WHY Community Yoga?

West Hartford Yoga offers a weekly Community Yoga class, there is a $5.00 donation and every penny goes towards various charities.   I will be teaching Community Yoga on NOVEMBER 20th at 3:00 pm. bring your $5.00, for the community, and I will work, for free, to help you get your money's worth.

Free Yoga (or next to free Yoga) is an easy sell to those who understand the benefits they will receive from their time on their mats.  In addition, many personal Yoga practices were born from discounted trial memberships and free classes.  Most people hesitate to spend money on things that they are not sure they'll like, that they've never tried, that they have assumptions about or that they're concerned that they won't be good at; others have a hard time carving out time for themselves (time is valuable).  Others don't have the money to spend.

Several years ago, my friend Dan invited me, many times, to join him in the Power Yoga class he was taking.  I was training for my black belt and couldn't understand why I would take time away from training or pay money to do Yoga which I criticized for being bourgeois at $13-20 per class (it kind of is).  I accepted this invitation only when I found out that my first class would be free.  It was there that I encountered Ostrich Pose, which I could not do, not even to milk the value of my free class.   I will never forget and I remember every time I take or teach that pose how it felt to be in my first practice; the practice that taught me the value of Yoga.  I never would have paid for that discomfort!

Henry David Thoreau (one of America's first self declared Yogis) said, "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothing", I think the spirit behind this quote encourages accessibility; often those who need Yoga (or other health/wellness services) the most, can't afford it. Much to Lululemon's chagrin, and other companies that have latched onto the huge market that has formed in the wake of Yoga's rising popularity, you can wear whatever you want.  Studios that offer free Yoga also provide props, mats, space, instruction and community.  Check their schedules and call them with questions.

Free All Levels Yoga- Rescheduled

I am offering the Free All Levels Yoga class on November 13th, Sunday at 4:00 pm.  Bring your mat; friends and families are welcome.  The class will be at PHIT Pilates Studio 56 Arbor Street, Suite 221 Hartford.

 

Free Community Yoga Nov 6th, 4:00

I will be offering a FREE All Levels Yoga class on Nov 6, 4:00-5:00 pm.  The class will be held at PHIT Pilates Studio, 56 Arbor Street, Suite 221 Hartford. 

All Levels Yoga welcomes all students from beginner to more advanced. There will be a balance of flowing movements and deep holds. We will begin with a short meditation and end with guided relaxation.

RSVP on facebook, or email me!

Marni Designs Chakras

 

My friend Marni Schiffres is a local jewelery artist; she's also an avid Yogi and instructor.  According to traditional Indian medicine, Chakras are energy centers located at different points in our bodies, and are associated with different traits, that can give and receive energy, life force.  Recently, Marni has been hard at work designing a new line of hand crafted, sterling silver jewelery.  Introducing Marni Designs Chakras: necklaces, anklets and more to come.  Decorate your favorite Yogi for the holidays with the energy of the Chakras.

Teaching at West Hartford Yoga

On Saturday morning, October 8th at 8:00 am I will be teaching the Introduction to WHY Power class.  This will be heated practice (approx 80 degrees) which can help most bodies stretch deeper and more comfortably.  The practice will be geared towards all levels; you do not need experience with power yoga or a membership at West Hartford Yoga to attend, the class is $6.00 to drop in.

Come out of your burrows for some FREE Yoga in West Hartford SUNDAY

Play outside for some free Yoga?  Can we say: yes, please.

There are many things I enjoy in my life.  One of these things is Yoga, another is free stuff, another is being outside.  So, imagine my delight whenever I learn of outdoor events where they're handing out the Yoga for free.  They make my little heart breathe and sway for it's own little vinyasa dance.

On Sunday, September 25 · 10:00am - 11:00am.  LucyPro is offering free, outdoor Yoga in Blue Back Square with my friend and fellow Yoga instructor Jennifer Leavitt.  You can register via facebook OR call Rasa studio for information. 

NEW CLASS added to my schedule

On Monday, 9/12 I will begin teaching an All Levels class in Hartford at Downtown Yoga.  The drop in rate is $10.00; the class begins at 12:00 pm.  The studio has a unique urban setting and is fully stocked with blocks, straps and mats to support your practice. 

