Yoga with Hillary

Frequently Asked Questions about Yoga Class

June 14, 2016 By raoulamanda

yogaprops1Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for class, to set-up your mat and props. Class begins on time.

What to wear to class:
Wear comfortable clothes that are not baggy. (Form-fitting clothing is best; so, the teacher can see your postures and help you with alignment.)
Start with a t-shirt or supportive tank and longish shorts or leggings. Wear layers, to stay warm in the resting poses. No footwear is needed; we practice barefoot (although it’s nice to have socks for the final resting posture).

What to bring to class:
Bring your open-minded self and a mat, if you have one. If you don’t have a mat, the studio has some. If you don’t have an open mind, come build some flexibility, there!

What if I have special concerns or physical problems?
Yoga is open to people of all abilities. I will gladly help you work within your range of movement and assist your practice. That said, this class may not be appropriate for some acute injuries or illnesses. If you are not sure about your specific condition, ask your doctor and email me, in advance.

If you have any injuries or illnesses, are menstruating, or are pregnant, please let me know before the beginning of each class; so, I can help make the class comfortable and appropriate for you.

If you are ill with a cold or flu, it’s best to stay home. I can offer poses that may be helpful; but, it’s best to not attend class when you may be contagious.

What about food and drink?
It does not feel good to practice Yoga exercises (asana) with a full stomach. If you ever felt that a class was just too difficult for you, it may have been that you had eaten too close to the start of the class; it makes a big difference! Avoid eating a meal within two hours before a class. If you do need a snack before class, have something light and small.

Fees and registration (for weekly Wednesday class):
No pre-registration is needed. Just come!

Fee is $20/class for “drop in” and $18/class for series (10 classes for $180). You never pay for a class you don’t attend, no matter how you choose to pay. A temporary scholarship fee-reduction is available if you are low/no income; this could make each class $10-20. Please just briefly discuss your circumstance with me, in advance of class, to be considered for a fee-reducing scholarship. Please keep in mind that I pay rent to the studio for each week’s class. While I may be able to provide my own time for free; I still must pay for our use of the studio. Check, cash, or electronic transfer (Venmo or PayPal) are accepted.
If you want to make an additional sponsorship contribution beyond the class fee, that’s welcome and applied to offsetting scholarships I offer to low/no income students.

How often to attend class:
It’s fine to drop-in occasionally; however, class concepts are progressive; it’s best to attend regularly. It’s also helpful to practice on your own, even if just for a few minutes. My class always includes simple poses to practice between classes. Feel free to ask about specific poses or issues you seek to address using your practice. I’d be very happy to encourage you to practice between classes or address your specific requests in class.

Private Classes:
I teach private sessions for one or more students in my home studio or at your location. I’d be happy to discuss your needs.

Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to ask!

Recommended Yoga and Related Links

June 7, 2016 By raoulamanda

  • The Yoga Room, Berkeley, CA www.yogaroomberkeley.com
  • Berkeley Yoga Center, Berkeley, CA www.berkeleyyoga.com
  • Piedmont Yoga Community, Oakland, CA piedmontyogacommunity.org
  • Yoga with Ada Lusardi www.adayoga.com
  • Richard Rosen Yoga www.richardrosenyoga.com
  • Yoga with Vickie Russell Bell www.vickierussellbell.com
  • Yoga with Sandy Zirulnik www.sandyzyoga.com
  • Yoga with Jim Stockton www.garudahealing.com
  • Oakland Yoga Studio (JinSung, instructor) www.oaklandyoga.org
  • Ellen Mossman Craniosacral Education, Richmond CA www.craniosacralwork.com
  • Anasa Yoga, Oakland, CA www.anasaoakland.com
  • Yoga for Healthy Aging blog yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com
  • Yoga U online www.yogauonline.com
  • Jim Donak, Bodywork, Education, and Awareness www.divingbuddha.com
  • Appropriate Response, Buddhist teachings, programs, and coaching www.appropriateresponse.com
  • Nai Kaya, “Night Owl Medicine,” Sound Healing www.nightowlmedicine.com
  • Rodmell Press: Yoga, Buddhist, and Aikido books www.rodmellpress.com
  • Mindie Dodson, Rolfer (SF Bay Area)
  • Jen Worth, CMT, Instructor (Bend, OR)

Hillary Russak

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After originally studying Yoga in the 1990s at the California Yoga Center in Palo Alto, Hillary returned to consistent Yoga practice in 2009 to ease discomfort associated with work as a Technical Writer/Editor in science-based corporate America, where she still works.

Her style is influenced by the Yoga teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, author of "Light on Yoga." This method emphasizes proper alighnment and develops body awareness, strength, and flexibility. 

A graduate of the 500-hour Advanced Studies Teacher Training Program at The Yoga Room, in Berkeley, Hillary has RYT-500 certification with Yoga Alliance.

RYT 500 Yoga Alliance Logo

Her continuing interests in Yoga and science include study in human anatomy, kinesiology, plant medicines, meditation, breathing practices, ceremonial singing, and restorative Yoga.

Hillary continues her studies primarily as a student of Ada Lusardi (The Yoga Room, Berkeley, CA), with additional influence by JinSung (Oakland Yoga Studio), Vickie Russell-Bell (Oakland, CA), Richard Rosen (Piedmont Yoga Community, Oakland, CA), Yoko Yoshikawa (Piedmont Yoga Community, Oakland, CA), and other amazing instructors in the SF Bay Area and beyond.

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