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Instructor loves to teach yoga basics poses

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For an inspirational story about service in a community, look no further than the yoga studio run by Lesli Kotloski. A recent article published by the Pittsburgh Almanac featured her and her journey through yoga.

The news source explained that she only just became a yoga instructor, but that she is already reaping the benefits of teaching yoga basics poses.

And so are her students. They told the Almanac that the mind-body regimen has helped them loosen up, calm down, let out their tension and take in the world around them.

Long-time practitioner Pascale Kippelen explained how the system has changed his life. "I've practiced yoga for more than nine years," he told the newspaper. "With the stress and crises I've endured, yoga has given a balance to my life. I visit this studio twice each week and practice about a half hour each day at home."

And what does Kotloski advise beginners to do?

"Look for a yoga class that fits," she said in summary. "An inviting space of calm, a teacher who is comfortable to be with and a practice that incorporates breathing, meditation, stretching, strengthening and relaxation is what is needed to deal with life and its issues."

That's Dahn Yoga in a nutshell!

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Feb 15, 2012

Yoga basics: First things to know include when to lead and when to follow

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Among the many good yoga and health articles out there right now is one by Huffington Post contributor Alanna Kaivalya on knowing when to leave your yoga teacher. The subject takes a little explanation.

Kaivalya – a yoga expert and instructor herself – is not referring to "leaving" in the sense of ending a platonic relationship, or even of quitting your classes in frustration. Instead, her central thesis is that there comes a time in every enthusiast's life when their instructor will have nothing more to teach them.

This is not for lack of skill, experience or approachability, either. As the writer explained, eventually all committed yoga students will have learned everything they can from their teacher.

At that point, they are equals, and the student, as they say, becomes the master. When learning the yoga basics, this is one of the first things to know about the mind-body regimen: One day, you'll be experienced enough at it to become a yoga instructor yourself.

It's much like the child growing old enough to have children of his or her own. It's natural and something to look forward to.

At Dahn Yoga, we encourage this progression from student to full-fledged master. In this way, the holistic system can gradually expand its circle to include more and more happy enthusiasts, each of whom is paying it forward.

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Feb 10, 2012

Yoga basics: First things to know include setting reasonable goals for yourself

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When you begin learning yoga basics, one of the first things to know is that the mind-body regimen is for everyone – people of all different backgrounds, body types and levels of well-being. With that in mind, a yoga expert recently explained in The Huffington Post that yoga beginners should think about what they expect from yoga.

As an example, instructor Alanna Kaivalya pointed HuffPo to an internet clip that's been making the rounds, one that depicts a solo practitioner doing very advanced poses and stretches in an expensive high-rise loft.

The practitioner herself practices poses that would make even some yoga teachers blanch: headstands, splits and press handstands that might give gymnasts a run for their muscular money. The whole three-minute clip is set to quiet ambient music.

Kaivalya explains that the video is very inspirational. It is also not a very accurate representation of what yoga classes are like, she adds.

"The reality is that in classes, some of the most graceful practitioners are overweight [or] well out of their 20s. Some are also male," Kaivalya writes. "This discrepancy has long been a complaint of fashion and media, though both of those elements exist in yoga here in the west."

Essentially, she recommends not basing one's expectations of yoga on the positions practiced by the most advanced and limber enthusiasts in the country.

Instead, stick to yoga regimens that start you off with gentle, soothing yoga basics poses.

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Jan 27, 2012

Classes revolve around yoga basics for kids

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If you're a fan of inspirational stories for kids, you may be interested by an article recently published in the Pikes Peak Courier View. The piece centered on a class intended to teach yoga basics for kids, allowing them to relax and reflect, no matter how young they are.

Led by instructor Kathy Woodford, the 45-minute weekly instruction covers mindfulness, movement and relaxation. She noted that many of the children's activities revolve around the imagination.

"We've pretended we were seeds putting down roots and growing into a tree," Woodford told the news source. "We've also pretended to be the wind, rain and sunshine."

Regardless of what natural object the kids imagine themselves to be, the goal is to get them to see the connections between themselves, their peers and the world around them, the instructor added.

Yoga classes are increasingly being used to teach kids respect, self-control and good health practices. According to Yoga Calm, more than 10,000 U.S. schoolteachers have been trained in yoga instruction, and hundreds of school districts have incorporated mind-body practices into their curricula.

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Jan 3, 2012

Yoga basics for kids catch on among teens, tweens and even toddlers!

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Have you ever heard of a quick, easy way to quiet down a screaming toddler? Ever seen an angsty teenager become quiet, calm and reflective in a matter of seconds? If not, then you simply haven't experienced the joys of yoga basics for kids.

It might sound impossible, but this mind-body system has been helping American children get their kicks (and get out the wiggles) for generations. Many youth yoga classes even involve the whole family, so that mom and dad can join in the fun.

When it comes to kids' yoga basics, here are the first things to know:

1. Don't expect yoga classes to turn your child into a serene, unflappable little Buddha overnight. As with any new endeavor, it takes a little time before kids begin to internalize the holistic regimen. However, as the weeks pass, you may begin to notice that your little one is more relaxed and focused.

2. Consistency is important. Try taking your child to classes regularly enough that they become used to the natural buoyancy that yoga gives them.

3. Yoga is fun! Just because it's good for them doesn't mean that a yoga class can't be a good time. Many yoga basics for kids include giggly group exercises, entertaining games and poses with funny names.

