I need yoga, and a 2025 New Class Announcement

It's been a long semester at PTA school and frankly. I'm tired. My brain is full and my path is clear, but my emotions are all over the place, and I'm looking forward to a long break this holiday season. What I miss other than "free time" is practicing yoga, as both a student and a guide. My home practice is non-existent except for deep breathing exercises I try to do when I wake up with anxiety in the middle of the night. 

I so enjoy taking a public yoga class; the energy from a room full of people focused on practice, the guidance of another voice, and the space carved out just for yoga are what my practice craves. When I am at home, there are thousand (or more) distractions not the least of which is my computer sitting there waiting for me to log on to study, or the piles of laundry yet to be done, or the groceries in the fridge that cannot assemble themselves into a meal.

What I should more accurately say is more than I miss yoga, is that i NEED yoga. I need to be in a room with people that have at least one thing in common with me: a dedication to yoga, whether that's with me practicing as a student or as a guide.

New Regular Classes at YMCA

You all are aware that I am an huge advocate for the YMCA; I've worked there since 2015 and always enjoy the classes I teach and attend there.

So without further ado, I would like to announce that starting this February 7, I will be teaching the following two weekly classes (at least until June) at the CopleyPrice YMCA on El Cajon Boulevard:

• Friday 11:20-12:15 PM Hatha (mat) Yoga
• Friday 12;30-1:25 PM Chair (gentle) Yoga

Special Class Series at YMCA

Cancelled - will try to reschedule later this year.  

Restorative Yoga Workshop at Copley YMCA this October

Wonderful news! The Principles of Restorative Yoga workshop led by skilled instructor Rene de los Santos is open for registration! In this four-part workshop, you will learn the key principles of Restorative Yoga. Aimed for all levels, this workshop will teach you how to use props to initiate deep relaxation of the body, mind, and spirit. Restorative yoga is beneficial for balancing a more active practice or decompressing after a stressful day.

Dates:  October 4, 2024, October 11, 2024, October 18, 2024, October 25, 2024

Time: 6:30-7:30pm

The workshop is open to ANYONE interested and cost is $95 (select Y memberships receive a 25% discount). 

Sign up at the membership desk, or call 619-280-9622. For any questions, please contact Rosa Ruiz at rruizgarcia@ymcasd.org or call 619-280-9622 Ext. 178.

YMCA annual Campaign - Help me support the cause!

Thank you to everyone that contributed in any way, shape, or form to the YMCA Annual Campaign!

My personal campaign raised $928 (almost double my original goal) and the entire Copley YMCA raised  $718,118 (far surpassing their goal of $670,000).

https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/5188475

Through generous donations to our Annual Campaign, the Y is able to give every individual the Y experience, regardless of their ability to pay. When you give to the Y, you are making an investment in our community and giving those in need the opportunity to thrive. Last year, YMCA supporters gave over $5.7 million to provide scholarships and subsidize programs and services — helping the Y to fulfill our mission to ensure access for all.

As a leading nonprofit, our Y is making a difference in the lives of 267,666 community members annually — nearly 10% of San Diego County’s population. The need is urgent and growing, and it can’t be met without you!

Asking for consent and permission - yoga is a sacred space

I will preface saying that I have in fact taken photos of my classes specfically for the site where I am teaching (special workshops, fundraisers) but ONLY with explicit and unanimous consent and permission for any posting/use. 

I have had professional photographs taken of me in a yoga practice for what the industry might deem "glamour shots" and I was the only person in them, with explicit consent from the location. I have taken pictures of kids ONLY when all the parents and the location consented to the use of the photo in any public manner (i.e., my website). Any and all objections have (and will be) met with compliance. 

I have consented to photographs to be taken of my as an individual and in a group when asked, and even "tagged" myself on media (even when the photo wasn't flattering) to help promote the event/studio/class.

I won't belabor this post with my diatribe about generational perspectives on self-images, or safe spaces versus personal responsibility as those are opinions open for debate. What I will say is that I do not think it's appropriate to take a selfie of yourself when taking my class and in any location that prohibits it I will enforce that policy. 

