Yoga Day!

The last Saturday of February is Canada's Yoga Day where most Yoga studios offer free classes. If you have never been to a class this would be the ideal time to come out and give it a try! At LL Yoga we understand that Saturdays can be quite busy for you so if you'd like to try out a class but can't make it on Saturday February 27th then contact the studio to arrange your free class on another day. You can do this via the LL Yoga fan page on Facebook, by calling 979-2256 or by email info@llyoga.ca.

For those of you who are interested but a little intimidated by the thought of Yoga, trust me you don't need to be! LL Yoga offers private classes that you can create with your own friends or family members.  As long as you have space in your home or backyard, you can have a private class with people you know!

Yoga is the best form of exercise for anyone and can be done by any body regardless of your age, shape or size. The benefits of a Yoga practice are truly amazing. Almost everyone I know has been sick with a bad cold or flu this season and yet I haven't been sick once since I've been practicing Yoga on a regular basis.

It's true that by practicing Yoga you can improve your immune system, nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system and circulatory system. All which aid in increasing your overall health.

Here are some articles on these topics if you would like to learn more. Please note the word "asana" is the Sanskrit word for Yoga postures or poses. Sanskrit is the ancient language from India where Yoga originated.

Yoga and the Immune System:

http://www.yogasite.com/migdow1.htm

Yoga and the Central Nervous System:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/health/nerves.asp

Yoga and the Digestive System:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/health/cycle.asp

Yoga and the Respiratory System:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/health/respiration.asp

Yoga and the Circulatory System:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/health/circulation.asp

Most physical pain that individuals endure (and probably like me learned to live with it) can also be reduced with a regular Yoga practice. The majority of us hold tension (whether we know it or not) in our neck and shoulders, which can also cause tension headaches and migraines or we can hold tension in our hips and butt which affect our back. By practicing Yoga we can help to release the tension in these areas to help reduce the pain.

What is Yoga?

Some of you may be wondering what exactly is Yoga. Yoga can be translated to the word "union". Yoga unites our body, mind and soul. Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The Yoga postures (also known as asanas) were performed in order to prepare the body for seated meditation which is typically done on the floor in a cross-legged position. The postures helped stretch and relax the muscles of the body in preparation for sitting for an extended period of time during a meditation practice. However, in North America Yoga has become more of a physical exercise.

There are many different styles of Yoga, although the majority are based on Hatha Yoga. A Hatha Yoga class usually consists of a warm up, breath exercises (pranayama), a series of Yoga postures from standing, seated, supine (on your back) and prone (on your stomach) which allow you to increase your strength, flexibility, focus and balance. A class will finish with a relaxation period (savasana)including meditation techniques to help calm the mind.

The benefits that Yoga provides for you are plentiful. Yoga can help with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, blood pressure, and digestion to name a few. It is also a great way to become or stay physically active as it is much easier on your body then a traditional exercise regimen.

There are hundreds of Yoga postures from easier ones to the more challenging. What I love most about Yoga is that there is always something new to learn and ways to challenge yourself even further.

How it all began!

I thought I would write a little about my experience with Yoga. After being in two motor vehicle accidents back in '99 (thanks to "not paying attention" drivers), and suffering with chronic neck and shoulder pain since then, my Dad continuously suggested I try Yoga. (Not sure why as he just tried himself for the first time last month!)

A couple years after the accidents, I signed up for 10 weeks of classes. I enjoyed the classes, never missed one, but I didn't practice at home nor did I continue. A few years later I tried a class at my gym, did not enjoy that one (the class was not as relaxing as I'd expected) so I never went back. Finally, about two years ago, I tried once more and I'm so glad I did!

I've seen doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists (I'm sure I'm forgetting something) yet Yoga has been the only thing that has helped with my injuries.

Now not only do I practice every day, I also teach classes to other people hoping to pass on the many benefits that Yoga has to offer. I teach classes to individuals, groups, friends, families, couples, neighbours and at various businesses throughout the city.

I started teaching Yoga to friends and family over a year ago and officially opened my studio to the public this past September. I am enjoying every minute of it!

I'd like to thank all of my clients and fans for your support and hope you are all enjoying your Yoga as much as I am!