“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”  We all know all those hot-yoga psychos; they show up wearing a fleece vest, three layers of leggings, thermal socks, long sleeves and when they get to the studio they ask, "is the heat on today?" or, "how hot is the studio?"
The Yoga practice becomes one of extremes, unhealthy and more about the addiction to the temporary endorphins their bodies produce in response to being pushed further than they want to go. Is that healthy? NO. Is it yogic? No. Are there cardiovascular benefits? Absolutely. Do people fool themselves about the actual benefits? All the time. Myth #1: "I'm soooo detoxing right now." Most of what you are sweating is water. The substances in sweat that you are secreting include salt, potassium, ammonia and urea. True toxin elimination comes from the kidneys and liver, and some from the colon. Doing a 75-minute hot yoga session and sweating to death is not releasing toxins -- you're just dehydrating yourself and losing only water weight. If you really want to eliminate toxins from the body,you are better off seeing a physician or purchasing an over-the-counter liver, kidney, or colon cleanse made out of natural ingredients. Myth #2: "OMG... my stretches are soooooo much deeper in the hot room." There is a difference between muscular flexibility and joint flexibility. When you are in a heated environment, your blood flow increases making you feel like you are more flexible then you really are. The sweat produced gives you a false sense many times of "work" you are doing and how "my stretching can be more intense." You can still injure yourself in yoga. Many yoga instructors do not receive enough training in kinesiology or anatomy and physiology to keep practitioners safe, and if you add the heated element into the mix, it does have the potential to be disastrous. When you dehydrate yourself and over-work your tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in a hot room, your potential for injury increases and many students who come in with the intention to dive deep into a practice without proper awareness will be seeing an orthopedist surely. Dehydrated muscles are more susceptible to strains and tears. Reduced blood flow to the muscles can also increase the risk of muscle damage, especially during intense exercise. Myth #3: "The hotter the better... and let's move fast for the real work." If you ever hear a teacher say this, or a community that encourages this... run away. Like, fast! The extremes that really bad yoga teachers produce and the inferno-like approach to yoga leads to unhealthy stress into the lungs and heart. If you're constantly in fight or flight, huffing and puffing and driving into paramount situations... then you're not practicing yoga. You are actively engaging in stressing your central nervous system and getting a false sense of a "workout." If you’re practicing hot yoga five or six times per week and are becoming chronically dehydrated, there are real potential risks; not only is it unhealthy for your body, but your mental state. Don't get me wrong, an invigorating, strong (ohh... how many yoga teachers have that one in their profiles) yoga practice is amazing. If that is escalated and your moving in class led by a teacher who is not versed in proper mechanics, adept at handling the many needs that arise as limitations, range of motion needs are varied and clients are not all cookie cutter, the risk of injury in a fast paced session, where you are exhausted and moving fatigued is a recipe for disaster. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 7/21/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/22/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/23/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/24/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/25/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/26/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/27/2025 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™
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"Change is not only inevitable, but always happening. When you truly embrace this concept of change being constant, the only thing left to do is grow, detach, venture inwards, touch the spirit and find your source — the one responsible for keeping you grounded through the ever—changing seasons of life." -- Julie Weiland  Fall is the season of transition & change... If we observe & spend time with nature during this beautiful season, it can teach us life-transforming lessons of acceptance, balance, letting go, surrender & reset. If we can adopt these in times of change, the change will be enjoyable.