I am glad that the YMCA where I both teach and practice has a specific policy not only discouraging but prohibiting videos and photographs on the gym floor, and in exercise rooms (and it goes almost without saying, locker rooms). Some gyms have no such policy, and the yoga studio standard varies (or sometimes hasn't been established). If I'm a participant in the class, the only thing I can do is move out of the way, and perhaps verify if the studio/gym itself has a policy so I am informed about my choice to practice there. 

I appreciate the approach and explanation in this article. Thank you for reading.

https://ellelorean.co/consent-photography-in-yoga-healing-spaces/

San Diego Inclement Weather and Disaster Support

Originally disseminated by the YMCA of San DiegoCounty:

• The San Diego Inclement Weather Shelter Program has been activated. People experiencing homelessness can show up directly at the locations to gain access to a bed. For a list of locations, visit the Inclement Weather Shelter Program webpage https://www.sandiego.gov/homelessness-strategies-and-solutions/services/inclement-weather-shelter-program

• Individuals who have experienced flood damage can complete a voluntary damage reportfor the county by completing a form here: https://bit.ly/48IV9dT - the form does not guarantee eligibility for relief and is not a substitute for filing an insurance claim.

• For the latest emergency updates visit www.alertsandiego.org and download the SanDiego Emergency app.

• If you are affected by the storms and need to speak with someone by phone about shelters, road closures, and other non-emergency disaster-related services, please call 211. If you’re hearing impaired, dial 711 and ask to be connected to (858) 300-1211.

• San Diego Red Cross Storm Response Information- Red Cross SoCal Storm Response

• Storm Debris Removal Services
• 
  

New SD County YMCA Memberships and Annual Campaign.

Membership

A while back I posted information about getting a free membership (for seniors) to the SDCounty YMCA through insurance. Below is more specific information so that you can check to see if your policy applies, and then enjoy the YMCA benefits that aren't limited to being "a gym."

As of this year, here are the programs through which seniors can obtain YMCA memberships for free:

• United Health Care (Renew Active)
• Silver & Fit (specific insurance programs here https://www.silverandfit.com/health-plans/search-results)
• PeerFit (FitOn, Peerfit Move, FitOn Health)
• BlueShield (three month pass only)

The Y is also debuting a new membership structure that may help you afford to join if you aren't 55+. The tiers are called Community and Community+. The main difference between the two is that the "+" means get a higher discount off activities (swim lessons, camp, sports, gymnastics) and services (preschool, childcare) plus an extra guest pass, and the ability to reserve Group X classes in advance!

Did you also know that there is nationwide reciprocity for memberships? So, when I'm in Chicago, I can drop in to the YMCA there and take a fitness class, use the pool, and enjoy the gym without any additional charge!

For the month of January, new joiners get this whole month FREE plus a waived sign up fee. If someone joins by mid-February, they will still enjoy the "fee free" promotion. Also, for each person that you refer the enrolls, you get one month of membership free (if you get 12 people, yes, you get your whole year free).

Reach out to Member Services for any questions and to sign up today ! https://www.ymcasd.org/membership

Annual Campaign

Did you know the Y provides resources for those who may experience food insecurity, and also can help find housing for those needing shelter? It's also a great place for health and wellness seminars free of charge, has free fitness/wellness programs for those living with cancer, whether recently diagnosed, under going treatment, or in recovery. Yes FREE! They have after school care, preschool programs, teen safety and fitness care, and plenty of scholarships available for those wanting to join but don't have it in their budget. 

As an 8-year veteran of teaching YMCA classes, I believe in the cause of the Y. So much that this year I've volunteered to donate one hour's wages out of every paycheck to their Annual Campaign (we call that a "power hour" donation). I was gifted my first membership at the Y, and my family has found innumerable resources, from camp discounts (for both members and staff), swim team (Eli did 2 years), training (they helped me get my Personal Training Certification), and a chance to share my skills with the community. 

