Why Yoga at work?
Yoga asanas (postures) were originated to prepare the practitioner to sit for hours in meditation, and they can also help the modern worker better withstand the unique rigors of an office (or other) environment. Two main ways that providing yoga in the workplace is a worthwhile investment:
-Improves employee health and increases the ability to manage stress….Healthier, less-stressed employees have fewer absences and are more productive! (1)
-Promotes mental clarity which can improve creative thinking and problem solving (2)
How do workplace yoga classes differ from studio/gym classes?
Most obviously they are conveniently located right at work- which is fantastic for time-crunched workers and/or those who might not be comfortable going to a studio or gym.
Generally, they are designed to accomodate everyone- from those who have never practiced yoga before to those with years of experience; those who are sedentary to those who are athletes. Studio classes are frequently leveled by student experience and ability, and class “focus” (power, gentle etc). Usually workplace yoga classes are sequenced to improve overall health and fitness and counter the effects of sitting, while studio classes may emphasize a certain posture, category of postures, or a theme.
This being said, if all prospective attendees are at roughly the same practice “level” and/or the class is small, we may choose to work towards “peak” or challenge postures.
Why MY workplace yoga classes?
Not only do I have years of experience teaching yoga in a corporate setting, and thus understand the unique needs and challenges of providing this service, but I have a background in anatomy, physiology, and fitness and thus am good at planning classes that will be both accessible to newcomers and challenging for experienced practitioners. Most importantly, I am passionate about bringing yoga into the workplace (and every aspect of life to be honest)!
Contact me and we can discuss how I can best serve you and your employees!
(1) Wolever, R.Q. et al, 2012. Effective and viable mind-body stress reduction in the workplace: a randomized, controlled trial. J Occup Health Psychol, 17(2): 246-258.
(2) Ostafin, B.D., Kassman, K.T. 2012. Stepping out of history: mindfulness improves insight problem solving. Conscious Cogn, 21(2): 1031-6.