STRAIGHTEN UP - Natural Awakenings

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Find a Class for All Levels at
AVANI
YogA studIo
by Peggy Malecki
“i
am proud of the diversity of what we offer,” says Yoga
Coordinator Nickie Silk, of Avani Yoga, a part of the
Highland Park Hospital Health and Fitness Center
(HPHHFC), in Buffalo Grove. “Many fitness facilities offer just
yoga, but here, people know exactly what level they are walking
into. We really do operate like a freestanding yoga studio.”
Avani offers 18 yoga sessions per week for all experience
levels, including hatha, Kundalini, Gentle Yoga, alignment-based
yoga and Anusara ® , as well as special events
and guest teachers. Ten instructors instruct club members
and also many non-members that come strictly for the yoga
experience. Classes are taught in Avani’s spacious studio,
located in a separate area of the building, adjacent to the
club’s Pilates room. Both studios are near the front entrance,
self-contained with changing areas and restrooms.
“People walk into the Avani studio and say, ‘WOW!’ says
Executive Director Julie Polovick. “Everyone really loves this
room. Members take great pride in this place as a studio and are
happy that is has been kept ‘sacred,’ and is used only for yoga.”
“Students come from all over because they like to practice in
this space,” adds Silk, who has been with the studio since 2007.
Decorated in calming colors and lit by studio and natural lighting,
the room was specifically designed to be airy and comfortable for
both cooler- and warmer-temperature yoga practices.
Silk and Polovick believe the quality and diversity of instructors
is one of the biggest draws and benefits. The teachers
offer classes from Level I to III, working on an individual basis
to meet specific needs. Many instructors, says Silk, have backgrounds
that include physical therapy and therapeutic training.
To match students to instructors, Silk talks with new
students, learning about their yoga experience and physical
condition, in order to find a class best suited to their needs
and fitness goals. “I will steer the student so their first yoga
experience is something that will bring them back again,”
she says. “I also talk with the instructor in advance, so they
know how to work with the student.”
“Our Gentle classes are great for people just starting
out (in yoga).” Silk continues. “It’s a less scary type of yoga
for someone new, but they actually do work, helping to
strengthen and release stress and tension.” Avani’s Gentle
classes focus on stretching, careful strengthening and breath
awareness. Poses are modified to accommodate all levels,
often using props to both aid and challenge the students.
The exercises are suitable for those with limited mobility and
chronic conditions, as well as for serious athletes coming off
an injury or cross-training.
For those looking for a more challenging yoga practice,
Silk recommends the Anusara classes, taught by an instructor
certified in this structural alignment style of yoga. “Anusara
is not offered by many studios, and it is a lengthy process to
become a certified teacher,” explains Silk. “These classes are
at a higher level for more experienced yoga practitioners,
and can help students advance and do poses they may never
have dreamed they could do.”
Polovick states that the yoga studio has evolved from
being mostly a place for true yoga practitioners to including
offerings of interest to more Center members, adding that the
oldest student is 93-years-young. “We’re tapping more into
men, seniors and many people who have never done yoga
before. Students love the fact that they can take Gentle Yoga
three times a week, and yet each class is different, because of
different instructors.”
Polovick has worked with the HPHHFC since 2000,
starting as a personal trainer and later, as the personal training
supervisor and fitness manager. She recently celebrated
her fourth anniversary as executive director. Polovick believes
Avani Yoga fits into a perfect niche at the facility, helping
to round out its offerings, as it encourages both personal
and group exercise.
“People will achieve their fitness goals better in a group
and when committing to a class,” she says. “People come
and try new yoga classes and talk about it in the locker room.
Then others will try the class. It gets people out of the mode
that, ‘All I can do is go in the pool or on the track.’”
In addition to weekly classes, Avani has gained a reputation
for its strong workshops and special events, including
master classes by experts like Gabriel Halpern. This coming
winter, Silk hopes to expand its offerings, featuring monthly
workshops taught by their own instructors and others well
known in the area.
Silk and Polovick say their current Friday evening special
event series, Living Soundtrack Yoga, has gained a large
following due to its unique and fun nature. This free monthly
event is open to the public and includes a guided yoga practice
accompanied by live music from award-winning composer
and performer Yogi Rich Maisel. “Based on the flow of
the practice and tone of the instructor,” says Silk, “Maisel does
an impromptu accompaniment to the yoga. He goes with the
flow of the class. It’s really a great way to end the week.”
Avani Yoga is part of the Highland Park Hospital Health and
Fitness Center, located at 1501 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove.
For more information, call 847-229-0292 or visit HPHFitness.
com. See ad page 8.
natural awakenings October 2011
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