Classes held at Manayunk Studio, 3901 Main St.,2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19127
What are some of the health benefits of Yoga?
The postures have many tangible physical benefits for every major system of the body. They help to stimulate the thyroid which is important for the endocrine system. They help to detoxify the organs, which is important for elimination and proper nutrient assimilation. They help to regulate blood pressure, which helps to stabilize and strengthen the circulatory system. They help to calm the central nervous system since they help to open and stretch muscles. They help to tone and build muscles which strengthen the muscular system. They open up various meridians and soften connective tissue as well. They stimulate lymph to move toxins out of the body (especially through inversions) which is beneficial for the lymphatic system. They help to realign our posture which helps to strengthen our skeletal system. Since a nervous system out of balance can lead to infertility, it also can help to strengthen the reproductive system as well.
Relaxation is when the body and mind are in a state of balance. It means releasing chronic muscle tension and reducing unnecessary muscle activity, restoring natural diaphragmatic breathing, improving oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide elimination. Instead of feeling the compulsion to react unconsciously, which can often be a negative response, we are able to respond more calmly and with a greater sense of awareness. You’re able to face difficult and uncomfortable situation without the same sense of fear and learn to develop a decentered perspective on your thoughts and feelings. You start to develop a more highly evolved “Witness Conscious” perspective on events and feelings you are having and learn to face the circumstances in your life with equanimity and calm.
When you practice yoga with awareness in your body, your self-awareness will grow as well. As this grows, you will begin to have glimpse of what it means to feel connected to the infinite. The cultivation of self-awareness and self-actualization is an essential aspect of your practice to become enlightened or awakened. When you are awake, there will still be pain in your life, but you will learn to deal with it more effectively.
We hold pain and suffering in our bodies. (“The issues are in the tissues”, my respected teacher Ken Nelson used to say.) Breathe is one of the main tools we have to relax and release. Learning to breathe and respecting your breathe is a big part of yoga. Just learning how to breathe consciously (or be conscious of your breath) can be a transformative process. We so often hold our breath in, which means we end up repressing or holding in painful or negative emotions as well. When we breathe with intention and purpose, we end up releasing all kinds of tensions and opening up all kinds of space in the body and the mind. When we have space, we then have the possibility to create something new.
Synergy By Jasmine teaches gentle yoga to couples and partners in Manayunk, Philadelphia on Friday and Sunday nights. The couples yoga studio is close to Philadelphia, Philadelphia Center City, Roxborough, Main Line and Chestnut Hill. The classes are suitable for all body types, fitness levels and previous levels of yoga experience.
Couples that are interested in Thai Massage, Massage for Couples, Yoga Retreats, Yoga and Meditation Classes, Yoga and Spa vacations or just couples just looking for relaxing and tender ways to connect will benefit from these classes in Philadelphia.
The classes are not vigorous workouts and do not have pilates or advanced yoga poses. The yoga poses are suitable for all body types and fitness levels.
All of the classes are done fully clothed and with poses suitable for all couples. The classes are emotionally intimate and will open partner up to a level of vulnerability they may not have experienced before. For this reason, we do not recommend this class as a first date. The classes are more suited for new or established couples.
What happens during a class? The classes are divided up into three segments The first segment will be a time for couples and partners to ground, center and get into a quiet, meditative space while synchronizing their breath and energy with their partner while do some slow and simple yoga poses. The second part of the class is more active and many of the poses will be standing and balancing and the partners will build up a bit more heat and movement in the body. The third part of the class the couple will be instructed and shown how to do beginner, basic relaxing massage techniques on the hands, feet, arms and legs. Often people are so relaxed that they fall asleep during this part of the yoga class which is a healthy sign that the person is enjoying the massage and is relaxed. We end the class in a relaxation (shivasana) pose for five minutes before we end the class.
Partners and Couples should wear yoga or workout clothes that can stretch and be comfortable in. In winter, it is a good idea to bring socks and a sweatshirt in case you get cold easily. Yoga students will not be wearing shoes during the class.
It is recommended to not eat two hours before the class. If you must eat something before the class, eat something light that you can digest easily such as a substantial salad.
After the yoga class, you might feel vulnerable, meditative or tranquil. In order to continue to remain in this calm, connected state, we recommend that you plan on having a quiet, silent, relaxing evening afterwards, avoiding TV, loud, fast music, working at the office, computers and even keeping your cell phone turned off if you can.
This is not hot yoga or heated yoga. The room is nice and cool in summer but also comfortably warm in winter. Couples that are looking for romance, a unique date night or a beautiful, romantic way to reconnect or connect will truly benefit.
The classes are suitable for couples and partners of all orientations. The classes are not a substitute for couples counseling or couples therapy. Synergy By Jasmine - Yoga for Couples offers special classes once a month geared towards gay, lesbian couples and partners which is clearly indicated in the class schedule. Synergy By Jasmine also offers Yoga Teacher Training in the Philadelphia Area. Synergy By Jasmine has various yoga dvds, yoga tapes, yoga music, yoga books that they can recommend to new yoga students and to more advanced yoga students and to yoga teachers on request.