Yin Yoga

 I am frequently asked, "What is Yin Yoga?"  I teach Yin Yoga on Sundays from
4:30p-5:45 at West Hartford Yoga. During a typical Yin practice you will hold moderately challenging yoga poses for 3-5 minutes.  The challenge is both physical and mental.  The longer holds benefit
the connective tissues of the body, your bones and your joints. The practice
also gives the mind an opportunity to be slow down and be still.  Yin Yoga
offers a perfect balance for athletes and those who engage in a "type A" or Yang
lifestyle.

I went to a Yin Yoga class about 5 years ago.  I was not pleased... frankly,
I hated the class.  I heard the teacher instructing us to go into various
uncomfortable yoga poses and get calm.  Seriously?  That was my
warped perception of the class.... Honestly, at that
time in my life I did NOT have the emotional or physical perseverance to sit
with discomfort or growth.  I was completely out of balance.  I was racing
competitively, doing strength training, and power yoga.  Hello?!  You expect me
to sit still?  yeah.... right.

Fast forward a few years............... My life was turned upside down and
around again.  I lost 2 very dear friends to cancer and I was plagued by
injuries that virtually stopped my competition in triathlon.  However, I was
blessed with a new community.  I completed my Power Yoga Teacher Training with
Barbara Ruzansky at West Hartford Yoga.  The teacher training required me to
participate in 2 additional yoga teacher training programs.  I took a yoga
teacher training program that enabled me to teach Yoga to Athletes with Sage
Rountree.  I had one more training to do and the only training that would fit
into my schedule was the dreaded Yin Yoga..... I was NOT happy about this.  I
actually dreaded the training.  I was miserable because I thought that I was
going to have to sit still for a week and be uncomfortable.  I complained a lot
going into this training. I had no idea what I was in for.  I had no idea how
wonderful it would be! It is really nice to be wrong sometimes!

I trained with Sarah Powers.  Learning about a different approach to yoga
changed my life.  I acquired a new tool! If  you have met Sarah, you know how
insightful she is.  I quickly learned why I initially hated Yin Yoga so much. 
My life was completely out of balance and I had no idea.  This new practice, and
new form of exercise enabled me to recharge.  It is NOT gentle yoga, it is not
easy, and it didn't kick my butt like power yoga does. Instead, it recharges me.
I now practice Yin Yoga regularly.  It compliments my running, cycling, and
swimming perfectly.

Give it a try..... it won't hurt- I PROMISE!  You can come to my class.  And
if you are nervous or have concerns contact me before you come to class.  And
for my frugal friends, there is an open house at West Hartford Yoga this
weekend.  I am teaching a FREE CLASS on Saturday
October 22nd from 3:30p-4:30p.  Come and check it all out!!!

Reckless Kelly performing "Wicked Twisted Road"