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Dec 23, 2011

Got back pain? Try yoga basics to improve alignment

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Backaches are no small problem in the U.S. Lower back pain is the most common cause of work-related disability, which may be why Americans spend more than $50 billion treating it each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. For those who want some relief without losing too much cash, yoga basics poses may be able to help.

For centuries, people in the know have used yoga basics to improve alignment. It's little wonder – the holistic mind-body regimen is based on the idea of inner balance, meaning that each of its exercises is intended to help restore physical equilibrium.

And do they ever! Studies have shown that doing yoga can reduce the risk of back injury at home or on the job.

For example, a report published in Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation found that participants who regularly practiced yoga in the workplace tended to have lower stress levels and fewer injuries, compared to those who didn't try yoga basics poses.

If you have spinal alignment problems, consider looking into classes at your nearest yoga community center. You'll probably meet others just like you. After all, as many as 80 percent of all Americans have back problems at one time or another, according to the National Institutes of Health.

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Filed under Yoga Basics
Dec 12, 2011

Have backaches? Use Dahn Yoga basics to improve alignment

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"My back is killing me!" Don't worry if these words sound hackneyed coming out of your mouth. They're trite because they're true. Nearly all Americans will suffer from backaches at some point in their lives, making yoga basics to improve alignment a must-have for anyone concerned with their holistic well-being.

Back pain is one of the most widespread ailments in the world. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 80 percent of U.S. adults get them at one time or another.

For any youngsters who ask what's the big deal with backaches, tell them this: Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability and missed work days in the U.S.

Americans spend $50 billion each year on back pain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

If you'd like to soothe away the aches that keep you laid up in bed, the Dahn Yoga basics poses may help you straighten your posture and improve alignment.

This holistic system promotes exercises that keep your shoulders rolled back, your chin tucked in, your head held high and your back kept upright.

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Nov 28, 2011

Yoga basics for kids combat childhood obesity

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If you're looking for inspirational stories for kids, look no further. According to a WJBK FOX 2 News report, children in Detroit are using yoga and stretching to watch their weight. This city-wide initiative was started by a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.

Called the Work It Out Foundation, the organization has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Michigan to bring yoga basics for kids to a number of elementary schools in the city.

Currently, more than 1,700 Detroit schoolchildren are enjoying the benefits of yoga, all thanks to the nonprofit's work, the Detroit Free Press Digital Host reports.

Studies have shown that yoga is an effective way to get kids moving and help them stay at a healthy weight. For instance, a report published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that a 12-week yoga program helped teens at risk for type 2 diabetes shed unwanted pounds.

The Kaplan University Center for Health and Wellness adds that yoga is good for all sorts of childhood-specific problems, including stress, wandering attention and body image issues.

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Nov 16, 2011

‘Days of Our Lives’ star uses yoga basics poses to get fit

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Yoga's health benefits extend to everyone, from contented elderly practitioners to the young and the restless. Speaking of which, even soap stars can be spotted practicing yoga basics poses or gushing about them.

Take Lisa Rinna, known for her long-time role as Billie Reed on daytime television's "Days of Our Lives" (DOOL). Recently, she posted a photo online depicting her slim, tanned body clad in little more than a red bikini.

How did Rinna get her physique looking as good as it did 15 years ago, when she played Taylor McBride on the teen TV drama "Melrose Place"? Why, yoga, of course!

She told the Huffington Post that the holistic health regimen has been very good to her. "I've been doing yoga, and my body is looking real good right now," Rinna said, quoted by the news source.

According to the actress, she needs to look her best, since she'll be reprising her role as Reed this fall on DOOL.

Rinna has previously appeared on TV promoting laughter yoga. She also told journalist Rachel Cohen that she has been practicing yoga for more than eight years, according to an interview that aired on Lifetime TV.

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Filed under Yoga Basics
Nov 1, 2011

In U.S. and abroad, dogs and owners do yoga basics poses together

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If you're a fan of yoga and health articles, you may have noticed a trend toward dog-related reportage. While dog yoga – or "doga," as it is also known – is not especially widespread, it certainly makes headlines.

This may be because the holistic healing power of yoga is so simple and powerful that it can apply to nearly anyone, whether they are a man, a woman or man's best friend.

The Associated Foreign Press recently reported that some canine owners in Hong Kong have begun doing yoga basics poses with their pooches.

Why try yoga with a pet? Susanna Ackerman, the nation's first self-described doga instructor, said that dogs and humans have similar mental energy states.

"Do dogs meditate? Yes, I think they can," she told CNN GO. "Animals can get into that same calm sense and state. I think your energy can transfer into them."

Regardless of whether you do yoga alone or with a furry friend, the mind-body regimen is a great way to improve your mental, physical and even metaphysical well-being. After all, yoga is the only exercise routine that incorporates relaxing activities like meditation, stretching and tai chi.

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Filed under Yoga Basics
Oct 24, 2011

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Though it was founded in the 1980s, Dahn Yoga's basic precepts and techniques are directly descended from methods practiced five millennia ago in East Asia. These precepts include the importance of the mind's partnership with the body, as well as the need for a balanced bond between the two.

Today, thousands of Americans practice Dahn Yoga everyday, many of whom are delightedly trying it for the first time. Taking a little time out of one's day to stretch, breathe, pose and meditate with a gentle smile on one's face can radically change one's mood and outlook.

This blog offers responses to news items that prominently feature Dahn Yoga and its neighborhood centers.

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