MASTER CLASS
Twists: The Poses of Neutralization
Twists are poses that slow us down, making us move with great care and intelligence. They stretch the muscles of the sides of the body and can be very useful for “changing gears” after both backbends and forward bends, allowing the long muscles of the trunk to be released. Twists also effect the abdominal organs in powerful and healthy ways.

We will start with a brief anatomy review of how the spine twists, when not to twist and why. Throughout this class we will explore standing, sitting and lying twists, discovering together what they have in common and what benefits they create energetically and physically. We will work on the proper placement of twisting poses in the sequence of a class. This class will be geared more for advanced practitioners and teachers and those wanting to deepen their yoga practice and knowledge.  Participants should have a minimum of one year active yoga practice.

WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Theory and Practice of Restorative Yoga
We work very hard in our lives, and while we may sleep, we rarely take time to rest deeply.  Restorative yoga poses are special poses which use blankets and bolsters to help us relax, rest deeply and completely. During deep relaxation all the organ systems of the body are allowed to rest.  Measurable results of relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure and the improvement of immune function, as well as improvement in digestion, elimination, and the reduction of muscle tension and generalized fatigue. In a recent National Institute of Health preliminary study, they found the practice of Restorative Yoga poses done several times a week reduced blood triglyceride levels, stabilized blood sugar levels and increased the levels of the "good" cholesterol in the blood.In these classes we will learn the basic theory of why Restorative yoga works as well as we will practice and master some of the most profound Restorative poses. Not only will you learn that this work is necessary in today's world, you will leave with the knowledge of how to incorporate this practice into your own lives, and the desire to make it part of your own yoga practice.  Teachers can feel confident they will leave with the foundation and experience necessary to begin sharing the gift of restorative yoga practice. Students not interested in teaching will be able to take the information learned and apply it to their own practices and immediately begin receiving the benefits of restorative yoga.