Yoga is the journey of the self. If we connect our heart and soul to our practice, it can help us to learn these life lessons and to embrace changes with a lot more ease. ACCEPT CHANGE AND IMPERMANENCE: The changing fall foliage leaves us wonderstruck, reminding us that change is the nature of life and change is beautiful. Admiring the changing leaves helps us be open to the surprises of nature and the inevitable twists and turns in our life. It also means having faith that some supreme power always protects us in all the transitions of life. LET GO AND SURRENDER: The equal division of day and night also reflects autumn’s lesson to relinquish and to harvest. Autumn is a season that invites us to consider releasing and surrendering what no longer serves us or what gets in the way of being present to the sacredness of each moment. It is the time to reflect and surrender our masks and become more truly who we already are. As the leaves change their shades to unfold their true colors, let us consider changing the things, habits, beliefs, and attitudes that cover our true nature. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/9/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/10/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/11/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/12/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/13/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/14/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/152024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “She enjoys rain for its wetness, winter for its cold, summer for its heat. She loves rainbows as much for fading as for their brilliance. It is easy for her, she opens her heart and accepts everything.” ― Morgan Llywelyn  If you have a least favorite season -- and the ebbing and flowing of Summer to Fall is a tough one for you -- the practice of non-attachment is often key to finding balance and stability in life.
Whether you have a unfavorable winter outlook, like me, or you can't stand the thought of sweaty, humid beach days in the summer, practicing yoga as the seasons change will help you find your center and establish a peace of mind when it feels like time is slipping too quickly through your fingertips. Your body is tough enough to naturally adapt to any changes in the conditions around you, but a few rooting, centering asanas will make the process easier and allow you to let go of any resistance you may have so you can stay grounded and content through changes. Here are some yoga poses that will help you ground through the inner and outer changes that each season fluctuation presents: MOUNTAIN POSE (TADASANA) Steady, strong, and unshakable. Take time to exhale into this shape, ground securely and allow the growth and rooting at the base to keep you tall and proud. Make sure to pay attention to any shoulder rounding and avoid any lower back collapse. WARRIOR II (VIRABHADRASANA II) Planting both feet firmly into the ground will remind you to stay still and rooted as you breathe through this strengthening and lengthening posture. Keep your body strong, yet soft, finding the balance between power and gentleness, and using this bodily awareness to accept change with open arms. GODDESS POSE (UTKATA KONASANA) This asana will stretch and create room in your pelvis, so try visualizing this part of your body as an anchor, staying stable as change swirls in the air around you. Inhale, and root your feet into the earth. Exhale, and settle more deeply into the pose. EASY POSE (SUKHASANA) Just sitting comfortably might seem like the easiest thing in the world, but sometimes the least intricate poses are the most effective and powerful when it comes to staying grounded and centered. Try placing one hand on your heart, and keep the fingertips of your other hand tented on the ground. This will help stabilize you both physically and emotionally. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies as we wrap-up our Summer of swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 8/5/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/6/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/7/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/8/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/9/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/10/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/11/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “I wanted movement and not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement and danger and the chance to sacrifice myself for my love.”  Summer is the time when we put plans into action. This is the season we are invigorated, feeling motivated and full of energy. The height of Summer is also the height of extroversion, and the time to embrace all that life has to offer. This is the time to say ‘yes’ to invitations, engage in projects at full capacity and dive into passions; travel and explore, and infuse as much fun into your day as possible.
Take a moment to reflect upon how much ‘fun’ you incorporate into your life – when was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? When was the last time froliking and flirtations were on the forefront of your day-to-day life? If it’s been a while, journal ten things that you consider fun, that you inherently enjoy, then commit to engaging with at least one of these activities each week throughout the Summer. Summer is linked to the ‘pleasure’ hormone dopamine. That boost happens with an early dose of morning sunlight, as it triggers a dopamine release into the body, giving us a natural mood boost to start the day. Dopamine isn’t just about pleasure however,it stimulates neurotransmitters responsible for motivation too. With a morning dose of dopamine, we’re more motivated to approach the day with energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm. Ancient yogis knew the power of morning sunlight, and some of the earliest forms of Surya Namaskar [Sun Salutations] didn’t involve movement, but focused instead on meditation with sun-gazing – looking towards the sky at sunrise and sunset. It's time to live this Summer -- start by aligning your personal rhythms with the tempo of nature. Get outside in the morning, add a little more fun to your day, and perhaps say ‘yes’ to life a little more this season. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies and the winners of the Summer time swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 7/22/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/23/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/24/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/25/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/26/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/27/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/28/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ― John Lubbock  It's hot. It's humid. I'm overheated. How can I practice in this oppressive Summer climate?
