Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "yoga"

Hansen, Gonzalez, and Paguyo Grab Nor-Cal Yoga Champion Titles

2012-01-17T04:09:15Z

Fans lined up outside Folsom’s Three Stages Theater to attend the ninth annual Northern California Yoga Asana Championships on Saturday. The event featured this year’s competitors showing off their three-minute routines all for the chance to move on to the national competition held in spring.

A group of Matt Guyton’s fans cheered him on with banners and posters. “We came to support last year’s champion, Matt Guyton, and first-time competitor Julie Strand,” said fan Laurel Hansen of Lincoln. “We all go to the Lincoln studio,” added fan Rena Garcia of Lincoln.

Many of the participating studio members brought crowds who quickly filled up the seats, cheering on the beginning and experienced competitors facing the accredited panel of judges.

Last year’s women’s Northern California champion, Hillary Stein (now Hillary Wall) co-hosted with her husband BJ Wall. The two introduced the men’s division competitors where 14 of the competitors showed talent and skill in a silent theater.

Each contestant had three minutes to demonstrate five traditional yoga poses, plus two poses of their own choice. Hillary Wall noted that each performance shows all aspects of a contestant’s life. The first two postures demonstrated the struggles that a yoga student faces. The next three poses show off the health of the spine, and finally the last two show the student’s personality.

As each contestant showed off their routine, an onlooker could see just how intense the training is for yoga. “Their bodies look like machines!” Stephanie Jackson of Reno said.

The youth division proved to be the most entertaining, showing off the flexibility and talent of eight young girls whos ages ranged from 10 to 15 years old. Quin Morrissey wowed the crowd with a full wheel posture at the end of her demonstration. Her fan whispered from the sidelines, “She nailed it.”

Once the final competitor of the youth division finished their demonstration, guest speaker and 2007 world champion Cynthia Wehr spoke about the attributes of a yoga champion. She said dedication, discovery and determination made her into a world champion. Wehr felt that these attributes would help with those who were practicing yoga.

As the women’s division started, the competition was fierce with 19 women vying for the title of Northern California champion.

Wall demonstrated her strength and flexibility in her final routine as the reigning women’s champion.

The men’s Northern California champion of 2012 was Ian Hansen of Oakland, whose demonstration was perfectly timed at exactly three minutes. Victoria Gonzalez of Stockton won the youth division, and the women’s champion was Ciara Paguyo also of Stockton.

The three will head to New York for the National Yoga Asana Competition on March 2nd-4th.

Local Yogis Prepare for the Big Day

2012-01-06T17:29:58Z

While many of us stuffed our faces and drank to our hearts’ desire over the holidays, the students of the Folsom Bikram Yoga studio were training and preparing for the ninth annual Northern California Regional Yoga Asana Championships on Jan. 14 in Folsom.

This year, the championships are being held at the Three Stages theater at Folsom Lake College. The event will feature competitors performing a series of yoga postures also known as yoga asana. Although the judges will be looking at particular physical skill, participants will also be judged on their emotional demeanor, mental tranquility and spiritual presence.

Each competitor is required to perform seven postures in three minutes, a feat that last year’s women’s champion winner Hillary Stein of Folsom easily accomplished.

Many students at the Folsom Bikram Yoga studio are competing in this year’s challenge. Nicole George, 29, of El Dorado Hills, is in her second year of competition.

“To help get ready, I usually do extra back bends,” she said.

George started her training about three months ago. Others like Matt Guyton, 35, of Citrus Heights, said he has been training since last year’s competition. In addition to the physical training, Guyton said other keys elements help him prepare as well.

“My diet does change some, just to see what works,” he said.

“I think I am most nervous about falling out of standing head to knee,” said first-year-competitor Vic Clement, 43, of Sacramento.

Many of the yoga asanas challenge a person’s strength, breathing and balance. Aaron Hutchinson, 41, of Folsom, said Bikram Yoga has helped him in training for his triathlon.

“All the elements work together—focus, balance and breathing,” he said.

All yogis (yoga practitioners) are competing to qualify for the U.S. Championship held in the spring in New York. Qualified competitors from each state are due to attend.

Stein will be the master of ceremonies and the event will feature 2007 Arizona Yoga Asana championship winner Cynthia Wehr as a guest speaker.

Three Stages is located at 10 College Parkway in Folsom. The competition is Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost to attend is $18 person.

Disclosure: Alexandria LaRoche is a student at Bikram Yoga Folsom

Ways to waken your Wanderlust

2011-07-26T19:21:23Z

If you listen real close, you can hear the "ohm" resonate from Wanderlust Festival 2011 in Tahoe into the valley. Mind, body, and spirit comes alive in this annual pilgrimage for outdoor enthusiast, music lovers, and yoga aficionados. Located in the natural setting of Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, few festivals in the world compares to majestic mountains, eclectic music, and meditations to match the mood. On its third year, the festival offers all who attend relaxation, revelation, and rejuvenation with organic foods, wines, scenery, music, and community. In true sun salutation, here are simple ways to waken your wanderlust.

1) Hoof it to Heaven, Schulyer Grant’s hike in the picturesque surroundings of the Sierra is a “must do”. Guided morning meditation hikes revitalize. Several nature treks are scheduled during the festival. Each step will take your breath away as you reach higher elevation.

2) Groove to live music, from rebel rocker Michael Franti & Spearhead (Friday night) to Girl Talk, to Jai Uttal, to the legendary Wailers. Musical talents abound so rock it out. (Full music schedule here) Other performers include the Phoenix Fire Dancers and the MarchFourth Marching Band also there for your enjoyment. “Do wah diddy” dance to the late night DJ parties on Friday and Saturday. If that is not enough, YogiTunes will be spinning an amazing collection of beats to soothe your soul and hush your humanity at High Camp from 2-6pm daily.

3) Speakeasy is a series of dynamic lecture style therapy for those seeking solutions to life’s dilemmas. From dancing with the divine, to mindful eating, to creating the future that you love, to spiritual authenticity, and steps to life fulfillment. Afterwards, try wine tasting various varietals of wine at Winederlust held at Uncorked from 4:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with support from Capital Public Radio.

4) Stir your crown chakra nightly with a feature film sponsored by the Gaiam Spiritual Cinema Circle. Films featured are critically acclaimed Yogawoman, Kumare, The Heart of Transformation, Connected, and Wake Up. Nightly starting times at 7p.m.

5) Yield to yoga, try Shaman of the Moon or Yoga Twister. Shaman of the Moon is body, mind, and music exercises led by Anne Marie Kramer, a 13 year exercise physiologist and teacher at Zuda Yoga, at 19th and O Street in Midtown. “The key,” Kramer says. “is to try as many yoga styles and teachers as you can. Make use of your mountain pose in nature around Squaw, and in the evenings enjoy the music.”

Overall, this event is sure to rock your short list, tickets are still available at Wanderlust.com.

Deep Yoga becomes Yoga Shala

2011-07-23T01:01:37Z

After six years at the helm of Deep Art and Yoga on H Street, the first yoga studio in Midtown, owner Christine Sukhbir Kaur Collins is passing the space on to Tyler Langdale, owner of Yoga Shala.

Though she won’t own the space any longer, Collins will continue to teach Kundalini yoga, which emphasizes focused breathing, meditation and chanting, at Yoga Shala two nights a week.

Citing her desire to live a freer, “more relaxed life,” with time to travel, Collins explained that she is ready to relinquish some of the responsibilities that have come with owning Deep, specifically those having to do with finances.

“I just won’t have the stress and the responsibility of numbers, which is not something I enjoy or am really that good at,” she said.

For someone who has watched the yoga scene in Sacramento grow from its infancy, Collins’ decision to close has not been an easy one.

“Letting go of anything that you love is really challenging,” she said.

But she said her new life path has brought to her a sense of relief, and she will continue to invest in the Sacramento yoga community.

“Now I get to do what I really love, which is build community through teaching,” she said.

Letting go of Deep will also give Collins more time to focus on Dad’s Kitchen on Freeport Boulevard, which she co-owns.

Yoga Shala will continue Deep’s model of specializing in Kundalini and Yin Yoga, as well as 5Rhythms Dance, a music-centered workout taught by Bella Dreizler, but will also incorporate Vinyasa, a physically intense form of yoga that emphasizes posture, physical strength and power.

Dino Misenti, a longtime student at Deep who is currently traveling in India, said via email that he was surprised and saddened by the news of the studio closing.

