TYPES OF CLASSES ELLEN OFFERS
Ongoing Asana Classes
My training is in Iyengar Yoga and Anusara Yoga, both of which form the foundation of my yoga teaching. My dance, anatomy and bodywork experiences find their way into it as well. I intend to offer a practice that is intelligent, stimulating, safe and playful. The practice in a mixed level class is geared toward the level of the students; sometimes more vigorous, sometimes more gentle; the last week of every month is restoratives. I teach alignment principles that apply to every pose and to everyday activities, giving students a template to help with any injury or chronic condition they may have. My instructions are clear and direct, delineating optimum alignment in each pose, while acknowledging that each body is unique. Students span a wide age range, and some have movement restrictions of one kind or another. I offer alternate choices when a student chooses not to do any particular pose. The atmosphere is friendly, non-competitive and focused on doing the practice for fun and good health. Read “The ABCs of Yoga: Awareness, the Balance of opposites, and Creative Expression” to learn more about my approach to teaching yoga.
Yoga Therapeutics
In a therapeutics class we focus on essential alignments and actions for preventing and healing injuries and strains. One class might have a focus on the shoulders, another on the knees or the lower back. We work more slowly, and often I will “deconstruct” a pose to practice particular parts of it that are important for truly understanding the challenges and also the healing potential of the pose. Even though the pace is slower than a regular class, the work is deep.
Anatomy
I am fascinated by the delicate yet durable structure of the bodymind; everything in us is connected in a magnificent web. The bones, joints, muscles, fascia, organs, and the body systems that connect all the parts provide a rich opportunity for learning about oneself. I teach anatomy in workshops that feature slide-shows, hands-on palpation to find and test muscles, and application of that knowledge to yoga and daily life. It’s lively and interactive, and (in my opinion) essential knowledge for anyone.
Bodymind Ballwork
Bodymind Ballwork is a bodywork system that can benefit people of any age or physical condition. The unique feature of Bodymind Ballwork is the use of rubber balls of varying sizes and textures (as small as a walnut and as big as a melon), which support, massage and stretch localized areas of the body. The result is a wonderful feeling of lightness and ease in the body, and quiet alertness in the mind. To quote one student: “It’s like having a massage therapist in your pocket.” I practice 15 minutes or so of Bodymind Ballwork before I practice yoga. I find that it loosens stiff areas and refines my awareness so that the yoga practice is more enjoyable.