Heat can stimulate stress responses and irritability, so when you think about your yoga practice for hot weather, don’t forget to include calming practices like left nostril breathing and more meditation. A yoga practice for hot weather may also include gentler asanas, lots of resting poses (how about child’s pose and longer downward facing dogs), and a more restorative practice (take a yin or yoga nidra session). Yoga students are usually more familiar with the Surya Namaskar (or sun salutations) practice. However, sun salutations may tend to be too stimulating for some people during the summer. Chandra Namaskar or moon salutations on the other hand are cooling and calming as they incorporate sideways movements as opposed to the more invigorating forward-backward movements of the Surya Namaskar. Also, a few of these poses: Easy Pose, or Sukhasana; the perfect pose to practice a cooling meditation or guided imagery, helping you dive deeper into a relaxing, cool state. Keep in mind that you will ideally sit here for some time so make sure to support your spine by sitting on a bolster or resting against a wall. Inhale to lengthen your spine skyward and keep your shoulders stacked above your hips, relaxing your hands on your knees or in your lap. Supported Fish; a fantastic chest opener as it relaxes the shoulders and neck and stretches your entire front body. This cooling yoga pose also calms the nervous system. Lay on your back and place a pillow, bolster, block, or rolled up yoga mat under your shoulder blades (behind your heart). Recline over your prop so that your chest is lifted toward the sky. You can place your arms wherever they are comfortable – alongside your hips, to the side in a “T” shape, or extend them overhead, resting the back of your hands on the floor. Completely surrender your legs. Legs Up the Wall; one of the best cooling asanas you can practice for your body. This pose can alleviate stress and headaches, improve digestion, and reduce swelling at your lower extremities, which is a common problem in the summer months. Lay down on your back on your mat or bed. Bring your glutes as close as you can to the wall. Option to use a pillow or bolster to help support your lower back. Lift your legs upward on the wall. You want to stack your ankles over your knees, and your knees over your hips. Relax your legs should with the soles of your feet facing toward the sky. We don’t have to avoid movement entirely in the sweltering days of summer. But we can learn about smart, energy-saving ways to create a summer yoga practice -- practice in the cool of the day, slow down as needed and move with mindful intentions. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies and the winners of the Summer time swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 7/15/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/16/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/17/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/18/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/19/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/20/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/21/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “What we choose to focus on and what we choose to ignore—plays in defining the quality of our life.” – Cal Newport  A lot of our unhappiness is not solely from the occurrences of our life, but from the story the mind tells you about those circumstances.
There are two parts to this cycle where negative thoughts can hinder us. The first is the actual event or happening; pain we experience here is due to external situations that we are unable to control [or avoid]. Getting sick, loss of loved ones, getting into conflicts, losing our job, experiencing grief etc. The second has to do with our reaction to the event; our thoughts. When we react negatively, blaming, shaming, aversion, getting angry and upset, we set off the suffering of the second part. It is our thoughts that make us re-live (and keep reliving) an experience that only ever happened once. Reduction of suffering (emotional and physical) and the increase in vitality and full life potential is inherent in the yoga philosophy. A yoga routine that incorporates meditation works on increasing one’s awareness of the present as opposed to resisting or attempting to avoid uncomfortable and negative thoughts. So even though we can’t control the circumstances, we can control how we respond to them. We can choose not to get stuck in a frenzy of unnecessary negative thoughts that have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health, and direct that energy instead into growing our awareness. When we grow the power of awareness within ourselves, the mind begins to lose its ability to make us unhappy. Realize that certain thoughts are bad for you. Become still and start observing your thoughts. Direct your attention elsewhere. Withdraw consciousness away from worry and unnecessary mindsets. Thoughts cannot survive if you take attention and consciousness (their life stream) away from them. Create space for you to breathe and feel your aliveness. Remember that you are not the narrative of your mind. You are consciousness itself, the intelligence that pervades your body and holds it together. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies and the winners of the Summer time swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 7/8/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/9/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/10/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/11/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/12/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/13/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/14/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ YOGA STUDIO ETIQUETTE  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) In every part of life, there’s a degree of etiquette that must be upheld. No, it’s not about going to finishing school or using the right dessert fork. Etiquette in its most basic sense is about treating people, places, and things with their due respect. That leads us to the discussion of yoga studio etiquette: what is it and why does it matter?