Misenti remembered Collins’ “profound” knowledge of Kundalini chakras and energy locks and her “mystical” appearance, in white garments and head wrap.

He said that taking a class with Collins is “akin to being told how to breathe properly for the first time and getting a healthy dose of intoxicating oxygen.”

“After every class, you feel gentler, lighter, more at peace,” he added.

While she is aware of her students’ sadness about the closing of Deep, Collins said she is confident in the resilience of the community.

“Part of being a yoga practitioner is that you learn how to adapt gracefully to change,” she said.

The Sacramento Press' Mother’s Day gift guide

2011-05-07T06:07:18Z

Mother’s Day is coming Sunday, and The Sacramento Press has a few gift ideas that are sure to let mom know how much you love her.

Gift idea No. 1: Send your mom on a relaxing getaway.

Super Spa, located at 1722 J St., Suite 1, offers a variety of massage services. Relaxation or therapeutic massages range from $40 to $120 depending on the length of the massage.

A warm stone therapy ranges from $90 to $140, and a head and scalp treatment for 30 minutes costs $40.

Every 60 minutes of massage includes an organic aromatherapy steam.

According to owner Suzanne Saunders, Super Spa's "Treat Mom to 90 minutes of bliss" special includes a L'initié facial care with Univera's super hydrating line-reducing face cream.

"We we will finish with their radiant and tightening skin toner," Saunders said. "She will be glowing for days."

Super Spa offers a chiropractic service, nutrition consulting, yoga sessions and a rain forest tub with Super Spa Me Organics bath salts, soaps and organic teas.

They have couples and single spa packages, including a chocolate rub and scrub package with a steam, 90-minute massage, body scrub, one-hour rain forest tub soak and organic chocolate.

Gift idea No. 2: Make her garden special.

The Gifted Gardener, located at 1730 J St., is a family-owned store that has an array of garden accessories, bird feeders and chimes to spruce up mom’s garden.

According to sales associate Taffetta Lassen, customers can expect store items to range from 25 cents to $270.

The two most popular items for the Mother’s Day holiday are chimes and bird feeders.

“Ninety-five percent (of our items) are meant to be outside,” Lassen said. “(We want to) encourage you to live outside, preferably in the garden.”

Several notable gifts include handmade clay flowers from Thailand, a large rock collection with various inspirational words, shea butter-enriched soaps in rhubarb, linden and honey almond, and gnome statues.

Sales associate Xian Kwong is Lassen’s son. "(Mother's Day) is a pretty big holiday for us," he said. "(We offer) something pretty for her garden."

One notable gift is a colorful hanging slate plaque with a hummingbird and flowers painted on it, which can be purchased for $23.

Gift idea No. 3: Buy her beautiful flowers.

Relles Florist, 2400 J St., is having several specials for Mother's Day with their cash-and-carry option. If you go directly to the store, you can purchase flowers at a discount if you pay with cash and take it with you.

According to Jim Relles, the president of Relles Florist, they carry at least 200 varieties of flowers from orchids, lilies, sunflowers, birds of paradise, liatris and anthuriums.

Relles said he recommends preordering flowers, but they have never sold out on Mother’s Day.

“We’ll have plenty of flowers (for Mother’s Day),” Relles said. “Mixed spring arrangements (are) very colorful.”

Relles also said that the average arrangement costs $40.

The arrangement below costs $40 and includes carnations, stock, pink statice and purple pom pom chrysanthemums.

Below is another arrangement that costs $40 and includes roses, carnations, statice, solidago and pom pom chrysanthemums.

“Roses are beautiful for Mother’s Day,” Relles said.

Gift idea No. 4: Treat mom to some retail therapy.

Several downtown Sacramento clothing boutiques have plenty of gift ideas for mom.

Sugar Shack, 2425 J St., is the perfect destination for the trendy mom. Sugar Shack has cute spring dresses and tops, belts, shoes and sunglasses. Also, they have lots of locally handmade jewelry.

Several of the brands the boutique carries include Toms shoes, Chaser, Level 99, Ark and Co. and OBEY.

Clothing prices range from $29 to $150.

A cute gift for mom that you can find at Sugar Shack is the polka-dot blouse below, from Ellison, which costs $38.

Clothing Remix, 2419 J St., carries new and used women's clothing, accessories and shoes.

According to co-owner Julie Vue, although their fashion pieces might look trendy, she said they “don’t want to rule out anyone.”

Vue said that the accessories and clothing range from $5 to $70.

Starting Mother's Day, they will offer 30 percent off of new merchandise and 20 percent off used merchandise.

They also offer styling tips on how to spruce up your wardrobe. According to Vue, if customers like a particular item, she shows them how they can incorporate it into their style by matching it with a pair of sandals or a nice blazer.

“We believe in trying the pieces on,” Vue said.

Vue said that she uses today’s magazines as inspiration combined with the customer’s personal style.

Below is a flutter sleeve blouse, from Von Chic, which costs $39.99.

The Cotton Club, at 2331 J St., is a boutique that offers unique, natural fiber clothing and all kinds of accessories.

They carry casual to professional women’s clothing, from tops, blouses and dresses. They also have a large selection of scarves, purses, jewelry and hats.

Their clothing and accessory items range from $25 to $120.

Several of the brands the store carries are Cut Loose, Tribal, Nomadic Traders, Color Me Cotton and Flax.

Was your mom obsessed with the Royal Wedding? Treat her like a queen with one of the Cotton Club’s colorful hats.

One gift idea at the Cotton Club is this purple top below, which costs $84, by Color Me Cotton.

Make your mother feel special this Mother's Day. No matter what you get for her, she will appreciate anything that comes from the heart.

In the Moment at Fusion Yoga

2011-01-25T20:37:34Z

Now in my 40s, I wake up a little stiff each morning and think about getting older. In the next moment, I am suddenly cooking breakfast, packing lunches, and rushing to take the kids to school.

Amidst this frenzied routine one day, I slammed the car door to the yelping of our four-legged family member, Piggie. Because of my thoughtlessness, poor Piggie was inside the car whimpering with her tail poking out from the doorjamb. Ugh.

How can I be more conscious of my actions and be “in” the moment?

These days, so many people are turning to yoga. Does it really work to pull oneself into the present as well as help with those aches and pains?

Ashtanga. Vinyasa. Power. Knowing where to start can be confusing, and while I’ve taken classes here and there, nothing stuck. Some studios were intimidating and appeared to be for the “in crowd” wearing hip attire and smiles on their bums.

An Internet search brought Fusion Yoga Studio to my attention, and I decided to check out the karma class. It is offered twice a week to make yoga accessible regardless of one’s ability to pay. A donation bowl accompanies each class for voluntary contributions.

It was noon on a Wednesday.

The yoga room was lit by an array of candles on the floor and a few wall sconces. Two palm plants and a framed mirror surrounded the candles against a backdrop of deep crimson. The ceiling and wall to the right were painted black, the wall to the left painted yellow. No windows. It felt like a warm cave.

After a few minutes to settle in, the instructor asked if it was my first visit and whether I had injuries. She then instructed us all how to ujjayi breathe. Seeming to hear my mental queries, she answered with where to put body parts, how to listen to the body and reminded us to breathe.

Learning to connect physical movements with consciousness of the mind is central to the class. The focus is internal, less about a physical goal of having a perfect pose.

Not looking around the class at anyone else nor looking at myself in a mirror, I was focused and, for the first time, I was learning yoga. There are moments of being “in” the moment.

After class, I sat with instructor and owner Lori Moore McCormick.

“You have to be taught to work mentally in your postures,” McCormick said. “You can’t be thinking about your grocery list while trying to do a headstand.”

Fusion instructors have several years of experience and are trained to use language to guide students through yoga postures. The goal of Fusion instructors is “to teach, not just lead … so that one day you won’t need the teacher,” McCormick said.

While this concept seems to run counter to an effective business strategy, the emphasis is on helping students develop an individual awareness of body alignment, mental presence, and well-being, all of which may vary on any given day.

According to McCormick, instructors are also required to be able to teach mixed levels. A class may have a cancer survivor, an athlete recovering from an injury, and another in vibrant health. Fusion serves a diverse clientele.

Bob Enright, 59, cleans the studio in exchange for free yoga classes and has been a patron for the past year.

“I had a bad back,” he said. “Yoga completely cured my back, and it helps me to feel calm, more patient.”

