Newsletter Archive

......if you read the title of today's newsletter, than I bet you've already guessed the new service we are offering....that's right....yoga! The next class will be held at our office on Monday October 26th, starting at 7:30 pm and there is no cost for the class. The instructor is Darcy Bowman who was hand picked to be our instructor by my wife, Kara. Darcy has several hundred hours of training in Yoga and has been a yoga instructor for several years. Darcy "assists students in listening to their body's own natural wisdom".

The actual title of my practice is "Garden State Bariatrics and Wellness Center"...this is the first offering under the "Wellness" part of the practice, our intention is to have more in the future. If anyone has a suggestion for other "wellness" features feel free to let me know, as always I can be reached at my email address: drbilof@gsbwc.com.

As my practice represents a rather diverse group, who may or may not know much about yoga I asked Darcy to put together answers to frequently asked questions, take it away Darcy.....

1. I am not in shape, and have not exercised in years. Is the class for me?

Yoga is for every body. It's not a competitive sport, but a very personal practice. The beautiful part of yoga is that you start where you are and move from there. For people who are in different places physically and emotionally, the key is to allow yourself to be in the moment. Ever hear the term "Be Here Now"?. Sounds kind of "hippyish", but that's one of the qualities that keeps folks coming back for more. The yoga that I teach is movement with breath and that allows your mind to relax from all the stuff going on in your head, and so you can deal more calmly with what's happening right now, to truly be in the moment. The physical part can all be modified to every ones needs, whether it is done in a chair, or on the floor, or standing. Modification is part of personalizing the practice for each individual.

2. I do not have yoga clothing, is it necessary for me to buy all new clothes?

Yes, spandex is a must!! NO!!! Just kidding! Any non-restricting clothes are fine. It's best to have something that allows you to move easily but doesn't fall over your head if you fold forward. I like to wear something stretchy, like yoga pants (available in most stores or catalogs these days) and a shirt that is a little clingy versus a floppy cotton t-shirt. Men can wear sweat pants or shorts and a shirt that isn't too floppy. It's good to practice in bare feet so you don't slip, but part of the practice is done relaxing and it's nice to have sox handy, especially if you're cold natured. The main thing is to feel comfortable so you can enjoy what you're doing and not worry about your clothes.

3. Do I have to bring anything with me to the class?

It's nice to bring your own mat, if you have one, otherwise I always bring extras. If you want to bring a water bottle, you can bring that. The main thing to bring is an open mind and the willingness to take a chance to try something new.

4. I have trouble breathing, how will I be able to do anything?

If you have trouble breathing, yoga is the perfect practice for you! Believe it or not, most of us need to practice our breathing in a more conscious way. I have several students with severe asthma and they've experienced dramatic results with their ability to breathe easier and more deeply. Don't expect to get sweaty and out of breath during our sessions. We're focusing on a more gentle approach that will help put you in touch with your breath, your body, and your mind.

5. My joints hurt, is the class suitable for me?

I personally have very bad arthritic knees. Gentle yoga is what keeps me going. If your joints hurt or are achy, the key is to move within your limitations, not to push yourself into anything that could make things worse or be harmful. We will move with ease and awareness and make modifications where needed to help you personalize the practice for you.

6. I have started another course of exercise that is going well for me. Why should I consider this class?

Yoga can benefit any other practice. There's yoga for golf, tennis, weight lifters, yoga for dancers, runners, the list can go on forever. Whatever the type of exercise you may be involved in, yoga can help you bring awareness to your own body and how it moves. It brings more flexibility and strength and will more than likely make whatever your "other" exercise is, more enjoyable and better. Also, I can't emphasize enough the act of proper breathing and how that alone can enhance every aspect of your life.

7. What does it mean that the class is designed specifically for the Bariatrics community?

When I come to teach the class, I come with an open mind and look at each of you individually. If you can only move in a chair, then you'll do your practice in a chair. If you can stand, but feel safer with your hand on a chair, then that's what you can do. If you are able to get down on the floor, we'll get down on the floor. Each class is dealt with in the moment so that each of you can have a rewarding and meaningful experience.

.....Ok, thanks Darcy... it's me (Dr.Bilof) again, if you are interested the next class is Monday, Oct 26th, 7:30 pm. As space is rather limited, if you are planning on coming please email Laurie at: laf@gsbwc.com so can get a headcount.