Need a tune-up?

Yoga classes seem to be everywhere these days- studios, schools, parks, health clubs, winter solstice celebrations and summer festivals to name a few! In recent decades, yoga has gone mainstream and nowadays there’s probably a style to suit just about anyone.

One style that’s easy to check out in the Dexter Ann Arbor area is Iyengar yoga. That’s the style I practice and teach. I started doing yoga fresh out of music school after a pianist friend encouraged me to take up yoga to maintain healthy alignment in my neck, shoulders, and arms, and to take care of my valuable hands and fingers. I play and teach the cello for a living. That translates into hours, years, decades of sitting in a slightly off-center position, using my hands and arms for a large repertoire of repetitive tasks.

Anyone who’s played a musical instrument can probably relate to how much stamina, strength, and sensitivity is needed to create a pleasing sound. Yoga practice cultivates those same qualities: stamina, strength, and sensitivity. It also cultivates the self awareness to make smart choices about when to work harder, when to rest, when to try a different approach. These days, my yoga practice often feels like a tune-up for all of the fine-motor skills I rely on to play the cello. I’ve learned to improve my seated posture, relieve a stiff neck, open tight shoulders, improve circulation in my hands and fingers, and generally be more aware.

I enjoy teaching others what I’ve learned, and this summer at the Yoga Space I’ll teach a mini-series on Yoga for Neck, Shoulders, and Arms. This special series of three classes is accessible to all students, even brand new beginners to yoga. If you feel like you could use a tune-up, and especially if you’re inspired to dust off that trombone case and grab the valve oil, join us! For more information, visit the Yoga Space website at www.yogaspaceannarbor.com.

Each week one of the teachers at the Yoga Space shares her thoughts and experiences in this blog. Alicia Rowe is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher at The Yoga Space, a studio just east of Dexter serving Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Manchester and Ann Arbor.  We have been helping people with their flexibility, strength, focus and stress management for over 14 years. Summer session begins July 7. We offer a free class the last Friday of each month from 6-7 pm.www.yogaspaceannarbor.com  180 Little Lake Dr #1 Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.734-622-9600