their instruction. I have been told to stop the pose completely, if I cannot achieve what they have described. It is hard not to get frustrated because I am used to flowing through postures that feel good to my body and not forcing them into a mold. As an instructor I prefer to guide a yoga class, and not command the students. I could go on but this is one example that has been plaguing me over the past week or maybe year. Overall, the class is solid but new students could really benefit from better alignment cues. Injury is easily achieved with misguidance.

After Yoga, I enjoyed a Vega smoothie and went for lunch with Natalie at Thrive. I tried the raw Pad Thai and loved it! I love going to Waterloo's new juice bar and today they surprised me with yet another tasty menu item. Tonight I have been searching for a similar Pad Thai recipe; however, Thrive has it's own chefs who have been working extremely hard to perfect their own menu. Every day they have additions to the menu. If you have not tried Thrive please check out Waterloo's newest J bar.

Bon soir. Tomorrow is another fun filled day of walking Rudy, and trying a new Advanced Yoga class with Asia, at Studio Energi. I will be rocking out in Vinyasa tomorrow : )

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y

Waterloo Yoga with Whitney

2010-07-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

After a nice weekend away in the Muskoka's at my Aunt's cottage, I returned to my Yoga routine this morning. I managed to meet-up with my friend, Stephaney, for Bikram at noon and instructed class at 5:00 p.m.

Bikram was a great stretch after a weekend of jumping on a water trampoline. I had a bit of an inner thigh strain and a tight mid section. This is no ordinary trampoline- it has attachments which are similar to the hit television show, "Wipe Out". I have scarcely watched the show but I felt like my family was being filmed all weekend. I had some great laughs and hard falls off of the twirling trampoline attachment.

During my spare time between Bikram and teaching class, I wander around Waterloo doing errands. The radio had far too many repetitive songs, so I pressed CD. Whitney Houston's voice filled the car and I instantly fell in love with her song, "Million Dollar Bill". I kept it playing over the course of the afternoon.

Before my second Yoga class I went into Aritzia to purchase a new sweat shirt. To my surprise, Whitney Houston's song of the day was heating up the shopping floor. The sales associate and I both commented on how we really appreciated the song's presence. It was funny and comforting to hear my song of choice.

To top the day off, Yoga at Bodyworks was a enjoyable. I had three regulars and two new students. The gym's classes have never gone over 8 students, so I am pleased to be hosting a class with such high attendance and interest. I had one woman who was pregnant and just starting to workout for the first time. Not always the best decision but as my instructors would say, Yoga can be designed for anyone. I had to give her lots of extra attention but she was more than patient. Bodyworks has shown to be a great place to meet open minded people, who are willing to experiment with Yoga. I look forward to teaching class my second class this week on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y

P90X Yoga Experience

2010-07-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

While working at the Coast Guard my crew and I started the P90X program. We thought it would be a great team building activity and I was curious about the program.

Tony Horton, the creator, does a great job at sequencing the exercises throughout the sessions. There are lots of push-ups and chin-ups but he breaks them up. The arm, leg and abdominal workouts were great, too. The morning after each workout I was able to feel the muscles I had worked but it was never to an extent of discomfort or muscle tightness that would affect my workout. I had a great seven day trial and enjoyed each days new workout. Except for the day when we played the wrong video and did the advanced arms and chest. As soon as we started doing one-handed push-ups I thought Tony was crazy. Most women have trouble with push-ups, and I could not imagine my mom attempting to try one-handed push-ups during her first week.

My main reason for trying P90X was to check out the Yoga session. Friends and yoga students kept suggesting I try the P90X Yoga. Yoga was schedule on day four and I thought it was a great class. I prefer attending class, but when you are stuck at a base 24/7, Yoga DVDs are a great compromise. Some postures and transitions were a bit advance for those who have never done Yoga but slow enough for beginners to build. My sister and her crew partner definitely felt their muscles the next day and I felt my should blades. I do not do a vigorous amount of chattorungas during my practices and during Yoga X I only missed a couple of the extra chattorungas. He really enjoys the sun salutations. My concern is that he does not give enough cues for the chattorunga form. Beginners often muscle through the posture and overwork their rotator cuffs. These postures and cues can always be looked up online for further guidance, too!

