Video: Why do you need movement every day?

Our culture grows more and more sedentary every day as we spend hours at a desk, in front of a computer, at home in front of a TV or another computer. In activity leads to weight gain, bad posture, and poor overall health. We asked movement specialist and yoga instructor extraordinaire, Heather Seagraves, why it's important to have some kind of movement in your life every day.

Live from NY: Interview with David Dollase

Pravassa sat down with NYC Qigong instructor David Dollase to find out more about this energy healing body work.

David in a private session

You're first encounter with wellness was actually yoga. I heard you took a class in college because of a girl. What made you stick with the practice?

Yes, that’s true. It was at an apartment off-campus at night after class and I followed a friend there. Initially what interested me was that the girl leading the class was very cute, but what hooked me and kept me practicing was the energy of the practice. Soon I started doing yoga almost every day, getting into the philosophy of it, and even took a teacher training. To me, it was good example of how things can start out superficial and then, if the conditions right, blossom and deepen into something significant.

What other types of eastern practices did you dabble in before finding Qigong?

I’ve had a deep interest in different spiritual traditions over the last twenty-plus years and the common thread that connects them. In college I started reading books by Beat writers, particularly Kerouac’s Dharma Bums and Gary Snyder’s poetry. That got me very interested in Zen Buddhism. I used to try to sit zazen (no-mind breathing meditation) and became interested in all things “old school” Japanese. I loved the spare, clean lines of that type of practice: just sitting on a zafu cushion, facing a blank wall with your back to the room and a single stick of incense burning.

What is Taiji and how does it work with Qigong?

Qigong literally means energy work in Chinese. It’s about working with your body’s subtle energy fields, something most of us in the West have trouble understanding. Taiji is a series of body postures, a sort of dance or flow usually moved through like a yoga vinyasa. Many consider Taiji a higher form of Qigong, which, on one hand, is true. However like most things, Taiji is only what you make of it. Most people use it as a sort of therapeutic movement for de-stressing and relaxation. This is fine and can be very helpful, but my problem with this approach is that too often it lacks an understanding of the true internal power that is inherent in Taiji - its “birth-rite” so to speak. It sells the art far too short of its true potential as a tool for healing and deepening the human experience of the world. So, Qigong is about internal power; feeling it, cultivating it and using it for yourself and others benefit. If done in conjunction with Taiji, it can bring out that elemental aspect in Taiji that correspond with that and raises it to a higher level.

David DollaseYoga is becoming a widely accepted form of spirituality and exercise in the Western world, do you see Qigong following suit?

In America, yoga is very trendy at the moment and is mostly seen as an advanced, holistic system of exercise. The spiritual aspects of it are rooted in Indian/Hindi traditions tend to be overlooked. We have places like the No Om Zone school of yoga out on the West Coast that are a perfect example. By contrast, Qigong is mostly all about inner fitness. While the physical benefits of practicing Qigong are less immediately obvious to the untrained eye, it can be just, if not more, profound in its transformation of the body as any physically based method.

What’s great about energy work is that you don’t need a special studio or space to practice in. Actually, I do a lot of my practice while standing at the bus stop or subway platform. The traditional way of practicing is outdoors, in the fresh air or a room with the windows open. This is very invigorating for the spirit and soul as well as the body. The West is gaining a whole new world of perception and sensitivity for this type of work and the ability to heal yourself and others without the use of drugs or other invasive means. The greater acceptance of these ideas are making the work more popular and accessible. For me personally, understanding energy work has deepened my yoga practice and helped me realize the deeper, energetic aspects of yoga, the true “ha – tha” (Sun/Moon, Yin/Yang) of it that was never taught to me by any teacher or book I read.  


Meditation is also a huge part of your study and offering as a teacher. Who do you find is most receptive to this practice and what's the best way you've found to reach people who are skeptical?

Actually, the longer I play with energy work the more I see it as a sort of natural meditation. To me they are one in the same, especially in the healing work that I do. I mainly teach Zhan Zhuang (pronounced “Jan Jong”) in China and Standing Post in the West, a sort of standing Zazen meditation. I introduce people to energy work through classes or private sessions. Often people come to me not knowing what to expect and are initially unsure how these simple standing postures can do anything for them. Frequently they are surprised to discover how difficult it can be to stand still, even for very fit people, for any length of time. Nobody ever just stands there, spending time with themselves, usually people are too afraid to do this. But, if they accept the challenge, they invariably come to the end of the session having discovered, even if just for a moment, that there’s a deep, powerful, healing well of stillness, relaxation and power within. Even if at first they don’t understand it, I can often see that they felt the recognition of something within themselves. They catch a flicker of who they fundamentally are, something they may have lost touch with, and this is where the power, peace, and healing truly is for all of us.

David Dollase is a performance coach and energy healer who works and plays in the New York City area.

The Challenge to Continually Challenge

A few days ago, I decided to take a workshop from a visiting fitness expert from Germany. I didn't really know what I was in for, but a friend assured me it was “right up my alley”. Armed with a brief description of the class, (cardio focused, derived from yoga, Pilates and weightless sculpting exercises), I decided it was right up my alley, indeed!
 
