Hello yoga friends,

Here are two images that feel very much like summer to me. They speak to warmth, outdoor fun, and the colors of nature. It's always nice to slow down and recharge in the summer, naturally becoming ready by the end of August for the return of the school year and more routines.

I'm excited to be teaching a few new classes this fall, as well as continuing all my normal weekly classes.

Fall Schedule

Class series (pre-registration required or encouraged)

Focus on Core for Balance and Posture with the Center on the Hill, Mondays Oct. 17-Nov. 21, 12:30-1:30pm. $12/class if registered for the series; $15 drop-in. Info on signing up: https://www.chestnuthillpres.org/center-on-the-hill/center-on-the-hill-online-payments-page/

In this class, breathing and connecting to your deep core will create a foundation for exploring two different definitions of balance. The ability to find physical balance in space, whether that is on one foot, or in a lunge, or in transitioning from one position to another is important for moving through the world with confidence. Additionally, a balance of strength and mobility in a variety of body parts is needed for good posture.

Yoga For Strength and Stress Relief with the Mt. Airy Learning Tree

- The Cliveden Carriage House, Mondays 7-8:15pm. Eight sessions, Oct. 17-Dec. 12. $100. Must register for the whole series at mtairylearningtree.org

- Chestnut Hill United, Wednesdays 10-11:15am. Eight sessions, Sept. 21-Nov. 9. $100. Must register for the whole series at mtairylearningtree.org

Fundamentals of strength in yoga poses (connecting to core, techniques for weight bearing on your hands, lower body strength for better balance). Breathing techniques and visualizations for downregulating your nervous system.

Ongoing weekly classes

Yoga Basics at Blue Banyan, Tuesdays 9-10am. https://bluebanyanyoga.com/ (Starting in October!)

Chair Yoga at Journey’s Way Senior Center in Roxborough (Stay tuned for day and time)

Yoga at the Roxborough YMCA, Fridays 10-11am; Saturdays 9-10am

Slow and Strong Sundays on zoom, Sundays 10-11:15am – This class uses a variety of props, including chairs, to make the practice more challenging and accessible.

Upcoming Class Theme: Balance

The New York Times recently published an article about the importance of working on balance, especially as we age.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/12/well/move/balance-exercises.html

In yoga, we work on balance in a lot of ways. Being barefoot means that we are maximizing the sensory input from our feet, assisting proprioception (the ability to sense ourselves in space). In yoga we are often moving in the side to side or rotational planes, which are less typical in daily life and which challenge our proprioception and balance. The transitions from one pose to another can also be a balance challenge. And then there is the example of balance that most immediately comes to mind: standing on one foot. The Times article mentions that a 10 second one-legged stand is a standard assessment for balance.

Another benefit of barefoot yoga is foot strength. Try this simple, yet challenging exercise for strengthening your feet and ankles.

Heel lifts:

Take care and I hope to see you soon,

Jen