Have you ever gone to a yoga class and wondered if you were "doing it right?" Well, the easy answer is yes, as long as you were breathing and trying to stay in the present moment. But the wonderful thing about yoga is that there are always opportunities to learn, grow and refine your practice.
I’m excited to offer an Alignment Lab workshop focusing on the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation. The sun salutation is the foundation of any Vinyasa Yoga class. When done mindfully, it can strengthen and stretch the body in preparation for more demanding postures to come. We’ll examine proper alignment and possible modifications for the poses of Surya Namaskar A and B, including that pesky Chaturanga Dandasana, as well as looking at how to safely and smoothly transition between poses. Using creative and mindful movement, you’ll learn how to refine or modify them to work best for your body. Come prepared to learn and ask me ANY of your burning yoga questions.
These classes are great for those newer to yoga as well as those with some experience under their belts who want to take a closer look at their practice. 2-4 p.m., $20 per person.
About Jill:
About 14 years ago I was a full-time working mom with a career, husband, three stepdaughters and infant twin boys. As is the case with most new mothers, I was stressed-out and sleep-deprived. My first yoga experience involved a DVD player and a mat in my basement, super early in the morning so I could get it done before the babies woke for the day. That first class brought me an amazing sense of peace and focus, and I knew I had found something special.
In 2010, my partner Betsy Young and I founded Flow Yoga in Plainwell, which grew from a dream into a vibrant community of yogis which continues to this day as Riverbend Yoga.
After almost 10 years of teaching and study, I am a slightly less-stressed-out mother of high-schoolers, and I love to help others find that sense of balance that comes from a consistent yoga practice. I love to find a connection with my students and make yoga accessible and fun for all ages and ability levels. No judgement, no expectations and no competition. Yoga is not a game you have to win. It should feel good, not an added stress or obligation. I want to help you find that sweet spot where yoga is a complement to your already-full life.
I teach classes with movement, breath work, fun flows and poses that encourage us to tap into our inner strength, be more mindful, connect to our bodies and love and care for ourselves, not just physically, but in all aspects of our lives.
I now live in Portland, OR with my husband Aaron, twin boys, and our dog Dusty. I love being outdoors and in addition to yoga, consider hiking, cycling, SUP and kayaking to be forms of moving meditation. I am a registered yoga teacher E-RYT200 with the Yoga Alliance and have my 200hr certification through Yogafit, as well as a Lazy Dog Paddle Yoga Certification.