Let's Get Zen

LGZ Vibes with Ms. Medicine ~ by Claudia A. Barbieri ~   LGZ did it again — promoted women in business and wellness!  This past Friday, October 28th, I had the pleasure of experiencing a free-yoga event hosted by LGZ and sponsored by Dr. Jennifer Kostacos, MD, NCMP, a Primary Care and Women's Health Specialist. Bev Stanton, an LGZ instructor, led the hot yoga class with intensity and grace as smooth tunes flowed from Sarah McLachlan to Sade.  Before class began, everyone unrolled their mats, exchanged names, and chatted with one another which further enhanced this already familial and positive vibe.  Dr. Jennifer Kostacos, MD, was among us yogis in the class.  Hearing about her new practice, Ms. Medicine — "the first network of specialty trained concierge women's health providers . . .that uses evidence-based longitudinal care for mid-life women and beyond"  —  at the meet and greet following class prompted me to say, "Hallelujah!" Haven't we been wait...

"Keep It Zen, Friend!" ~ by Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Yoga class is your escape — from outside forces and from daily obstacles.  When you enter the studio, you seek peace, quiet, and rejuvenation in order that you will have the energy to get back on the hamster wheel tomorrow.  Here are a few tips to keep yoga class Zen for yourself and others around you. 1.  Keep your cell phone away from the studio class space.  Instead, keep it in a cubby in which the studio provides or place it on silent or on "Do Not Disturb" mode.  Answering a call or stopping to send a text is not a welcomed yoga practice. Do you recall a pose called  Upward-Disruptive Yogi?   2.   Be on time for class.  Yoga instructors and attendees are ready to begin at a certain time.  Planning the yoga class choreography and maximizing your client's experience takes thought and care.  This planning begins when the yoga class does.  Being on time, not only help...

  Hometown Healthcare Heroes - LGZ Honors You! ~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Joanne C., RN LGZ is honoring all healthcare workers by offering  free yoga classes to these hometown heroes  in the month of August!!!! Our own LGZ yogi, Joanne C., a registered nurse, tells us how yoga "gives her a sense of calmness." Q:  How long have you been practicing yoga? A:  I have been practicing yoga for almost 4 years, and I love it. Q:  How has yoga shaped your life?  A:  Yoga has helped me to develop an inner strength both physically and mentally. It has become part of my life and helps me to find peace and deal with stressful situations.  Q:  What is your favorite yoga pose? A:  My favorite pose is dancer's pose; it’s a combination of strength, balance, flexibility and concentration. Q:  What is your most challenging pose? A:  My most challenging pose is bird of paradise.  Joanne's reason for her love of yoga: "Practicing yoga has...

  Signed, "Sealed," Delivered, the Outdoors is Yours~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Kaitlin L. - Seal Pose ~ Get outdoors! LGZ offers midday namaste classes and Sunday at 5 p.m. yin yoga — wait for it — outside — amidst their beautiful and picturesque setting behind the studio.  Truly the best of both worlds for your wellness!  Just being outdoors offers tremendous health benefits. Yoga practice outside gives you that extra health and mindfulness boost that you will need.  In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery defined Shinrin yoku  or "forest bathing"  as taking in the atmosphere of the forest.  This eco-yoga practice not only bonds us yogis with nature but reaps phenomenal health benefits. Benefits of Shinrin yoku,"forest bathing" - yoga practice in nature's playground - outside: Lowers blood pressure Lowers levels of cortisol (hormone that causes stress in our lives) Lowers pulse rate Heightens senses and mood Increases Vi...

  LGZ Honors Classroom Heroes - Teachers ~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ My child - Take your Daughter to Work Day - 2018 ~   How does the word FREE sound teachers?  Yes, please, right?  However, I want you to stop thinking about how many FREE things you can get for your students, but focus on you — just this once.  LGZ is offering UNLIMITED  FREE YOGA to teachers and administrators during the month of June.   Catherine and Erica, co-owners of LGZ, want to honor you and allow you to decompress and de-stress when the students leave your classroom, and you begin to think about YOU, a little.   As an educator myself, I understand the dedication, sleepless nights, and anxiety of classroom teaching.  However, I also know that your health takes a massive hit if you do not intervene and practice self-care.  June is the month to begin to take care of you.  Taking a free yoga class is one way to start.  This may be the catalyst for yo...

" It's Getting Hot in Herrrreeee, So Take a Child's Pose!" ~ By: Claudia A. Barbieri ~ ~ Glow-Ga Happy Hour ~ Hot happy hour is your new jam!  LGZ offers infrared vinyasa happy hour on Fridays at 5:30 throughout the year. They call it Vinyasa To The Vibe because the flow is set to music not typically heard during yoga classes, and ranges from 50s crooners, big hair-band rock, and modern-day hip hop. The instructor chooses his/her musical theme and often decorates the room with special lighting and props to add to the "vibe" of the theme and creates a "party on your mat" atmosphere. LGZ brings yogis together to celebrate the end of the work week with namaste and Nelly (If it's hip hop night that is!).  What an incredible way to be meditative with a little funky twist!   Hot Happy Hour Highlights 60 minute hot Vinyasa class vinyasa - stringing poses together seamlessly using breath Room reaches 100 and 105 degrees Supplemented by humidifiers an...

Q & A with Maria Eble - Inspiring Young Yogis ~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Q: Can you remember your first yoga session? How did you make the decision to go?   A: I found a 2-week intro to a studio I used to drive past all the time. I had never practiced in a studio before, so I researched as much as possible to know what I might expect. Despite how hot my cotton yoga pants felt, I was hooked! I started practicing every day, and by my year anniversary of practicing regularly, I had signed up to start teacher training.   Q: How would you describe your style of instruction?  A: I like a pretty traditional vinyasa class that builds from a strong, focused base. That is the type of class I want to create for all levels of practitioners to enjoy. I encourage using props to support your practice, whether you are an experienced yogi or someone starting out. That support helps keep your ego in check and helps you have a little more courage to try something new. You will find ...