Update Spring 2017

Hi Folks,

Just a heads up on what's going on in my world. School is going great! I'm learning a lot of new information including Analysis of movement, Fitness Assessment, Aquatics and Nutrition. So much great stuff that I look forward to sharing with you all here very soon. My education will continue on for the next year for sure, and possibly further though with less intensity. This means that I will spending more time working and implementing my learning, while still taking classes, but my focus will be more on work. Life is full of change and I look forward to where it takes me.

I will be adding more classes back into my schedule this term, so be on the look out for those announcements, as they come. As of right now I am doing a lot more subbing, so you will see me popping in at 24 hour fitness facilities all over the East Side, as well as starting some new classes at the brand new Gresham location coming in May. I've also added back my 10:15am Wednesday yoga class at Premier Sports and Fitness, come on in and say Hi if you are a member there. La Fitness members, there will be changes yet again for my classes there, I will do my best to keep you informed on what's going on.

Have you been looking forward to Yoga in the Park this summer? Its coming back. Last year we had a great quite location but... there was small attendance. So I am not sure if I will use that location again. I'm considering using a different park this year, Bella Vista Park is showing considerable opportunities located just off NW Birdsdale. This park is located in the midst of a quiet subdivision, not to far from Gresham Station. This is also a location where Grimm was filmed, so it can't be too bad, right?

I'm also currently working on planning a potential Wellness Weekend in May. I'm searching out possible locations that can keep the price down, while also offering an opportunity to step away from life and focus on your health and well being. The date is May 19th thru the 21st, 2017, save the date, if this interests you. You can also add your input on the Facebook planning page, check it out here.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with what's going on in my world, and my offerings in the fitness and yoga world. I look forward to expanding and growing in this industry and it means alot that you have taken the time to join me on this journey.

Peace and Love
Kris Myers

Wellness Weekend (Planning)

A Weekend of Physical Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation everyday! Talks on nutrition, overall wellness, obstacles, and creating habits.

We are still in the planning stages, but looking to see who would be interested in spending a weekend with us focusing on your health and wellness. Over the next few weeks we will be talking about what your needs are, and where you are willing to go! Lets chat. Join the event page on Facebook and lets get this planned and customized for what you want.

A little bit about Kris: A group exercise instructor for 14 years specializing in Yoga, Circuit training, Cycling indoors/outdoors, Hiking, and Backpacking. Kris has taught Yoga retreats around the Pacific Northwest over the last couple of years, and specializes in Workshops.

Shoulder Girdle and Joint

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Rotator cuff injuries are a common injury that we see in everyday life, and in sports injuries. You may even know someone who has one. There are ways you can prevent getting a rotator cuff injury yourself, with some stabilization of the shoulder girdle.

The rotator cuff muscles consist of 4 muscles that are responsible for moving and rotating the arm within the shoulder joint. Because we use our arms a lot in movement, we often find this joint in overuse or moving with poor technique. The shoulder girdle (separate from the shoulder joint) is responsible for offering stabilization to the shoulder joint. When we move our arm without the stability of the shoulder girdle, we are setting ourselves up for injury. You may not feel it at first, but overtime with constant unsupported movement, you will find yourself with pain, in the shoulder joint. This can be prevented.

Taking the time to strengthen the shoulder girdle muscles (pec minor, serratus anterior, trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae) will set you up for success, and keep you out of future injury. Exercises such as Plank, Chaturanga, Wild Thing (shown here), as well as other exercises such as shoulder shrugs, Reverse push ups, Kettlebell Windmills, and Bent over rows, will help prevent injury when performed correctly.

Here's where trainers,group exercise teachers, movement specialists come into play. Having someone that can help you understand how to move correctly in the body, helps keep you out of trouble.Take some time to work with your trainers, and teachers to help you build stability of the shoulder girdle, and set yourself up for success.

#movement #stability #wildthing #functionalmovement #personaltraining#selfcare #stayinghealthy #empoweredyoganw #playhardandsmart

When people without kids tell me they're exhausted

I've always believed that having kids was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received!
Talk about enlightenment! Everything I ever thought life was, was completely dissolved when my babies came into this world. Humility became my strength.

