Oustanding goalie for the Boston Bruins, Tim Thomas is noted for his flexibility at the net. And, I learned today that he practices yoga to stay on top of his game!!!!
In the summer of 2007, Tim began a yoga-based conditioning program to increase his flexibility and strength. He has said that it "helps balance out your body" - and looking at his recent performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs, we surely agree!
Take a look at Tim's yoga practice:
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=25330
Go Bruins!!!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Ashtanga Yoga Flow Class
Studion 191 is a very spacious, clean beautiful studio. The music is soft and low. The room is hot!!!! Ceiling fans were on but the room is heated for this particular style of yoga. The instructor, Bill, is very knowledgeable and gave assists where needed.
How did I come to this class, you ask? Well, my son, Brendan and I have taken some yoga classes together and he invited me to this one - along with my daughter, Katie. I believe I was the oldest person in the room!!!!! That being said, I was pretty much able to keep up with the flow but found it really challenging. Because the room is heated, and you are moving quickly, you will sweat. Although I had a towel, I found my hands and my feet slipping so I needed to be really careful.
Yes, this was challenge for me but sometimes you really need to give yourself a little push. I wasn't doing a headstand - Brendan was - but I was pretty darn close. And I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday than with my 2 wonderful kids. We were in the moment - together.
How did I come to this class, you ask? Well, my son, Brendan and I have taken some yoga classes together and he invited me to this one - along with my daughter, Katie. I believe I was the oldest person in the room!!!!! That being said, I was pretty much able to keep up with the flow but found it really challenging. Because the room is heated, and you are moving quickly, you will sweat. Although I had a towel, I found my hands and my feet slipping so I needed to be really careful.
Yes, this was challenge for me but sometimes you really need to give yourself a little push. I wasn't doing a headstand - Brendan was - but I was pretty darn close. And I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday than with my 2 wonderful kids. We were in the moment - together.
Lakshmi Voelker's Chair Yoga
While at Kripalu, I attended a demo of Lakshmi Voelker's chair yoga class. I have to say at the outset, Lakshmi is an entertainer of the first order! Her class was full of energy - and this woman was a hoot!!!!!
Her contention is that regardless of age, physical ability or current level of activity, your health can be improved by practicing adaptive yoga poses using a chair. During the demo, a student on one side of the stage performed a yoga practice using a mat and no props On the opposite side of the stage, another student did the same practice but she was seated and used modifications. This person represented someone who may have movement disorders or would have some limitations. Lakshmi was in the middle of the stage and demonstrated the full chair practice with no modifications.
I'm always open to new ideas to make my classes fresh and fun. But, this demo was so invigorating - and fast-paced - that I never took a note! Suffice it to say, I had fun and I hope my joy extends to my students as Lakshmi's did for hers. For more info, here's a link to her website: http://http://getfitwhereyousit.com/whatischairyoga.htm.
Her contention is that regardless of age, physical ability or current level of activity, your health can be improved by practicing adaptive yoga poses using a chair. During the demo, a student on one side of the stage performed a yoga practice using a mat and no props On the opposite side of the stage, another student did the same practice but she was seated and used modifications. This person represented someone who may have movement disorders or would have some limitations. Lakshmi was in the middle of the stage and demonstrated the full chair practice with no modifications.
I'm always open to new ideas to make my classes fresh and fun. But, this demo was so invigorating - and fast-paced - that I never took a note! Suffice it to say, I had fun and I hope my joy extends to my students as Lakshmi's did for hers. For more info, here's a link to her website: http://http://getfitwhereyousit.com/whatischairyoga.htm.
Aging with Grace: Better Bones and Balance with Yoga
That's the name of the yoga class I recently attended with my friend, Diane, at Kripalu Yoga Center. Hey, when I saw "aging with grace", I knew it was meant for me!!!!!
The class was taught by Betty Eiler and if anyone is a picture of aging with grace, it is Betty. At 76 years old, she has a well cared for body - slim and strong. Besides that, she oozes grace in her manner. As my mother would have said, "she has a nice way about her."
Betty studied with B.K.S. Iyengar and the Iyengar style of yoga uses lots of props - and I mean lots! We had bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks, chairs, etc. While I times I found this cumbersome, it surely is a way to help a student achieve a pose that otherwise might be too much of a challenge. In one session, Betty instructed us in how to fashion a strap into a "harness" of sorts. This particular use of the strap was most helpful in keeping shoulders back and down. It's a great tool for improving one's posture.