A climber who also works out at Pipeworks, Enright shared his perspective: “Studios can be intimidating, especially for mid-aged men. Some think exercise should be macho. But I tell my friends, ‘No matter what you’re doing as a sport, you do it longer and better with yoga than without yoga.’”

McCormick further explained Fusion’s approach: “We try to tailor the practice to the needs of the individual, rather than try to take set flows regardless of who is in front of the instructors.” Otherwise, people can develop injuries.

Straightforward and knowledgeable, McCormick comes across as down-to-earth without being preachy. Meanwhile, there is a spiritual element to her practice.

“There is no finished down dog,” she said. “Every day one comes to the mat with all that comes with that day. We are all mind, body and spirit. Sometimes people forget that. Depending on what type of day one had at the office or whether there was a death in the family, one’s body may be in a different place.”

Holding firm to her convictions about yoga, McCormick also responds to the needs of her patrons and community. Fusion hosts concerts and wine-tastings in addition to offering yoga instructor trainings and renting out rooms to community groups. Becoming a meeting place is part of the studio’s evolution.

In February, tai chi will be offered for the first time. The studio will host the Nada Brahma Music Ensemble for a night of Indian music on Feb. 12, and kirtan is coming in March.

Getting back to the question: “Does yoga really work?” I think it can, depending on what you bring to the mat and that you keep going back. Certainly, finding a studio or instructor with the right fit makes all the difference. There are more than 20 yoga studios in and around Sacramento to check out!

Fusion Yoga Studio is located at 2310 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite C2, in Sacramento. Fusion offers a range of classes, from Yoga Basics to Power Flow and other advanced classes. To learn more about the studio, see fusionyogasac.com.

Yoga class to help comatose musician

2011-01-14T01:42:37Z

The second annual “Yoga for Chi” class will be held Jan. 22 to benefit Chi Cheng, bassist for Deftones, who has been in a coma since November 2008.

“It’s an hour-long free yoga class for all ages, and it’s open to all skill levels,” said Julie McKechnie, who will be hosting the class from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at American River Crossfit, 1512 Howe Ave.

Students are encouraged to make donations, which will help Cheng’s family raise the money needed to transport him to New Jersey to see a specialist.

Cheng, who has lived in both Sacramento and Stockton, was in a car accident on Nov. 3, 2008, and though his family says he is improving, he has yet to regain consciousness, according to oneloveforchi.com, a website set up to rally support for the musician.

“His family gives updates and blogs on the website,” McKechnie said. “The family came out and asked for support.”

McKechnie doesn’t know Cheng personally, but said she has been a fan of Deftones, and she wanted to do her part to help.

“Last year, we raised just under $300,” she said. “We’re hoping for $1,000 this year.”

Gina Blackmore of Austin, Texas, founded oneloveforchi.com in March of 2009.

Blackmore said she founded the website because she wanted to help Cheng and his family in any way possible, and described Cheng as “a great guy who was always very kind to my husband and I.”

At last year’s event, Cheng’s ex-wife and son came, and McKechnie said she is expecting supporters from all over Northern California at this year’s event.

Jan. 22 is the date for the global “Wake Up Fest,” when supporters around the world will hold events for Cheng.

On the website for Wake Up Fest, lists events are listed all across the United States as well as in other countries, including the Czech Republic, The Philippines and Romania.

For people who want to donate but are unable to attend the yoga course, oneloveforchi.com has a PayPal donation button.

“It’s one small thing a fan can do,” McKechnie said.

Photos of last year's event by Jonathan Mendick.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Nick Clark to Co-Lead Zuda Yoga Folsom’s 40-Day Transformation

2010-12-13T22:37:36Z

FOLSOM, Calif. Dec. 13, 2010 – Nick Clark, Folsom-based lifestyle coach and wellness professional, today announced that he will co-lead Zuda Yoga Folsom’s 40-Day Transformation, a program to help participants change habits and rid their lives of “things” holding them back.

What: 40-Day Transformation with Corri Chadwick & Nick Clark
Time: Friday, January 21, 2011 at 7:30pm - Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7:30pm
Place: Zuda Yoga Folsom
220 Blue Ravine Rd. Ste 130
Folsom, CA
Cost/Rewards: Program Cost: $199 includes a copy of the book, “40 Days to
Personal Revolution,” and a 40-day continuous yoga pass for Zuda Folsom (all current class passes will be frozen until after the program). Also, enjoy 10% off all items in the boutique during the 40 days and one free week of Yoga at Zuda Folsom with the completion of the program
Register: Pre-registration is required as space is limited

“Through the 40 Day challenge, we guide participants through a personal journey to help inspire positive change and self actualization,” said Nick Clark, founder of Nick Clark Health. “This is a great opportunity for people to bring a positive change into their lives by committing to health and well-being and making it a part of daily life.”

About Nick Clark Health
Based in Folsom, Calif., founder Nick Clark is a dedicated lifestyle coach and wellness professional. Clark is one of the areas top health professionals and yoga instructors and constantly works to inspire, educate, maintain and improve his clients’ health.
Style magazine’s Style Readers’ Choice Award Winner: The 2010 6th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards #1 Favorite Yoga Instructor. To learn more about Clark, visit http://www.nickclarkhealth.com.

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Nick Clark to Warm Up Runners for Folsom Turkey Trot with Yoga and Teaches Thanksgiving Class at Zuda

2010-11-22T15:22:48Z

FOLSOM, Calif. Nov. 22, 2010 – Nick Clark, Folsom-based lifestyle coach and wellness professional, today announced that he will teach the warm up series for all of the runners of this year’s Folsom Turkey Trot. He will also be teaching one of the two classes held at ZUDA Yoga in Folsom on Thanksgiving.

“Yoga is a great workout for the mind and the body,” said Nick Clark, founder of Nick Clark Health. “It offers a mental and physical challenge and teaches students to push past barriers in order to grow. It is an honor to be able to teach to several hundreds of people on Thanksgiving morning. There is no better way to give thanks to a community that supports health!”

Clark teaches at several locations throughout the greater Sacramento area, including at Zuda Yoga - Midtown and Folsom; Body Investment Studio - Rancho Cordova; California Family Fitness – Folsom; and Robinsons Taekwondo – Folsom.

Clark’s Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule:

Thursday November 25th (Thanksgiving)

Warm-Up Turkey Trot:
8:40 and 8:55 a.m.

75 Minute, Level 1 Power Vinyasa Thanksgiving Special:
9:30 @ Zuda Yoga-Folsom

Clark’s Complete Yoga Schedule:

Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom
6:00 p.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom

Monday:
9:30 a.m. Zuda Yoga Midtown
12:00 p.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom

Wednesday:
6 a.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom
4:30 Zuda Yoga Folsom
6 p.m. Body Investment Studio in Rancho Cordova

Thursday:
4:30 p.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom
6:00 p.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom

Friday:
6:00 a.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom
4:30 p.m. California Family Fitness‐ Folsom

Saturday:
8:00 a.m. Zuda Yoga Folsom
10:00 a.m. Robinsons Taekwondo

Disclosure: Lori Bertelli is the owner of Bertelli Group Public Relations and is PR consultant to Nick Clark.

Yoga collective takes root

2010-10-05T01:14:16Z

Want to try yoga but just can't afford it?

Yoga teachers had you in mind when they formed the Yoga Seed Collective.

Sacramento's newest yoga studio opened Saturday to bring yoga to a larger audience. The collective takes donations of whatever each person can afford.

"I love it," said Sarah Wolfe, a 25-year-old freelance makeup artist, after taking a yoga class Monday morning. "You can relax and have a settled mind knowing you don't have to break the bank to be here."

The collective was formed by three yoga teachers: Sara Johnson, Zack Pasillas and Erin Reschke, who now make up the volunteer board of directors.

Pasillas was already offering donation-only yoga classes at the Tahoe Park charter school where he teaches math. When he and Johnson met last spring, they found they shared the same vision to provide yoga to more people through a donation system, he said Monday.

They initially planned to hold yoga classes in several spots around Sacramento. Then they found an empty space for lease at 1400 E St. in Mansion Flat’s Shine Building. The property was renovated by owner John Stricklin.

Reschke, who's also getting licensed as an architect, oversaw interior improvements to turn a 1,300-square-foot storefront into a yoga studio.

Yoga sessions are held on a cork floor. Exposed wood beams and white paper lanterns hang overhead. A donated dresser and two old benches serve as the reception area in the sparse studio. A small table is now a community alter. Pasillas painted a dandelion flower with blowing seeds on the walls.

