INNERGY CORPORATE YOGA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2010

INNERGY INSIGHT

I just got back from a white water rafting trip at Reo Rafting Resort in Boston Bar, BC, which is two hours north of Hope.

What an amazing facility with comfortable tent cabins, delicious meals and a luxurious outdoor hot tub!

I taught two yoga classes to guests, but also had the chance to do a rafting trip.

Of course, it was amazing, exhilarating, heart pumping and lots of fun.

But part way through the trip, the man in front of me fell out of the boat into the chilly waters below. It happened quickly and at first I was the only one who noticed.

For a moment, time stopped. I remembered the emergency procedures our guide had shown us before we started out. I stowed my paddle, braced my legs into the side of the boat and reached for the man in the water, trying to grab his life jacket. He slipped underneath the next wave before I could reach him and I remembered that his name was Andrew.

As he bobbed to the surface, I reached for him again, calm and determined to make contact this time. I felt how deeply all the people in my boat were connected to me, and how we were ALL relying on each other.  If just one of us were not working as a team, there could be a problem.

I reached out, grabbed Andrew's life jacket, and leaned backwards with all my strength. Finally, we both fell hard into the boat and he was out of the water and okay.  Thank goodness for wet suits that keep you warm.

After everyone was settled and back in their proper seats on the boat, I swear Andrew and I made eye contact and spoke to each other with only a look. His said "Thank you" and mine replied "You're welcome. Only playing my part on the team."

And in that sense, white water rafting is very much like life. We are all connected and we all need each other. We are not separate beings, living in isolation from each other.  And if we could really see all the many layers of this deep interconnection, we would, perhaps, live our lives in less fear, not take things from each other, not hurting each other and not turning against each other.

Instead, we would live every moment full of joy, compassion and gratitude, knowing that we are but one person on a very large team - a team that leaves no man (or woman) behind.

Lynn Roberts

Director, Innergy Corporate Yoga Inc.

Reo Rafting Resort is having a Ladies' weekend August 20th-22nd. Our director, Lynn Roberts, will be teaching yoga! For more details or to sign up, visit their website.

Short on space?  Try our Boardroom Yoga Class: yoga poses and exercises done in regular clothing around your workplace's boardroom table. 

For more information on all of our corporate yoga and pilates classes, click here or contact us today to get started!

THIS MONTH'S WORKPLACE RECIPE
Mango Cherry Avocado Salad

Source: Choose Cherries.com

Cherries are high in Vitamin C and loaded withantioxidants, which slow the aging process and improve the health of your cells.  This salad is high in fibre and healthy fats from the olive oil and avocado.

Perfect to make the night before and take to work for lunch.  Add grilled chicken for a protein packed lunch.  Delicious!

Ingredient List

8 cups spring mix lettuce
3 Tablespoons tart cherry juice
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 /2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, coarsely cracked
1 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup diced red onion
2 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded, and sliced thin
1 large, ripe mango, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 1/3 cups dried tart cherries

Directions:
Divide lettuce evenly onto 4 salad plates. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry juice, vinegar, mustard, coriander seeds, honey, olive oil, and salt/pepper. Set aside. Layer evenly atop each of the lettuce heaps, the diced red onion, the avocado slices, the mango chunks, and the cherries. Drizzle the dressing over the top and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Info:
Nutrition Facts per serving: 333 calories, 14 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 48 g carbohydrate, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 g protein, 7 g fiber, 46 mg sodium; Daily Values: 43% vitamin A; 67% vitamin C; 9% calcium; 20% iron

Got a recipe idea for us? Email us.

CLIENT PROFILE OF THE MONTH
City of Kamloops

City of Kamloops staff members gather at a central location to attend their weekly Corporate Yoga class.  Employees hail from the city's museum, city hall, the mayor's office, city planning, public works and much more.

WHERE: Kamloops, BC
CLIENT FOR:  10 months
CLASSES: All Levels Hatha Yoga 1x/week

I: Why does your group do yoga?
C of K: Our Corporate Wellness program is always looking for new initiatives to offer our employees.  We originally offered it as an introduction to yoga, to see if there was any interest and have been amazed by the popularity of the class, so we have continued with it.

I: How long have you been running yoga classes with us? 

Since last September, so 10 months.

I: What is your favourite part of our yoga classes?  
Well we all love our instructor, her manner of explaining yoga makes one feel very comfortable.  The comments I hear most are the way people feel after practicing yoga (relaxed, flexible and re-energized) after a busy day at work.  The teacher encourages people without pushing them to over‑exert, focusing on the non‑competitive aspect of yoga ‑ no comparisons are made and what one can do at one session, may not be possible at the next and this is just the way a person's body functions.  It is affordable, easy to get to, attaches to the end of my day before going home and the teacher's instructions are clear, gentle, encouraging and easy to understand. One does not feel "inept" as we are encouraged to do things at our own level of ability.

