Learn Yoga and Pilates in Attleboro

Attleboro Yoga / Pilates Schedule

Classes at: Aura Wellness Center, 21 Park Street, Suite 202, Attleboro, MA

Grand Opening October 2, 2006

Monday: 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Beginners / Restorative Yoga with Marie Jerard, CYT 500

Restorative Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga, where you learn to develop a safe routine. Yoga props are made available for better alignment and for less strain on the body. Although Restorative Yoga is gentle, don't be deceived; you will build strength, muscle tone, and flexibility. Meditation, relaxation, and proper breathing are also part of the curriculum.

Tuesday: 6:00 to 7:15 pm - Vinyasa Yoga with Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Vinyasa Yoga is a physically challenging form of Yoga and a "sister style" of Power Yoga. Yoga students, who practice Vinyasa, gain strength, increase flexibility, burn calories, and work the cardio vascular system. Vinyasa Yoga is one of the ultimate cross-training methods available today. Vinyasa Yoga will increase your self-confidence and firm your entire body.

Wednesday: 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Pilates Body Sculpt with Marie

Pilates is a very popular health maintenance system. Marie teaches traditional, as well as "offshoots," of Pilates mat exercises; modifications are shown to help firm your abs, glutes, and inner thighs. Pilates conditions the entire body through stretching and strengthening of muscles. It creates balance by improving posture and aligning the body.

Thursday: 6:00 to 7:15 pm - Yoga Fusion with Paul

If you are interested in movement, this is the class for you! Yoga Fusion is a mixture of Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and flowing movement. Some light weight resistance will be included. We encourage you to bring plenty of water with you to keep you hydrated.

Saturday: 9:30 to 10:15 am - Kids Yoga with Paul

Yoga for Kids helps children develop life skills through improved concentration, coordination, and the proper use of body mechanics. Your child will develop athletic skills, which will carry on into other sports and activities throughout his/her life. All of today's professional sports teams incorporate Yoga into their training programs.

Yoga classes for kids are more than just a fun activity. Children learn life skills such as: Goal Setting, Success, Anger Management, Self Discipline, Positive Thinking, and Stress Management. Children also learn to control their body weight, gain strength, and increase flexibility safely and in a positive atmosphere.

Parents are welcomed to practice Yoga with their children in this class. Parents can join this class for half off. This is a limited time offer for parents.

Practice Jnana Yoga for Optimum Mental Health

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Anyone who cares about their health often focuses on keeping his or her body in peak condition. Who considers the health of the mind? A psychiatrist or a psychologist is concerned with behavior, and mental health, but how can Yoga help you?

We have all heard Yoga is a good “mind and body exercise,” but how does a Yoga student exercise his or her mind through Yoga practice. How can Yoga help you develop mental strength? Let’s look at one of the many styles of Yoga, to find answers, and acquire optimum mental health.

Jnana Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit, through acquired knowledge. It is true that reading will make your mind sharp, but what do Jnana Yogis read? Traditionally, Jnana Yogis read Hindu scriptures to expand their knowledge.

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. The Brahmin caste would have had more access to Yogic philosophy, and the scriptures (Vedas), than the average person, at that time.

This same parallel can be made to any holy man of any religion. Access to written knowledge, books, and Holy Scriptures was not common place, in any religion, hundreds of years ago. There was a time when the average person was forbidden to have a copy of the Bible. The early Bibles were very big, expensive to produce, and not meant for the public to interpret. Whether we like it, or not, this is a part of history.

Now, let’s fast forward to the 21st century. Millions of new computer users are accessing the Internet every year. So, how is it that more people, than ever, are disconnected from their mind, body, and spirit? We have attention disorders, multi-tasking, and many distractions to keep us far from tranquility.

Even in a Yoga class, you may hear a cell phone go off - despite the fact there are rules and a sign on the entrance of most Yoga studios. The sign might read, “Turn your cell phone off,” but people do not see it, even if it is right under their nose. Why?

Unfortunately, people do not read or pursue vital information. Cable television has hundreds of channels and the Internet has millions of sites. Do you really think the masses are trying to expand their minds by reading?

Jnana Yoga practice, and regular meditation, raises the “Level of Consciousness.” Yet it seems that prosperity seems to breed poor mental and physical health. When given the choice, children would rather play video games than watch the History Channel. Therefore, many adults must be getting in touch with their “inner child.”

Now, let’s come full circle. Entertainment is a wonderful thing, but we should be deliberate in our efforts to challenge our minds. Creativity cannot be found in games that are programmed or in viewing stories where you can easily guess the ending.

Your mind must be challenged on a daily basis by reading good quality writing and watching entertainment that is true art. The modern Jnana Yoga practitioner has much more access to education, information, art, and entertainment. However, he or she must be much more selective than ever before.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Yoga Classes in Attleboro, Massachusetts

Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates.