The collective has 13 teachers who volunteer their skills and time. Deep yoga and massage wellness center owner Sukhbir, described by Johnson as "the mother of yoga in Sacramento," said she wanted to "be of service" and teach yoga to another group besides the clients at her studio.

"Yoga's not just about one studio here and one studio there," said Sukhbir, who's taught yoga for 11 years. "It's about being in community with everybody."

Individuals and Zuda Yoga have donated yoga mats, straps and pillows.

People who can pay are invited to put cash or a check in a donation jar on the dresser. No one will be turned away if they can't afford to pay.

"That's exactly why we're here," Reschke said. "We'd like people to bring what they can. Even if it's only their presence."

Yoga Seed is offering 18 classes a week, including several on weekdays and 11 a.m. classes on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes held at 6 p.m. weeknights are likely to be best for beginners, Johnson said.

Organizers are in the process of setting up the nonprofit that will own and operate the yoga studio. Suggested donations are $7 to $15 a class. Fundraisers are being planned to help cover costs. They believe they can make the collective work if they get 14 students a day who donate $5 each, Johnson said.

The idea behind the collective is to remove barriers to yoga.

"The No. 1 complaint is that it's too expensive," she said. "Making it more financially accessible is a way to make it more accessible to more people."

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Capitol Events this week

2010-09-11T02:44:20Z

Saturday, Sept. 11
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bikram Yoga Elk Grove will be hosting a yoga session and providing premade packed lunches for participants at Area 22, the grassy area just north of the fish pond. Around 100 participants are expected to attend.

Sunday, Sept. 12
7 a.m. - 2 p.m. The 10th annual Capitol City AIDS Fund Run/Walk and Health Fair will take place on the West Steps of the Capitol. The 5K run around Capitol Park begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k walk begins at 9 a.m. The award ceremony and health fair will be held at 10 a.m. About 2000 people are expected to attend.

Yoga + Music on the Mountain: "Wanderlust" returns to Squaw Valley

2010-08-04T04:45:55Z

The second annual Wanderlust Festival took place this weekend at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe. Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's best yoga teachers and best performers in rock & roll, all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. It is a place to relax, unwind, bend, dance, revel, and contemplate. This year's festival offered expanded yoga offerings, more great music, a complement of organic foods and biodynamic wines, and the same incredible scenery and community that made last year’s event such a hit.

Wanderlust showcases a range of teachers, classes and styles that inspire and challenge all practitioners, from the curious beginner to longtime students. This year’s yoga line-up featured some of the most notable names in yoga, including Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Baron Baptiste, Doug Swenson, Duncan Wong, Elena Brower and Schuyler Grant.

The music at Wanderlust is a soundtrack for the weekend, featuring both music to flow to and music to dance to. Leading the charge this year were Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls and Pretty Lights. Artists who also performed over the weekend were Yard Dogs Road Show, Beats Antique, Rupa & The April Fishes, Ana Sia, MC Yogi, Orgone, Princess Superstar, Dave Stringer, DJ Dragonfly, The Mayapuris, Shaman’s Dream, Rara Avis, John Shannon, and many more.

"The first yoga class I took was in '98 in Berlin and I have kind of been taking yoga since then," said festival goer Masha from Oregon. "It's my religion in a way -- and live music is my other religion. So it's the perfect festival!"

Ashley Turner, teaching her class "Shaman-Priestess: A Sonic Journey to the Soul".

Yoga practioners listen during the yoga class "The Pulse Experience: Freedom" taught by Shiva Rea, creator of Prana Flow Yoga.

Shiva Rea

A yogini practices at the Pulse Stage.

Sabina Sciubba of Brazilian Girls, who headlined Sunday.

John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga. Easily the most revered individual at Wanderlust.

Shiva Rea demonstrates positions with her assistants in her "Rivers of Prana: Diving into the Flow" class.

Moby

Yoginis pose in the Village.

Hula hooping in Anusara Village.

Practicing at the Pulse Stage.

Bassnectar

A young fan watches Moby's afternoon acoustic set at the Yoga Tree Tent on Saturday.

Two Wanderlusters take in the Village in their custom shirts.

Pretty Lights

Baron Baptiste's class "Ignite & Inspire"

The drummer of support band Beats Antique goes from the stage into the crowd wearing a horse mask.

Dance party with Shiva Rea

The front row during Bassnectar's set. The nightly headliners attracted a younger crowd who did not participate in yoga classes during the day.

Moby

In Squaw Valley's world-renowned cable car coming down from High Camp, el. 8,200'. Several yoga classes were held at High Camp, and festival attendees were also able to eat, swim and hike in the High Camp facility.

Yard Dogs Road Show

Practicing in Shiva Rea's class "Raising the Vibration: Prana Flow and Kirtan"

Wanderlust offered workshops, lectures, and demonstrations covering topics of importance to festival goers. Actor Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer (not pictured) gave a lecture entitled "Sustainable Messaging through New Media". To learn more, visit their website: SHFT.

Yogis practice in a class taught by Janet Stone, one of San Francisco's premier vinyasa yoga teachers.

A fire artist performs before Bassnectar's set.

Janet Stone's class "Fire and Fly" in the Yoga Tree Tent.

Fanny Franklin of North Hollywood band Orgone

Photos: Steven Chea

Yoga Shala opens

2010-07-07T04:06:01Z

Tyler Langdale knew from his first yoga class that he would open his own studio one day.

But it wasn't until he and Sacramento lobbyist Josh Pane, a devoted friend and yoga client, spent a month studying yoga, traditional healing and Buddhism in India and China that he seriously considered it.

The 27-year-old yoga teacher and the former city councilman were walking on a beach in Goa on India's west coast. The Arabian Sea shimmered as the idea crystallized in Pane's mind.

"I turned to Tyler and I said, 'Tyler — you've got to open up a yoga studio,' " Pane said.

Now the two are partnering to open the central city's newest yoga studio, Yoga Shala Sacramento, in the recently renovated YWCA of Contra Costa/Sacramento. They held their grand opening Tuesday evening at the historic building, 1122 17th St. Langdale led about 100 people through a series of yoga poses or asanas intended to stretch, strengthen, relax and rebalance.

The trip last fall was the culmination of two years of private yoga study. Their studio is named after the yoga center in India where they deepened their practices, Mysore Mandala Yogashala.

"Shala means sacred space," Langdale said. "It's a safe space — a sacred space."

Langdale, a former competitive swimmer, said the name was chosen to reflect their aim of creating a safe, accepting space for people on their own paths to personal empowerment and health through yoga.

"The main thing about us is we're going to try to keep it simple. We're not as interested in the clothes you wear — but who you are. Come as you are," Langdale said. "Just come and be. Use your energy to try to get clear on your way of being and the way you want to live in this world."

Pane has studied yoga for seven years and plans to become a yoga instructor as well. They have known each other for four years, first as students at Yoga Loka, run by the man sometimes called the "grandfather" of Sacramento yoga, Bill McCauley.

Langdale had been working as a massage therapist for several years when he committed to a personal practice of daily power vinyasa three years ago. He has taught at Zuda Yoga for about two and half years.

The two looked at about 20 possible spaces before turning to the YWCA, which just underwent a $3 million renovation. Commercial spaces were going for $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. But none had the same feel as the YWCA.

At a slightly higher cost, Langdale and Pane now have a monthly lease on a 1,000-square-foot room with wood floors, a box-beam ceiling and large windows looking out onto Midtown. Classes on beginning yoga, power vinyasa and ashtanga vinyasa will be held four times a day, seven days a week. This week, classes will be held evenings only and mornings only over the weekend. The regular schedule begins Monday.

The central city now supports at least six yoga studios. But many don't make it. Pane and Langdale hope to make theirs competitive by offering longer classes (90 minutes, rather than 75) and a lower price for drop-in students ($14, rather than $16). They are also offering an introductory $10 for 10 consecutive days and a $10 "power hour" at noon.

They have recruited six other experienced yoga teachers: Robert Hallworth, Rachel Miller, Christine Aspen, Lyle Silverthorn, Nick Montoya and Gina Garcia.

Pane said Langdale's "unconditional love" for people and his dynamic ability to lead a group through what is, essentially, an individual practice make him an exceptional teacher.

"He just demonstrates love — his love for people, his love for life, his love for learning new things," Pane said. "His unconditional love comes out in his teaching."

Photo of Josh Pane and Tyler Langdale in Goa, India, provided by Yoga Shala Sacramento. Other photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter covering business and development for The Sacramento Press.

