Yoga—Vinyasa Style

Sheila Axtman

My Experience with Yoga: by Kathie Gates

I used to ski. After the inevitable fall and knee surgery, I could not bend my knee. The only physical therapy I could handle was in the pool, and even then, my knee would give out while climbing the steps out of the pool. My therapist said she did yoga and wanted me to take a class to regain my flexibility. She said she had the same knee surgery with the same stiff knee results and encouraged me to sign up for a class. After I expressed doubt, she did something amazing to me—she squatted down to her ankles and popped back up to show her improvement. I signed up the next day.

Yoga teaches you to focus on positive, kind thoughts about yourself. Research has found that people will have up to 60,000 thoughts per day. And that of the 60,000, 80% are negative thoughts! This adds to the stress of your life. The mind needs to learn to focus on the positive. Yoga teaches to exercise while focusing on your body’s strengths, using gentle thoughts and positive verbiage. I feel refreshed and positive by the end of class.

Yoga can be done at many different levels in each class. People focus on what they can do and do not worry about keeping up. This class is filled with people who truly care more about each other than one’s skill level. The class has been a great support group during these difficult times with COVID. It is truly a joy to be a part of this class.

Sheila’s classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

CWPV residents can reserve a spot in class up to two weeks ahead of time on the Cottonwood Palo Verde website. Residents of all other Sun Lakes communities are welcome and can reserve a spot in class by calling the Fitness Center early on the morning of class at 480-895-1776.

Pay Sheila directly in the classroom. The cost is $5 per class. She can be reached at 480-264-9951.