I: What benefits do you notice from participating in these classes?

Yoga compliments other activities without over‑stressing your muscles.  The deep breathing helps respiration (from one participant with asthma), it is very relaxing and rejuvenating, as we age, flexibility and balance are also very important to ones total well‑being and yoga contributes to this.  It provides an opportunity to connect with staff on a different level - more relaxed and social - promotes good health.

I: Would you recommend our programs to other businesses or groups? Why?

Absolutely! We love the fact that the classes are held right after work - less chance for someone to get home, eat, become relaxed and not want to go out again.  Yoga is a ‘one size fits all’ type of activity, it attracts all levels of fitness, all body shapes and all ages.  Participants are encouraged to listen to their own body, they can make each pose as easy or difficult as they want.  It is a very welcoming and inclusive environment, there is no competition except within oneself to try to push your body a little further. Professional instructor in terms of demeanor and client relationship. Good materials, information, level of instruction, follow-up.  I hope this will continue next fall I don't participate in much but I really enjoy yoga. 

Other comments from class participants:
(1) My favourite part of corporate yoga is that it is an hour of your day totally dedicated to you and your well being.  It is an hour where I can just lose myself in me!
(2) Benefits - more flexibility and the ability to just relax & focus.
(3) I would recommend this program.  I think that anyone can benefit from exercise.  I believe that if you feel good then you project positive energy which is very welcome in a work environment.  
(4) The instructor is wonderful.  She has the ability to make you feel relaxed yet confident while moving through the various positions.
(5) Yoga is a great investment.
(6) Taking yoga classes with Innergy has improved my mobility in many ways.  I do a lot of work on the computer in my job, and as a result, I get stiffness in my neck and upper back.   I have had problems with my neck and have found it very difficult to do shoulder checks when driving.  The stretches the teacher demonstrates in her class have completely loosened my tight neck and shoulder muscles, as well as improved my flexibility overall.   After yoga class I feel like I have had a chiropractic adjustment and my freedom of movement is greatly increased!    I love taking the workplace yoga classes as I got to know many fellow employees whom I would never of met otherwise.

JUNE'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE

Standing Hip Stretch

BENEFITS

Deeply stretches hips and buttocks, strengthens standing leg, releases tension in hips, buttocks and legs, tones abdominal muscles, lengthens spine, improves balance, improves circulation to pelvic region, improves digestion, increases fertility, improves sex drive, reduces stress, rejuvenates body, increases energy and more.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Remove your socks and shoes if possible.  Stand behind your chair (or desk, or anything you can use that is about belly height).  Stand with your feet hip distance apart, feet parallel to each other.  Contract your abdominal muscles, lift your chest up and relax your shoulders back and down.

Step 2: Hold onto the top of the chair with both hands.  Take a step back with the right foot, then the left, about 2-3 feet from your chair. 

Step 3: Reach down with your right hand and grab your right ankle.  Place your right ankle just above your left knee and allow your right knee to turn out. 

Step 4: Place your right hand back on the chair with your left.  As you inhale, lengthen your spine, and as you exhale, press your hips back and hinge forward from your hips.  Keep your back flat and standing leg straight but do not lock your knee.  Allow your right knee to open to the right side, without turning your hips.  Sit as deeply as you can and breathe deeply. Keep your abdominals contracted and shoulders sliding down your back.  Stay here for 3-5 deep breaths.

Step 5: To come out, as you inhale, rise up tall, and as you exhale, place your right foot back on the floor.  Repeat on the other side.

For more yoga exercises to Innergize yourself at work, visit Take 5 to Innergize.

NEWS & VIEWS

Camp Moomba Yogathon: Help us send kids to camp this summer - Sponsor or join our team

Yoga World Record Set in Central Park - Read the full article

International Slowness Day - Read the full article

If you're looking for the perfect gift for someone or just want to treat yourself, check out the jewelry line from Sonja Picard. Made locally here in Vancouver, each piece is inscribed with written Sanskrit mantras (divine sound vibrations), divine symbols and/or images.

They are currently offering a 15% discount off of each piece from their website. To take advantage of this rare opportunity, contact Christina at 604.952.5242.

This offer will expire July 31, 2010, so order soon! Check out the full line of jewelry here.

For more information on how to bring the benefits of yoga to your Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, British Columbia workplace, click here.