Photo essay: Inaugural "Fit Crawl" off and rolling

2010-05-24T05:00:10Z

The first annual Fit Crawl on Saturday had 38 "crawlers" ride bicycles to five locations for a 20-minute preview of different fitness methods. Downtown locations included Pipeworks for rock climbing, Fleet Feet to learn about proper running shoes and technique, Ultimate Fitness for in-ring training and bag work, Asha Yoga to try the styles of yoga and Bodytribe, for a fresh take on fitness training.

The Crawl was put on by the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, and sponsored by PepsiCo. The $35 ticket included bike rental, loaned from Bikes and Bites. The Wellness Task Force, in existence since 2002, focuses on fitness and nutrition in schools and the workplace.

Executive director Leah Cox said, "We do it to help people be social, get out there and meet and be active. (Additionally) it helps local businesses. When we get to work with schools and businesses, people directly, it charges us up." She added that the idea behind the Fit Crawl stemmed from similar events such as downtown's Pub Crawls and a fund-raising event involving restaurants called the Food Crawl.

Fit Crawl members appeared nervous before taking off. But just one facility into the five-facility, four-hour program, it was obvious the participants were enjoying themselves.

The following is a photo journal of the event:

Fit Crawlers gather for a quick introduction and welcome. Crawlers were placed into groups, each with a team leader.

One group learning footwork and dodging techniques from mixed martial arts instructor Kenneth Alexander of Ultimate Fitness.

A few ladies using their recently learned punch-and-kick combinations on the bags.

One group heading off to the next location.

Practicing one of many yoga poses.

Once the breathing techniques, meditation and beginning yoga were mastered, this group began to learn more advanced "yogi" poses.

At BodyTribe, warming up with some pushup/side-plank variations.

Later, the groups at BodyTribe practiced slamming tires. Trainer Chip Conrad told the group, "We (at BodyTribe) like to keep it entertaining."

The sweet ride donated by Performance Bikes. The black Fuji Del Rey bicycle was the raffle prize open to Fit Crawl participants.

Fit Crawl participants received specials from participating facilities. Cox, also a team leader during the day, said the Fit Crawl is scheduled to be an annual event. Judging by the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Wellness Task Force may schedule more Fit Crawl events. For more information on the Wellness Task Force, visit their website.

Yoga to be kidding me

2010-04-02T02:02:52Z

"What did the yogi say to the hot-dog vendor?"

"Make me one with everything"

Yoga? Me? Not bloody likely. Up until recently, when I thought of yoga , I conjured up people named "Moonbeam" and "Mudpuddle" singing "Kumbaya" while stretching and massaging one another's colorful auras. No thanks. I don't drink soy milk, I'd rather die than become a vegan, I can't stand drum circles, and patchouli makes me retch.

Don't let the degree from the University of Oregon fool you; I'm no hippie. Except when it comes to the music festivals, /cause they're far out, man. Come High Sierra, I will be gallivanting barefoot, loving all my fellow Earth creatures, and may very well end up on the front page of passedoutwookie.com. But that's neither here nor there.

What is both here and there is the fact that I don't do touchy feely, I don't own tights and New Age music causes me to break out in hives. Yoga is meant for Moonjava and Snowphish, not guys like me.

So when the girlfriend asked me if I would join her at Zuda Yoga, I said sure. For $10, you can go as many times as you want over a 10-day period. I figured she would drag me there at most three times, I'd get a little exercise, and maybe meet a pot dealer (medicinal, of course, my cat has glaucoma). When the 10 days were up, I'd thank the nice people at Zuda for their time and patience, and explain to them, and Jess, that "yoga just ain't my thing."

I showed up Thursday morning, and everything was going according to plan. I exchanged pleasantries with the impossibly fit girl at the front desk. " 'This is your first time? Oh, good for you!' " she said, somehow seeming to mean it, without an iota of condescension. She handed me my mat -- pink, of course -- and directed me to take off my shoes and head in to the studio. " 'You're gonna want to grab a spot in the back so you can watch everyone else. Good luck!' "

With these foreboding instructions rattling around in my head, I entered the belly of the beast. The room temp was a balmy 87 degrees. I sweat if I'm sitting motionless in 80 degrees, so I had a few forehead beads going even before the instructor arrived. When Kate did arrive, she scanned the room and asked " 'Anyone here new to the class?' " I and one other poor soul raised our hands. She was not sympathetic. She said something to the effect of " 'Well, this is an all- levels course. Do your best to keep up.' "

She had us get into child's pose, a very basic prone pose that I'm sure I look ridiculous in. This was how I'd imagined it would be. Then, all of a sudden, everything changed. What followed was one of the most excruciating, exhilarating, wonderfully painful workouts I've ever had. Muscles shook, sweat poured, several times I nearly collapsed, once, I felt certain I was gonna puke.

It was awesome. It was gnarly. I was totally worked but totally invigorated. Chris, the assistant, told me it was probably the hardest class he'd been to. So I went back the next day, and got just as fantastically ruined. I'd been told that Kate was the toughest. Well, Danielle brought the pain as well. Just when you're sure you can't take any more, they get a little more out of you, and then a little more, and so on. I'm beginning to think that every class is "the hardest class."

Thursday will be my fourth class in a week, and I would have taken more if I hadn't been out of town all weekend. Even so, I wanted to sneak in another class Saturday morning, which would have been three in a row, but muscles I didn't even know I had were sore. It was like ghost limb syndrome, but achier and without prosthetics.

What started as a lark quickly has become something far more. This is the first time that I've looked forward to working out in nearly a decade. And then it was playing pickup hoops with a bunch of friends. This is the first time I've ever looked forward to a workout that didn't involve friends and balls. Wait, that didn't come out right.

What I'm trying to say is, if I can do it and become stoked on it, anybody can. For a $10 investment, I discovered a pastime that is enjoyable and immensely rewarding. I honestly can say that I feel better already, and it's been less than a week. Also, if the parts about nearly collapsing and almost puking don't appeal to you, I found out later that they do offer beginner classes. Otherwise, jump on in the deep end with me and Starbright. The water's fine.

If you are interested: http://www.zudayoga.com/

Padme Yoga Center coming to Sacramento

2010-03-10T04:22:55Z

"Connect, Breathe, Let go" is the message behind Padme Yoga Center, which is scheduled to open in June in East Sacramento.

The new yoga center will focus on the teaching and practice of Yoga Vinyasa, a form of yoga performed in a warmer heat, or "hot yoga."

Sophie Levy, owner of the new yoga center, called the warmth a "Hawaiian Heat", saying the room temperature will be kept around 85 degrees. She explained that the higher temperature allows the muscles to relax while the movements physically challenge the body.

The range of knowledge about this teaching will be demonstrated by instructors who will teach beginner classes through advanced classes. There will be a total of 10 instructors leading the classes, one of whom will be Levy herself.

"I have been a yoga instructor for about seven and a half years," Levy said. "I am close with my instructors, having known most of them for a least two years. I have taught with some of them, and some started as my students."

The yoga center will open with 25 classes throughout the week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This number will eventually grow to about 30 or 32 classes a week once the center is up and running, Levy said.

Padme Yoga Center will also hold drum and dance classes on Saturdays nights. Levy said she was excited that the dancing will be instructed by a man from West Africa who should help to bring more life to the class.

The yoga center will also offer a free beginner workshop at least once a month.

Levy also pointed out that at the location there is a kitchen that will allow an instructor to teach a nutrition class once a month.

Currently, there are deals on yoga classes that will bring the original price down from $99 to $59 for 30-day unlimited yoga or $69 for 30-day unlimited yoga.

"When we open, we are going to have $10 for 10 consecutive days," Levy said.

The main focus of the Padme Yoga Center is to use yoga and its teaching to help bring the community together. The yoga center will also be supporting local artists selling their unique homemade products such as jewelry, and kids cloths in their retail area.

Padme Yoga Center will be located at 1899 Alhambra Blvd, Suite A, across from the Sacramento Food Co-op.

Until the opening of the new location, every Tuesday starting the 16th, there will be Vinyasa Flow classes at the Art Beast on K and 22nd Streets for those who want to try the yoga. Donations are encouraged, and class will be open to all levels.

Though the website is not complete, a temporary site with more information on the new yoga center is available at padmecenter.com.

Feed the 'Beast' your creativity

2010-01-13T02:22:17Z

Imagine being a child in a world with endless possibilities for creativity. Welcome to Art Beast, an art studio for children located at 2226 K St.

