YOGA
Is It Right For Me?
What is yoga?
The word yoga literally means union, and the purpose of yoga is to unite the body and the mind. It is an ancient Indian practice with eight components, one of which is Hatha yoga. There are several styles of Hatha yoga, including Iyengar (Alignment), Kundalini, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Anusara. They all involve the physical practice of poses (postures) called asanas. At Connect Physical Therapy we offer classes in the Alignment style. This style meshes with physical therapy principles, and is very safe.
What is Alignment yoga?
It is an asana practice focusing on proper posture and precise positioning. Poses are often broken down into smaller pieces, and there is a gradual progression into the full pose. Props are used, and many options are given, so that each student can modify the pose as needed for their own circumstances. Poses are held for gradually increasing periods of time to improve strength and endurance. Classes are usually divided into increasing levels of difficulty, from very gentle to advanced. A series of several classes offered each term allows a progression working towards a specific pose or poses. Classes at Connect are taught by a physical therapist who has been teaching yoga for over 18 years.
What is Vinassa Yoga?
Vinyasa, or Flow yoga, is a practice of linking your breath and your movements to settle your nervous system while building strength, stability, and space in your body. You will be offered alignment cues to help keep you on track and opportunities to challenge your body and mind with flowing movements, holds in postures to build strength, and time to play with balance. The end of class will give you time to further slow down and enjoy a few stretches before heading off to your day. Our Vinyasa classes are a wonderful opportunity for mindfulness and presence, and will leave you feeling grounded, more open, and relaxed in your body. We will use props and offer modifications to make these classes accessible and fun.
DeeAnn Dougherty
Our Yoga Instructor
DeeAnn Dougherty received her BS degree in Physical Therapy from Mankato State University and a certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in 1981. She is an Orthopedic Specialist certified by the American Physical Therapy Association and a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. DeeAnn began studying Iyengar yoga with Julie Gudmestad in 1989 and has been teaching Alignment yoga since 2000.
Can anyone do yoga?
Yes. Yoga is for everyone, young, old, active, elderly, sick, disabled. Poses can be modified using chairs, bolsters, blocks, belts and other props for support, ensuring that students do not have to try to get into positions for which they are not yet ready. If you are recovering from an injury, or have found previous yoga classes too difficult, alignment yoga is a good choice. Yoga can fit into anyone's life.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Cardiovascular:
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Decreased blood pressure
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Decreased cholesterol
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Lower resting heart rate
Mental Health:
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Decreased depression
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Improved stress management and relaxation
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Improved concentration and confidence
Breathing:
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Better control of asthma
Diabetes:
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Better control of blood sugar
Musculoskeletal:
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Increased flexibility, strength and endurance
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Improved balance and body awareness
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Improved bone health (osteoporosis)
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Decreased neck and back pain
Why go to a class?
There are yoga videos and books galore, but nothing compares to being in a class with a teacher to give you feedback and help you avoid injury. We all have imbalances in our bodies, from the natural asymmetry of how we go through our daily activities, to our recreational and even competitive pursuits. A trained and experienced teacher will recognize these and be able to assist students with addressing them. All props are provided, except mats. Please bring your own mat. To participate in a class at Connect PT, we do require that students be able to get up and down unassisted from the floor. If that is not possible for you we can arrange individualized instruction that would allow you to try yoga.
Connect offers a series each term of introductory and beginning yoga classes designed to fit busy lifestyles. Classes are 90 minutes in length with a maximum of 10 students allowing for individual attention.
Upcoming Yoga Classes!
We will kick off our new studio with 4 Alignment Based Yoga classes taught by DeeAnn Dougherty, PT. DeeAnn will teach in a 5 week term from April 18 to May 20. Each class offered is hybrid and 90 minutes long.
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Alignment Yoga Level 1: Tuesday at noon or Thursday at 6pm - 2 separate classes
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No yoga experience required. Learn basic yoga principles. A gentle class emphasizing proper alignment and safety in beginning yoga poses, using props to minimize strain and ensuring correct positioning. Great for people recovering from injury, illness or with chronic conditions. Or for beginners curious about yoga yet concerned about difficulty.
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Alignment Yoga Level 1.5 Tuesday 6 pm
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Recommend prior yoga experience. This is a beginning yoga class with a variety of poses done lying, sitting and standing, using props to maintain proper positioning. The emphasis is on building a foundation of strength, flexibility and balance, as well as increased body awareness. Experience the calming of the mind that yoga brings.
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Alignment Yoga Level 2 Saturday 9:30 AM
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Require prior yoga experience. Improve mobility and stability with a focus on precise alignment and attention to detail in asana practice. Gradual progression, use of props and lots of individual attention minimize strain and ensure proper positioning. A great way to improve body awareness and focus the mind. (No inversions)
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If interested, email info@connectoregon.com and tell us which class, whether in person or virtual, and we will get you registered. We will take payments at the first class.