Patanjali 1.2 Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions.
LOCAL YOGA STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
I began practicing yoga as an alternative
treatment for problems resulting from a
shoulder injury. I had limited flexibility
in my
shoulder and arm when I began taking Larains
hatha yoga classes. Larain has been
great to emphasize the importance of proper
technique and breathing. Larain encourages
each person to listen to their bodies and
progress at their own rate. During the 10
month that I have attended Larains classes I
have regained full motion and flexibility in
my shoulder and arm. Larain does a great job
encouraging and coaching each student’s
progress. I would encourage anyone who is
hesitant to join a physically aggressive
exercise program to try hatha yoga. Larains
classes are an excellent opportunity for a
healthier lifestyle. 
Yoga is such a wonderful way to exercise
both the mind and body and Larain makes
it so comfortable for everyone. I am so
impressed
at each session about how easily she
handles instructing a wide rang of
individuals from the very experienced to
inexperienced and how welcome she makes
each feel. It is the best answer I’ve
ever found to a stressful day!
I was going through a very stressful
time in my life last year and knew I
needed to take time to do something for
myself. My neighbor
told me about Ashby’s Yoga classes where she
was taking yoga and it sounded like what I
needed. I have been attending these
classes for six months and they have
helped me feel much better physically
and emotionally. They are great stress
reducer !
In Feb. of 2003, I started taking yoga
classes with Larain Ashby. I found the classes
to be very enjoyable and beneficial as I began
to develop more flexibility and better breathing
techniques. In March, I stopped classes,
as I became the major caregiver for my sister
who had been diagnoses
with cancer and subsequently died in
May. As a result of her death, I became
very depressed. During my annual
physical, I discussed yoga with my
doctor, and she felt that it might be
very beneficial for me at this time, so
I returned to class. This was very
difficult for me, as I became withdrawn
and was having a very difficult time
making myself go places and do thing
with others. I started going twice a
week, and I am now attending 4 or 5
times a week. I am also going out with
friend and family again. After going to
class. I have such an uplifting feelings
which make it much easier for me
to cope with the loss of my sister and
the feeling of emptiness which is so
overpowering. I still have many days of
great sadness, but I now have the
ability to do something to help myself.
As a result of the classes, I now can do
poses or breathing which helps me work
through those difficult times, without
having to rely on medications, and as an
extra bonus, I have met many wonderful
people in my classes.
Joyce Bennett
Yoga has helped my lower back pain. The stretches and counter stretches are beneficial for flexibility as well as for learning the strengths and weaknesses of your own body. I appreciate the individual attention need to achieve the poses and the reminder to "stay in your comfort zone." Yoga is not a competitive sport you work at your own pace.
Hadley Harrington
I had always thought of yoga as a meditation exercise. When I stopped working and attended my first yoga session I was surprised to find out that intense stretching and structured breathing are also intrinsic parts of yoga. It's a truly challenging routine that helps keep my body flexible and my newscolosheltal system healthy. It also helps my mind by reducing mental stress. A year later, my flexibility and balance have increased significantly. I feel better, healthier and more relaxed.
Isabelle Welthington
Yoga had interested me for years and I'd read about the many different kinds, so when I retired from teaching a few years ago, it worked out perfectly for me to start yoga (hatha) with Larain. I found the less strenuous, individually created poses of yoga best for me but still challenging. I've slowly increased my strength, balance and flexibility - all very important as I get older. The classes are really enjoyable so I'm motivated to go regularly. I feel good and I'm in good health. Yoga has helped me greatly.
Mary K. Medley.
Last January the Park's Department offered yoga classes at Ashby's Yoga. I thought I would give it a try. It was the best thing I've done. I even talked my husband into coming with me to classes. We now look forward to the classes and truly enjoy the challenges. Larain is so patient and thorough in her instructions that we are able to get in poses we never would have imagined possible. Couldn't ask for a better teacher. Oh, by the way we are senior citizens and believe we are her oldest students!
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