8 Week Introduction to Power Yoga Series: Enfield and Manchester

I have put together two Power Yoga series designed for beginners.  I will be teaching 8 Weeks of Introduction to Power Yoga, one series of classes in Manchester and one in Enfield, beginning the last week of September.  

This class is ideal for those who want to practice a vigorous style of yoga.  It is not necessary to have previous yoga experience.  Please bring a mat, a towel, a water bottle and willingness to have curiosity about your body while exploring your physical and mental edges.  The class will be accessible, I will offer options and support to accommodate most injuries, and you will sweat.  The goal of this class is to build strength, core connection, improve flexibility and balance so that students can feel confident continuing a Power Yoga practice. 

In Manchester, classes begin Monday, 9/26 and ends 11/21 (8 sessions-no class October 10 – Columbus Day). The class will be held every Monday, 6:00-7:00 pm The cost is $69 and it will be held at Manchester High School.  You can register HERE

In Enfield, classes begin Wednesday, 9/28 and ends 11/16 (8 sessions).  The class will be held every Wednesday, 6:00-7:00 pm.  The cost is $79 and it will be held in the Gym at Asnuntuck Community College. You can download a registration form HERE  follow the instructions to register by fax, mail or in person.  The CRN # for this class is 3549 SPIN M7245.

Attention MANCHESTER: Got Power ?

I will be teaching Power Yoga on Tuesday nights at ML Fitness (46 Purnell Place) in downtown Manchester!  Class starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 7:00 pm.

The rates for group classes are as follows:
$12.00 to drop in for one class
$100.00 for 10 classes
$199.00 for 25 classes
$299.00 for 50 classes

ML Fitness professionals are offering a complimentary fitness evaluation with nutrition counseling, body composition test, and a full session with a personal trainer.  Group classes are offered at a discounted rate to members of ML Fitness.  Classes offered are Zumba, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, Body Fit and Bootcamp, with more to come!

Monday Morning Power and Genuine Acts of Kindness.

On Monday morning at 9:30 am,  my Power Yoga class begins at Gold's Gym in East Hartford.  I'm particularly excited about this class because it's less than one mile from my apartment, in my hometown. 
Gold's Gym allows non-member drop ins; only $5.00.  If you're a member of Gold's Gym, you can join us for free.

On a separate note, it's amazing to witness the effects of small acts of kindness.  A friend and I ran into someone we knew today.  We told them that it was good to see them.  We meant it; I was glad to see them. I'd often thought of this person and wondered how they were doing and if they'd managed to move forward from all the pain they were experiencing when I last saw them. This person has struggled and continues to suffer.  They were happy to see us too and, I hope, managed, at at least for a moment, to feel connected. 

Practice genuine acts of kindness.

Hip, HIPS, Hooray!

The focus this week in Power Yoga are our hips.  I'll be teaching my regular classes, Tuesday, 12:10 pm at the Windsor Gold's Gym and Wednesday, 8:00 pm at the Enfield (route 5) Club Fitness.

In addition, this week only, I'll be teaching Wednesday, 4:15 pm Yoga class at the Enfield (Scitico) Gold's Gym and Thursday 4:15 pm Yoga class at the Enfield (route 5) Gold's Gym.  The instructor who normally teaches these classes is enjoying a vacation!

It's only $5.00 to drop in for each class if you are not a member of these gyms.  

Free Community Yoga... for a cause!

Liz Bacon is teaching FREE Community Yoga class this Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10: 30 -11:30 a.m. at Downtown Yoga. Please bring a non-perishable food item en lieu of a donation. All proceeds will go to Hands on Hartford. Liz has an incredible practice and this is for a good cause!

Free Yoga in Blue Back Square, Sunday 8/28

My friend and colleague Jennifer Leavitt will be leading a free, outdoor Yoga class between the Barnes and Noble and Green Teahouse in Blue Back Square, West Hartford on Sunday, August 28 · 10:00am - 11:00am. This will be a great event if you can make it! 

RSVP through FACEBOOK.