Spring Forward with a Private Yoga Session with Gina!
What people are saying...
"I have never felt so rejuvenated..."
"I feel like I just had a massage."
"I had no idea that I could work out emotional issues using yoga!"
Give it a try, you will be glad you did. To entice you even further,

Gina is offering 10% off all privates for the month of April.
Mention this newsletter to get the discount.
Call her directly at (512) 785-4020 to schedule.

BEGINNER'S TAI CHI SERIES STARTS APRIL 8TH.
It's not too late to register and it's only $40 for four classes ($32 for seniors 60 and up.) We are very excited to have Jesse Gilliam, who has so much experience, teaching with us. If you would like this to become an ongoing weekly class, voice your preference, because we would love to know.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New class times starting in April, please check schedule.

Patti will be subbing for Gina while she is at an advance training the last two week of April. Patti will continue with the practice of Beginner's Ashtanga Yoga that we have been learning with Gina in March.

There will be no Saturday 8:30am yoga on April 15th, the day before Easter.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT PILATES
BUT NEVER TRIED A CLASS?
Check out one of our FIVE upcoming workshops that involves Pilates and see if it is for you. Get the details in the Spring Workshops section of this newsletter or on the website.

You are certainly not alone if you think it's one or the other when it comes to Pilates and yoga. Some say the two styles attract different personalities: from the type-A Pilates perfectionist to the relaxation-seeking yogi. Even their structures are distinct: Pilates is a series of open-ended exercises with a set number of repetitions; while yoga postures are often done with hands and feet on the floor, with an emphasis on flow, not counting. And yet, despite the rivalry, yoga complements Pilates when it comes to breath, flexibility, balance, concentration and mental release. Ultimately, one of the results of training in yoga can be an enriched Pilates practice.

Breath
Pranayama, or breath control, studied in yoga, stills the mind, creating increased inner awareness. Breath control also helps deepen how you move with the breath. Pilates breath brings air into the back of the rib cage, whereas yoga breathing falls into the diaphragm, which expands the belly. While the Pilates breath is known for its forced exhalation through the mouth, research shows that exhaling through the nose, as most yogis do, can also activate the pelvic floor and the transversus abdominis. Whatever the approach, the goal is to breathe consciously into the lungs and deep into the pelvis. Breath creates the link between mind and body.

Flexibility
Yoga expands the range of motion in the muscles and joints, creating increased flexibility in the spine, the hamstrings and the hips. When it comes to the spine, yoga's flexibility can work wonders. However, in most Pilates exercises, the spinal movement is often limited to bending forward and back, staying in one plane. In yoga technique, however, spinal twists are often done together with a bend, broadening the range of movement. These spinal twists can redefine for a Pilates enthusiast what it means to rotate the spine. When it comes to opening up the muscles and joints, yoga is a natural. Pilates becomes much easier when you reach a certain level of flexibility.

Balance
In standing yoga poses, there's opportunity to connect the trunk control and the core control with the lower body while the feet are firmly planted on the floor. Because many of our daily activities are done standing up, an added benefit of yoga's standing postures is that they mimic our day-to-day existence. They help round out a Pilates practice by strengthening the standing muscles and developing balance and coordination. In both yoga and Pilates, the idea is to find balance in all directions, planes and aspects.

Concentration
Concentration in yoga has been compared to an unbroken thread of awareness. Focus in yoga is twofold: it involves being a witness to both the body and the mind. Concentration in yoga means that you are aware of the movements, the sequence of the movements and the entire shape being created. It's possible to focus locally and be aware globally. Once you bring that kind of awareness to Pilates, you have a much richer experience. Bringing such concentration to Pilates means being aware of where your body is in space and how body parts are feeling on a particular day. Some say there's too much emphasis on mind-over-matter in Pilates. In yoga, it's almost the opposite. Yoga concentration is about being completely aware of yourself and your surroundings. The idea is to be both the perceiver and the doer. This awareness can help Pilates devotees take a step back while at the same time stay present. Without rigid thoughts, flow and enjoyment may come easier.

Mental Release
Some say that Pilates can drive a person to be too self-critical. Somehow, we feel we can always do a movement better, which may hinder our growth and even our movements. Indeed, yoga's mental release, nudged by the breath, can help anyone who does Pilates to see the practice as a means of quieting the mind and not just a way to change your body. In yoga, because you're allowed to let go, you have more time to explore how your body feels. Yoga is open to who you are that day. A supportive Pilates environment can bring about the same type of personalization and self-discovery. Learning to apply that awareness-oriented, rather than goal-oriented, approach to your Pilates -- pushing yourself while fully experiencing the movements -- can only enhance your practice.

Beginner’s Tai Chi Series
Sat ▪ Apr 8, 15, 22 & 29 ▪ 10 - 11 am
$40 for series

Introduction to Qi Gong
Mon ▪ Apr 10; Wed ▪ May 10; or Mon ▪ June 5;
each 6 - 8 pm & $20

Pilates Basics
Mon ▪ Apr 17; or Mon ▪ May 8;
each 6 - 8 pm & $20

Golf Enhancements Using Yoga & Pilates
Mon ▪ Apr 24; Mon ▪ May 29; or Mon ▪ June 19;
each 6 - 8 pm & $20

Natural Remedies for ADHD & ADD
Mon ▪ May 1 ▪ 6 - 8 pm ▪ $20

Introduction to Kundalini Yoga
Sat ▪ May 6 ▪ 10 am - 12 noon ▪ $20

Smoking Cessation Solutions
Mon ▪ May 15 ▪ 6 - 7:30 pm ▪ FREE

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
Sat ▪ May 20 ▪ 10 am - 12 noon ▪ $20

Yoga for Stress, Weight & Pain
Sat ▪ Jun 3 ▪ 10 am - 12 noon ▪ $20

Yoga Nutrition, Diet & Lifestyle
Sat ▪ Jun 17th ▪ 10 am - 12 noon ▪ $20

Drop by or call us to register. All major credit cards accepted.

YOGA (All Levels)
Custom tailored to your ability and intention, this class includes guidance for safe, correct and effective breathing, posture, stretching, strengthening and balance, while incorporating traditional elements such as centering breath, chanting, relaxation and meditation. Classes are respectful and accepting regarding health, lifestyle and spirituality. Fabulous for all levels of yogis!
Tue, Thurs & Sat 8:30 am and Tue & Thurs 5:30 pm

FLOW (Level 2)
An original in mind-body training that will change the way you feel about your body. You will stand straighter, be stronger, become more flexible & more physically aware. Flow is a fun and dynamic combination of yoga, pilates & tai chi. Beginners may find this class challenging.
Mon & Wed 8:30 am

PILATES (All Levels)
A mat class that builds core strength without bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture with easy graceful movements. Can help alleviate back pain. Challenging, yet safe!
Thur 12 noon

QI GONG (All Levels)
A unique combination of Chinese yoga and Korean tai chi, consisting of slow gentle movements, soft stretching, and energizing holding postures that dramatically improve health and well being by reducing stress, renewing energy, improving circulation, balance, and concentration. Fabulous for all ages and fitness levels!
Wed 5:30 pm & Fri 10 am