South Tahoe Yoga: Learn about Yoga from the shores of Lake Tahoe
  • Yoga Blog
  • Lake Tahoe Yoga
  • FAQ
    • What Makes LTY Unique
    • Rajahatha Yoga
    • Testimonials
  • Media/Press

4 Secrets About Yoga

2/8/2023

0 Comments

 
​Considering attempting this 5000 year old practice that has somehow become a modern phenomenon?  Nervous?  Don’t be.  Here are a few secrets to know before you jump in.
Vrksasana
Photo Credit: Freckle and Spot Photography

1) What To Wear

Back in 2000, when I first began exploring Yoga, I would show up for classes in anything from whatever I had worn to class that day to my running shorts and a tank.  "Active Wear" was not a thing.  It wasn't until I started attending classes at a local gym that I began to seek out clothing that would better allow me to stretch out and bend my body.

There's no need to go shopping for the "right" clothing to wear to your first Yoga class.  Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.  Sweatpants and a tee-shirt, leggings and a hoodie, or you skiing baselayer will all work.  Make sure that your clothes fit well enough not to accidentally expose anything and double check for holes in the wrong places.  A little hint: before you choose those tights you ordered online, do a forward fold with a mirror behind you and make sure they aren't too revealing.
Supported Sarvangasana
Using tools to support postures.

2) What to Bring

You don't need any special tools to do Yoga.  In fact, Yoga mats are a modern phenomenon.  It wasn't until B.K.S. Iyengar came onto the scene that things like blocks, straps and bolsters became synonymous with the practice of Asana.  Most studios will rent or allow you to borrow a mat.  A well managed studio will have sanitized mats and tools for use.  Don't buy a mat until you've decided the style of practice you enjoy and the type of mat that will best serve you. 

During class, if you are in need of some extra support, a good teacher will notice and provide you with assistance, a variation on the posture or improvise a tool.  You should feel comfortable asking, "Am I doing this correctly?" or saying, "I'm not sure I've got this posture set up correctly."

Bring water and, if you have long hair, tie it back so that it is not a distraction during the class.  How you look while you are doing Yoga is of little importance compared to how you feel.
Learning from Randy Loftis
Listening and Learning

3) What to Do

Observation is the key to learning anything.  If you are just beginning practicing Yoga feel free to look at the teacher and around the room.  This is not so you can compare yourself and attempt to be like everyone else, but more so to gather information and decide if this is the right place for you to be.  We all get uncomfortable when outside of our elements, and a Yoga Asana class can certainly make you feel like you are on a different planet.  The only way to learn more about what to do is to observe.

A good teacher will not only demonstrate the postures, but describe them well.   Watch, listen and do your best to follow the instructions.  The more you do, the more comfortable you will become.
Partner Yoga
Partnering Up to Access a Pose

4) What to Say

Personally, I like it when the studio is buzzing with conversation before I begin teaching.  I think it is important to meet the people with whom you are sharing the room and the class.  This helps everyone feel more comfortable practicing and helps to eliminate the "silent competition" that can be created when people do not talk to each other.

I also think it is important to ask questions.  If the class you attend begins with a chant or invocation ask what it means and why it is being done.  If there is any sort of saying, expected practice or movements that everyone seems to know and join the only way you will learn is to ask why and how.
If you're considering attending a Yoga Asana class or want to know about what to expect when you join in contact us or book an Evaluative Session with Jenay to learn more.
0 Comments

Equilibrium is Strength + Mobility

1/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

Hatha Asana

Did you know that postures were not originally included in the practice of Yoga?
Raja Yoga is the oldest form of Yoga and included mindfulness practices.  Later, kriya (purification) techniques were added.  Later, still, asana was added.  

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Yoga is the union of prana and mind with the Self.  Getting there isn't so easy.  For you cannot control the mind with the mind.  Thus, Hatha Yoga and the practice of asana is done to initiate the process of physical awareness so we can become better aware of the more subtle aspects of ourselves.

Equilibrium

Hatha Yoga is the process of establishing prefect physical, mental, emotional and psychic equilibrium by manipulating the energies of the body.

