Yoga

Yoga has evolved over thousands of years into what it is today. At its core, yoga maintains its foundational principals and philosophy that have been passed down over the years. Today there are many types of yoga that all have these common ground principals structured into their style of practice.

People from different backgrounds, cultures, and interests seek out yoga for a variety of reasons. Some people may prefer the spiritual aspect of yoga while others prefer the physical. Similarly, may prefer a more calming yoga practice, while others prefer a more rigorous one. All these differences are what truly make yoga such a beautiful and unique practice - giving everyone an opportunity to experience it in their own special way. 

Red Sands Therapy Inc. has added yoga to our offerings because yoga is a healing practice. By consistently practicing the 8 Limbs of Yoga, an individual, over time can heal. Yoga is an evidence based method for healing trauma (Van de Kolk, BIG THINK, 2024). 

We will have teachers certified and ready to host classes In July 2025! Stay tuned for more information on classes and instructors.

In July and August:

We will offer:

Restorative Yoga: 

Increases flexibility, stamina, concentration, and mental clarity. 

Restorative yoga classes are very calm and slow-paced. These classes focus on the use of props to achieve restorative poses that calm and promote healing in the body. A restorative yoga class will usually include only 5-8 poses that are held for longer periods of time; up to five minutes or longer. The purpose of these classes is to relax and rest. The poses involved are calming and require minimal effort. Through longer holds, the objective of Restorative yoga is to stimulate healing processes within the nervous system. 

Ashtanga Yoga: 

Increases muscles strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and mental clarity. 

Ashtanga yoga classes are ususally high energy and physically challenging. The classes are always sequenced the same, with poses following the same order. The focus of Ashtanga classes is linking every single movement in the class with breath.

Hot Yoga:

Hot Yoga’s name comes from the temperature of the studio it's practiced in.  We offer Hot Yoga classes outside on a hot summer day! Our studio is nature! (weather permitting). The temperature for a typical hot yoga class is intended to 32 to 40 degrees Celsius. The purpose of performing yoga in heat is to increase flexibility, promote sweating for detoxification, and increase circulation.

Cautions for hot yoga: Your body must be well hydrated prior to performing hot yoga. As well, please bring extra sources of water to remain hydrated during class.

Symptoms of Heat exhaustion and Heat Stroke must be monitored and will be discussed by the yoga teacher.

Heat cramps: are a less dangerous but painful form of heat illness. By definition, heat cramps are muscle spasms that occur during or after intense physical activity. Imbalanced body fluids and/or electrolytes are the believed cause of heat cramps. In most cases, the cramps occur in the abdomen and extremities. 

Heat exhaustion symptoms: a weak, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, general weakness, and low blood pressure when upright. Body temperature is not severely elevated and sweating may be moderately reduced. To treat heat exhaustion one should move to a cooler area and rehydrate by taking fluids orally or by IV if necessary. 

Heat stroke symptoms: is the most dangerous heat illness and is considered a medical emergency. Heat stroke occurs when the core temperature of the body increases to 103–104º F (39–40º C), a life-threatening situation. In heat stroke, the body’s heat-dissipating efforts have failed, usually due to central nervous system impairment. At this point, sweating ceases and the skin becomes hot and dry and the core temperature continues to increase. Internally, organ damage occurs as cell membranes are ruptured. Individuals experiencing heat stroke will be disoriented and confused, their mental acuity will be impaired, and they may lose consciousness. Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent death. 

The ideal situation is the prevention of dehydration during exercise. To achieve this goal, students must be informed of good hydration practices before they participate in a "hot” Yoga class. The recommendations for hydration before, during, and after exercise are as follows:

1. Daily intake of 8–10 glasses of water (8 oz. per glass) for normal activity, not including exercise.
2. At least 2 hours prior to exercise, drink 16 oz. of water or fluid without caffeine.
3. If possible, determine body weight while hydrated, prior to exercise.
4. During exercise, drink frequently and early, before you are actually thirsty. Your goal is to replenish fluids at the same rate you are sweating. The maximal rate of replacement is between 20–40 oz. per hour, based on absorption of fluid by the stomach.
5. After exercise, evaluate change in body weight. Consume fluids to return to body weight prior to exercise.