The class was taught by Betty Eiler and if anyone is a picture of aging with grace, it is Betty. At 76 years old, she has a well cared for body - slim and strong. Besides that, she oozes grace in her manner. As my mother would have said, "she has a nice way about her."
Betty studied with B.K.S. Iyengar and the Iyengar style of yoga uses lots of props - and I mean lots! We had bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks, chairs, etc. While I times I found this cumbersome, it surely is a way to help a student achieve a pose that otherwise might be too much of a challenge. In one session, Betty instructed us in how to fashion a strap into a "harness" of sorts. This particular use of the strap was most helpful in keeping shoulders back and down. It's a great tool for improving one's posture.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Yoga with a theme...
Have you heard of Dr. Gott? He's a retired doctor who has an advice column in our local newspaper. Today's question was regarding a new medication for osteoporosis. While he seemed to be on the fence about recommending this new drug, he did have some sage suggestions about making some lifestyle changes to improve your overall bone health. And, of course, regular exercise is highly recommended to prevent bone loss.
What an ideal opening for class today! I brought the newspaper article and Dr. Loren Fishman's book, Yoga for Osteoporosis, with me. First, I gave an overview of Dr. Gott's suggestions. Then I explained that Dr. Fishman suggests 12 daily exercises for improving bone health. We've practiced several of them in the past few months but today we really concentrated on just 4 poses: tree, chair, triangle, downward dog. With emphasis on strengthening our bones, it was amazing how differently we approached the poses. Specifically, tree - which has always been our "go to" balance pose was now a pose for strengthening our legs and arms. The class noticed the difference right away - and I think it brought a new perspective and appreciation for the pose.
What an ideal opening for class today! I brought the newspaper article and Dr. Loren Fishman's book, Yoga for Osteoporosis, with me. First, I gave an overview of Dr. Gott's suggestions. Then I explained that Dr. Fishman suggests 12 daily exercises for improving bone health. We've practiced several of them in the past few months but today we really concentrated on just 4 poses: tree, chair, triangle, downward dog. With emphasis on strengthening our bones, it was amazing how differently we approached the poses. Specifically, tree - which has always been our "go to" balance pose was now a pose for strengthening our legs and arms. The class noticed the difference right away - and I think it brought a new perspective and appreciation for the pose.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Eagle Pose
I was looking at the current issue of Yoga Journal this week and they featured a great in-depth article about the eagle pose. Very cautiously, I decided to introduce it to my class today at The Pars.
We have access to a small library and so, I suggested that we each take a hard-cover book to use as a prop. This piqued the students' curiosity, for sure. What's she going to do with a book? We practiced the arm movements while seated. I told them that later on in the class, we would add the leg movements. So, here's where the book comes in. We placed the book on the floor near our left foot. We then lifted our right leg, crossed at the ankle, and then rested the right toes on top of the book. Voila! This modification made the pose user-friendly for all. I could tell that there was a little anxiety about trying something new - but, what I love about this class, is that they are more than willing to trust and honor their bodies.
We have access to a small library and so, I suggested that we each take a hard-cover book to use as a prop. This piqued the students' curiosity, for sure. What's she going to do with a book? We practiced the arm movements while seated. I told them that later on in the class, we would add the leg movements. So, here's where the book comes in. We placed the book on the floor near our left foot. We then lifted our right leg, crossed at the ankle, and then rested the right toes on top of the book. Voila! This modification made the pose user-friendly for all. I could tell that there was a little anxiety about trying something new - but, what I love about this class, is that they are more than willing to trust and honor their bodies.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Where everybody knows your name...
I've recently attended a wonderful yoga class at a local senior center. Initially, I wandered into the class hoping to pick up a few tips or techniques that I could use in my own classes. But, I found so much more here. The instructor is warm, funny, and very knowledgeable. She makes a point of spending a few minutes with new students. During the hour long class, she mentions just about everyone by name - how's your shoulder today, Marie? - that looks good, Dennis - try to get your arm up a little more, Dorothy - and so on.
Although her class generally has at least 20 people in attendance, you feel as if she knows you. And, don't we all love it when someone remembers our name? And, as your name is used, other people pick up on it and get to know you, too. It's a yoga class, alright, but it kind of reminds me of Cheers...and I think I'm becoming a regular.
Although her class generally has at least 20 people in attendance, you feel as if she knows you. And, don't we all love it when someone remembers our name? And, as your name is used, other people pick up on it and get to know you, too. It's a yoga class, alright, but it kind of reminds me of Cheers...and I think I'm becoming a regular.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)