We don't do Yoga poses to look good.  We do them to feel well.  The better we become at doing poses with awareness, intention, steadiness, and balance, the better we feel.  If we become skilled at moving through poses with grace and they become a part of our daily lives we have developed equilibrium.
Picture

Strength

Strength can be weakness.  I was recently reminded of this as my left trapezius muscle tightened up into a large marble.  I had been repeatedly turning my head to the left without rotating the rest of my body.  I know better, but wasn't consciously moving.  The result was neck pain and an inability to turn left (I was stuck like Zoolander :D).  Awareness, rest and heat were the only cures for the damage I had caused.  The strength of my muscle had become  a weakness.

Every pose has aspects of strength and mobility.  We may be steadying ourselves with our legs while attempting to open our arms and chests.  In every sequence of postures we should be moving our bodies in all directions so as to awaken areas that have become rigid and engage the parts that are overly mobile.  Practice observing your bodies strengths.  Where can you become more mobile?  Where can you actively engage?
Picture

Perfection

The main objective of Hatha Yoga is to create an absolute balance of the interacting activities and processes of the physical body, mind, and energy.  This is perfection.

Nothing is flawless or perfectly symmetrical.  All things are always transforming, transmuting, and metamorphizing.  We practice Yoga asana to change our bodies, pranayama to shift our breathing, pratyahara to become more aware of our energy and emotions, and mindful focus to develop self control.  Continuous practice results in continual change.  All of the systems of body, mind, and energy interact and effect each other.  They are in a constant state of transformation.  Rather than remaining stagnant, still, and stuck, practice Yoga and become perfect at change.
Picture

Sadhana

When you have a small light in a room at night, the whole room is illuminated.  Sadhana is your practice; your light.  Like a seed, you must protect it, feed it, and nurture it. 

If you talk about, demonstrate, and boast your attainments it develops your sense of ego or "I-ness."  You have probably heard me say, "It's not a Yoga show."  When guiding a practice my demonstration of the postures is not to a performance, it is a visual aid intended to help you see the intended result.  My personal asana practice is done privately.  My sadhana is my lifestyle.  The pictures I post of myself in postures are intended to enthuse you to try, to join in, to continue to practice, and to engage in your own sadhana.

​Keep practicing; keep shining your light.  Allow the seed of Yoga to be protected and nourished so that it, and you, may access equilibrium.
To join a scheduled class or book a private session visit our website.  Learn more about the practices of Hatha and Raja Yoga through the other articles on our blog.  We look forward to sharing the practice with you.
0 Comments

Stop Repeating Yourself: Vinyasa means Flow

4/30/2019

0 Comments

 
I recently took one of the worst practices I have ever attended. Had I been in the back of the room I may have walked out. I wasn’t. I was second row and far from the door. I had to make a decision and I chose to stay and do my own practice. I have never done that before. I have walked out of a poorly guided practice, just once. As a teacher I am comfortable allowing those who join my guided classes vary the postures, within reason, but if someone in one of my classes began doing completely different postures than the ones I was suggesting I would definitely be concerned.
Picture

Symmetry Is Important

Vinyasa translates to mean   configuration, order, connection, composition.  It is often translated as "a sequence of postures linked together to  create flow."    If you watch video of B.K.S. Iyengar you can see him both working slowly on the technique of the postures and then demonstrating that technique in Vinyasa.  

Technique is the key to the grace and control of a postural flow.  Each movement begins and ends in the same way.  Everything done on the left, is then repeated on the right.  The symmetry of the sequence and in technique creates the beauty of Vinyasa.
Picture

Learn How Your Body Moves

Have you tried belly dancing?  Pole dancing? Ballet?  Attempting any of these without first establishing the roots of the movements can result in serious injury.  Yoga Asana should be seen in the same light.    Don't jump into a Vinyasa practice.  Learn how to move intelligently and then slowly increase the pace.

​A rapid paced series of movements are useful when you already understand how to go though them slowly.  Taking your time  to feel each muscle engage and release, support and expand, gives you the awareness necessary to move more and more quickly in safe ways.

Find a Knowledgeable Guide

Thousands of people are now calling themselves Yoga instructors.   Thousands of training programs exist.  Thousands of Vinyasa classes are available.  How are you to choose the "right" one?  

