Lisa Day Yoga & Pilates

Introduction: Having worked with all ages, shapes and levels of fitness and experience, I specialize in working with beginners and those dealing with chronic pain or recovering from injury/surgery, particularly those working with back, shoulder and neck issues. In group classes or private sessions, I work to create a safe space where my students can connect inside and learn to use their breath and focus to move mindfully while building strength and flexibility. The main style of yoga that I teach, Forrest yoga (developed over 40 years by master teacher, Ana Forrest) is a healing, powerful style of Hatha yoga designed to address modern-day issues - both physical ailments such as low-back pain, neck and shoulder tension and over-worked wrists - as well as emotional strains such as stress, anxiety and a sense of disconnection from self and others. Accessible to all levels, Forrest yoga uses intelligent sequencing, core work, and longer pose holds to generate heat in the body and build strength and flexibility while moving in an easeful, pain-free way. Classes & private sessions begin with deep breathing and setting an intent to quiet and focus the mind. That breath and intent are carried throughout the practice, building awareness and strengthening the connection between the mind and body. It is an inspiring yoga practice that builds flexibility, intelligence and strength while helping deepen the relationship with your authentic self. I wasn't a graceful child. I played sports but I wouldn't go so far as to say I was good at them. I went to the gym to "stay in shape" but never really enjoyed it. So how did I end up teaching movement? Pain. Specifically the pain from multiple neck, back and shoulder injuries (a car accident, sports injuries, and concussions among them), worsened by long work days at a desk. First it brought me to tears and then to Pilates. After years of working with one specialist after another and trying seemingly everything else with little success, I was amazed at how quickly I not only found relief from pain but so many additional benefits: I built strength, toned and reshaped my body, improved my coordination and posture (growing almost a full inch due to spine decompression), and regained a sense of ease and delight in my body. Finding Forrest Yoga was a serendipitous accident and the next major step on my healing journey. It was HARD and yet I felt refreshed and relaxed in my body after class, not tweaky or overstretched the way I had after some other yoga classes. It taught me that I can sweat (and sometimes shake) without strain and do it all with a relaxed neck. Above all though, it gave me a safe space to breathe, feel and connect to myself without judgement. The intent of Forrest Yoga, "Go Deeper," continues to challenge me to question the limiting and sometimes cruel ways I talk to myself, to honor my inner wisdom and deepen my relationship with my spirit to build the life I most desire. Having experienced the possibility of moving without pain first-hand, I now delight in curiously exploring new ways of moving with my students. My teaching is based on supporting and empowering each individual with the knowledge, tools and felt experience to bring new aliveness to their body and sparkle to their spirit. The greatest joy in my day is my time with my students and getting to witness the transformation we are capable of with practice, persistence and self-love.