Why Do I Teach Yoga?

I recently spent some time at a local elementary school for Career Day speaking to some children about my career as a yoga teacher. It was a great time! The children listened intently as I told them about my educational background, what exactly I did as a yoga teacher, where I worked, etc. Then we had a mini yoga class before I took some questions. One little girl asked me, "Do you like your job."  And, of course, my answer was "Yes! I love it!" "Why?" she asked. I didn't even have to think about my answer.

So why do I teach yoga? Why do I love it? Why am I so passionate about it? There are a few reasons. Firstly, yoga makes me feel great. After a good practice I feel centered and whole, I'm able to move more freely and I have more energy. I'm happier and more productive. I want to offer that feeling to other people. I want to do what I can to make other people feel as good as I do.

Nothing feels as rewarding as a student telling me how much yoga has improved their life. I've had students with arthritis, old injuries, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, and a plethora of other ailments. Many of these students have come to me after a few classes to tell me how much their condition has improved. It's wonderful to hear and I'm so happy to be able to help people in this way.

I love my job and I am so very grateful that I can say that!
Namaste,
Erin

Yoga and Weight Loss

One of the most common questions I'm asked is "Will yoga help me lose weight?" That's a tough question to answer.
Like anything, with yoga, you get out of it what you put in it. You could participate in an extremely athletic practice and push yourself enough to burn massive calories, and yes, you could potentially lose weight doing that. You're less likely to burn as many calories in a slow flow, relaxed practice. However, each time you practice you are encouraging your body to perform more efficiently while also increasing your body awareness. You're pushing out toxins, toning your organs, and strengthening yourself. Which brings up another benefit to yoga. Even in a slower practice, you are building muscle, which is going to help you burn calories more efficiently, even when practice is over.

While in Yoga Teacher Training, I was practicing yoga at a minimum of once a day, sometimes up to four times daily. During this time I dropped two pants sizes. In addition to the increased physical activity, taking care of my body daily through yoga, brought about a desire to incorporate healthier practices into my daily life. I started to eat less sugar and more fruits and vegetables. My cravings lessened and I found myself eating less at each meal.
There are a multitude of yoga styles out there and each one will affect you differently. As always, listen to your body on and off the mat. Your body will tell you what you need to lose weight. That said, it is completely possible for me to design a practice that will help you lose weight/tone your arms/flatten your belly/tone your legs, etc. But I prefer to make my classes as complete as possible. It's important to work on your entire body, even the parts you are happy with.

My answer in short: Yes, yoga is a great aid to weight loss, but results will vary due to a plethora of reasons.


Of course, any information on this blog is not a substitute for medical attention or for consulting your doctor. I am a yogi, and very passionate about what I do, but I am not a doctor, the information gathered here is from personal experience, research, or class discussion.

Yoga and the Immune System

The weather has been changing again and a lot of people are getting sick. 'Tis the season of colds, flus, and other winter nasties. And who can afford to get sick? There is work to do, there are children to take care of and adventures to have! You've been pumping yourself full of vitamins and washing your hands at every turn but what else can you do? Yoga.
Yoga is a great way to boost your immune system. A regular yoga practice can help you become more aware of your body's needs, so you're more likely to take care of yourself. In addition, yoga can lower your level of stress, help stimulate imuno-supportive organs, help alleviate congestion, and even help with digestive issues.

However, there are certain illnesses that require absolute rest, such as influenza, and yoga should not be practiced if you are that ill. Always practice with caution and listen to what your body is telling you.

Yoga is for Everyone

When I talk to people who have never tried Yoga before, I hear a pelthora of reasons why. "I'm not flexible enough," "I'm too fat," "I'm too old," "I'm out of shape." Unfortunately, those are all reasons why they *should* be practicing yoga!
Yoga is for everyone, no matter how old or out of shape. Yoga can transform your life in a multitude of ways! It can boost your immune system, lighten your spirits, build strength, increase flexibility, and help you feel younger. The great thing about Yoga? "Where you are today, is ok."  That's something I say frequently during my classes. Some days you'll be able to touch your toes in a forward fold and some days you won't, and that's all right. You're still working, still reaping the benefits of your practice, and eventually, being able to reach your toes in a forward fold will be constant and automatic.
Keep it up and all of your reasons for avoiding Yoga will be the reasons you keep coming back, because you will be improving, every time. 

Namaste,
Erin

Rowan Tree Yoga

Hello and thank you for your support! Please check out the website www.rowantreeyoga.com for details on classes and fees!



Namaste,
Rowan Tree Yoga