DON'T 

Instead, begin with  a more simple practice like Hatha.  Even if you aren't  new to the practice.  These classes will help you to develop the roots you will need.  The teacher should allow you the time to find and remain in the posture an experience all that happens while you are there.  The sequence may repeat and build as you move through each new series.    As you gain prowess in the postures, you can ask your teacher what class is most appropriate for you to attempt next.
Picture

Afterward, You Should Feel Good

After a quality Vinyasa practice you should not feel like you've had your ass kicked and a good workout.  You should not be exhausted and beat up.  Because you have prepared your body, mind and energy, the flow of movement and breath should give you a sense of inner awareness and depth of self.  Your body should feel supple, your mind quiet.  As you rest in savasana you may experience Nidra.
If you are ready to learn Asana techniques that will help you move toward Vinyasa join the practice at Lake Tahoe Yoga.  Not sure where to begin?  Contact us for suggestions.
0 Comments

Intimate Yoga Classes that Focus Upon You

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
One of the instructors at LTY recently approached me to ask for advice on how to differentiate her classes and make them more accessible for beginners. I was overjoyed to hear her say that she wanted to improve her skills so that she could help make everyone feel more comfortable in her classes. Teaching beginners is not an easy skill to learn. Many teachers approach their instruction from where they are; they teach based upon their abilities and knowledge. Learning to break down the poses in a away that is accessible for new practitioners and exciting for those with experience takes practice.
Picture

Teaching for You

One of the topics covered in the Lake Tahoe Yoga Teacher Training Program is how to teach FOR our practitioners rather than TO them. Those of you who have joined the practice at LTY know that no two practices are ever the same. We change up the postures, sequences and focus in every session. Our goal is to keep you focused, but also to challenge ourselves as teachers. Our intention is to create practices that are for you. From the poses to the breath and the energy of the space (even when outdoors) we are constantly considering ways in which to make Yoga happen in every aspect of the practice.
Picture

Every Body Can Do Yoga

Just like you, our team of teachers have a variety of styles, talents and abilities. We are proud to offer classes that are inclusive for all bodies. We use tools to help ourselves access postures and are honored to share our knowledge of tool useage with you. We accept all practitioners as themselves. We want to know what your goals and intentions are, what you hope to get out of the practice and how you intend upon growing, changing and transforming through the practice. Come to us with your requests, needs and wishes. We are ready to guide you upon your path.
Picture

We Love Our Small Class Sizes

Our studio space can fit just 20 mats (25 if we really want to get cozy). In a typical scheduled practice we will have just 1-10 practitioners. This leaves plenty of space for movement, tool placement and expression of each individual in the space. As teachers, we love this. We are able to give everyone attention. Whether offering specific guidance for an individual’s body, answering a question asked during the practice or providing an adjustment to each and every participant, we enjoy spending time with our practitioners and knowing that each individual has been noticed. You will never be anonymous at Lake Tahoe Yoga. You will always be welcomed into the studio as a member of our intimate community of Yogis.

Do Not Be Fearful

Regardless of your ability, age, knowledge or comfort level with Yoga, we invite you to join us. Try one of our classes. We would be honored to have you join our community. Give us the chance to guide you through the poses, breath and mindful practices of Yoga. Give yourself the chance to feel better, every day, through the practice of Yoga.
0 Comments

How to Be a Beginner Yoga Student

6/10/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

The Basics of the Practice of Yoga

Everyone has their own preferences.    Some of us are followers, some leaders, some  travel to the beat of their own drum.     Luckily, Yoga  does not come with a rule book, but more so a set of guidelines.

Yoga is the practice of: Movement, Breath, Mindfulness, Focus, Awareness,  Observation,   Direction and Intention.   Generally speaking, if you have all of that, then you are practicing Yoga and you can do so anywhere.

How to Practice Yoga

The fact that Yoga is a lifestyle and should be done everywhere is what makes it so great!  

You can practice in a studio, on  your lawn,  upon a roof deck, on a boat, in an airplane, you name it!    So, why haven't you tried Yoga yet?
Picture

Be A Beginner

We all begin at the beginning.     Be forgiving of yourself when you try Yoga for the first time.    No one knows all of the moves or understands what everything means upon their first try.     If Yoga was easy, we wouldn't call it a practice.

