YOGA IN NEVADA COUNTY, by Helen Neff

Much has been written about the popularity of yoga in the United States today. But, here in Nevada County we have enthusiastically embraced yoga for over forty years.

Expanding Light, Ananda’s Yoga and Meditation Retreat Center on Tyler Foote Road was established in 1968 followed soon after by Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm on Ballantree Road in Grass Valley in 1971. These well respected yoga establishments continue to offer numerous yoga classes and retreats as well as teacher training programs that have attracted devotees from around the world. Many trained teachers have settled in the area and have taught yoga classes for Ananda, Sivananda, in other local studios, or in their homes.

We are fortunate to have these yoga “roots” that go much deeper than many other communities. This has given Nevada County a head start in yoga, especially hatha yoga, the physical practice of yoga “asanas” or postures (as opposed to the spiritual practice of yoga).

Ronnie Paul and Jeff Kane moved to the San Juan Ridge in 1982 from the Bay Area and taught yoga classes in a yoga room at their house. They soon expanded by opening SOMA, School of the Movement Arts, in Nevada City.

Many of their students went on to become yoga teachers including Katie Carter who received her first teaching certification from Expanding Light in 1995. Katie opened the Wild Mountain Yoga Center in Nevada City the same year. The business has thrived with a large assortment of classes and a variety of teachers. Katie sold the business in 2007 to two of her teachers, local residents, Mandy Luchese and Amanda Dozal.

In 2003, Helen Neff introduced heated yoga to Nevada County with the opening of a Bikram Yoga studio in Grass Valley. Normally Bikram Yoga studios are located in metropolitan areas with populations of over 100,000 but with the support of many dedicated students, heated yoga has proven to be another popular choice in Nevada County. The heat helps in restoring flexibility, achieving a deeper stretch, creating a cardiovascular work-out and burning calories.

More recently, Stillpoint Studios in Grass Valley, Dragonfly Yoga in Penn Valley, and Shuniaa in Nevada City have opened, offering more choices to our community.

But, what can yoga do for you? The primary benefits are physical; improving the functioning of the major systems in the body (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, elimination, respiratory, endocrine), restoring flexibility and balance, relieving pain, creating a toned and strong body, and helping your feel and look younger than your age.

Many people who practice yoga report losing weight, reducing their blood pressure, lowering their cholesterol, eliminating back pain, improving their balance, and overall better physical health.

A healthier body can reduce dependence on the health care system and lower your expenditures for health care.

There are mental benefits as well. Yoga helps you relax and handle stress more easily. You learn how to focus your energy, embrace positive thinking, and self-acceptance.

The spiritual benefits come with a regular practice as you build awareness of the connection between your body and your feelings and a greater understanding of the needs of others.

There are many different types of hatha yoga and if you are new to yoga, you may want to try different classes until you fine one that works for you. Whatever you do, do not give up as yoga is something that can keep you healthy for the rest of your life!

By Helen Neff

Bikram Yoga Grass Valley/Nevada City, 900 Golden Gate Terrace, Suite D, Grass Valley

530-273-2030 www.bikramyogagvnc.com

Expanding Light at Ananda, 14618 Tyler Foote Crossing Road Nevada City

530-478-7518, www.expandinglight.org

Dragonfly Yoga and Massage, 17328 Penn Valley Drive, Penn Valley

530-432-6929, www.pennvalleyyoga.com

Shuniaa, 212 Church Street, Nevada City

530-478-0528, www.shuniaa.com

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, 14651 Ballantree Lane, Grass Valley

530-272-0245, www.yogafarm.org

Stillpoint Studios, 300 Sierra College Drive, Suite155-165, Grass Valley