Children of all ages are encouraged to act, paint, color, play and dream inside the sacred walls of Art Beast. Parents and adults feel like the visitors in this magical world. The Art Beast contains three floors and a basement perfect for letting your child's creativity run wild.

"Everything is here in this building," grandma Rose Orlandi said as she watched her two grandchildren ages 4 and 2. "Clay. Sand. Paint. They have it all and I don't have to worry about getting it on my carpet. Where else can I play too?"

Different floors are dedicated to different activities. The basement contains the play room. Inside is a magical world of space capsules, forts and a stage. Children are encouraged to interact with the different props. The second floor is where most art takes place. Easels and sandboxes are scattered throughout, tables with crafts highlight the center of the room. Each day a new craft is designed to entertain and educate children. The third floor is the studio. Highlighted by a wall of windows, children and their adults can dance or stretch in class settings.

"This is a unique place in Sacramento to uncover my child's creative side," dad Jacob Helmar said. "I also get to do it with him. As an artist, that important for me to spend quality, creative time with my son Otto."

That's how everyone feels once they cross the doorway. A bad work week, bad weather or just a bad day all ends once you enter the Art Beast. Parents are encouraged to participate in all activities and classes. The Art Beast is not just an opportunity to allow your child's imagination to grow, but an environment that helps build the foundation for a healthy, loving family.

A few classes include:

Yoga and Creative Movement is a class offered from 10-10:30 am on Mondays. This class encourages the movement of children through dance and yoga.

Beastie Song Circle is offered at 11am on Thursdays. This class is a chance for all ages to sing and dance as their heart wishes.

Storybook Art and Fingerplay is offered from 10:30- 11:15 am on Fridays. Children and adults use songs to convey classic children stories.

For a complete class list, visit the Art Beast website.

Yoga sends 'chi' to Deftones bassist in coma

2009-10-07T17:59:16Z

Last Sunday, the Yoga Solution studio was filled with the relaxing sound of "namastes," "oms" and a meditation gong. But what spoke the loudest, perhaps, were three chants of "Chi."

On Oct. 4, 10 people came together to practice yoga and send "chi," or life force energy, to Chi Cheng, bassist for the Grammy-award-winning Sacramento band, Deftones. Cheng has been in a coma since Nov. 4, 2008, after being involved in a motor accident.

The event was organized by yoga instructor Julie McKechnie, who normally teaches classes for members of the Gold River Racquet Club. Her friend Jennifer Sadugor, the owner of Yoga Solution, 887 57th St., allowed her to use her studio for the fundraising gathering, she said.

"I'm such a big (Deftones) fan and when (Chi) had his accident, I was upset and distraught," McKechnie said before the class. Looking for updates on Cheng's condition, she found a way to help through the website www.oneloveforchi.com.

A little over six months ago, another Deftones fan, Gina Blackmore, set up the website to update fans on Cheng's status and allow fans to send "get well" messages as well as donate money to pay for his medical bills. At the time of publication, more than 2,334 donations totaling nearly $73,000 has been donated through the website.

"'One Love for Chi' touched me because I was once in the hospital and received overwhelming support from friends and strangers," McKechnie said. She decided to get her family and friends together and hold a yoga fundraiser, she said.

At a cost of $20 per person, all proceeds went to www.oneloveforchi.com. Among the attendees was McKechnie's mother, there for her first yoga lesson.

"It was great, even though I don't know (Cheng); he's a friend of a friend," said Christine Nicholson, one of the attendees. "It was a great way to get into yoga and to do something for someone else."

In fact, only one person practicing yoga on Sunday actually knew Cheng: his ex-wife Adrienne Cheng. Their son Gabriel also attended the fundraiser, but waited in the other room playing video games during the lesson.

"It was amazing; I'm blown away and really touched," Adrienne Cheng said after the yoga lesson. She mentioned that benefit shows for her ex-husband have been held all over the world.

"Chi's family wants me to thank everyone for coming to this event as well," McKechnie said after the lesson. "Our energy has made its way to (him and) his family."

The next fundraising event will be during this weekend's Second Saturday event. Vintage clothing boutique Bows and Arrows, 1712 L St., will be selling "One Love For Chi" t-shirts.

Those who want to donate can check www.oneloveforchi.com for future fundraisers or donate directly to Cheng's family for medical bills via Paypal.

Deep Tabla Talent

2009-07-09T04:01:44Z

   The residents of Sacramento are lucky to have a world-class musician performing in town this Thursday night. Manish Vyas is a tabla player who usually commands a large audience. He has toured extensively in Europe, USA, India, Israel and Singapore. Over the years, Manish has given countless live concerts and enthralled audiences of thousands of people. The record-breaking number so far was 50,000 in Coimbatore, India in 2004. The setting this Thursday will undoubtedly be much more intimate when he entertains at Deep Art & Yoga, at 2030 H St. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. These are available through the website www.deepartandyoga.com/workshops.html
   Manish’s ability to blend his talents together with many forms of world music has brought him the appreciation of music lovers around the globe, and caught the eye of world-renowned celebrities in the music field. The year 2002 was particularly special, with Manish being invited by Sir Paul McCartney to play at his wedding in Ireland as part of the Celtic Raga’s Band. In addition he has performed  for Paul Getty III, Anoushka Shankar,  Sir Jules Holland, Ringo Starr and Dr. Brian Weiss.
   As well as being a successful performer and recording artist, Manish is also held in high regard as a composer with a talent for creating beautiful melodies. Most notably, mantra queen,  Deva Premal has featured many of his compositions in her CD’s.
   Manish has eight of his own CD titles as well; Rejoicing, Sufi Splendour, Water down the Ganges, Sattva, India Trance Live, Healing Ragas series and just released 'Prasãd'. Each one of these albums has a totally different flavor – a reflection of his versatile and far reaching musical talent.  From the ancient spiritual roots of Sufism and Hinduism, to the pulsing beats of contemporary dance floor; from music for relaxation, to music for dance, Manish brings his unique creative abilities to an ever more appreciative audience.

Four Years and Cool Art

2009-05-19T16:45:14Z

It’s All Yoga

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michelle Marlahan
michelle@itsallyoga.com
(916) 501-4692
www.itsallyoga.com

IT’S ALL YOGA CELEBRATES FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON JUNE 13
Family fun activities include free yoga classes, live music, arts and entertainment

Sacramento, California – (May 18, 2009) A four-year anniversary celebration at It’s All Yoga, 2405 21st Street, will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The celebration will be combined with a Second Saturday event featuring art and music from Aim Higher, an adult development center in Roseville. There will be henna artists and door prizes.

During the opening on Saturday evening, any new student can sign up for a free week of unlimited yoga and all classes at the studio will be FREE on Saturday and Sunday.

The anniversary celebration is free and open to the public. For a schedule of classes and more information, visit www.itsallyoga.com or call 916-501-4692.

About Aim Higher
AIM HIGHER Adult Development Center serves adults with developmental disabilities at all levels of the ability spectrum. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care and curriculum delivery to all of our consumers in an environment that generates a sense of esteem and worth to everyone. www.aimhigherinc.com

About It’s All Yoga
At It's All Yoga, "yoga is not just a class, it's a lifestyle." Established in 2005, we are honored to serve this community and celebrate the practice of yoga with you. We offer classes and workshops on yoga, ayurveda, the chakras, kirtan and more. Walking the path of yoga is a practice of love, service and devotion, which leads to the presence of truth. Come, and you will find community, support and gifted teachers to help illuminate the way. Remember, no matter where you are or what you're doing, It's All Yoga! Our mission is to provide a welcoming, safe and sacred space where those interested in learning and enjoying yoga can experience the gifts of this ancient practice. We strive to do business in an environmentally responsible manner and work to provide students with inspiration and resources to promote individual and collective well-being. For more information, contact It’s All Yoga at (916) 501-4692 or visit www.itsallyoga.com.

###

Asha Yoga: Alive and Well

2009-04-21T02:11:23Z

20th Street's Mars Complex has been the location for a lot of recent development, with restaurants, bars, yogurt shops, and now Sacramento's newest yoga studio, Asha Yoga.

Asha Yoga is owned and operated by Cori Martinez and Maureen Guildersleeve, two relatively newcomers to the area and longtime yoga practitioners who say they plan to make Asha Yoga into a public space and center for community, not just a yoga studio.