Learning to let go of control, ended up being my hardest challenge, but one that i have accomplished, and am so grateful that the hardships my kids have shown me, was really only my own.

I am still constantly reminded that their is so much more in this world outside of myself and my own needs, but also that taking care of myself is important, in order to take care of them. Its a fine balance.

But more importantly, I see that these beautiful gifts that were bestowed upon me, are not really mine. They are a part of something much bigger than me. they are the future of our world. They remind me that nothing is permanent, that my job is to love them, care for them, and teach them. But to do so with no expectation, with no return, and the reward is the experience, the love and these moments that I get with them.

I know what the gift of having kids has brought for me, and its the best gift i have ever received. Without kids i dont believe i wouldve ever gotten any of these things, but that is my experience.

For those people that dont have kids, you will never understand my journey. But, you were never meant to. Its not your story. Its mine. i hope that you get the opportunities/hardships/whatever it is for you, that helps you find your own Path to the enlightened you.

 

As for the picture, well, i find it funny. I see the truth in it for me, when i have conversations with others that dont have kids, and they try and make the comparison. The humor is not in that they dont have kids, but rather, that they are on a different path, that doesnt compare. Its like saying "I totally understand what it was like growing up with your parents! " They just dont compare. There's no right/wrong, but there's also no comparison.

Life is not meant to be easy, its meant to be lived. I see the path that I am on, and the truth in it and I am grateful that i get to to continue this life of of blessings, hardships, and opportunities, because that is my path, and I chose to live it! I hope the same for all of you.

San Diego Yoga Conference

Hi Folks,

It was so hard to find a time that fit all of the donators schedule on presenting this great event to you. So instead I thought I would offer at least a highlight of it here for you.

The San Diego Yoga Conference was put together by none other than Yoga Journal, a leader and experienced organization that has been doing these conferences for a long time, 40 years to be exact, so their expertise is top notch, which is why I figured I would start with them.

The Location: Let me just say that the location that Yoga Journal chose this year for their San Diego event was amazing. It was hosted at the beautiful and historic Hotel Del Coronado. Most of the classed that they had to offer were located in the various conference rooms, but because of the beautiful location there were also great classes out on the beach, the lawn and the Stand Up Paddle Board classes in the Ocean.

Our first day we had Orientation, where we learned about all the different jobs we would be performing and how to do them. The idea for most people who volunteer for this type of job is work exchange. You work for Yoga Journal and they allow you take some of the classes as trade. But because I was coming for a different purpose, I asked to work all the different jobs, so I could get a real understanding of what it took to run an event like this.

some of the jobs we did entailed

• setting up goodie bags, taping floors, setting up signs and decore. 
• Registration helpers and Ask Me (being available for the paid students for any questions needed)
• Working the door on the classes that were offered. 
• Market Place Counter, counting how many people came into the marketplace. 
• Smile booth - taking pictures of anyone who wanted a photo of them doing a yoga pose on the front cover of Yoga Journal. (not for real, but for fun.) 
• Event Space Host - working the many events that they offered outside of the paid classes. Most of these events were free. ie. Kids Yoga, Fashion show, and Ariel Yoga
• Larger Event Hosts - Warriors for Healing, and Lectures 

I truly feel blessed that I was able to work just about everything they had available! It wasnt always pretty, matter of fact some of it was down right hard, at times, but it was an amazing experience. I met so many great people! The staff were over the top helpful and friendly and really truly appreciated you! More so than any other job I have ever held. It was crazy awesome!

One of my favorite events was the introduction to the program Warriors for Healing. We worked the class and even got to do some yoga. Bhava Ram was the teacher, and he has such an inspirational heart. It was amazing to me to see how many people were there participating, and how many that were Vets. He made such a difference in so many peoples lives and I got the feeling that he does that on a regular basis. I also had the pleasure of listening to him speak at a Lecture, that was amazing as well. I love to see how Yoga reaches out to those in need, and make a difference. Way to go, to all that were involved in this great kick off. 

