Salutations to Students of the Month Mark & Lori Bower

All of our students are family and stand out to us for the battles they have overcome in their bodies, minds, and habitual lives, we just have to give a big shout out to you because you INSPIRE us with an unmatched dedication and passion for learning the art and science of yoga.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope and confidence." -- Helen Keller

Salutations to Students of the Month Mark and Lori Bower!

 

When did you first start yoga and what inspired you to come to your first

class?

Mark- I started yoga in 2012 at a local YMCA.  I wanted to start an exercise I could do for the rest of my life and not cause me to end up in the hands of an orthopedic surgeon at an early age.

Lori- My interest in yoga began over 15 years ago.  My hobby was exercise at the time and I found yoga to be a refreshing experience compared to the gym and organized exercise classes that I would attend. 

How do you feel now that you are coming to regular yoga classes?  How is this different than how you felt before you began coming?

 Mark- I feel great.  I'm excited to fold and twist farther.  The difference from how I felt before is something I can't yet explain as to what drives me to practice yoga vs. the routine of the gym.

Lori- Now that I am able to practice yoga regularly I feel that yoga has changed my perspective on what exercise should look like.  Yoga is truly a practice not an exercise as I once thought.  The beautiful thing about yoga is that I don't have to have a destination.  Yoga is open ended and the mat is a place where I can be free physically and mentally. 

What yoga posture is your favorite and why?

Yes we LOVE the extended Side Angle too! (Utthitha Parsvakonasana) -will be featured on Tuesday DIY #HowtoYoga Featured on our PranaYoga Facebook Page

Mark- My favorite pose is extended side angle.  Twisting and revolving and opening the chest just feels good. 

Lori- My favorite yoga posture is side angle pose because it offers strength, an awesome side body stretch with a twist, and a wonderful feeling of openness. 

Would you recommend yoga class to someone else?  What would you say?

 Mark- Yes.  I would say give yoga a chance and you will notice the benefits.

Lori- Yes I have recommended yoga to others.  I say it's not exercise it's better!

In what ways does yoga add to your life?

Mark- Yoga adds stress prevention and relief.  Yoga adds to my life with a holistic approach with ongoing benefits.  It helps me make better food choices.

Lori- Yoga reminds me to breathe and stay in the moment which soothes my chattering, swirling mind.  Yoga just feels good!

What would you say to someone who felt compelled to begin yoga?

Mark- Be careful, you might enjoy it and become addicted. 

"Be Careful, you might enjoy it and become addicted"

Lori- I would say come to yoga without your "to-do list" and your expectations for what you think the experience should be or look like.  I would also say let go of your expectations for your ability.  Just come, breathe and enjoy the experience.  The mat is your own personal island with all the amenities you desire and even though other islands are near, there are none that can compare to your own. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mark- Thank you Pranayoga for all the classes and teacher choices.  I feel like it's helpful to not get burned out.  I also should add the workshops are great. 

Lori- I appreciate Pranayoga for its variety of classes and teachers.  It's great to experience the different personalities and events that Pranayoga offers.  I appreciate Pranayoga for its focus on wellness and keeping yoga true to its nature, not exercise, but a practice. 

 "The mat is your own personal island with all the amenities you desire and even though other islands are near, there are none that can compare to your own. "-Lori Bower