Aura has relocated from North Providence, RI to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006.

Our first beginner's Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:
http://www.riyoga.com/

Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

By Shelley Hitz

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEF

Many people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it’s hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury. This is a use it or lose it situation: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. Studies have actually shown that you can heal your back pain faster and get back to your regular activities with just two days of rest. This article will focus on Yoga Exercises. Remember to contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

YOGA EXERCISES FOR YOUR BACK

A good, regular yoga practice will go far in relieving the stress and tension that sometimes cause mild back pain, and in fact, studies have shown that yoga is the number one most effective exercise for relieving back pain. However, not all yoga poses relieve back pain, and some can in fact aggravate existing pain, so it is important to know which poses will be most helpful in relieving back pain. It is best to do these exercises under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor, and if you encounter any problems with these poses, you should consult an expert. Even just one or two sessions with a yoga instructor can help, as an instructor will help you with your form and posture during poses. Here are some of the best yoga poses for relieving back pain. Each pose should be held from five to ten seconds, depending upon your level of comfort, and should be done on a mat or other soft, supportive surface.

CORPSE: Lie flat on your back in a relaxed position, arms resting at your sides, palms down, and legs lying naturally, with knees turned out slightly. If it hurts your back to have your knees turned outward, do this pose with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Breathe in and out for a few seconds while allowing any tension to leave the body.

CAT STRETCH: Start out on your hands and knees with a flat back. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders with fingers spread. Knees should be directly under the hips. Head is held loosely so that you are looking at the floor between your hands. Inhale, and as you exhale, arch your back toward the ceiling, tuck your chin in to your chest so that you are looking at your navel, and tuck your tailbone underneath. Hold, then release back into your original position.

WIND-RELEASING POSE: Lie flat on your back as in Corpse pose. As you inhale, bend your knee, place your hands right below the knee, and draw your leg towards your chest. Your left leg should remain flat on the floor. Exhale and bring your forehead up to touch your knee. Inhale, and then as you exhale, return to your original position. Repeat with the other leg.

SAGE TWIST: Warning for this pose—it involves twisting your back, so you should take particular care not to twist too far or you risk aggravating any existing back pain. This should be a gentle stretch; twist just as far as is comfortable. Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Bend your right knee, lift your right leg over your left, and place your right foot on the floor next to your left knee. Sitting with spine straight, place your left elbow on the right side of your right knee. Bend your left arm so that your left fingertips are touching your right hip, while at the same time, twisting to look over your right shoulder. This is where you need to be careful not to twist too far. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

PALM TREE: Stand with feet facing forward, arms at your sides, weight distributed evenly on both feet. Raise both arms over your head, interlock your fingers, and turn your hands so that your palms are facing upward. Next, place your palms on your head and turn your head so that you are looking slightly upward. Stretch your arms upwards, and at the same time, come up onto your toes if you can do so without pain. Stretch your entire body upward and hold, if you can. Some people have difficulty balancing during this pose, so just do the stretching part if you need to.

FISH POSE: Lie on your back with knees bent and arms at your side. Arch your back as far as you comfortably can and raise it off the ground by pushing the floor with your elbows. If you can, tilt your head backwards and rest the crown of your head on the floor. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm and hold pose for one minute if you can.

LOCUST: Lie face down with arms at the side, palms down, and elbows slightly bent with fingers pointing towards the feet. Raise your legs and thighs as high off the ground as possible without causing your back any pain. Hold for one second and repeat up to twelve times. This can be a vigorous exercise so you must take care to strain already injured muscles.

BENDING FORWARD POSTURE: Stand up straight with feet together and arms hanging loosely along your sides. Breathe in deeply and raise your arms straight above your head. While breathing out, bend forward and touch your toes if you can. If you can’t reach your toes, grab hold of your ankles or calves. To complete the pose, you should touch your head to your knees, but this may be too difficult for many who suffer from lower back pain. Your movements during this pose should be smooth, not jerky.

Written by Shelley Hitz, Licensed Physical Therapist and Certified NASM Personal Trainer. Sign up for her free Exercise Advice journal at http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com/journal.html or read more about yoga poses at her website http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com/free-yoga-exercises-online.html. Get your free unbelievable abs ball workout here!

Side Note: Aura Wellness Center will have Restorative Yoga classes on Monday at 6:00 p.m. Starting on October 2, 2006. Restorative Yoga is useful for back pain relief. Visit us at Aura Wellness Center, 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro, MA.

Yoga and Spiritual Self-Reconciliation

By Paul Jerard

Yoga is a broad term, but it has many styles that are encompassed within this health maintenance system. Most forms of Yoga address physical, mental, and spiritual health - while some are a little strong in one area, but might be a bit lacking somewhere else.