We worked alot of hours, and got very little sleep. There were times we were up at 5am working all day long and arriving back to our room at 8pm sometimes 10pm at night. We had some long breaks but our room wasnt at the Hotel, so we didnt have time to drive back to our room and make it back in time for our next shift. So relaxation was found on the beach or in the car. Though it was very nice lying on the beach, it wasnt so nice doing it in work clothes.

One of the greatest highlights for me, was the opportunity to get a hug from none other than Seane Corn! The story is hilarious, and is such an example of who I really am.
I was working the Smile Booth - taking pics of people doing yoga poses for a fun shot on the front page of YJ. I was ending my shift and getting ready to work another shift somewhere else. The next person that came in after me was struggling trying to learn how to run the ipad. After working with him for awhile, he just wasnt grasping it, so I called in for back up to send someone else to work the shift. One of the lead staff comes over to find out what was happening, and a friend of mine calls me over to where they are standing. I quickly tell her no, as we have customers who need assistance, and I cant leave my station. (even though it technically was not my station any more). She insisted that I come over immediately, and the lead staff member said the same thing. I was very frustrated as the new volunteer was immediately stress over the thought of me stepping away. I assured him I would be right back, and that he could handle it. Unbeknownst by me, Seane Corn was standing right next to the lead staff member. I didnt want to interrupt so I didnt say anything when I arrived. They quickly introduced me to Seane and I immediately got embarrassed. My friend says, "hey, lets get a picture" now I am really embarrassed because I was so caught off guard, though everyone else knew exactly what was happening. Of course i get called out on my blushing, which makes it completely worse. Seane got a great kick out of along with everyone else, and I got a great pic. Its a fond memory I will hold dear to my heart.

What I learned....

It takes a small army to do all the work for set up! Some major players are involved here and alot of volunteers are needed.

Volunteers are a key part of the whole system and need to be valued as such.

You need a lot of  Sponsors to help pay the expenses of such a program. Think big scale.

You need a theme for such a big event. A big draw that really targets the people in your area.

this takes a lot of planning that could be years to pull off.

Be prepared that your first event you will not make much money at all. But that each event builds on the next, and consistency sells on events like this.

Well thats a wrap folks. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success on so many levels, for me. It will probably be a few years before I am able to pull this off, as their is a lot of planning still to go. I'm totally ok with that, as I know it will be a success.

I was able to meet some amazing people, and get a real good look at what it takes to make a successful event, and it was a huge eye opener for me. Though I didnt get to take any classes per say, it was alot more successful than I had hoped, thanks in part by the amazing staff of Yoga Journal. I have made some life long friends, and plan on attending an another event in the near future, because I loved the experience. I loved being a part of something much bigger than me, and to work with some great people who have a lot to teach me in running big events such as this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you who made this an amazing experience.
Namaste, Kris

The constant journey about your body

The beautiful thing about chronic pain, is that its been hanging around long enough to annoy you, and it annoys you enough to want to do something about it. Many of you may or may not know that I have Fibromyalgia, and that I have suffered from chronic pain for about 5 years now. I choose to continue the practice of yoga, cycling, hiking and many other fun active activities, because i refuse to give up. Sadly, all the things I enjoy doing, aggravate the pain in my hips. and have many times created debilitating pain, that left me in tears. But I still never gave up. Being active is part of life, and I am a strong person that refuses to give up so easily. I wont be taken down that way. So I have consistently researched, studied, met with different physicians in many different modalities, in the constant effort to find the root problem. Why not just give up? Well, I just don't think I know how to. Lol.

Keep up the work,sending you love.

Well the last five years of seeing an Osteopath, natural-path, Chinese medicine Dr, acupuncturist, chiropractor, yoga therapists, massage therapist and physical therapist, i have had my pain kept under control, but it always came back. Sometimes instantly sometimes over time, but it never left for long. Now I have practiced yoga for about 13 years, and I think of myself pretty in tune with my body. But just recently I realized through self study and some yoga therapy that I shear my right hip and twist my lumbar spine in movement....WHAT?!?! How could i have not known that? How did I not understand my own body that well? I can see these kind of things in other people's movement, but how could I not see it in my own??? I was flabbergasted. Ohhhh but it doesnt end there. I also recently discovered that I use my abs incorrectly. I knew something wasnt working properly in my abs, but I didnt know what it was, until one night I was getting out of bed, and realized that I push my abs out when I engage them, rather than pull them in. Sheesh...again, how did I not know this. Suddenly, so many things came into play...many "ah ha" moments were found.

