Sheila Axtman

What is Vinyasa Yoga? Vinyasa Yoga is moving through a series of poses (asana), synchronizing your movement with your breath. Poses are linked together with a set series of poses called Sun Salutations. This series of poses moves your body from standing, to the floor, to forward folding, and a slight back bend. Moving in this manner can improve your proprioception. Proprioception is joint position sense. This involves an individual’s ability to perceive the position of a joint without the aid of vision. In other words, knowing where your body is in space. Think of this in reference to things you do every day, such as fun things like golf, tennis, pickleball, walking, running, biking, and hiking, etc. Improved proprioception can be very helpful in regaining your balance if you start to fall, or perhaps preventing you from getting off-balance.

Vinyasa Yoga will help you gain strength, balance, and flexibility. It stretches tight muscles and improves proprioception, helps you feel young, and gives you a sense of wellbeing.

Both Tuesdays and Thursdays, I will offer modifications so everyone can benefit from their practice, and everyone can explore their limits. However, Tuesday’s classes will be less challenging than Thursday’s. We will move slower, and I will offer more modifications. Thursday’s classes may move a bit faster, and more challenging variations may be offered.

Vinyasa Yoga is not suitable for students who have not done yoga before. However, if you are fit and healthy, Tuesday’s class may be a good fit for you. The yoga group is friendly and welcoming. We invite you to join us to breathe, move, stretch, and relax.

Class schedule: We are moving to the new Cottonwood Palo Verde Fitness Center when it opens. Until then, classes will be in room A-6 in Cottonwood. Classes will be at the same time as they were before, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Yoga classes at the Fitness Center are open to all residents, renters, and visitors in Cottonwood Palo Verde, Oakwood, Ironwood, and Sun Lakes Country Club. Show your homeowners card when you enter. Buy a punch card. Bring your mat (there are a few you can borrow in the room). There are also straps, blocks, and blankets you can use.

I am a registered yoga teacher. I live in Cottonwood Palo Verde, and I can be reached at 480-264-9951. Sheila Axtman, Yoga Alliance registered RYT200