One example would be Hatha Yoga and its many popular sub-styles. When Yoga traveled outside India, it evolved into non-Hindu cultures who chose to keep the spiritual aspect out of Yoga classes. Yoga is not a religion, but Hindu principles do exist within some Yoga studios.

For example: Yama and Niyama are Hindu principles, but many of us would recognize them as universal principles within all religions. We are all familiar with not stealing, lying, or killing each other. However, some Hindu concepts, such as having multi-Gods did not mix well with Christians, Moslems, Jews, or Buddhists.

Many of these cultures focused on the physical aspects and continued to take care of their spiritual health in their church, mosque, temple, or shrine. This is fine, but technology and materialism have started to destroy the family unit.

When families are not unified, religion is often cast aside. This is not always the rule, but when you go to a local church, mosque, temple, or shrine; make a mental note of how many young families you see. If you see a crowd that is well mixed in age groups - this is a spiritually healthy congregation.

However, if you rarely see any young people, this is a problem. Consider the state of spiritual health within this age group. Now, consider that Yoga is a viable solution for a lack of spiritual health, regardless of the religion practiced. Yoga allows the practitioner to open his or her awareness of spiritual health.

Now, maybe you are concerned that a Yoga teacher, who guides students toward spiritual awareness, might try to convert you to his or her religion. Here is the solution: If you want spiritual health from Yoga - find a Yoga teacher who practices the same religion you do.

Lastly, attend your local church, mosque, temple, or shrine. Seek spiritual guidance from a priest, rabbi, mullah, monk, or minister, in the religion you are comfortable with. You do not have to convert to anything. The answers to spiritual guidance, health, and enlightenment are within your religion.

The sooner we all realize that peaceful co-existence, and tolerance, will bring about world peace, the better. These are the universal principles of Yoga, and they do not conflict with any religion.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

--------------------------------------------
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/
--------------------------------------------
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Hot Yoga - Bikram's Twenty Six

By Carina Snowden

Even though the world population has shifted from mainly rural to mainly urban in the last decade, there are still lots of folks like me who live in the sticks. Doing things like taking a yoga class becomes a different thing in our case from driving to the neighborhood gym.

Since I live 40 miles from the nearest town large enough for yoga studios, when I decided to take a class, I was more interested in the schedule than I was the type of yoga. I couldn't afford to be picky if I preferred not to wait around for a couple hours after getting off work.

So I looked in the phone book, and didn't pay attention to anything but the schedule. There it was: M-W-F at 4:00. Perfect. I don't know what rock I'd been living under, but the word "Bikram" writ large across the ad in the yellow pages didn't trigger the term 'hot yoga' in my mind, and that left me in for a big surprise.

I showed up with a comfy pair of sweatpants and a long- sleeved t-shirt. As the woman at the desk was giving me a little orientation information - explaining that the room was heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit - I realized that my concept of yoga clothes weren't going to work here. Apparently, I wasn't the first to make this error. Susie told me they had loaners. Now, it's been a while since the last time I wore hot-pants, so when she handed me the little scrap of shorts, I thought, "No way." She said, "Trust me, you'll fit right in."

Susie continued, giving a few more orientation tips, which started to seem like a set of warnings. "Our first-time students are encouraged to rest whenever you feel you should - kind of take it gradually. The instructors just ask that you do your best to stay in the room for the entire time." What? Were we still talking yoga here?

I'd seen pictures. Sure, I might not be able to balance on one leg while holding the other one over my head at my first try, but come on. How hard could it be to stretch as far as I could go and stop there? Why would I get desperate to leave the room?

Her next suggestion: "OK, I see you brought a bottle of water. That's good, but you'll be tempted to drink a lot, and I recommend you just drink sips - not too much at a time." Hmm. What was I getting into here? It sounded like I was facing some kind of ordeal - not what I had in mind at all since I was thinking of yoga as a peaceful, low- impact way just to stretch and keep my aging body flexible and strong.

Once I was dressed in the little bit of shorts, I opened the door to the yoga studio and was met with a rush of hot, stultifying air. Oh goody. I walked to an open space, spread my mat, lay on my back, and understood exactly what she meant by asking me to at least stay in the room. I was already dripping with sweat, and we hadn't even begun the class.

Ninety minutes and twice through the 26 poses later, I was indeed still in the room. In the non-competitive, supportive atmosphere I had been completely guided to go to my edge, but not so far that I would be turned off by struggle. In fact, I was exhilarated. I lay on my back at the end, eyes closed in the peaceful, very hot room, and knew I'd be back for more.

To find out more about how to become a yoga instructor or see our selection of online yoga instructor certification courses, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio manager, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is. Namaste!