YOGA ETIQUETTE

• Arrive on time
• Bring a positive attitude and an open mind
• Sign in for class – Meet your teacher
• Turn off your cell phone and leave outside the practice room
• No gum or food in the practice room
• Avoid colognes, scented lotions, etc.
• Keep your body and feet clean
• Observe silence during and after class
• Do your best to stay inside the yoga room throughout entire class; if you must leave during class, please try to exit and return between postures
• Practice stillness between postures and focus on yourself
• Have fun and come back as soon as you can

In this weeks lesson, we take a look at Chakras, and how your body picks up energy on a vibratory level. Last week, a few people didn’t understand HOW thoughts affected you, but did you know that your body has a system for doing so? Everything is vibration, and if you study musical octaves, you see that all of the vibrations in existence have a harmonic pattern that they all flow through. The Chakra system is merely the exact same system that runs through your body. It picks up on all of the energies and vibrations all around you, as well as emits what your feeling to the universe through what we call “Aura’s” (Not discussed here, but still very relevant).

When did you first try hot yoga?

Back in 2007, I was invited by a friend to try doing as many classes as I could in 30 days. My local Bikram studio was offering an intro for $30. I came 19 times in 30 days.

What injuries did you earn over the years?

As a golfer, my body was broken down in both knees, wrists, and mostly my back.

How did yoga find you? What did you know about yoga?

I found an old ’70’s paperback on yoga in my mom’s home library when I was 13 years old. It blew me away to see the human body do those things. I read very little, and mostly just tried to do the postures I saw in the book.

Over the next 15 years, I just did a random postures sporadically throughout the day or the weeks. No consistency. Finally found Bikram Hot Yoga and was hooked the first drive home from class.

How was your first Bikram hot yoga class?

You will never forget your first Bikram yoga class. My first class was humbling. I thought I had “done yoga” in the past.  Never had I done this! This 90 minute class was the hardest thing I had ever done. Period.

My lungs felt like they were on fire and my shoulders we so tight. I thought like I made the biggest mistake of my life, and we were in the first set of breathing!

That night, my body felt more balanced and flexible. I slept a full 8 hours.  When I woke up, I didn’t have any of my normal “morning pains” – the creaky knees, tight back, tight neck, grumpy, etc.

I came back to the yoga school the next day at 9:00am.  I couldn’t wait. The whole system made perfect sense to me.

Why did you become a teacher?

Because they made me.

Why did you create Old Man Yoga |OMY|?

I believe EVERYONE can benefit from this yoga, and it is my mission to help spread the word anyway I know how.

Over the years, I have been inspired by the older generation of students at the various schools of yoga I have been teaching. They are most often the mentally strongest students and the ones who hold the postures with the most focus in the room.

Mostly, I want my dad and nephew to become consistent in their own yoga practices. However that shows up for them.

Bikram yoga is specifically designed to work the entire body, using heat to stretch deeper, prevent injury and flush unwanted toxins. This yoga series stimulates the organs, glands and nerves and systematically moves fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body restoring health to all systems.

Students who practice regularly experience many health benefits, including weight loss, improved muscle tone, stress relief, increased energy and an overall sense of physical and mental well-being.

The Bikram beginning yoga class is suitable for all ages and levels of ability. You don’t need to be flexible to do Bikram yoga. Through regular practice that involves performing the same sequence of poses each class offers you a consistent experience, allowing you to move at your own pace and as your personal practice evolves.

(Some still images on OMY and this video introduction to Bikram Yoga from the good folks at BY London.)

If you are taking a hot yoga class, it is normal for men to only wear shorts.  Remember, it is important to wear tight fitting underwear to keep the boys at bay.

ˈyōɡə/

noun

a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation.

What did you know or think about yoga before your first class?

I knew that it improved flexibility and was essential for good physical condition, especially as one matures.

What is the biggest change you have noticed since starting yoga?

I have exercised consistently for 35 years. I am two years into the yoga practice. Nothing has strengthened my core more than yoga. Yoga has brought relief to by aching knees, improved my balance and posture and I am more flexible than I was too.

How often do you practice?

I try to practice at least four times per week.

What is your favorite thing about class?

There are multiple benefits to participating in a class. It’s a dynamic experience that provides not only great physical benefits, but mental as well.

What did you know or think about yoga before your first class?

I didn’t know anything about yoga.

What injuries or ailments did you earn over the years?

Back and shoulder pain.

How often do you practice?

About 3 times a week.

What is your favorite thing about yoga class?

How it makes you feel.

Do you tell your friends you practice yoga?

I tell everybody. My friends make fun of me but will not try it.

What piece of wisdom would you like to share with someone who is thinking about trying hot yoga for the first time?

Go as many times as you can in the first 30 days.

What did you know about yoga before your first class?

Very little.

When did you first try hot yoga and why?

Almost two years ago. Ex-wife told me about it. She thought it would help with my headaches.

What injuries or ailments did you earn over the years?

Severe daily chronic headaches for over 25 years.

How do you feel after a hot yoga class?

Invigorated and very relaxed.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed since starting yoga?

Headaches are gone! Becoming more flexible.

Anything else you’d like to add?

This is the hardest thing that you will ever love to do.