If you are able to contribute any amount to fund the wide variety of social welfare programs, please consider making a contribution here (select the Health and Wellness Department at Copley Price so our team gets credit for the donation):

https://www.ymcasd.org/give-y/annual-campaign

Check out my fundraising page for YMCA of San Diego County - 

https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/5188475

Day 2 of the 25 Pushup Challenge for the ACS

Tag-Team Partner Style Plank Hi-Fives with Bonus 25 from Eli.

FWIW my form in this is not that great. My hips should be in line with my shoulders and heels and my body should NOT be rocking side to side (as much). 

Be that as it may, we did it. 

Donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/468981768005845/

Also, the YMCA of San Diego County is running their annual campaign (I wore my "Power Up" FitnessPalooza tee shirt for this challenge) so if you'd like to donate to their amazing organization, here's that link as well: https://give.classy.org/RRuiz

FOUR New Classes! (updated)

Mat Yoga at Copley Price YMCA

The Sunday yoga class I used to teach at the Copley-Price YMCA prior to the pandemic shutdown (thank you Rosa Ruiz) is restarting on Sunday October 10. As the graphic below states, 

This class will be a blend of hatha and slow flow with a bit of workshopping and a focus on functional movement. We'll always get a decent mind/body workout, spend time in meditation with breathwork, and have a nice Savasana at the end.

I'm really excited to be back guiding this class and I hope previous members rejoin and new folks are interested in testing it out. This isn't your average studio flow class to be sure! I recommend bringing your own mat and if you have them, blocks and and a beach towel (or yoga blanket) and strap to help create a sense of ease for different variation of the poses depending on how your body feels that day. The Y does have some props that they clean regularly, but it's never a bad idea to invest a few dollars (if you have them) on your own set.

Here's an example of the kind of guidance I offer, and when and why we'd use props:

See that intense forward fold up there on my fun graphic? Technically that's a standing forward fold I rotated 90°. Standing, there's gravity to help traction the torso over the thighs. Also, the photo was taken 7 years ago, I had been warming up for well over an hour, I had also been practicing very active yoga daily, and that picture was one fraction of a second of a moment in time. Le'ts acknowledge that exacct fold isn't going to happen for my body today. I would absolutely want a blanket under my sit bones and possible one pulled onto my lap into my hip creases. I might not even use a strap around the balls of my feet so that I wasn't tempted to "pull" myself into the posture. 

I hope you are able to come try this class out for size with me! Reminder that the Y offers scholarship memberships!

Update

The following classes are on hold throughout January 2022:

Baby Yoga StoryTime @ City Heights/Weingart Library

• Wednesday December 8, 10-10:45am in front of the Performance Annex

Kids Yoga @ San Carlos Library 

• Wednesdays (starting November 3) 3-3:45pm

Expect movement, songs, library-chosen books, occasion-and-yoga-themed crafts, parent-and-kid partnering, and overall a lot of fun. Please note that this isn't a drop-off class; modeling participation is such an important part, and I do have plenty of caregiver-kiddo partnering to keep it fun for ALL ages! If you are unable to get down to the floor we will have chairs for seating. (If you do need to use your electronic device during class please step out of the room briefly.)

I will have some mats available for lending, but I do recommended having one of your own per child so they have safe space for movement. If we have a group of folks that need mats, we can always consider doing a group purchase to get a warehouse discount. 

No sign-ups or payment needed, just show up and ENJOY!

Coming Soon: Chair Yoga with Age Well Services

• Starting in 2022, Fridays, 12:45-1:45 at Park De La Cruz Recreation Center

Schedule Change for 2021 Summer

Zoom classes

After over a year of Zooming every weekday, I am changing the Zoom schedule this summer. Starting in June, we will be meeting (just) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday online (still at 11am PST). I have some other activities happening, and I'm trying to start a yoga non-profit project, and class numbers are reducing due to gyms opening back up, so I want to concentrate our time together efficiently.

The link will be the same. 

We have a short break due to the Memorial Day holiday (Monday May 31), and we will start our new schedule Wednesday June 2. If you aren't already attending, email me at byomyoga@gmail.com to register and get the link.

