Introduction to Yoga (classes)

If you're new to yoga I highly recommend setting yourself up with a good introductory or basics class at a local studio. For less than $20 you can dramatically affect your competency and learning curve with an instructor that knows how to teach the basics and helps you create a solid foundation for yoga.

Your BEST option of course would be to schedule a private lesson (or two or three) with a recommended instructor to REALLY get your feet wet properly as well as start understanding the prescriptive ability - in other words, create a practice that is personal and theraputic for you, just you.

A centrally located studio, Ginseng Yoga, offers monthly introduction to yoga classes on the first Saturday of each month (first class if free) from 12-1 pm. They also have a number of "beginner" classes during the week that can be a welcome refresher even if you've practiced yoga for a while: Monday at 4:30pm is Yoga Basics, Tuesday at 6pm is Fundamentals, and Saturday at 11:30am their signature style, Deep Yoga. Check it out: http://ginsengsandiego.com/newtoyoga.php.

Another studio this time in downtown Cortez Hill, The Little Yoga Studio, holds special Absolute Beginner's Workshops a few times year. For $25 you get a two-hour session with studio owner Maria Camacho that breaks it all down for you, making yoga that much more approachable, enjoyable and fulfilling. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for September 9, 2012, March 10, 2013 and April 21, 2013 from 1-3pm. http://www.thelittleyogastudiosd.com/events.html

Of course you can always join me at Fitzee Foods this September and October (schedule here) for free community yoga for everyone. I have an eclectic style in which I tend to break down each pose into it's different mechanical components to help you better understand what goes where and why, and I offer modifications for all levels, from beginner on up. They have classes 7-8pm every Monday and Wednesday, and I'll be guest teaching the following days:  9/5, 9/10, 9/17, 9/26, 10/1, 1/8, 10/15 and 10/22

8/9 Class at Northbrook Yoga Center (Northbrook. IL)

The Northbrook Yoga Center has invited me to teach this Thursday 8/9 in their 10:45 slot. I am SO EXCITED!

I first visited this studio in April when I came in town for 7 days and went in 5 times in that short week! I loved the variety of class, the quantity (a VERY full schedule...wow) and the locale (a bit over a mile walk from my parents' house). I'm back in my hometown (Chicago) this summer for three weeks and signed up for a 14-class series to continue my yogic journey. They have Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini and even Family yoga - a great variety for a small studio.

NBYC does a monthly donation based class and I asked them if they would be into the idea of having me come teach now that I'm nearing the end of my 200 hour taining, so that I could raise a little more money for MS.

The stars aligned and they said YES. I'm on for this Thursday morning and gratefully Nana and Papa will watch the little bunny Eli whilst I partake! I have my basic eclectic Hatha style in which I sprinkle pieces of pranayama, Vinyasa for warmup, some Kundalini for energy building, iyengar to bring consciousness to alignment, and even  some Yin before savasana so I hope the NBYC regulars enjoy!

Last day to get awesome special class pricing at the Little Yoga Studio

Maria Camacho's sweet practice spot The Little Yoga Studio at 8th and Beech downtown (corner of Cortez Hill) is updating their class pricing and today is the last day to pick up a package at the "old" rates of $15 for drop-in (and better rates for packages).  The new rates increase drop-ins by a dollar. Check their website for more info.

They also have an auto-pay promo that gives you unlimited yoga for two months at $85/month (AWESOME DEAL) (requires 4 month commitment).

Also, though I am thoroughly committed to the YogaWell.com teacher training program, TLYS does have it's own YTT intenstive. Check their website for info.