What
is Yoga?
Yoga originated in India over 2,000 years ago and has been known
to change lives. The word “yoga” translates as “union,”
with the implication of union of body, mind and soul as well as
one’s connection to the universe. Hatha yoga focuses on body
alignment, breath and relaxation to attain this union. Get a great,
holistic workout that will improve your overall health and well-being
as well as flexibility, strength and concentration. |
| What can Yoga do for me? Yoga has been around in the East for such a long time that the health benefits it provides are just starting to get attention here. People with specific health ailments, such as asthma, hyper or hypothyriod conditions, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux and down's syndrome have improved their conditions through yoga. In addition, yoga has been known to:
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What
is the difference between a group or private class? A
group can be as small as four students and as many as 50 depending
on the location size. Private classes are usually one-on-one or
one teacher with a couple or family. In between, there are semi-private
groups of a small, intimate size, usually four to eight students.
Specialty classes, such as prenatal and mommy & baby tend to
be smaller, because they require more attention and students benefit
from a cozy community atmosphere. |
Should I join a group class or have a private? Whether you take a group or private class depends on what you want to get out of yoga. If you want to address your own individual health issues, private is ideal. Your teacher works one-on-one with you to achieve your goals, coordinating with your doctor(s) if necessary to create a program for healing and wellness. If time is an issue, sometimes private works out best, because time, day and length of the session can be tailored to your needs. Group classes are usually open to anyone at any level of yoga, so beginners can learn a lot from classmates and the teacher, but may not get as much individual attention. Group classes can be more fun, because you will see more variations of poses and there is a community energy that develops within a group class that just isn't the same as a private class. Again, semi-private or small group classes can offer the best of both worlds and if you can coordinate a group of friends or neighbors together, you'll already have a comfort level and great foundation for a yoga class. |
How do I
choose an instructor? Do
some research in your area. Try to find instructors that are certified
and registered with the National Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org).
Though there are many great instructors that are not certified,
the training required to be registered with Yoga Alliance is intense
and the continuing education is required by YA shows a commitment
to excellence by the yoga teacher. For private instructors, speak
to them, meet with them and get a feel for their style and personality.
It is vital that you feel comfortable with the person as a person
if you will be working one-on-one with him or her. If you can try
out a group class at a studio or with a teacher, take advantage
of that to help you decide. |
Why
choose Shanti Baby? Michelle
Kennedy is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the National Yoga Alliance.
She consistently takes numerous specialty classes in the industry
to sharpen and refine her skills and ability to share her knowledge
with her students. Michelle's specialty areas are in prenatal, mommy
& baby and restorative/therapeutic yoga. She also teaches group
classes in Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga for students from beginners
to advanced level. |
Contact Michelle for the latest updates or to schedule your own class!
Copyright © 2010 by Michelle Kennedy