May | 2015 | Breathe. Sweat. Smile.

Lisa blissing out doing some beach yoga.

Meet our lovely Lisa, yoga instructor and studio manager of our Elmhurst location. A natural teacher, her nurturing classes are highlighted by serene energy, acceptance, and meditation. Take an hour of her therapeutic class and leave feeling relaxed and balanced. You can check out her classes in Elmhurst at:

1:15pm YBD2 105 on Mondays

8:30am YBD1 85 on Tuesdays

12pm YBD2 85 on Tuesdays

1:15pm Restorative on Tuesdays

9:30am YBD2 95 on Wednesdays

1:15pm YBD2 105 on Wednesdays

Get to know Lisa below!

When and how did you come to yoga?

I found yoga 18 years ago when I was pregnant w my 2nd child. I bought a prenatal yoga book, and loved the way it helped me relax & de-stress.

Why did you start teaching yoga?

I decided to become a teacher while I was a student at ybd in WS. Was very inspired by the teachers there, which led ms to the ybd TT. I thought therapeutic benefits of yoga would be a wonderful complement to the work I do as a counseling psychologist.

What is your favorite yoga pose?

Dancer

Who inspires your teaching?

The amazing teachers at YBD inspire my teaching

Tips for beginners?

Practice patience & compassion with yourself. We are our own worst critics. Just relax & enjoy : )

What is your favorite quote?

“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

– Helen Keller

April showers bring May flowers, which is why our pose of the month is bird of paradise (aka SVARGA DVIJASANA) the flowers of the Birds of Paradise resemble a brightly colored bird in flight and so the name Birds of Paradise is quite fitting. Watching someone go into the pose looks as if a flower is blooming.

This advanced standing posture has many benefits:

Strengthens the hips, pelvis, and quadriceps.
Lengthens the hamstrings and calves.
Tones the legs.
Opens the shoulders.
Challenges your balance.

Take a forward fold and keep length in your spine. Take your feet to the width of your mat. Inhale to reach and lengthen your right arm, then exhale, reach your arm through your legs and wrap it around your right upper thigh (hand on hip). Inhale and lengthen your left arm, reach around your back to bind. If you can, clasp your left wrist with your right hand. Breathe here and open your chest.

Now walk your right foot in slightly, concentrate your weight in your left foot. Keep your abs engaged and on an inhale, come up to standing – bringing your right leg with you. Once you’re up, make sure your heart is open and straighten your right leg. Reach your toes wide. Stay with it. Keep breathing. Now take your gaze over your left shoulder.

This posture can be modified by using a strap if your shoulders are tight, keeping a bent knee in the lifted leg if the hamstrings are tight and you can level up by going from an extended side angle into the pose. Play, blossom and grow!