Class Description
In Yoga we believe youth is in the spine and a healthy spine not only relates to our flexibility but to the health of our nervous system, our organs and to the body's communication system. A healthy spine is essential to our overall health and wellbeing. So, through the practice try directing your breath to each area of the back,
lower, middle and upper. Where we set our intention the breath follows.
Our sedentary lifestyle — sitting at the computer, driving to and from work and relaxing on the couch, can weaken our backs, contributing to poor posture. Ligaments and tendons shorten over time causing tension and compression in the spine that further contribute to a weak and painful back and shoulders.
The class is designed to help you understand the causes of back pain and to learn Yoga stretches and postures that will help you develop a healthier and stronger back. Unlike traditional back care exercises which isolate the parts of the body to be stretched or strengthened, yoga postures are designed to integrate and benefit the whole body.
Lengthening the connective tissue, decompressing the spine, and strengthening your core and back muscles gives your back the necessary support to heal naturally.
Our main interest in core strengthening is the support of the pelvis and the spine. In numerous studies and in our own one-on-one therapy practice and group yoga classes, working with people with back problems we've observed that the strengthening of the muscles that are supposed to be supporting the spine and pelvis is a critical component for
relieving pain and restoring healthy movement. A number of clients with chronic and severe back pain were greatly improved or even eliminated pain by strengthening the support system.
Understand the causes of back pain
Learn how poor posture contributes to back pain
Build a strong lower back and core
Learn simple poses and exercises to strengthen and stretch your back
Decrease tension in your lower back, spine and shoulders
About the Studio
The old Freemason's Lodge has been nicely converted into a studio space, it's wonderfully large allowing for lots of room to stretch out. So know that there's always space for you and there's no need to book in advance (or know secret hand-shakes). The floor is padded, so there's cushioning for your knees and joints and there's changing rooms with bathrooms for both men and women.
Please arrive 10 minutes before class and if it's your fist-time allow 15 mins to read our waiver. Street parking is available, be sure to get a 2 hour minimum spot as the class is 75 minute. We recommend bringing your own mat — if you forget it we have some for rent for $2.
Wear something comfortable that allows for a deep stretch. Classes are designed for all ages and levels.
Location
The studio is located in the Qi Martial Arts building at 15b Church Street, Brighton, Vic 3186. Enter the studio from the laneway off Church Street, opposite the Dendy Theatre. Street parking is available — be sure to allow 2 hours as classes run for 75 minutes
Class Prices
Classes are 75 minutes. $22 for a drop-in or save money by buying a pass: $100 for 5 classes, (valid for 3 months from the date of purchase).
$180 for 10 classes, (valid for 6 months from the date of purchase). Pay by cash, card — Visa, MasterCard or AMEX. *If you received a postcard or a flyer from us, redeem the postcard for 50% off your first class — normally $22 but with the postcard it costs just $11 — an $11 savings.
Limit one postcard per person. Valid until October 31st, 2019.
We also offer 2 hour monthly workshops please email us to reserve a space or for more information.
About the Studio
You're in good hands — Mary and John are trained in Therapeutic Yoga from Loyola Marymount University, and the Stress Center of Marin where they also served as Teaching faculty.
They completed training as iRest meditation teachers from Dr Richard Miller. iRest is a research-based practice of deep meditation & self inquiry for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, relaxation, resiliency and general well-being.
John has 20 years experience in Martial Arts and holds a black belt in karate and 5 years of teaching group Yoga classes. They have studied with teachers Dr. Baxter Bell on Healthy Aging, Mingtong Gu, Master Li and Dr. Liu Dong, (Healing Medical Qi Gong) and Restorative Yoga with Judith Lasater.
