About Yoga

Yoga is an ancient body/mind discipline originally meant to prepare the body for meditation. It can include breathing practices, meditating, chanting, and performing postures that build muscular strength and endurance as well as flexibility. This unique combination can offer a range of benefits. It can be therapeutic for balance, breathing and joint problems, and can lead to improved overall health and greater serenity.

In the current wave of popularity yoga now enjoys, there has been an astounding proliferation of styles. Depending on which style you choose, the level of the class and the teacher, you may leave the yoga studio bathed in sweat, pleasantly challenged or in a state of transcendant peace.

The Challenge for Beginners

Though yoga offers a range of benefits for body, mind and spirit, many new students who try it say that the beginning yoga classes they've tried are too challenging. Coming to solve a problem or improve their health, students may injure themselves or give up on yoga altogether.

A long time practitioner of yoga, Joan Arnold uses the Alexander Technique to facilitate the teaching and practice of yoga in the following ways:

YOGA BASICS

In small ongoing classes twice a week, Joan works with students to define the elements of yoga and help students challenge themselves without injury. She adapts the level to each individual and gives hands-on feedback to all students to help them clarify how they use their bodies throughout the class. Since they are able to progress at their own rate, they improve - safely and enjoyably.

Refining Your Postures: Yoga & the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique can enhance your yoga practice. Whether you prefer a vigorous style or use yoga to relax and reduce stress, applying the Technique will give you more understanding of how the body works. That will help you avoid injury and clarify the purpose of each pose. You can then improve your form, relax more deeply and increase the pleasure of your practice.