Work It Out! with Yoga
We’re featuring fun, unique exercise options to keep your workout fresh. Raina Gustafson, who is a Registered Yoga Teacher at REZA Fitness Resort, shares the benefits of Yoga.
We asked Raina to tell us about herself.
I am a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher. I'm certified by Yoga Alliance, which is the international governing body of yoga. I have always been attracted to the creative aspect of movement, and the personal confidence that emanates from good health. I completed two undergraduate degrees in Fine Arts at Arizona State University, and have independently studied and taught many forms of movement, nutrition, herbs and other holistic health modalities.
I took my first formal yoga class in 1997. Since then, I have realized that most of us have been doing yoga in part all of our lives. I have been working in the yoga community full-time since 2004, and began the certification process with my first group of teacher training students in 2005.
 Tell us about Yoga.
Yoga is grounded in an innate trust of our own bodies. Our bodies talk to us all the time. They want us to be healthy, vibrant, creative, glowing, expressive beings that can face the challenges of life unafraid. For our own health andhappiness, we need to forge a mind-body connection. We must make the most of our time in life, and for me, that means mentally and emotionally engaging in my pursuit of physical health. I enjoy a very eclectic teaching style, tailoring each class according to my students’ specific needs. I draw from a wide variety of experiences and yoga influences. I offer my students all that I have, and I learn from them in turn.
What kind of workout does it provide?
Yoga provides a holistic, healing workout that extends far beyond the physical level. It encompasses an entire spectrum of health-building activities, from conscious relaxation techniques to vigorous sweat-inducing continuous movement. It increases strength, flexibility, bone-density and balance, to name just a few benefits. It also decreases the chance of injury in other activities, and can help therapeutically improve many physical and mental health issues, sometimes reducing or eliminating the need for chemically-based conventional medical treatment.
What is most rewarding about Yoga?
The richness of yoga is very satisfying on three levels. First is the incredible sense of bliss and well-being that you can achieve within a single class. Second is the childlike delight that results from surprising ourselves when we accomplish a pose for the first time (and sometimes when we fall out of poses). Third is the incredible joy and freedom that we cultivate with a steady practice over a period of time. As we evolve through yoga, personal growth becomes nearly effortless. Our self-knowledge grows, and our sensitivity towards life heightens our ability to honor ourselves through better choices, one moment at a time.
Who can participate in Yoga?
Those who are ailing need yoga the most. Discuss any health concerns – mental, physical or emotional – with your teacher before class. Depending on your condition, there may be some techniques that are not appropriate, while other techniques will be especially nourishing and beneficial. Be open and honest with your instructor, and never hesitate to ask questions or make requests. If your instructor doesn’t know what you’re experiencing, he or she can’t fully assist you.
People of any age can participate in yoga, including babies still in the womb! Contact us for further information if you have any concerns about starting a yoga practice.
Do you offer classes? What are the costs?
We offer yoga classes seven days a week. Pricing information is available on our website. Classes can cost anywhere from $7 (if a monthly unlimited pass is used about 4 times a week) to $15 a class if purchased as a package of classes. Arizona residents can also sign up for our e-newsletter from our website to receive a free week pass.
There is no special equipment required for yoga, although the experience can be enhanced by the appropriate use of a few simple props. All props are available during class at no charge to students of REZA Resort.
What do you do to reward yourself after a great workout?
A great workout is a reward in and of itself.
For more information about spinning or about REZA Resort, visit rezaresort.com.
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