Before moving to Sacramento three years ago, Martinez lived in Hawaii, where she established and taught at her first yoga studio, Yoga Centered. She says that she saw the space Asha Yoga now occupies four months ago, shortly before meeting her business partner Guildersleeve, and immediately began preparing to open the studio. "It's easier to go faster when you've done it before, and you know all the steps," says Martinez about the speed with which Asha has been established.

Not just a studio, Asha is also a boutique store carrying a variety of clothes and yoga accessories, all of which are produced in "environmentally and socially conscious" fashions. Martinez jokes that the boutique is a way to "justify" keeping the space open all day, allowing for people to wander in and out and chat with the teachers or other students.

"We're pretty confident that we're creating something here that people want to be a part of,” Martinez says. “Even if you're not coming to yoga you can stop in and remind yourself about your yoga practice, ask questions, look around."

The space, designed by architect Catherine Reon of CRCW studio, was designed to create a sense of tranquility and richness through the use of materials like raw pine and dark bamboo. Much of the original concrete has been left in its natural state, and large lanterns illuminate the studio. The result is welcoming, grounding, and light.

Martinez says that Asha's motto, "Ancient wisdom, modern practice," is emblematic of the "blending" of knowledge and practices from classical yoga with the realities of modern life. "Most of us can't spend 10 hours a day meditating in a cave."

The classes offered at Asha are geared toward all skill levels, but are designed to be accessible to newcomers. The classes are divided between dynamic, balanced, and mellow yogi, names that are designed to be descriptive without using Sanskrit words that might discourage beginners.

Despite having opened only three weeks ago, classes at Asha are already attracting students, with most class sizes falling between five and 20 people. Martinez attributes the quick growth to a combination of extensive word-of-mouth advertising and the publicity generated by hosting several Second Saturday open houses in the months before the studio's official opening.

Martinez says that Asha will continue to host Second Saturday events, as part of their efforts to be a visible part of the Sacramento community.

Readers interested in class schedules and other information about Asha Yoga can visit ashayoga.com to learn more. Asha Yoga is located at 1050 20th Street, suite #110.

Get up, get out & have fun

2009-03-31T22:43:08Z

Week 13: March 31-April 5

So after a few weeks of experimenting with this Storyline, I’ve decided to tweak things around a bit.

Quandary: My initial concept of highlighting an event a day was in response to those flighty and exasperated comments like: “There’s nothing interesting going on in Sacramento” or even more so the: “There’s nothing to do on Mondays (or any other day of the week that doesn’t seem to offer anything new)”.

7 Days, 7 things to do was my attempt to address this boring complaint of the non-creative, unimaginative types. Not to say that I haven’t been there myself! Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t until I started to get out a little bit that I really became aware of the vast array of truly great events going on- all the time! The limitation I set for myself to only cover one event a day proved difficult when there happened to be multiple events on a single day. How could I choose which one to cover when they are all cool events?

Solution: Get up, get out & have fun! will be a weekly article featuring events every day of the week. Not a day will be left out but neither will any great events. That being said, if none of these events catch your eye, there are still many more that I didn’t mention, so check out Sacramento365.com for more ideas.

Drum roll please…..

Tuesday 3.31

Save Our Sacramento Ballet Week!! (This is a week-long event)

It is no secret that the enormously talented dancers of our beloved Sacramento Ballet have been affected by economic downturn in the past year. Local businesses have graciously lent a helping hand by participating in the ballet’s “Ballet Business” program. These businesses will donate a percentage of their proceeds on certain days to help support the Sacramento Ballet. Play your part in this valiant effort by visiting one (or all!) of these businesses:

March 30 - April 4: Firefly Salon and Boutique will be donating 10% with mention of S.O.S. Ballet week. Located at 5539 H St.
March 31: Zuda Yoga Classes. Zuda Yoga is located at 19th & O St. Check their website for a schedule.
April 1 - 4: ARareity Jewlery and Art Glass Gallery will be donating 20% of all sales. Located at 1021 R St.
April 4: Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill: donating 20% of sales with presentation of their flyer (Click HERE to download a printable version of the flyer). Valid at Natomas, Truxel Road location only.
April 4: Heavenly's Yogurt, will be donating 30% of all sales.

Wednesday 4.1

ROOTBEER

No, I am not referring to the bubbly soda likely consumed in ridiculous amounts during your childhood adventures at Chuck-E-Cheese. ROOTBEER is the joint efforts of Pigeon John & Flynn Adam resulting in musical mayhem. As self-described on their myspace page, this is what you can expect: “With an even more upped-tempo vocal cadence dancing on top of beatscapes that awaken even the hippest of skeptics, the music will make you jump up like a chimpanzee. An unbelievably charismatic live show, mixed with the most infectious hooks you've wrapped your ears around in quite some time, Rootbeer slaps a smile on your face that you simply can't contain.”

Location: Blue Lamp (N St. & Alhambra). Time: 9:00pm. Cost: $10. Info: (916) 455-3400

The Waybacks

As unpredictable as the city they come from (San Francisco), The Waybacks are an eclectic mix of music from classic folk & bluegrass to a soulful honky tonk. Their most recent album is their first entirely original album complete with a fiddler and mandolinist.

Location: Marilyn’s on K (10th & K St). Time: 8:30pm. Cost: $15adv, $18 door. Info: (916)446-4361

Thursday 4.2

Jim Lehrer

Most recently known as the executive director and anchor for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, and he has been the moderator for 10 nationally televised debates among candidates for the presidential elections. Jim Lehrer is the acclaimed bestselling author of both fiction and non-fiction books, including 18 novels, two memoirs and three plays. He has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, honored with the National Humanities Medal, elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science, and has won two Emmys. I found it interesting to find that he is a Bus enthusiast! I didn’t know there was such a thing! Maybe he can advocate for Sacramento to have a better public transportation system…

Location: Crest Theatre (13th & K St). Time: 7:30pm. Cost: $27. Info: (800) 225-2277

David Crow

David Crow has rapidly gained a foothold in the standup comedy scene. From his first road trip a few years back to headlining some of the best clubs across the country. In 1996 he was chosen to open for President Clinton when he spoke to over two thousand supporters at the Paramount Theater in Seattle (Hello? He must be funny…) Most recently he has hosted the 1 hour special on Showtime, Crooked Finger. Catch him live this weekend!

Location: Laughs Unlimited (1201 Front St). Time: 8:00pm. Cost: $10. Info: (916) 446-5905

Friday 4.3

Massaging for Medicine

Come out and support a great cause. Troy Goings, a local certified massage therapist, is attempting to raise $10,000 dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and at the same time get into the Guinness Book of World Records by massaging for 20 hours straight. He needs your help. Troy will be offering ten minute chair massages for donations of any amount. All money that is donated will go to the St. Jude's Children’s Hospital. Come out and get a chair massage and hang out. KSFM 102.5 as well as Good Day Sacramento will be there broadcasting. Sandwiches will be available courtesy of Beach Hut Deli from 12:00-1:00pm. There will be raffle tickets for sale for some really great prizes. It should be a lot of fun. Hope to see you there!

Location: Adora Bella Day Spa (1470 Eureka Rd.). Time: 5:00am-2:00am. Cost: Donations welcomed! Info: (916) 541-6914

Bank of America: Free Admission Days

Check out the California Museum for Women History and the Arts courtesy of Bank of America. Museums On Us sponsored by Bank of America provides free admission on the first weekend of every month. Being a Bank of America customer may finally pay off! Bring your BofA ATM or credit card and a photo ID and get in for free.

Location: California Museum (10th & O St). Times: 10:00am-4:00pm. Cost: Free Info: (916) 653-7524

Saturday 4.4

Earth Fest- Party for the planet!

It’s a party for the planet! Learn how to protect and preserve the earth with environmental, wildlife and conservation organizations, a recycle raffle, rummage sale, games, crafts and face painting. During the day, visit Wildlife Wagons to explore animal bio-artifacts; participate in storytelling and activities in the Discovery Room; come face-to-face with the outreach animals; or listen as keepers present enrichment talks in the afternoon.

Location: Sacramento Zoo (3930 West Land Park Drive). Time: 9:00am-4:00pm. Cost: $6.50-$9.50. Info: (916) 808-5888

Theatre Performance Month

A month-long festival of live stage performances for the entire family, featuring Puppet Art Theater, the Fairytale Town Troupers, and other Sacramento-area theater companies. All performances are matinees and will take place indoors in the Children's Theater on Saturdays and Sundays. This week Tomas and the Library Lady is the feature at the Next Stage Theatre for Young Audiences. See their website for the remainder of performances in April.

