Yoga Myth #2

#2 Yoga is just about stretching

Stretching has fantastic benefits for your body. Tight muscles can have a cascade effect.  Bones can be knocked out of alignment. Tight muscles also can increase your chance of injury, and create pain.   The beauty of postural yoga also includes bringing balance to your body.  That’s why classes at The Yoga Loft also help you build new strength.  Many of the poses have you using multiple muscle groups at the same time.  Frequent and sustained practice that tones your muscles helps build functional strength.  Then there’s balance.  Many people will blame being wobbly by saying they’re just that way.   There’s a pretty common reason for it.  People have weakened muscles from a lack of exercise.  Those degenerated muscles are there to support you.  Yoga Loft teachers work to help build up that balance which helps in so many ways…not to mention helping you keep from tumbling over.  Make sure to click on The Yoga Loft schedule and find a class and time that’s convenient for you. That’s where you’ll quickly learn it’s a lot more than stretching.

By Doug Adamson

Come to The Yoga Loft for Arts Walk!

Yoga is an art. It's graceful.  There are elegant lines.  It's sweeping and dynamic. That's why the Yoga Loft happily once more is a participant of this year’s Spring Arts Walk.  We invite you into our warm studio to help celebrate the arts.  Take in images of feathers from the world.  Artist Chris Maynard’s latest shadowbox pieces will be on display.  Also, see many prints of this uplifting art.  Drop by The Yoga Loft at 7 p.m. where you can hear more about the art inside the studio.  Cover artist China Star will be in our studio Friday April, 25 from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. with her work Sculpted Nests.  It's also your chance to pop inside and see our inviting studio.

By Doug Adamson

An afternoon of yoga and support

by Providence Regional Cancer System | Monday, April 22, 2013 | Email Article

Editor's Note: This article is written by Maureen Oar, RYT at YOGA Loft. She has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the national Yogo Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications to yoga. 

As I turned up the heat, turned on the lights, put on the music and swept the floor at the Yoga Loft, I wondered, “How many will come this afternoon?”
People began to arrive. I greeted familiar faces and welcomed new ones. Before I knew it, we had 21 people join us.
Within the group we had, men and women, old and young, people that had never done yoga before and those that were returning for more.
I thought to myself, “This is what yoga is all about.”
Yoga is for every body and can be adapted and adopted to fit all needs. As we introduced ourselves, some people shared what they felt comfortable with and others just spoke their name. What they shared wasn’t important; we knew we were all there to support one another.
Yoga is a way for survivors to manage the symptoms and the stress of cancer, beyond diagnosis and treatment. Just as important for the caregivers, yoga helps us manage the stress of a loved one dealing with the challenges that arise. Next Month, Sunday May 5th, the doors are wide open as we welcome you onto the path of Yoga...

Yoga for the Cancer Journey

Come and learn how yoga can help you to create, stimulate and maintain an optimum state of physican and emotional health.
Cancer survivor and certified yoga instructor Maureen Oar, RYT has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the National Yoga Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications of yoga. This class is created to meet the needs of any level of health and fitness and to support you in modifying your practice appropriately.
Anyone living with cancer, survivors and caregivers are welcome. All classes are located at The Yoga Loft, 219 Legion Way SW, Suite 202, Olympia, 98501. View Flyer >>

• Sunday, May 5, 1-2:20 p.m.
• Sunday, June 2, 1-2:20 p.m.
• Sunday, July 7, 1-2:20 p.m.

Fight stress, be at ease

What happens when you get angry?   You might clinch your jaws and teeth.  Did you know your breath also shallows when you’re stressed out?  That’s not the only thing that’s happening to your body when you’re in the midst of jammed traffic, screaming kids, or being confronted by an upset boss or customer.  Your body’s fight-flight-or-freeze response kicks in.  It’s a defense mechanism. That’s great as long as you’re not regularly in that mode. Stress can arrive anywhere and at anytime.  That’s where yoga plays a role in de-stressing.  Check out what the Mayo Clinic reports:

“Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga, in particular, may be a good choice for stress management.”

April is Stress Awareness Month.  Ironically, you may not really know how stressed you are until you’re kicking in that mind-boy connection.  Stressed right now?  Try this:

Stop

Close your eyes

Pay attention to your breathing

Without changing your breath, count every time you exhale

Do this for ten counts  

You should begin to feel a difference rather quickly.  See if you're still clinching your jaw…and make it a priority to visit a class at The Yoga Loft.