How to prepare:  
Be ready to really listen to your instructor or teacher.
Take your time and look around to see what others are doing.
Stay calm and take breaks as you need to.
Picture

Practice with Friends

Book a Group Private Session for yourself and your friends.   In this way, you get to try out Yoga with people whom you have fun.  You also might make some memories along the way and introduce some of your friends to something they never would have tried.     

Get your colleges and coworkers together for a corporate practice.  Who knows, it might even turn into a new tradition.
Picture

Get Creative

Seek out a unique offering that goes beyond that which is expected.  Book a session that includes a boat ride, live music or cocktails to follow.    Find a studio that offers on-location practices and have them visit your house, hotel or dock.
Picture

Focus Upon Your Self

Address your individual needs.  Focus upon getting stronger, more flexible, sleep, energy, lifestyle or  mental health.    Learn how Yoga can be therapy.
0 Comments

    Jenay, E-RYT, Director

    Jenay, a 500 hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, directs and teaches at Lake Tahoe Yoga Studio.

    Link Placement Subscriptions

    Archives

    February 2023
    December 2022
    June 2022
    December 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    January 2016
    May 2015
    January 2015
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    July 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010

    Categories

    All
    2010
    8 Limbs
    Abhyasa
    Accessible Yoga
    Active Lifestyle
    Addiction
    Affordable Fitness
    Agni
    Ahimsa
    Airbnb
    Ancestry
    Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Anxiety
    Asana
    Asana Vs Yoga
    Asana Yoga
    Asking Questions
    Athleta
    Autumn
    Awareness
    Ayruveda
    Baby And Me Yoga
    Back Bending
    Balance
    Bandha
    Basics
    Battlefields
    Beach Yoga
    Beach Yoga Tahoe
    Beginner
    Best Beach Yoga
    Best Paddle Yoga
    Best Yoga Studio
    Best Yoga Tahoe
    Beyond Fitness
    Bhagavad Gita
    Birthday Yoga
    Body
    Body Work
    Book Yoga Classes
    Breath
    Budget
    Burnout
    Cakras
    Caldor Fire
    Caregivers
    Change
    Christmas
    Cleansing
    Clean Tahoe
    Cold
    Commercialization
    Communication
    Communing With The Divine
    Concentration
    Connecting With Our Community
    Connection
    Consistent Practice
    Corporate Yoga
    Cost Of Yoga
    Covid 19
    Covid-19
    Daily Routine
    Depression
    Dharana
    Dharma
    Dhyana
    Diet
    Discipline
    Discussion
    Divine Consciousness
    Divinity
    Dyhana
    Eco
    Effective Fitness
    Effort
    Ego
    Emotions
    Energy Body
    Energy Plexus
    Event Yoga
    Exercise
    Extension
    Finding A Yoga Teacher
    Fire
    Fire Evacuation
    First Yoga Studio
    Fitness
    Flexibility
    Flow
    Food
    Frustration
    Ftiness
    Getaway
    Google
    Granthi
    Growth
    Guided Focus
    Guru
    Happy Thoughts
    Hatha
    Hatha Vs Raja
    Headstand
    Healing
    Health
    Healthy Lifestyle
    Heartfelt Desire
    Heart Openers
    Holidays
    Hot Yoga
    Illness
    Indoor Yoga
    Inspiration
    Intention
    Iyengar
    Jivanmukti
    June
    Karma
    Kleshas
    Knowledge
    Kriya
    Kriya Yoga
    Lake Tahoe
    Lake Tahoe Yoga
    Letting Go
    Liberation
    Life
    Listening
    Looking Within
    Lose Weight
    Love
    Lululemon
    Managing Trauma
    Manomayakosha
    Mantra
    Materials
    Meditation
    Men
    Mental Health
    Mind
    Mindbody
    Mindfulness
    Mindful Walking
    Misperceptions
    Moksha
    Motto
    Music
    National Yoga Month
    New Years
    Non Attachment
    Non-Attachment
    On-Demand Yoga
    Paddle Yoga
    Paddle Yoga Tahoe
    Pain
    Pain Management
    Party Yoga
    Patanjali
    Peace
    Perspective
    Philosophy
    Physical Activity
    Plank
    Practice
    Prana
    Pranayama
    Pratyahara
    Prenatal Yoga
    Preservation
    Private Yoga Sessions
    Products
    Ptsd
    Purification
    Quieting The Mind
    Realignment Coaching
    Real Yoga
    Recovery
    Relaxation
    Release
    Religion
    Research
    Resolution
    Retreat
    Risk Taking
    Saccidananda
    Sadhana
    Sadhana Pada
    Safe Practices
    Samdhi
    Sankalpa
    Sanskrit
    Santosha
    Satsang
    Satya
    Self Care
    Self-care
    Self Love
    Self Study
    Senior Yoga
    Shatkarma
    Siddhis
    Silence
    Ski
    Sleep
    Slow Down
    Slow Travel
    Small Business
    Snow
    Snowboard
    Soul
    Sound
    Spiritual Path
    Stillness
    Stress
    Stress Reduction
    Stretching
    Styles Of Yoga
    Suffering
    Super Powers
    Sustainability
    Svadhyaya
    Tahoe South
    Tahoe Travel
    Tapas
    Teacher
    Tension
    Thanksgiving
    Things To Do In Tahoe In The Fall
    Tour
    Transition
    Trauma Recovery
    Trust
    Various Practices And Approaches.
    Viaragya
    Vibhutti Pada
    Vinyasa
    Virtual Yoga
    Visit Tahoe
    Wedding Yoga
    Weight Loss
    Wellbeing
    Wellness
    What Can Yoga Do For You?
    Winter
    Wisdom
    Withdrawing Inward
    Women
    Work
    Work-life
    Yoga
    Yoga America
    Yoga At Home
    Yoga At Work
    Yoga Benefits
    Yoga Brands
    Yoga Business
    Yoga Classes
    Yoga Community
    Yoga For Kids
    Yoga History
    Yoga Is Everywhere
    Yoga Lifestyle
    Yoga Practice
    Yoga Props
    Yoga Relaxation
    Yoga Science
    Yoga Sutra
    Yoga Sutra Book Ii
    Yoga Teacher
    Yoga Therapy
    Yoga Tools