Location: Fairytale Town (3901 Land Park Dr). Times: 12:30pm & 1:30pm. Cost: $4.50 (Kids under 2- Free). Info: (916) 808-7462

Sunday 4.5

Salsa Night

If you're tired of sitting on your couch and watching Dancing With The Stars, get up and learn to do it like they do! Del Campo Studios conducts a FREE beginning Salsa dance class every sunday night at Harlow's. You don't even need to have a partner! There are plenty of newcomers to stumble over so you won't have to be embarrassed. Try something new! After the class, two DJ's will be keep you dancing to latin music through the night.

Location: Harlow's (28th & J St). Times: 7:00pm-12:00am. Cost: Free. Info: (916) 441-4693

Ross Hammond

Gotta love the coffee house live instrumental sessions! Grab a cup of Joe and enjoy some music. Old Soul is tucked away in the alley between 17th and 18th and L and Capital Streets. Its a cool, brick warehouse turned coffee roasting facility and coffee house. Jason is the coffee connoisseur (you may know him from the original Naked Lounge) and Tim is the baker and pastry extraordinaire. Good people that you are sure to have a good time with! A nice way to spend a lazy sunday if you ask me.

Location: Old Soul Coffee Co (17th & L). Times: 10:30am. Cost: Free. Info: (916) 443-7685

And so goes another fun filled week in Sacramento brought to you by Sacramento365.com. Hope to see you out on the town!

Sacramento Pipeworks- more than just a climbing gym

2009-01-14T01:35:00Z

Anyone who has driven out of the grid via 16th street has probably noticed a large red brick building lined by cypress trees with a neon sign hanging from the corner. This building is the home of Pipeworks, a fitness center and climbing gym.

Pipeworks is a part of Touchstone Climbing & Fitness, which runs four other gyms in the Bay Area. Touchstone was founded by Mark and Deborah Melvin in 1995 with the opening of Mission Cliffs in San Francisco, setting a standard for future indoor climbing facilities.

Pipeworks opened in Sacramento six years later and continued to set standards by offering full fitness facilities as well as world-class climbing. Upon entering, one might be overwhelmed by the immense 40-foot climbing walls that greet him/her.

But after a short walk around, it becomes obvious that there is something for everyone -- from hardcore climbers to cardio kick-boxers. Yoga lovers are treated to multiple classes per day, six days per week.

All of this is included in the monthly membership fee, as is membership to all Touchstone facilities.

Most members would agree that there is a different social atmosphere in Pipeworks than can be found in any typical corporate gym. I asked the general manager, Vaughn Medford, about this and he agreed, citing the "Golden Rule" as a major contributor. He and his employees treat the gym's visitors just as they would like to be treated.

He explained that there is a personal connection between Pipeworks and its members that doesn't exist at other gyms. There are no forced contracts and they are flexible with members who might have missed a deadline for cancellation, etc.

Member feedback is accepted and sincerely considered. As Vaughn said, "This isn't my gym as much as it is for the people who come here."

This respectful interaction leaks down to the members themselves. The "creepy gym vibe" does not exist at Pipeworks. Certainly every woman who has ever felt the silent stare while working

People respect others' intentions of simply working out or climbing, and conversation remains on the friendly level. People are approachable and encouraging, which definitely helps with new climbers who might feel intimidated by the more experienced.

Pipeworks' focus on the "Golden Rule" extends beyond its property line. Support of the surrounding community is an important aspect of the gym's management. Vaughn explained, "Being involved in our community is one of the four corners of our mission statement."

The gym works with WIND Youth Services (www.windyouth.org) and Mustard Seed School (run by Loaves and Fishes), both programs for homeless and at risk children, inviting them to climb on a regular basis.

The cycling club at Pipeworks collected 30 bikes which were donated to Quinn Cottages, a transitional housing community located across the street from the gym's parking lot. Discounted memberships are also offered to Quinn Cottages and other special groups.

Also important to Pipeworks is the local climbing community. Touchstone works to strengthen this community through competitions which are hosted by each of the five locations. These competitions are free to members and represent a great chance to meet fellow climbers. Free pizza and beer and gear giveaways typically cap the night of a competition.

Pipeworks also hosts meetings of a local climbing advocacy group, CRAGS. CRAGS works to protect nearby climbing sites as well as expand access for climbers in closed locations.

So, next time you pass that large, red brick building, think about stepping inside and asking for a tour. The staff is friendly and eager to answer any questions that you might have. As added incentive, new members can sign up with no initiation fee through the end of January -- a savings of $100. Check it out.

A Balancing Act - Art and Yoga

2008-11-28T21:57:30Z

Have you ever attended a yoga class and looked around at the more skilled participants with their nimble bodies and perfect poses? Or maybe you are one of those yoga aficionados, starting your day doing the tree pose or the downward facing dog. The beauty of the body is truly revealed in the art of yoga. A glimpse in the mirror while doing a yoga pose is all the proof you need that body and mind coming together is truly art-worthy.

The BOLD MARK Gallery has taken this concept on for their next exhibit, "Balanced Bodies, Centered Minds." During the months of December and January the gallery will feature both yoga sculpture and live yoga demonstrations.

All of the artwork will draw from the mind/body connection.

In addition to the yoga sculpture by Roseville's Geri Yost, the gallery will house Idaho artist Clancie Pleasants' oil paintings, photography of nature scenes by Dennis Latona, Marsha Mobley Kilian's pastel portraits and abstract nude oil paintings by Jerry Lipp.

The combination of these mediums will set the perfect atmosphere for the Second Saturday yoga demonstrations.

Rocklin's Sattva studio and Sacramento's Zuda studio will be practicing partner's yoga with a variety of poses to really get visitors engaged in body and mind.

The show will open December 1st and run through January 29th. The Second Saturday yoga demonstrations will take place on December 13, 2008 and January 13, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

BOLD MARK Gallery is located at 1200 S Street, Suite D in Sacramento. It is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Second Saturdays and by appointment.

The gallery will be closed for the holidays December 23rd to January 2nd.

If you would like more information, please contact Marsha Mobley Kilian 916-295-4047 or Suzanne McClelland 916-764-1141.

The works above will be featured in the exhibit.

Do you plan on attending the Second Saturday demonstrations? Have you ever seen a show with live yoga before? What are your thoughts on yoga and art?

Yoga and Meditation: Its Time to Sit Still

2008-10-14T02:36:09Z

Take a deep breath. Now another, and even a third. If you’re like most people, this may be the first time all day that you’ve thought about your breathing – a sign that in our culture, stress runs rampant and even a thirty-second reprieve from your busy day is a rare treat. But some individuals in the Sacramento community have tuned in to ancient techniques that yogis, monks and spiritual individuals have been practicing for centuries – yoga and meditation. With studios throughout the Sacramento area, it is not difficult to find an amazing teacher eager to share his or her knowledge.

So, you may be asking: some deep stretching, some breathing and sitting cross-legged while staring at a blank wall for a couple of hours – what in the world could this do for me, and why would I possibly want to devote my precious time to doing, well, nothing?

Yoga

If you've watched someone else practice yoga and thought, there’s no way that all that stretching does anything for your body – think again. The benefits of yoga are both mental and physical, improving everything from digestion to circulation and helping with depression, anxiety and insomnia, to name a few. On a fitness level, the more gentle forms of yoga are great for improving flexibility and can even be utilized by the elderly or people recovering from an injury, when done correctly and carefully. More difficult types of yoga help to stretch and tone the muscles, and can even burn calories to help you lose weight. And, of course, a major purpose of yoga is to prepare the body for meditation.

Meditation

Like yoga, meditation has many benefits and can be used for many purposes, depending on your goal. Whether you consider yourself religious or not, virtually anybody can use meditation as a stress-relief technique. Meditation isn’t a religion in itself, so it can be useful for people who already follow a particular religious doctrine and are looking to deepen their practice, or by someone who has no interest in religion whatsoever. Going beyond relaxation, meditation can also be a powerful and transformational tool for someone looking for a spiritual path -- it's really up to you, and your particular goals.

Creating a Community

Like any other activity – from jogging to dining – yoga and mediation become more powerful when practiced with others, at least occasionally. So, what are your experiences with yoga and/or meditation? Where in the Sacramento community have you learned either of these techniques, and would you recommend these locations to others? Are there reasons that prevent you from trying either of these techniques? Would you like to create a community where you could share what you’ve learned with others, perhaps in your own neighborhood?