By Doug Adamson
Mayo Clinic article

Namaste for The Yoga Loft honors!

Words we use after learning The Yoga Loft again has been voted as the ‘Best Yoga Studio’ in Olympia.  

“Gratitude, thankful, appreciative, honored, pleased and Namaste!”

It’s a back-to-back honor from the readers of the Weekly Volcano.

Come see what makes The Yoga Loft so special.  First time students can get a special introductory pass.  Also, make sure to revisit us if it’s been a while since your last class.

The Yoga Loft has:

-         An open and warm studio

-         Multiple class offerings  

-         Talented teachers who have your best interest at heart

-         Frequent workshops

-         A “pay what you can”  class

-         Local ownership

Again, a gracious thank you and much appreciation!

By Doug Adamson

"Yoga 101" offered during free event

You’ve heard about the benefits of yoga.  So, what’s keeping you?  The Yoga Loft happily presents ‘ Yoga 101’ on Saturday April 6.  It’s designed to help people who:

-         May feel uneasy or have questions about going into a yoga studio

-         Have watched videos about yoga, but have never been in a studio

-         Wonder what it’s like to take a yoga class

Experienced yoga teachers Patti Moore and Maureen Oar will take new students on an easy exploration of yoga.  The Yoga Loft co-founders will provide a supportive environment for those who want to learn more about yoga.  You’ll learn a few basic postures.  You’ll be able to ask questions.  This is a perfect event for absolute beginners.   No yoga experience is needed…whatsoever.  It’s also free.  Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, such as something you’d wear to the gym.  We’ll provide everything else.  It runs from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday April 6.   It’s a great opportunity to get into a transformational practice at The Yoga Loft, which has been voted “Best Yoga Studio” in Olympia for two years in a row.  

By Doug Adamson

Clear Out the Winter Cobwebs with the Spring Tune Up!

Clear Out the Winter Cobwebs with the Spring Tune Up!

As the days start to get longer and the urge to do some spring cleaning surfaces, it's good to remember that our bodies may need a little bit more attention too.  Up for your consideration is the Spring Tune Up!  This workshop is inspired by the return of Spring and the Equinox… the time of year when the sun passes over the equator while day and night are (more or less) the same length.  Our practice will reflect this balance so that we may find attunement with ourselves and nature. 

The first half of the class will focus on an energizing, flowing yet quite gentle practice.  For any of you familiar with my Level I class, it will be more gentle than that.  The intention is just to get everything moving and flowing (including those places that don't always get enough attention).  The second half will focus on restorative poses and deep rest. 

This workshop is for people who…
- have been out of practice for a while and need a gentle re-boot, or want to know how to re-boot if they ever do fall out of practice
- just want a relaxing, gentle way to spend their Saturday afternoon
- need to de-stress and a shorter class doesn't always do it
- want to learn how to care for their joints and get them moving
- want to learn a handful of restorative poses that they can practice at home (these are very useful during times of fatigue, dis-ease and a few are great to practice during menses; for the men reading this, don't worry they are great for you too :  )
- want some time to tune in, reflect and reconnect
- want to set a theme/intention for the Spring, or the rest of the year

This practice is one of the best ways to get back into yoga after some time off and also one of my favorite ways to unwind and de-stress... great for a Saturday afternoon.  Join us so I can share with you some of my favorite things (that don't always make it into a regular class).

Spring Tune Up! takes place on Saturday March 23rd from 2-4pm at the Yoga Loft... $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  Please see the Upcoming Events page of the website for more information. 

Looking forward to practicing with you!
Robyn.

P.S. We will be using lots of props!  Feel free to bring your own if you want to... we will be using 2 blocks, a strap, yoga blankets and/or a small bolster (although a large one could also work), an eye pillow and of course a yoga mat.  Also... wear plenty of layers, especially if you run cold, so you can stay warm during the restorative/relaxation part of the class.

 

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Yoga for the Cancer Journey

If you or a loved one have been touched by cancer, you’ll want to take note. The Yoga Loft has several offerings for those who wish to create, stimulate, and maintain their optimum physical and emotional health.  Yoga Loft Co-Owner Maureen Oar, a cancer survivor, has several free events.  They’re being held on the first Sunday of each month.  It’s sponsored by Providence Integrated Cancer Care.

YL: How will this benefit me?