Every yoga studio has its own set of policies about what constitutes good etiquette, but there are a general set of principles that typically apply to most. These often include:
Some studios have hard no cell phone policies while others are sticklers about removing your shoes before entering the space. If you’re unclear as to what the rules are, it’s always a good idea to ask the studio manager and/or check the website ahead of time. Why Yoga Studio Etiquette Matters Generally speaking, rules aren’t there just to make your life more difficult. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. The goal of having parameters within a yoga studio is to provide a safe and inclusive space in which all individuals can practice yoga and have an enjoyable experience. The rules aren’t meant to be restrictive. Rather, they’re there to allow students to disconnect from the constant rigors of daily life and just be in a yogic state. While some may find it irksome that they can’t have their phones in the room or that they must store their belongings in lockers, the reality is that it’s much more annoying to hear a cell phone ring in the middle of savasana. So for everyone’s sake, yours included, know that yoga studio etiquette does, in fact, matter. Its purpose is to allow for a better experience for all yogis. To that, we say namaste. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott ( @leannerays ), Elinor Cohen ( @elinorraerigby) and others. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. Contact me for more info and enrollment. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 5/27/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 5/28/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 5/29/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 5/30/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 5/31/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/1/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/2/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ I got what you want  Sweating is essential for the human body to regulate itself. And during this transition to a warmer season, you'll be sweating more during yoga and throughout the day. But when is the best time to drink water so it complements your yoga?
Your best strategy to prepare for a yoga class on hotter days is to drink plenty of fluids the day before a class and if on the same day, you should intake hydrating fluids 3-4 hours before. Make it water, nutrient-rich clear drinks or juice blends even sports drinks. Add to your day plenty of fruits and vegetables. And most of all, with any class, make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate after. If possible, avoid drinking water immediately before or during class. In addition to making our physical bodies feel inflated, consuming large amounts of water before or during a practice also interferes with our energy bodies; one theory says that sipping during yoga practice is akin to pouring water over our inner fire as we try to build it. In Yoga and Ayurveda, it is thought that a sip of water during practice disrupts the body’s energy and concentration. Hydration before will make you perform better, increasing strength and flexibility. A lack of water can damage the cardiovascular system & your body will have difficulties regulating itself. This makes yoga a strain and limits your performance. Hydration ensures that your immune system functions properly so that you do not get sick or feel stomach pains by flushing out toxins. Muscle weakness, muscle cramping, fatigue, irritability, and headaches are just some of the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. Ultimately, a yoga practice can be used to reduce compulsions and become more comfortable with discomforts. When we lean into resisting the urge to drink water, or go to the bathroom, we become better at dealing with the discomforts of life such as hunger, thirst, or the weather. After yoga, feel free to drink your favorite tea, water, or electrolyte-enhanced water to replenish the body and get ready for your next practice. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott ( @leannerays ), Elinor Cohen ( @elinorraerigby) and others. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. Contact me for more info and enrollment. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 4/22/2024
*ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “Embrace your journey and look for the lessons. Believe in divine timing and know that what’s for you will not pass you.” -- Cara Alwill Leyba, Author of Girl Code  (This week's newsletter was composed by our wonderful on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) Happy Spring, yogis! We’re officially in the season of what promises to be warmer weather and new beginnings. With that may come a reinvigorated yoga practice and the desire to challenge yourselves in new and interesting ways, both on and off the mat.
