Sheila Axtman

Happy New Year—2020. Exciting news for us this month is that we will be moving our classes to the new Cottonwood Palo Verde Fitness Center starting Tuesday, Jan. 7. We will have a nice big classroom with plenty of room to spread out.

After all the holiday parties, visitors, and traveling, it is time to take some time for yourself. Vinyasa yoga is a great way to get back in shape, refocus, and center yourself. Vinyasa yoga is moving through yoga poses (asana) linked together by a series of poses called Sun Salutations. Synchronizing your movements with your breath, you move from standing, to forward folding, to the floor, a slight backbend, and back to standing. Moving in this manner improves proprioception, strength, flexibility, and stretches your muscles. It helps you feel young, move better, and more easily, gives you a sense of wellbeing, improves your performance in other activities, and you meet some fun people.

Vinyasa yoga is not suitable for students who have never done yoga before. However, if you are fit and healthy, Tuesday’s class may be a good fit for you. Both Tuesdays and Thursdays I will offer modifications so everyone can benefit from their practice, and everyone can explore their limits. Tuesday’s classes will be less challenging. 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. The yoga group is friendly and welcoming. Please join us.

Class schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Before Jan. 7, we will be in our old room (A-6) in Cottonwood. Starting Jan. 7, will be in the new Cottonwood Palo Verde Fitness Center. Yoga classes in the new Fitness Center will be open to all residents, renters, and visitors in Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Oakwood, Ironwood, and Sun Lakes Country Club. Try to pre-purchase a “punch card.” Bring your homeowners or guest card every time you come to the new Fitness Center.

I live, teach yoga, and golf in Cottonwood. I am a registered yoga teacher. I can be reached at 480-264-9951.

Sheila Axtman RYT200 Yoga Alliance Registered