MO:   Yoga will help you manage the symptoms, the physical, mental and emotional challenges.  The focus on the breath, the gentle movement of yoga and the meditation aspect will support you on the cancer journey.  People who practice yoga report having more ease in falling asleep which helps fight fatigue. Frequent yoga practice can help reduce stress hormones. That can be a great help for someone who is going through treatment or has been through treatment.  The combination of the body-mind connection also has so many benefits for your quality of life.  Plus, the class also uses the power of visualization which can help in your healing process.

YL: I'm a loved one. Could I attend too?

MO: Yes!  A loved one also is on the journey, perhaps more than many realize. It is a wonderful thing to share with a friend or family member.  Yoga is a stress buster. I invite all caregivers to attend. Many students who began this class as cancer patients, have continued to attends years after and moving on to other levels of yoga we offer at Yoga Loft

YL: What if I've never done yoga before. I'm not flexible.  I have a number of other challenges too. How is this appropriate for me?

MO:  Our motto at Yoga Loft is "Practice Yoga with Ease and Support", never more true than when it comes to this class. Everyone starts as a beginner.  Your frequent practice helps you begin the process of gaining flexibility, plus some strength.   As always, it’s recommended that you check with your doctor or health care provider before beginning any new program.  As with any class at the Yoga Loft, all students are given the opportunity to modify poses. This class in particular is appropriately modified for those who’ve had or are having health challenges. 

YL: How would people who take these offerings describe how it helps them?

MO: People who leave the class feel energized, peaceful and at ease.  New students often are apprehensive about this approach.  However, assuring teaching where students are guided into activity that’s best for them really can make feel fantastic. The opportunity to network with others that are experiencing similar symptoms can be very helpful

YL: You yourself have been on a cancer journey.  How has yoga played a role and how does it impact your classes?

MO: Cancer is what actually guided me to yoga. It seems strange to say, but yoga has been the silver lining to that dark cloud. For many years I "dabbled" in yoga, attending classes now and then, I always knew there was something there for me. However after my diagnosis 12 years ago, I found a yoga class for cancer patients, and it changed everything for me. I personally experienced how much yoga can support, create and maintain the balance in our lives. I Suddenly discovered there was something I could actually do for myself rather than having done to me! It was and continues to be the lifeline to my true self.

The free sessions are scheduled March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, and July 7.  They run from 1 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. 


By Doug Adamson

Yoga Myth #1

 #1 I can’t do yoga, because I’m not flexible enough.

Surprise! Most people are tight. Few are regularly limber.  Tension, stress, sitting in chairs, and extended use of computers can all combine to leave people in a state of inflexibility.  You come to yoga to start working on flexibility. Our practice sessions gradually warm up the body.  We then build on that through mindfully created sequences.  Our students are reminded to find the effort, but avoid strain and stress. Flexibility doesn’t come overnight. However, it's something that will come. Your commitment to regular yoga practice can bring new freedom of movement. People who regularly practice find it gives them a new found freedom of movement through life. It includes simple tasks, work-life, and play.  This also mentions nothing about new strength, improved balance, and an increased mental sense of ease. Come find out on your own.  Join us! Remember, your first class with us is free. 

By Doug Adamson 

4 reasons why you should bring a friend to a yoga class

You’ve heard so much about the benefits of your regular yoga practice.  Just the stress relief alone has people frequently finding themselves in a studio.  Being with a friend can make your yoga practice and your relationship even better.

1. It’s a non-competitive environment.  There are plenty of opportunities to be competitive outside the studio. Isn’t a relief that you can take your foot off the gas peddle for just a bit?  Everybody progresses in their yoga journey at their own pace.  That’s a deeper experience when shared with someone else.

2. It’s drug-free.  It’s uplifting. You can feel amazing. Doing yoga with another friend is real quality time together.  It’s incredibly beneficial for you both.

3. You laugh together. Sometimes at each other.  Yoga should help you become a happier person.  There’s nothing like trying a challenging pose and then both of you burst out in uncontrollable laughter when something happens.  Yoga should be fun and light-hearted.  

4. Yoga helps you view life in deeper way.  It can alter your life for the better.  It’s also a journey. Isn’t that journey made so much better when it’s a shared experience?  Time on the mat also helps you better get into the present moment. So, imagine the depth of your conversation if you get together with your friend after class.

So this Valentine’s Day, there’s a special offer.   Bring a friend new to the Yoga Loft and that class is free for both of you.

By Doug Adamson