Something that often gets tossed around in yoga is the concept that everyone can do every pose if they just work hard enough. While there are some poses that can be achieved through perseverance, patience, and practice, this isn’t true for all of them. That begs the question: Is every pose for every body? The short answer is no. The long answer is no…and that’s a good thing. Part of the physical asana practice is learning how to do the postures that challenge us, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. But another critical aspect of yoga is learning to accept that some poses are simply not meant for everyone. This isn’t about judgment or aesthetics; rather it’s about anatomy and an understanding that every yogi is unique. For example, some people’s legs will simply never bend into lotus pose (padmasana) no matter how hard they try. There’s nothing wrong with them – this is just how their bodies are made. Yoga is about learning to accept the poses that fit your body and riding the wave of emotions that come up as a result of the ones that don’t. In the same vein, there are some who may say “You’ll get it eventually” to practitioners who haven’t yet achieved a certain pose. While for some that may be motivating, for others this notion could be discouraging. The harm in saying “You’ll get it eventually” is that some people might not – and again, that’s okay. There is nothing wrong with your practice, whether or not you eventually nail that pose. In fact, your practice is perfect exactly as it is. It’s perfectly fine to want to get into physically demanding poses – doing so can feel empowering and satisfying! Still, remember that it is not a failure if you don’t get there, now or ever. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 4/3/2023
*ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “We have perceptions about our experience, and we judge them: “This is good.” “This is bad.” “This is neutral…” Then we have responses: fear, frustration, anger. We realize that these are just different aspects of the mind. They are not the actual reality.” – Dalai Lama Brahmacharya is the fourth Yama and as explained by Patanjali’s yoga Sutras, this yogic principle of detaching from the small things in life to connect with the infinite yields enormous strength and energy. The literal translation of brahmacharya is “moving into infinity”; “Brahma” means infinity, the Absolute, or big; “charya” means to move or to walk, to live. Many times, it is taught as "celibacy" or moderation, but I like to think of it in a wider sense to keep the mind always engaged in thoughts of Brahma or the supreme consciousness. Dedicated practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation creates a strong foundation for brahmacharya to grow. These practices increase awareness and relax the nervous system, reducing the susceptibility to excitability and arousal and enabling us to better control our responses. These also help to separate your emotions from your thoughts, releasing the control your emotions have over the autonomic nervous system, endocrine glands, and hormonal activities. In this state, our sensual impulses have far less control over us. Meditation also connects us to our true nature of boundless joy and bliss. Remaining in periods of silence on a regular basis can help purify our minds and spirits of any negative impressions. Culture your senses by refraining from meaningless extravagances that deplete your energy and distract your mind - it may excess drinking alcohol or overeating. When you decrease the amount of energy you spend on sensory indulgences and instead turn the mind inward (pratyahara), you replace your dependencies and transient cravings with the experience of inner joy and peace. For yogis seeking the highest potential of yoga, Brahmacharya gives us a chance to unleash our creative energy, to remain soaked in the divine presence, to move into infinity or supreme consciousness (brahman), and thus find a way to fulfill the greatest and finest desire of all—the desire to connect with the unchanging reality. NEW TEACHER ADDITION... ON-DEMAND! We've added a new teacher to the on-demand squad; a colleague of mine who teaches exquisite flow yoga and will help you elevate your practice with her amazing style of vinyasa. Elinor Cohen, who began her journey with the practice at 18, believes that yoga should feel like a dedicated time of play. You can expect to be mentally and physically challenged in her classes. Elinor’s mission is always to provide a safe, fun, inclusive, and enjoyable practice. When not teaching, Elinor is a full time writer. Come play! We'll be adding sessions of varying durations and intensities to our library of archived classes for you to use anytime. Follow Elinor on Instagram: @elinorraerigby  HOLIDAY GIFTS...
With the Holidays just around the corner... memberships and giving the gift of yoga is a great present to a family member or loved one. Discounts for gifts, referral offerings are also available. Email Yoga with Victor to lock in your class packs or subscriptions for Holiday Gifts!!! YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 12/5/2022
*ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ |
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