If it's survived 5,000 years, it's not a fad. Nor is it a religion, an exercise regime or any of the other labels placed on this ancient practice.

Hatha Yoga is an ancient practice that brings body, mind, heart, and spirit into union. Yoga systematically stretches and strengthens all muscles throughout the body, increases circulation to organs and glands, quiets the nervous system, and improves concentration. This timeless system of self-care is an effective technique for developing a healthy body, a vibrant spirit, a sense of peace, and an appreciation for the wholeness of who you are!

Carol Ann teaches an extremely therapeutic form of Hatha Yoga practice grounded in a deep knowledge of optimal body alignment as taught by senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in the United States. She has a solid background in western Anatomy and Physiology. These alignment principles are presented thoroughly to ensure safety in the poses and create balance in the body and nervous system.

While based upon her training in precision and alignment of Iyengar Yoga, and while maintaining some of the energetic focus of Kripalu Yoga, the Hatha Yoga taught at Phoenix Rising Internal Arts is a delightful blend of Carol Ann's unique world view, incorporating eastern philosophy, western psychology, and meditative flow. Yoga is not just asana (posture)! A whole-health lifestyle, practice of Yoga can bring your life back into its optimum balance.

We emphasize a hands-on approach that takes care and focuses attention on each student's needs and special physical conditions. While primarily Iyengar-based, our intention is to be inclusive of many Yoga styles, based on the Yogic belief that the whole world is one family.

"It is through the body that you reach the realization of your being a spark of divinity. How can you neglect the body, which is the temple of the spirit?" BKS Iyengar.

More Benefits of Yoga

As early as 1990, a study published by Random House, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease showed that Yoga and meditation combined with a low-fat diet and group support could significantly reduce the blockage of coronary arteries. Other studies have shown Yoga's benefit in reducing stress-related problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Meditation has been adopted by medical schools and clinics as an effective stress management technique. Hatha Yoga is also used by physical therapists to improve many injuries and disabilities, as the gentleness and adaptability of Yoga make it an excellent rehabilitation program.

Yoga has been touted for its ability to reduce problems with such varying conditions as asthma, backaches, diabetes, constipation, menopause, multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, and carpal tunnel syndrome. A vegetarian diet is often a complement to the practice of Yoga, and this change of lifestyle has been shown to significantly increase longevity and reduce heart disease.

Yoga as a daily practice can improve fitness, strength, and flexibility. People who practice Yoga correctly every day report that it can promote high levels of overall health and energy. The mental component of Yoga can clarify and discipline the mind, and Yoga practitioners say its benefits can permeate all facets of a person's life and attitude, raising self-esteem and self-understanding.

"Yoga is successful when practiced with devotion, uninterrupted, over a long period of time." BKS Iyengar

Unlike many other activities, Yoga is non-competitive-you work with yourself as you are. No matter your age or physical condition, practicing Yoga will leave you feeling healthier and more centered within yourself and the world around you. We invite you to practice at Phoenix Rising Internal Arts and discover why Yoga has survived for over 5,000 years.

Use of personal mats is encouraged for hygiene purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q./ What are some of the other benefits of YOGA?

• Longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
• Improves postural problems
• Increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
• Helps prevent injury
• Enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
• Balances strength & flexibility
• Heightens body awareness
• No-impact - easy on the joints
• Can be customized for everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
• Complements other methods of exercise
• Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating, dance, etc.)
• Improves balance, coordination & circulation
• Looks at the individual as a whole being, body & mind, containing within a spark of divinity

Q./ Is PILATES like yoga?

In some respects Pilates conditioning resembles yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. Some Pilates exercises are, in fact, taken directly from yoga; Pilates, however, is designed to work quickly to provide immediate physical results in terms of core strength and stability. Pilates flows through a series of repetitive movements that are dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness. The goal of YOGA is for more than exercise, emphasizing not only functional fitness but stress relief, lifestyle optimization, and a blending of body, mind and spirit. Yoga looks to the whole being, not just the physical body! Certified Yoga and Pilates instructors must pass a comprehensive anatomy and physiology exam before becoming certified, and are trained to tailor the practice to an individual's body type, strengths and weaknesses in order to balance the body structure.