Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Seasons Greetings!

Hi Everyone -

As the weather gets cooler and daylight gets shorter, remember to give yourself the care you need to make it to and through the new year.

Massage & Yoga Packages are 20% through December.

Bring a new friend to yoga for 1/2 price.

Private Yoga Sessions & Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions are also available to keep you connected and balanced during this season.

Phoenix Rising Yoga-themes classes will be taught by Lyndsey as well in preparation for the 8-wk Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy-based Stress Management group she will be offering in February. If interested, please email or call.

Blessings this holiday season.
Lyndsey

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Enter Drawing by Completing SURVEY

Below is a link to a survey about Crestwood Yoga & Massage. We want to make sure you are happy with what we offer and if not, what can we do to change that as we want to keep the Crestwood Community growing. If you complete the survey, you'll be entered in a drawing for either a 30min Private Yoga Session or 15 min. Chair Massage.

As always, feel free to call or email us with questions, concerns, etc. Also, we grow through referrals so anytime you are listed as a referral source on the survey, you'll be entered into the drawing again.

Here's the survey link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HLLmCBUkK67EA9PnSTG7RQ_3d_3d


Peace & Light.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Global Mala Project: Yoga for Peace


Here is photo from Saturday morning atop Red Mt in the rain.
It was a beautiful series of 108 (modified) Sun Salutations in the elements.
Thanks to all who were able to come & those who were there in spirit.
Donations to Magic City Harvest were significant and you can continue to assist this food recycling program.

Namaste.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

GLOBAL MALA DAY in Birmingham

The Global Mala Celebration will be held Friday night Sept 18th @ Soho PiYo & Saturday Sept 19 on the top of Red Mountain by Vulcan.

Friday night starts at 6p with Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Kirtan, then a Closing.

Saturday @ 8am begins a group practice of 108 Sun Salutations. There will be a Kids Kirtan during this time as well.

If you have any questions, ask Lyndsey.

Flyers with the specific times, days, & location are at the studio.

Our Saturday morning class on Sept 19th will be canceled in order to promote the Global Mala celebration on both days.

Peace.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

New Classes Start Monday Aug 31st

This week begins the Fall Schedule! Thank you all for your continued commitment to yourself, your practice, & this Studio.

Sunday 6-7:30pm Kripalu Yoga & Meditation (all levels)
Monday 6-7pm Dynamic Vinyasa Flow
Tuesday 12-12:30pm Mini-Yoga & Meditation (all levels $5)
Tuesday 6-7pm Pre-Natal Yoga Class
Wednesday 6-7pm Dynamic Vinyasa Flow
Thursday 8:30-10am OPEN STUDIO PRACTICE TIME
Thursday 12-12:30pm Mini-Yoga & Meditation
Thursday 6:15-7:15pm Beginner's Kripalu Yoga (all levels)
Saturday 10-11:15am Mixed-Style Yoga

**Check SCHEDULE INTERRUPTIONS for class changes/cancellations on Sept 22, Oct 22 & Nov 19.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Suggested Reading

Some have asked for recommended readings about yoga in various aspects.
Here is my personal list & a starting point:

Yoga & the Quest for the True Self
by S. Cope
Autobiography of a Yogi by P. Yogananda
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (many translations: Miller, Feuerstein, Stiles, Cope, etc.)
The Secret Power of Yoga: A Women's Guide to the Yoga Sutras by Nischala Devi
Bhagavad Gita (Translations by S. Mitchell or E. Easwaran)
The 8 Human Talents by Gurmukh
Meditation as Medicine by D. S. Khalsa
The Emmanuel Books
The Forgotten Body by Elissa Cobb (Co-Director of PRYT)
Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
Turn Stress Into Bliss by M. Lee
Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On & Off the Mat by Faulds
Pilgrim of Love: The Life & Teachings of Swami Kripalu by Levitt
The 4 Yogas: Action, Devotion, Meditation, & Knowledge by Swami Adiswarananda

For specifics about each book or one that fits your needs more specifically, call/email Lyndsey.

Turning Stress Into Bliss with YOGA

Listen to an interview with Michael Lee, founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, and former resident/teacher at the Kripalu Center.

Michael speaks about his background and how his experiences led to the creation of PRYT. His book, TURNING STRESS INTO BLISS, is an 8-wk program of yoga, meditation, exercise, self care techniques and more that has been proven to reduce stress and create an inner environment for personal transformation.

Lyndsey will be facilitating a yoga therapy group that follows this 8 wk program starting January 2010, so mark you calendars and let her know if you might be interested.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

NEW CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER

*Some of the classes require pre-registration. please call/email 1st to make sure class has room*

MODERATE MORNING YOGA will start Saturday September 5th from 10a - 11:15am with Jana & Lyndsey rotate teaching each week (pre-register/6 wk class $60 - could become ongoing).

