New Year's Resolution: Yoga!

Want to try yoga as part of your New Year’s resolution?  So, what’s stopping you?   Here at the Yoga Loft, our goal is to help you succeed, flourish, and grow.

Here are a few tips for beginners of yoga. 

I’m not flexible:  That’s OK.  You come to class to work on your flexibility.  It’s something that takes time.  You’ll be amazed how regular practice will have benefits for your body.  Yoga also is about building new strength, not just being stretchy.

I'm too self-conscious:  The most difficult part of first getting into yoga is talking yourself into the studio.  You’ve pulled off a win once you get there.  Once inside, tell our teachers it’s your first class.  Make sure to first check with the class schedule and pick one that’s an appropriate level.  Remember, everyone in the studio once was a beginner.  Yoga is a non-competitive environment.  You focus on yourself.  Our Yoga Loft teachers demonstrate the poses and expertly get you into and out of the poses. 

Leave your self-judgment at the door:   We can be highly critical of ourselves.  Our ‘inner-critic’ can go into hyper-drive, especially when we start something new.  When you arrive for a class at the Yoga Loft, there are no expectations for you to know everything. Your desire is all you need!  Yoga practice has a great benefit of reducing stress…so it doesn’t make sense to add to your concerns. 

Be your own teacher, first:   Everybody has an ache, pain, and ouch.  When you begin a yoga practice, tell your teacher about your injury before class begins. Then call on your expertise of you.  Nobody knows your body better than you.  Follow your body’s cues and listen to them.  Nothing should ever hurt. Yoga teachers encourage students to pull out of a pose and rest when ever it’s appropriate for you.

Try it, and try it again:  Attend a class and then return.   Practicing yoga is a journey, not a race.  Time on your mat has amazing results.  Commit yourself to a regular routine to reap the benefits.

By Doug Adamson

Solstice Practice ALL Day at YOGA Loft

Noon -   Flow with Kristen
4pm -    Gentle Back Yoga with Mo (solstice at 4:08pm)
5:30pm-Yoga I with Robyn
7:10pm-Pay What You Can with Doug


From our Facebook page:

Scottie Ortiz commented on YOGALoft's status.

Scottie wrote: "Wish I were there to share this with you. I have had my best Yoga experiences at Yoga Loft."

At The Capitol City Marathon

Jen leads Half Marathoners in pre-race yoga stretch. Well done!

At the Marathon

Come see The Yoga Loft at the Capital City Marathon!

Running and yoga go hand-in-hand.  Many runners find the practice of yoga has a multitude of benefits for those who hit the pavement.  There’s the full-body workout, increased flexibility and stamina. Running and yoga also require you to focus on the present moment.  We invite everyone to come by and visit our booth in Sylvester Park in downtown Olympia.  We’ll be there on Saturday from 12-5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by and meet our teachers at The Yoga Loft, which is located just a few blocks to the west of the park.  Come learn more about who we are and what The Yoga Loft has to offer for you. Also, look for our own Jennifer Croley who will be leading runners during a pre-marathon warm-up!

By Doug Adamson

Yoga 4 Men!

Yoga isn’t just for women. There are plenty of guys who would love to try it after hearing about the benefits.  Others are becoming interested in this ancient art as it’s being taken up my more professional athletes.  But, they still aren’t sure about stepping into a yoga studio. That's why we've created something that's just for the guys.  Forget about the idea of being turned into a pretzel.  You’re taken through a program to help you become more flexible.  It’s not just about that.  There’s also focus on strength building and adding new balance.   Frequent practice also the added benefit of being a stress buster.  Interested? That’s why we’re now planning our first offering just for men.  It’s led by certified yoga instructor Doug Adamson. The Yoga Loft plans to offer a weekly class that’s just for the guys.  It begins Thursday, April 12.  The classes runs from 7:10 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  It's suitable for beginners.  Just wear your gym clothes. We can handle the rest.

By - Doug Adamson

On Wed, Mar 14, 2012 at 9:33 PM wrote:

Hello dear Yoga Loft,

I am a regular in Douglas's "pay as you can" classes.

 I want to convey my appreciation for offering such a class by donation. I don't take it for granted that such an opportunity is offered, and recognize this as a true gift to the community.
Indeed, my practice is maintained on a regular basis, and I can afford the continuation and deepening of my inner exploration.

the guidance of Doug in these classes is so graceful. He is so full of integrity and love for the practice, a passion which is conveyed in his clear articulation of the postures and movements, as well as the philosophy and inspirations that accompany the somatic practice.

The studio itself is so beautiful and well maintained. it is very clear that lots of love and attention is given to both the handling of the studio as a space, and for choosing classes, workshops and teachers in alignment with the overall trajectory of the purpose and ideals of Yoga Loft.

In short, I am a grateful drop of water :)

Namaskar,

Yoav Melamed

Early Bird Special