Ashtanga*Ashtanga

Alicia's Ashtanga Yoga Medley

Rusty found this great video on YouTube recently and wanted to share it with all of us! He recognized a former Yoga Yoga student and writes about seeing her practice second and third series back when he'd only heard of those mythical sequences. Read his article below:

Some of you old-timers may remember a fellow student, Alicia Russell. If there was anyone who was ever naturally inclined to this practice, it was Alicia. After a few short months she had mastered the primary series and was moving on to second and beyond. I can remember being next to her during Sharon Moon's Sunday afternoon Mysore class and seeing her do third series postures. At that time, I had heard that there was a third series, but I had never seen it practiced.

A few Sundays later, Alicia was subbing for Sharon. At the beginning of class, she asked if there was anything in particular that we wanted work on. Like a crazy person, I asked her if she could teach me how to float. Without rolling her eyes or laughing out loud, she proceeded to work with me and my 8 month old practice that afternoon. I was certainly much too undeveloped to make any tangible progress in this area, but she gave me something so much more valuable……the sense that at some point I would be able to do it.

Alicia moved up to Eureka Springs, Arkansas several years ago. She opened a yoga studio. I saw her at David Swenson's last Yoga Yoga workshop, along with a half dozen of her students. One of those students was her husband-to-be. Now Alicia Russell goes by Alicia Jones. About a week ago, I saw Alicia again. I did not see her in person, but on Youtube! I hope you enjoy.

Last Chance for the Fall Special!

We know that the more regularly we practice, the easier our practice becomes. Instead of jumping into two classes a week and staying sore for days, a daily practice helps condition the body and the mind to fully receive all the benefits of an Ashtanga practice.

In the Unlimited Program, you can come to as many classes each week as you want to help create a regular practice! The Fall Special only lasts through October 15th, so if you've been sitting around thinking about signing up, it's time to come in and do it! Remember, when you sign up for the Unlimited Program now, you will receive: unlimited classes for $99/month, 50% off weekend workshops, a free eco-tote bag, and the chance to bring a guest with you to every class in December.

You can sign up at any of our locations!

Meet the Ashtangi: Terri Koen

A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I lost 25 pounds in mostly muscle mass in a very short amount of time. While I enjoyed the weight loss (I was planning my wedding then), I was physically weak. I played in a volleyball league at the time, and it was frustrating to not be able to overhand serve or hit the way I used to. My doctor recommended that I keep my stress levels down and stick to low impact exercise until my symptoms were under control. I started taking an Iyengar class at the University of Texas. It was very relaxing, but I missed the physical challenges of more active sports. My teacher at UT recommended I take a beginning Ashtanga class at Yoga Yoga after I finished grad school to continue my practice.

I started my adventures in Ashtanga with Matt's Beginners Series at Westgate. I liked that the progress was slow, because I wanted to challenge my body without going too fast too soon. I was also taking medication to slow down my thyroid, so not only was I trying to build up strength again, I was also fighting another set of symptoms that had me feeling sluggish AND rapidly gaining weight.

Every time I went to class, though, I felt like I was making small steps toward health. Now that my thyroid levels are back to normal, I'm dealing with the stress of my new job. It requires long hours and frequent travel. In just the month of June, I saw 5 different airports! I really treasure the times I can go to class and forget about the outside world. It's 90 minutes when I don't have to worry about work, my next business trip or any of the chores waiting for me at home. I love sweating out my stress and any negative energy. I love that I know what I'm up against, and yet the challenge is different every time. I feel like I've really found something that has wonderful benefits for my entire being, and that I can practice for the rest of my life.