YMCA

I'm also teaching in person at the Copley YMCA at 9AM on Tuesdays and their classes are transitioning to be indoors next week. They also have two chair yoga classes on their schedule so check out your local Y classes too!

The Garden

I have an outdoor class at the Cuyamaca College Water Conservation Garden on Thursdays. Until the end of June it meets at 1PM. Starting in July it will change to 10AM (to avoid the heat). Classes are free with membership (that includes 5 other weekly classes plus a host of other bonuses and reciprocal membership at gardens all over the state and country).

Hope to see you around town (or the internet)!

I'm Coming Back to the YMCA

Starting Tuesday August 25 I'll be venturing back to the Copley-Price YMCA in San Diego for in-person Vinyasa Yoga classes from 9-9:55AM weekly. Classes will be held outside, and each student has to go through a quick evaluation for a temperature check and a few basic questions ("Have you recently had a fever?" "Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19?" for example) before being allowed (or not) to attend class. Every student must bring their own yoga equipment (mat, blocks, straps, towels), and there will be demarcations on the ground for mat placement to ensure proper social distancing. 

In all likelihood if I am going to walk around the class for instructions, I will be wearing a mask. Anyone walking through the building also must be wearing a face covering as well.

I highly recommend bringing good hydration as late August/early September here in San Diego is our hottest time of year. I hope that our place on the YMCA campus will have adequate shade, and that our meeting time offers us some cool morning breezes versus the heat of the day later on. 

My previous Sunday "Vinyasa" classes were less traditional flow yoga and more an exploration of yoga movement and philosophy, sometimes set to music. We didn't do a continuous flow as one might expect, but often repeated some sequences at different paces, and held postures to examine how we might change our energy and balance with our breath. 

This will not be a "power" class; it will be accessible for even beginners. But, as a mat yoga class, it will require being on the "floor" and being comfortable getting up and down from floor level and/or on the knees (no chairs are provided). I apologize for being limited this way, but for now, this is what is being provided due to COVID-19 restrictions.

For those that are unable to attend this class, or this class does not meet your yoga needs, PLEASE consider attending one of my free online classes: Chair Yoga Monday through Friday at 11am PST; Accessible Yoga for Physical Disabilities Mondays and Thursdays at 10am PST; Accessible Yoga for Special Needs Mondays and Fridays at 1pm PST; and Kids Yoga Wednesdays at 10am PST. Email me at byomyoga@gmail.com for a waiver and the ZOOM link.

You can also see prerecorded videos at BYOMyogavideos.com (just click the link up top),

Stay well, friends. 

Health Update Class Cancellations 1:30 pm 3/17/20

During this time if you would like to schedule a private video yoga session please email me at byomyoga@gmail.com and let's discuss your practice needs!

In an effort to participate with State and Local Agencies and in cooperation with locations that host classes in mitigating further spread of COVID-19, the following community yoga classes are put on hold effective March 13, 2020 until April 6, or further notice:

Silver Sneakers/Silver&Fit Chair Yoga (updated)

• El Cajon Monday 1-2 pm
• La Mesa Tuesday 8:30-9:30 am
• Tifereth Israel Wednesday 9:30-10:30 am
• Casa de Oro Wednesday 12-1 pm
• Lemon Grove Friday 12-1pm
• La Mesa Saturday 8:30-9:30 am (through the end of April)

Adaptive Yoga for G.A.M.E.R.S

• Casa de Oro Tuesday 10am & 11am
• Casa de Oro Friday 10am

Kids Yoga (updated)

• Mission Hill Mondays 9:45 am
• San Carlos Tuesdays 4:00pm
• Logan Heights Wednesdays 4:30 pm
• Lemon Grove Thursdays 10:30am (through the end of April

Aso on hold are my classes at the YMCA (Yoga, Sunday 9:30-10:45am and Chair Yoga, Monday 11am-12pm). All local YMCAs have cancelled their group programming, child care, child watch, youth programs, social trips, etc., until further notice. Please see this announcement for details: https://www.ymcasd.org/about-y/news-center/general/important-update.

