Since 1998, Bikram Yoga of Pasadena has been teaching people about the benefits of Bikram yoga and helping them further their practice.
Its founder Val Sklar Robinson has been dutifully teaching her students to practice a healthier lifestyle and finding ways to make yoga an integral part of their day-to-day activities. One of these ways is Yogival, an extension of her Bikram Yoga studio “to reach a wider audience, whether you practice yoga, you do another kind of fitness or don’t have a fitness regimen,” says Robinson. What she calls 5 Fundamentals of Alignment and Physical Connection are a major focus of her program.
The 5 Fundamentals are: Learn to fully use and expand your lungs or “breathe well”; develop a strong and connected core; maintain and support the natural curves in your spine and hips; relax your shoulders; and find your feet.
“The 5 Fundamentals will help people gain a better understanding of alignment and physical connection so they can feel better no matter they’re doing,” Robinson says. “This is not about flexibility. It’s just how to connect your strength and your alignment…no matter what you’d like to do.”
Robinson says that following the 5 Fundamentals of Alignment and Connection will lessen injury and pain in your body and improve the quality of your life. “The first fundamental is just breathing. People don’t breathe, they panic breathe all day long. [I would tell you] to relax your shoulders and stand taller, so you will have a better alignment. Now you have decreased your chance of shoulder pain, neck pain and upper back pain,” Robinson explains.
“It’s simply just how you can get rid of some of that pain when you walk or sit at your desk.”
The first seminar will be on February 28, Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bikram Yoga Pasadena. It’s priced at $40 when you book before February 26, or $45 when you pay at the door.
Bikram Yoga Pasadena is located at 2089 E. Colorado Boulevard Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 304-9642 or visit www.bikramyogapasadena.com.