    RSS Feed

© Lake Tahoe Yoga LTD 2020
Lake Tahoe Yoga Studio, School & Retreats
​
​Discover Your Self ™
Zephyr Cove, NV, 89448
​(775)580-7224


Design, Graphics and Photos by Jenay

Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The US Copyright Act allows certain uses of content from the internet without the copyright owner’s permission. This includes uses by educational institutions and by Commonwealth and State governments, provided fair compensation is paid. For more information, see https://www.copyright.gov/title17/title17.pdf.
The owners of copyright in the content on this website may receive compensation for the use of their content by educational institutions and governments, including from licensing schemes managed by Copyright Agency.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
Lake Tahoe Yoga. Tahoe's premier Yoga studio offering classes, private sessions, paddle yoga. beach yoga, baby and me, prenatal, alignment, vinyasa, athletic, workout, fitness, stillwater, Mindbody, teacher training, Yoga alliance, yoga therapy, bachelorette party, yoga instruction, om, aum, classes, fitness, wellness, active, exercise, athlete, stretch, flexibility, balance, mindful, meditation, restoration, yin, nidra, relaxation, breathing, pranayama, yoga sutra, yamas, niyamas, satya, ahimsa, brahmacharya, ishvara pranidhana, avidya, asteya, tapas, svadhyaya, jnana, aparigraha, wellness, outdoor yoga, corporate yoga, mountain pose, downward dog, asana, practice, tantra, hatha, raja, rajahatha, workshop, yoga workshop, vacation, ayurveda, pitta, vata, kapha, yoga om, omni, yoga shala, yoga for health, accessible yoga, partner yoga, yoga for athletes, yoga for fitness, flexibility, health, wellness, mindfulness, private yoga teacher, private yoga classes, private yoga instruction, downward dog, yoga streches, yoga for kids, yoga Tahoe, south lake Tahoe  yoga, south Tahoe yoga, yoga south Tahoe, class pass, wedding yoga, senior yoga, healing, healthcare, yoga near me
  • Yoga Blog
  • Lake Tahoe Yoga
  • FAQ
    • What Makes LTY Unique
    • Rajahatha Yoga
    • Testimonials
  • Media/Press