To put it simply, yoga is the practice of linking movement, breathing, and meditation to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. This can be on a physical, mental, and/or spiritual level. Traditionally, the physical practice of yoga, also called “asana,” was a practice to prepare the body and mind for meditation.

Fun fact: The term “yoga” is a Sanskrit term that roughly translates to “to yolk” (i.e. yolking an oxen to a plow), or “union”

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga can make you better at:

• Improved mobility (“flexibility”) and musculoskeletal health
• Better balance
• Foundational strength, especially in the core
• Improved mind-body connection and body awareness
• Reduced stress
• Improved cardiovascular and lung function
• Aids the lymphatic system and immunity
• More compassion and patience for yourself and others

Yoga can help with the following symptoms:

• Chronic tension and pain syndromes
• Tight hips, hamstrings, back, neck, shoulders…you name it!
• Low back pain and sciatica
• Poor posture
• Anxiety/depression
• The inability to relax (it’s a thing)
• Insomnia
• Headaches and migraines
• Plantar fasciitis
• Asthma
• Incontinence; weak abdominals
• Post-surgical recovery
• Postnatal recovery
• Low energy
• Chakra dysfunctions
• Spiritual concerns
• Grief

Yoga obviously has physical benefits, but it can also have profound emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits!

You Don’t have to be Flexible to start Yoga!

You don’t start lifting weights because you’re already strong, right? Well you don’t go to yoga because you’re already flexible! You go to yoga to GAIN flexibility/mobility, coordination, strength, balance, focus, self-awareness, yada yada yada…

What if the thought of Yoga Freaks you out?!

If you don’t feel ready to take a class (or if you just don’t like class settings, period), you’re in luck! At Optimal Movement, we offer one-on-one yoga sessions with Marisa, our certified yoga instructor and massage therapist extraordinaire.

What sets yoga at Optimal Movement apart?

Marisa offers private, individualized yoga sessions geared towards your specific physical, mental, and spiritual goals. On top of being a certified yoga instructor, Marisa has also been practicing massage therapy for five years now. She has 600+ hours of anatomy and physiology training alone! Like her massage practice, Marisa approaches yoga with a holistic perspective. You can’t touch the muscles without affecting the nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic system, etc…and you can’t work with the body without also affecting the mind and spirit!

When it comes to practicing yoga, Marisa is one of the most relaxed yoga instructors you will ever meet. If your practice is “resting” in “savasana” (read: napping) for an hour while she talks at you with a soothing instructor voice, she’s not going to tell you that you can’t do that/”that’s not yoga.” Yoga is for YOU. Marisa wants to help you achieve YOUR health and wellness goals.

What does yoga entail? What does a private yoga session look like?

There are many, many, MANY different styles of yoga. It all depends on your personal goals! Some yoga is very basic, teaching you foundational poses and techniques. Some styles of yoga are super chill and relaxing, while others are vigorous and challenging.

Marisa will meet you wherever you are at. She will take 15 minutes of your first session to establish what your goals and want to gain from the practice, review your health history to determine what styles would benefit you and what you might want to avoid, and assess your mobility, balance, and strength.

After the initial intake, Marisa will lead you through a one-hour yoga practice catered to your goals and needs. She will incorporate yoga postures, movement, hands-on adjustments with permission, props such as blocks, breathing cues, and guided awareness/meditation techniques.

At the end of the session, Marisa will offer suggestions for continuing practice, practicing at home, and any other self-care tips that she thinks would be helpful to you.

Do I need to bring my own mat?

Nope! We have mats and props for you to use during your session. If you have a mat or props that you love, feel free to bring them. If not, we’ve got you!

BUT WHAT DO I WEAR?!

Comfortable clothes you can move in. Athletic wear or yoga clothing is preferable; however, sweats and a baggy t-shirt work just fine. Deodorant is also nice.

One final note: Yoga is a broooooaaaaad term. One person might turn to yoga for the physical benefits, while another person might want to learn breathing techniques to help with anxiety…and yet another person might sign up for yoga in order to learn different ways to meditate. The sky’s the limit!

for more information visit us at www.Optimal-movement.com

Email: www.philip@optimal-movement.com