The first few minutes were slow and familiar enough. The instructor eased us in to her class with full, flowy movements. And then, somehow, before even realizing it, I was sweating bullets and feeling as though my entire body was on fire! The physical part of the workshop was only about 45 minutes, but by the end of it, I was so exhausted and worked over that I could not even speak. I hadn’t dug down to that level for a very long time. The results were humbling.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the next couple of days proved to be less than comfortable. I couldn’t walk the stairs without wincing. My arms felt like lead. And my butt felt like its own separate entity (in the good way). As rough as the after-effects of this class may have been, I felt GREAT! I was elated to feel this awake and alive. I felt strong, engaged, and connected to this new movement experience. I decided immediately to take more classes like this -- classes that were beyond my comfort zone.
 
When it comes to fitness, it is so easy to continue doing what we are familiar with; what we are good at. Especially when there are very real stages of progression that can be observed while sticking to this one thing. By no means am I undermining that. (Sticking to one thing and doing it regularly can be challenging enough.)  But this experience is a perfect example of how good “NEW” feels. Instead of perfecting that arm balance in the yoga studio, swim some laps! Instead of your weekly bike ride, try some martial arts! Instead of running an extra mile, take a dance class!
 
It has always been my sincere belief that given the chance, our bodies will astound us with what they are capable of doing. Half the battle is pushing past the fear. Who cares if you look stupid (like me throwing kick boxing punches) or feel awkward? If you connect yourself to what you’re doing, and not how you look doing it, I promise you will love the way you feel! The victory comes from giving everything you’ve got to something you never thought was in you. This change in attitude towards your body will remind you of what you already know. YOU ARE LIMITLESS.

 

This post written by Sarra Morton a New York City yoga instructor and Pravassa collaborator, originally appeared on MindBodyGreen. Sarra will be leading Pravassa's Escape to Aruba yoga vacation this November.

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Review: SculptWorks @YogaWorks

Class: SculptWorks
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $22
Studio: YogaWorks Soho| NYC
Instructor: Keisa Parrish
What to expect: The wood and metal design of YogaWorks Soho is an amazing architectural space, but the large Iyengar studio where SculptWorks is held might surprise some people as there are no windows. Soon you'll be too busy feeling the burn to notice the lack of natural light as this is YogaWorks version of TRX combined with cardio conditioning.
Our Take: On our 3rd visit to SculptWorks we still feel like throwing up half way through, but sticking with it 'til the end makes you feel so accomplished! Starting in the middle of the room for a warm up with an exercise ball squished between your upper thighs, Keisa takes us through some of her unique choreography that works your body and your mind. Then it's to the wall to grab the tubing (a stretchy version of the TRX system) and work that upper body. Alignment is key to work the proper muscles and not tire out too quickly. Sets alternate between reps at the wall and then back to the middle of the room for cardio. The mountain climber exercise positions your hands up on 2 yoga blocks and your feet on sliding disks on the wood floor. From there you sprint, shuffle side-to-side to pike your hips up high. Truth be told, we had to stop and catch our breath there! Class ends with moving the tubes to their lowest wall position and working your arms to the floor while in shoulder stand. It isn't as complicated as it sounds, but afterward you're spent and glad you remembered to turn on the sauna before you went to class.
difficulty:  (5) atmosphere:  (5)  likely to return:  (5)

Bryant Park Yoga w/ lululemon & Jen Guarnieri

Once again this summer in NYC you can find all kinds of free outdoor yoga classes to attend. The lululemon athletica classes have been a hit in years past and this is looks like no exception! Last Thursday evening, lululemon welcomed a record breaking 500 people to Bryant Park for a free yoga class. With numbers like that, get their early and BYOM (bring your own mat) to ensure you spot! We made it down this morning to practice with Jen Guarnieri who keeps us sweating regularly in her classes at Kula Yoga, Equinox and David Barton. Check out one of the videos we shot as well as our photo gallery.

click for the photo gallery

 

BarWorks with Heather Seagraves

Haven't yet made it to YogaWorks Soho to sculpt your body with Pravassa's Heather Seagraves? What are you waiting for, it's officially bathing suit season!

The Barworks Workout

Review: Yoga @ Prana Spa Bali

Class: Vinyasa Yoga
Length:  90 minutes
Cost:  100,000 IDR/ $11.50 USD drop-in
Studio: Prana Spa | Seminyak, Bali
Instructor: Amanda Jane Williams
What to expect: This large air-conditioned yoga room offers the most comprehensive class schedule in Seminyak. With various styles of yoga throughout the week you can expect to share the room with regulars and tourists alike. Mats and props provided.
Our Take: Arriving to take class with Amanda, Prana's staff yoga instructor originally from Australia, this 9am vinyasa flow class got pretty steamy, which is what you'd expect in a tropical locale. After introducing herself and meeting the newcomers, Amanda did a great job adjusting the class to fit everyone's skill level. Having studied with Shiva Rea, you could pick up on her influence in Amanda's teaching style and while the transitions from poses didn't always flow seamlessly, the happy intention was ever present. As we brought it down to the mat for pigeon pose, the room suddenly took on a fragrant, sweet quality. A yellow frangipani flower had been placed on the floor above our heads. In Hindu culture this flower symbolizes spirituality and really made us feel like we were in Bali. The flower was then tucked behind our ear for the rest of the day serving as a great reminder of the feeling we cultivated to start our day.