PARTNER YOGA is still TBD according to participant interest. For greater description, see below. This is also something that can be scheduled privately for small classes at the studio or in your home as a one-time experience.

DYNAMIC VINYASA FLOW will be on Wednesday night @ 6p with Jana (ongoing).

Moderate Morning Yoga is for all levels of students looking to experience a variety of class type each week bringing in themes from Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga and the Yoga Sutras.

Partner Yoga is for anyone of any level who is looking for a less quiet, more social class where greater community & communication skills are built.

Dynamic Vinyasa Flow for yogis/yoginis who are familiar with basic postures, need less cuing, & fewer modifications allowing for a more challenging, flowing class BUT still adaptable for newer students.

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE INTERRUPTIONS

Yoga Classes & Groups will no longer meet after June 30th at Crestwood Yoga & Massage.

Massage & Reiki will still be available by Ginny in her office at 5508 Crestwood Blvd., but yoga classes will be decreased to 1-2/wk at another location nearby starting again in July/August.

Thanks for your patience.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Improving Relationship with PARTNER YOGA

Are your relationships more challenging than they used to be? Has the heat got you agitated & less tolerable of yourself & others? Then join come explore Partner Yoga at Crestwood Yoga & Massage.
Starting in September for 6 wks, bring a partner to yoga class and an open mind so that you can explore new ways to bring harmony back into your relationship with yourself and those around you.
Class will be 1 - 1.5 hrs depending on size that registers. Limited to 8 people/4 couples - your partner can be your spouse, friend, or a stranger :) but must come with a partner each time. We'll begin with intention setting & breathing then move into warm-ups & partner poses finishing with a short meditation.

Suggestions for day/time are welcome. Total investment per partnership is $100 for 6 wks due by 1st class, 50% due upon registration.

Call or email to register.

Friday, June 26, 2009

SUMMER SPECIALS!

From now until September '09:
1-hr class = $8
1.5-hr class = $12
Private Yoga Instruction = $45/person or $75/2 persons or couple

**Let me know what times/types of classes you'd like to see in the Fall**

Starting September class schedule will shift some; many classes will require pre-registration for a 6wk series so that each group can build their skills and deepen their practice, some classes will be cancelled and others added with special focus on breath & meditation or partner yoga, for example.

Namaste,
Lyndsey

Monday, June 22, 2009

Uniting Breath & Movement

Swami Kripalu, affectionately known as Bapuji (beloved grandfather), gave the following instruction around performing yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques).

"Asanas can involve inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention. The breath can be held either after inhalation or exhalation. It is best to follow the guidance of an expert, but here are some general guidelines in breathing with asanas: inhale when bending backward, exhale when bending forward or twisting. While performing an asana, one usually instinctively senses whether inhalation, exhalation, or retention is appropriate. Perform a few asanas watching the natural flow of breath, and learn from your experience when to inhale, exhale or hold."

May this message from my teacher's teacher become an inquiry for you as you practice YOUR yoga.

Namaste,
Lyndsey

Monday, June 1, 2009

Why Practice Yoga?

According to the nonprofit Yoga Alliance, the health and fitness benefits of yoga are now being confirmed by scientific research. Yoga's central premise is "everything is connected," and its benefits are far-reaching.

Stress and pain relief are two of the benefits of yoga, Rossiter said, noting that yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits are the lowering of blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system, along with easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia, she said.

According to Yoga Alliance, studies have shown that practicing yoga postures also reduces pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and auto-immune diseases, as well as arthritis, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions.

Here's what else the Alliance says about yoga:

-- Yoga can lead to better breathing and flexibility, teaching people to take slower, deeper breaths, helping to improve lung function and triggering the body's relaxation response. Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains.

-- Yoga increases strength. Yoga asanas use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength from head to toe. Muscular tension is also relieved by yoga.

-- Yoga can aid weight control efforts by reducing cortisol levels and by burning excess calories and reducing stress. It also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.

-- Yoga helps to improve circulation and more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells.

-- Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise.

-- Yoga helps to improve body alignment, resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems.

-- Yoga helps individuals to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind-body health. It opens the way to improved coordination, reaction time and memory.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Enlighten Up!



Listen to the interview on NPR with the movie director & the participant who highlights his experience.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Biology of Spiritual Practices

Check out this 5-part series on NPR about the Biology of Spiritual Practices & Experiences and how prayer, meditation, & various spiritual practices affect the body & mind in positive, measurable ways.

More reasons to practice yoga & meditation!

TIME Magazine highlights Yoga Therapy

This article described the increased use of yoga & yoga therapy as an additional method of psychotherapy and self-exploration.

Here's the link: "Psychotherapy Goes from Couch to Yoga Mat".