So why am I telling you about this? Well, after 13 years of practicing, I continue to learn more and more about my body. The journey doesnt end. Our bodies are capable of doing many wonderful things, and movement with success is one of them. Dont give up. Keep going the journey. And when things get hard, know that its for a reason. Sometimes the message just isnt clear. But the constant practice of listening, and staying in tune with our bodies, is a practice that will pay off. No matter where you are in it.

A time for NEW beginnings and New beginners.

  January is upon us, and many people are making new resolutions to come back to their practice or to start a brand new one. I like to reflect on this opportunity for new beginnings. Its so beautiful to see all the new people coming to their mats, its so exciting as you see they are getting ready for a brand new adventure that's going to lead them to some new explorations of Self.

 
  I was reminded of what it was like to be a new person in class when I picked up an old classic yoga book that I suddenly felt compelled to read, called Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Farhi. In my training, it was the first book that really grabbed me and said "Welcome" to your yoga practice. Within the first couple pages of this book, I was quickly reminded of what the practice is like for the New beginner. I mean really felt like, things that teachers and long time students may have forgotten.

Do you remember your first class? It wasnt always coming to your mat and finding tranquility, peace, and relaxation. Do you remember when everything was confusing  from which foot/arm you needed to use, to the name of the poses, to which order they went in, and the language that was used in class?

  You had no idea which foot was your left/right? There was a time when we didn't even know how to breathe properly, and everything was so overwhelming. Do you remember when your teacher mentioned the poses and you thought, what an odd name for that pose, or when they used Sanskrit, and you thought, "oh no, I'm never going to get this, I don't even understand what they are saying!" Do you remember that first Warrior pose you did and you thought to yourself, "seriously, how long are you going to keep me here? My legs are killing me!" How about that first Downward facing Dog, "are you kidding me?? this is not a resting pose!!"

  Do you remember all the emotions that came up in your practice? "How did I let myself get so out of shape?" or those times when you couldnt focus on anything! let alone how many times we did that pose, to what inhalation/exhalation to what pose? There is nothing romantic or pleasant about our practice when we first start or come back after a long break. Those moments when our bodies are screaming unpleasantries, and our minds are going a hundred miles per hour, and we cant focus on anything the teacher is saying, because we keep looking at the clock wondering when all of this is going to be over.

  But the reward of this practice is not the starting, its the practice, the continuation of coming back to our mat over and over. Because one day you are going to leave your mat, and go, "oh that felt amazing!" and you are going to walk away with this ah ha moment of "Hey! Something changed" and that something is going to be you! You will suddenly realize, that you have the breath down, you can find comfort in your Downward facing dog and it IS a resting pose, and you realize that all that movement you just did, came with out having to think about the alignment of each and every pose, because your body remembers. Of course, if you are coming to my classes you realize that some of those moments will be short lived, as you get that one pose you have never heard of, or I change up everything you ever knew. But there is something amazing about what it feels like to be humble, to experience something new, or to feel like a beginner again. Because if you've been practicing yoga, and I mean really practicing some sense of that new is always there.

  What is my point in all of this? Well, as all those new brave souls are making their place in class. Welcome them with compassion, because you remember what it was like in your FIRST YOGA class. Offer heartfelt encouragement while you are practicing, because we all live in a world that needs a little more encouragement and a lot less judgement. Maybe share a story of your first practice, as you leave class, and let them know that you were once a beginner too. This is a time of embracing those moments of new and beautiful things, so take a deep breath and remember that those hard to find parking spots and longer lines are a time to get just a little bit more excercise, and to really put into play those moments on your mat, when your teacher said "there will come a time when these hard poses will teach us patience and we will need that patience off our mat as well as on it." So give yourself a little bit more time to get to class, and welcome those new faces, as you welcome in the New year!

Namaste,
Kris