difficulty:  (3) atmosphere:    (5)  likely to return:  (4)

Review: Vinyasa Yoga @ PURE Singapore

Class:  Vinyasa 1
Length: 60 minutes
Cost: Members only or $42 drop-in
Studio: PURE |Singapore
Instructor:  William Wong
What to expect: This low ceiling studio set on an upper floor of an office building is tastefully decorated in the PURE yoga vibe. Classes are busy and all props are provided which means you can travel light. Showers and locker rooms are available, but don't expect a decked out studio like in NYC. There is no steam room or cold scented towels on offer.
Our Take: Seriously, $42 for a 60 minute yoga class? This members only studio is obviously trying to discourage drop-ins, but this price makes it prohibitive to try a new instructor and/or studio to see if it's a good fit. The PURE Asia website, says they offer complimentary classes, but apparently this is only if you live in Asia and are considering joining as a full-time member. The Vinyasa 1 class, taught in English, was a step up from a beginner class. This was the only class I could fit in due to the Sunday schedule and figured personal modification would give me the class I needed. I was wrong. During class, I was singled out, (not by name as the instructor never asked or said hello to the new people in the room), and verbally shamed when I wasn't following the class script exactly. While the pace of the class was good and the flow was there, for someone who has a consistent yoga practice, this was not the class to attend. No hands on adjustments were given either. Next time I would save the $42 and do my own practice in my hotel room.
difficulty: (1) atmosphere:  (2)  likely to return:  (1)

Review: Hot 8 Pilates

Class: Hot 8 Pilates
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $23
Studio: Hot 8 Yoga - Santa Monica| L.A.
Instructors: Sarah Canfield
What to expect: While the name of the class only mentions Pilates, this is a yoga studio and the class is a yoga class “infused” with Pilates exercises.  It's 30 minutes of yoga, vinyasa-style, and 30 minutes of Pilates ending with a somewhat traditional yoga ending, aka Shivasana is involved. This is a hot yoga studio so all the rooms are heated to approximately 90 degrees guaranteeing a good sweat!  There are showers and full bathroom facilities in case you have somewhere to be after class. 
Our Take: Sarah was easy to follow and her transitions and cues were seamless. An ex-competitive figure skater, her fierce nature shows itself in a few of the exercises where challenging moves were held rather long or exercises were done in high repetitions. Overall, the class was enjoyable plus it felt really good to sweat out all those toxins. I am on the fence with fusion classes in general, particularly when they are broken down into separate parts rather than infused into a flowing routine. This class leaves you feeling like you took an express (really express!) yoga class and an express Pilates class and they happened to be held in the same room. The studio is nice, new and fun to try if you need to spice things up a little bit. Definitely come equipped with a towel, water and some dry clothes!
difficulty:  (3) atmosphere:  (3)  likely to return:  (2)

Reviewed by Jessica Schienle

Review: Ride & Flow

Class: Ride & Flow
Length: 1 hours
Cost:  Inaugural class sponsored by Vital Juice, Yearly membership $177/month, monthly memberships available
Studio: The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers | NYC
Instructor: Alison (spinning); Don't know instructor's name (yoga)
What to expect: The sports club at Chelsea Piers is an enormous gym that offers various classes, a restaurant, climbing wall, basketball courts and more. You will not find a quite intimate space in this building. Ride and Flow is a new fusion class which starts out with a 30 minute cycling ride increasing in difficulty and then transitions into a yoga class to stretch out your muscles.
Our Take: In theory this cool new fusion class concentrates on cardio and lung capacity in the spinning session and then transitions into a 30-minute cool down informed by yoga. In reality, it could not have been more of a mess. The 30-minute spin was very challenging for me. With the instructor screaming into a head set over loud music videos provided by Pink and The Black Eyed Peas you really felt motivated to keep up with the Jones. Luckily I'm secure enough with my workout practice that spending most of the class with my butt on the seat gave me a strong workout and left my ego in tact. For the yoga portion, the Sports Center did not book a studio space so those of us who choose to stick around waited 20 minutes before the yoga instructor gathered the class into a back room next to the climbing wall. As I rolled out my yoga mat, I began to wish I had brought a sweatshirt since the room was freezing. For the next 25 minutes we were lead through uninspired sun salutations, hamstring stretches and twists that couldn't even be called beginner they were so rudimentary. This class is clearly an example of gyms trying to create fusion classes to keep their members interested, but end up being so disjointed they beg to be canceled.
difficulty:  (3) atmosphere: (1) likely to return: (1)