As per https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/at-least-5-presumptive-positive-cases-of-coronavirus-in-san-diego-county-hhsa/2284267/ 

An advisory was also issued urging senior citizens 65 or older and anyone with underlying chronic illnesses to prioritize staying at home, avoid travel and avoid mass gatherings.

 "We know that this virus is particularly impactful for our senior citizens and those with underlying chronic health conditions, and we are asking those individuals to go above and beyond the establish public health advisories," Fletcher said.

The risk to healthy young adults remains low, Fletcher said, though they were at risk of spreading the disease to the more vulnerable population.

If your regularly attended class is not listed please check your local library listed for details, as I am personally unable to lead the classes until further notice.  Learning about and teaching yoga is both my job and my passion and this decision did not come lightly. Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to me.

Please follow the CDC guidelines to keep yourselves safe, informed, and healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html

Donate to Celebrate 175th Birthday of the YMCA

I am honored to be an instructor at the San Diego County YMCAs. This year they are celebrating their 175th birthday and this month is their Annual Fundraising Campaign. The funds from this campaign go to support the almost 400,000 people - nearly 1 in 8 San Diegans - that participating in their programs or utilize our services (learn more about our efforts in our Annual Report).

 

But San Diego communities are continually evolving and facing new challenges every day. That's why they intend to double their impact by 2025, touching the lives of more than 800,000 people every year. Here's how:

• They are planning to build a new, full-service YMCA facility, with several expanding neighborhoods being considered as potential locations.
• All of the existing facilities are scheduled to be enhanced and improved to better serve their communities.
• The Annual Campaigns held each year will help provide access to these facilities and programs by ensuring they are affordable and available to the most vulnerable populations in San Diego.

They will strengthen their endowment as an investment in the future for scholarships, facilities and more.

 

With your help, the funds raised will ensure that everyone in San Diego has the chance to be healthy, confident, connected and secure — both now and into the future. Whether it's a one-time contribution or a pledge for a larger gift over the course of the year, know that your generosity will help your and your neighbors to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

 

With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

 

Click here to make an electronic donation on my fundraising page. My goal is $500; I hope you can help.

 

https://www.ymca.org/campaigner/copleyprice/16JGAD

Copley YMCA Yogathon Friday February 22

Coming your way on 2/22/19 at Copley Price YMCA:

A special  two hour master Yoga class led by the amazing Pattaya and me (Jackie G) on Friday, February 22rd from 6pm-8pm on the patio.

All are invited with a Suggested Donation of $20. Open to everyone in the community - membership not required!

All proceeds are for the 2019 Annual Fundraising Campaign to pay for the Y’s amazing programs like Livestrong to assist those in cancer treatment or recover with their wellness goals, and scholarship camps and memberships for those in our community who can’t otherwise afford it.

Membership dues help keep the facility open but donations to campaigns like this help sustain the YMCAs mission to serve.

I hope you can attend!!

Donate Here:

https://www.ymca.org/campaigner/copleyprice/16JGAD

Just added SUNDAYS at Copley YMCA - Mat Yoga (all levels)

I'm excited to announce I just added a new class to my weekly schedule on Sunday mornings. In November this class will be 9:15-10:30, and starting in December it moves to 9:30-10:45 (and continues at that time moving forward).

This will be an all levels mat yoga class combining many different yoga influences (hatha, vinyasa, restorative, iyengar) into a fun, flowing, full body experience. The class is for YMCA members (but if you aren't a members see a member specialist about a day pass or joining!). A limited number of mats are available for use (but I recommend bringing your own).  The YMCA also provides straps, blankets and blocks and I make good use of them too I; whole-heartedly believe that props can be the key to finding your own personal expressions of poses that might otherwise be inaccessible.

As always, there will be focus on Pranayama (breathing), good natured jokes, stories, music, and encouragement of questions as we explore our yoga paths.

If you need a class with a chair, try my Monday morning Copley class at 11:05. Both classes are upstairs in Room 3.