The Science of Concentration

Here's recent article about this technology crazed world and how it affects our brains along with a plug for meditation and practices that emphasize single-pointed focus and minimal stimulation to MAXIMIZE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, HEALTH, & PEACE OF MIND.

Click here to read the article from the New York Times.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Beginner's Class on Thursday Night

We've added a beginner's/all levels class on Thursday night at 6:15p. It's a 1 hr class and if you pay in advance, you'll receive a discount (i.e. 4 classes = $32).

Hope to see you soon.

Individual/Private Yoga Sessions are also available if you're not sure you're ready for a group class just yet or if you want specific instruction or guidance around a certain issue or reason for starting yoga. These sessions are $45-60.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Our 1st Week

Thanks to all the student/clients that have come for classes & massages this week. Tomorrow will wrap up our 1st full week with an 1.5hr Kripalu Yoga + Meditation class. Starting Monday, posted class fees/massage rates will go into affect. Thanks to everyone that chose to donate this week for classes & we hope you all enjoy what you received. Please give us feedback about our facility, services, prices, etc. We're here to help you have the best experience possible.

Namaste,
Lyndsey, Ginny & Jana

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

We're OPEN!

Thanks to everyone who helped us get the studio ready and who came to the Open House yesterday. We couldn't have done it without all of you.

Classes start today at 12n. See the schedule for the list of other classes.

Please let me know when & what type of classes/offerings you'd like to see as well. Classes are 1st come 1st serve and we only have room for about 10/11 people. If it's full when you come, write your name & info down and we'll see about starting another class or squeezing you in if space permits.

Namaste,
Lyndsey

Monday, April 20, 2009

Our Services

Therapeutic Massage (DEEP TISSUE/SWEDISH/PREGNANCY/NEUROMUSCULAR/with REIKI)

Kripalu & Ashtanga-style Yoga Classes (ALL LEVELS)

Private Yoga Sessions (ON-SITE or IN-HOME)

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (AT HOOVER OFFICE - CONTACT LYNDSEY)

Usui Reiki Energy Healing (CAN BE COMBINED WITH MASSAGE)


*PACKAGES AVAILABLE AT DISCOUNTED RATE*

Yoga Class Schedule

VALID UNTIL JUNE 30th, 2010

Sunday
6-7.30pm Kripalu Yoga + Meditation

Monday 6:30-8:30pm Awakening to a Freer Life: a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Group for stress (pre-register)

Tuesday
6-7pm Pre-Natal Yoga Class

Wednesday
9-10am Moderate Morning Yoga (starts May 5)
6-7pm
Beginner's Ashtanga Class

Thursday 6:15-7:15pm Beginning/Gentle Yoga

Saturday 10-11am Mixed-Style Yoga


Check CLASS INTERRUPTIONS page for schedule changes/cancellations.

All classes can be modified for beginner's or those with injuries. Most classes fit ALL LEVELS.

*Pre-registration & monthly class commitment encouraged to hold your space. Discounts applied depending on # of classes pre-paid. We do this to ensure we can make room for everyone and to foster loyalty & commitment to your practice while building a supportive community of fellow yogis & yoginis. While yoga is very much a solitary practice, the support of our classmates on & off the mat make the practice become a deeper experience that effects all part of our lives.

Instructors
Lyndsey Robinson: Kripalu Yoga, RYT-200, PRYT
Kristy Boydston: Iyengar Yoga, E-RYT 500
Susan Hall: Ashtanga Yoga
Krista Jones: Pre-Natal Yoga

OPEN HOUSE MAY 4TH

Our new yoga studio will have its grand opening / open house on May 4th from 11a - 5p. During the open house, we'll have snacks, free chair massages, & opportunities for you to learn what we offer - including first class & massage discounts. Lyndsey Robinson & Jana Jones will be offering Kripalu & Ashtanga Vinyasa classes. Ginny Morgan, LMT, is the massage therapist that will be sharing the space with me. She offers deep tissues, Swedish, & pregnancy massage along with Reiki energy sessions.

Class time & day suggestions are welcome.

Classes will be on the left side of Sol Garden|Home between Subway & Crestwood Coffee at 5508 Crestwood Blvd in the Crestwood Shops.

First week of classes are donation-based (i.e. pay what you like or nothing at all :)

1 hr Yoga classes: $10
1.5 hr Yoga classes: $15
1 hr Massage: $65
1/2 hr Massage: $35
1 hr Reiki session: $50
1.5 hr Massage + Reiki: $100

Kripalu yoga emphasis breath & holding of postures along with finding "your" yoga - i.e. what your body can do & at what edge you want to work. More advanced classes include longer holds and more advanced postures along with free flow time called "meditation-in-motion" that follows a series of long holds.

Continue to check the website for class schedule updates & feel free to email me for more information.