Yoga For Real People
The yoga I teach is informed by my experience as an athlete, a busy person with a lot going on, and a lifelong interest in learning about wellness in mind and body. I teach classes that combine movements that support your body, increase your core strength, flexibility and balance and overall fitness. If you think you are too inflexible or impatient for yoga, I think you will like my class. We do not do headstands or other moves that may be risky. Participants are urged to respect their bodies and listen to them, leaving ego and judgment off the mat. While some of the shapes are challenging for the core, and participants who attend regularly will quickly notice an improvement in the strength of their shoulders, abs, glutes and legs, this class is appropriate for all levels of fitness as I always show options to the poses. Unlike other types of popular workouts, yoga is not about competition, or achieving a certain look, or staying focused on a particular goal. Instead, we are inspired to accept our body the way it is showing up today, and glorifying in its strength and beauty while seeing if we can't challenge it just a little bit, to allow for more growth. Or not.
Why do yoga? Everyone needs a block of time each week in which to stretch, to focus on breathing, to leave gadgets and agendas aside. Whether you are stressed-out (and who isn't?), looking to prevent injury or coming off an injury, starting a workout program or training for your 18th marathon, if you are a 16-year-old athlete or gamer, or a 66-year- old triathlete - yoga can be transformative.
My training is focused on coaching athletes and those looking to lose weight and become more fit, as well as helping participants who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other brain and body health challenges. Often, a trauma (accident, loved one's death, life transition, witnessing or being a victim of violence, etc.) can lead to a disconnect between our mind and our body. Yoga can be a powerful part of one's recovery plan by helping to rebuild connection with, and trust in, one's body.
"Over the last two years my basketball program has been taking yoga classes with Susanne Navas. We added the classes to our normal strength and conditioning program to increase strength and flexibility. Our guys swear by the program and our staff has noticed fewer injuries and increased endurance. The classes are a nice change to our normal routine and adds a great spiritual component to process of team building. " James Jones, Head Coach, Yale Men's Basketball Team
"I am a First Responder in treatment for depression and substance use disorder, because of complex PTSD. I never thought I was the yoga type. But in my first class with Susanne, she immediately put me at ease. I was shocked when she ended class - the 50 minutes went by so fast! I was hooked. I felt better, and more at peace, than I had in a long time. She taught us how to breathe and I realized I had been shallow breathing for years. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to do the class since I have never been flexible. But the class was perfect since she meets you where you are, and shows you how to challenge yourself if you're ready. She keeps it real, so it's not at all intimidating or weird. Her classes are one of the best parts of my treatment plan, since as she explains in class, you need to bring your body into your treatment if you're really going to heal." M.T.
"I am a licensed professional counselor and own a thriving behavioral health practice. I have been taking Susanne's yoga classes for several years, and I began sending my clients to her for yoga and when appropriate, recovery coaching. Susanne teaches and coaches in a way that is trauma-informed and meets each client where they are, even in group settings. I feel confident that my clients are safe with her, and that with her guidance, they will be able to achieve a deeper connection with their physical and mental health. Traditionally, mental health has been separated from physical health, but my own behavioral health practice emphasizes the importance of incorporating the body into the healing work. It is well-documented how trauma stays in the body, and how true healing must incorporate a somatic practice. Susanne gets it, and I am thrilled to recommend her." Noel Federle, LPC, Owner, Behavioral Health Associates.
Why do yoga? Everyone needs a block of time each week in which to stretch, to focus on breathing, to leave gadgets and agendas aside. Whether you are stressed-out (and who isn't?), looking to prevent injury or coming off an injury, starting a workout program or training for your 18th marathon, if you are a 16-year-old athlete or gamer, or a 66-year- old triathlete - yoga can be transformative.
My training is focused on coaching athletes and those looking to lose weight and become more fit, as well as helping participants who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other brain and body health challenges. Often, a trauma (accident, loved one's death, life transition, witnessing or being a victim of violence, etc.) can lead to a disconnect between our mind and our body. Yoga can be a powerful part of one's recovery plan by helping to rebuild connection with, and trust in, one's body.
"Over the last two years my basketball program has been taking yoga classes with Susanne Navas. We added the classes to our normal strength and conditioning program to increase strength and flexibility. Our guys swear by the program and our staff has noticed fewer injuries and increased endurance. The classes are a nice change to our normal routine and adds a great spiritual component to process of team building. " James Jones, Head Coach, Yale Men's Basketball Team
"I am a First Responder in treatment for depression and substance use disorder, because of complex PTSD. I never thought I was the yoga type. But in my first class with Susanne, she immediately put me at ease. I was shocked when she ended class - the 50 minutes went by so fast! I was hooked. I felt better, and more at peace, than I had in a long time. She taught us how to breathe and I realized I had been shallow breathing for years. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to do the class since I have never been flexible. But the class was perfect since she meets you where you are, and shows you how to challenge yourself if you're ready. She keeps it real, so it's not at all intimidating or weird. Her classes are one of the best parts of my treatment plan, since as she explains in class, you need to bring your body into your treatment if you're really going to heal." M.T.
"I am a licensed professional counselor and own a thriving behavioral health practice. I have been taking Susanne's yoga classes for several years, and I began sending my clients to her for yoga and when appropriate, recovery coaching. Susanne teaches and coaches in a way that is trauma-informed and meets each client where they are, even in group settings. I feel confident that my clients are safe with her, and that with her guidance, they will be able to achieve a deeper connection with their physical and mental health. Traditionally, mental health has been separated from physical health, but my own behavioral health practice emphasizes the importance of incorporating the body into the healing work. It is well-documented how trauma stays in the body, and how true healing must incorporate a somatic practice. Susanne gets it, and I am thrilled to recommend her." Noel Federle, LPC, Owner, Behavioral Health Associates.