It looks like I will be continuing P90X this week with my mom. I am trying to keep up with track practice and getting in Hot Yoga. So many fun ways to be physically active.

Off to teach Yoga! Maybe I will have more than one student this morning =)

yours gingerly,

Whitney Schnarr

Yoga with Grandma

2010-06-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

During my time at home I spent a day with my 84 year old Grandmother. Her and I decided to practice Yoga out on the back deck of my parent's home. I let her use my Manduka yoga mat and placed a towel down for extra comfort. She had minimal arm strength so we focused on breath work, reclined stretches and the bridge posture.

It was amazing to see what my Grandmother was capable of doing. She has always had a really bad hip and back. Her injuries have restricted her physical lifestyle and it was really special to see her enjoy her own private Yoga session.

The pranayam was a huge favourite because it helped her feel her cardiovascular strength. I loved watching her ribs expand and her focus on the breathing. At the end of her practice she enjoyed a 10 minute savasana followed by a delicious Vega infused smoothie! Savasana was a challenge but in the end she said that it was a nice change of routine.

After Yoga practice I had to take her home. On our way to Grandma's house she asked if we could go to Tim Hortons for a doughnut (she loves the chocolate glazed ones). Instead I took her to Thrive, (Vega juice bar) in uptown Waterloo, where we sat down at the juice bar. I ordered us each a wheat grass shot. My grandma finished the whole shot after several sips and orange wedge chases. The Thrive employees just loved watching her enthusiasm!

Upon my return home on July 6th I plan to continue our reclined Yoga sessions and watch her progress. Hopefully, she will be up for some more wheat grass shots and Vega smoothies.

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y S c h n a r r

Running to Yoga

2010-06-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Running is one of the greatest highs I have ever experienced. Seven years ago I started a collegiate running career that changed my life. It brought so much good to my life. Some days I felt guilty about the joy I was constantly experiencing. Just a great addiction (song link). I kept running because of the positive energy that was constantly being released in my body. I loved feeling super fit and fast. Check out "My RUN is my Drug" to see how crazy people are about running. I had a couple bumps in the road with passing out, tendinitis and an iron deficiency. I always seem to rebound and return to my running passion.

Yoga accompanied me when running was troublesome and I loved releasing my uncomfortably tight muscles. After three years of racing for Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA I found myself transferring to Florida State University (FSU). I transferred for a number of different reasons but my main reason was to attend a big school with loads of opportunities. Upon my arrival I was burden with a horrible spinal injury that affected the way I walked and ran. The amazing running energy was gone and all I was left with was a really stiff right leg, back pain, and a dream to run again.

I immediately turned to Yoga. The FSU trainers and doctors had me go through numerous procedures in order to heal my body and get me back on the track, too. I had painful dextrose shots in my pelvic area, a stretch therapist, daily ice baths, traction therapy, chiropractic work, acupuncture, two epidurals, and yoga. There were tons of attempts to get me back and running but nothing seemed to work immediately. Running did not feel natural anymore and finding my body's inner balance was a struggle when it came to running.

I had to grow patience and eventually just gave up on the activity. I replaced running with Yoga and started teaching during my second semester at FSU. Teaching and practicing yoga helped me stop thinking about running. It was a good place to redirect my running energy. Yoga was similar to my life as a dancer so it was easy to relate to the postures. The hardest part was opening my tight body from all the running.

After four years of Yoga, I continue to practice and teach with joy. Just recently, I have returned to running and hope to keep it in my life. I have been attending my old club's practices and loving the social exercise. Finding a yoga and running balance is my current challenge. I am loving the return of the running highs but I cannot get ahead of myself. My goal is a Florida 5 km in October and after that, we shall see what happens!

Yoga continues to amaze me but running still seems to reach a very different euphoric state of mind. I hope to one day find equal sensation in my yoga practice.

namaste yogis

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y