Yoga instructor modifies exercise to suit individuals

If you can stand, lie down, be on your hands and knees, and sit on the floor crossed-legged or with your legs straight, then yoga is for you, says Anastazia Volkenand, owner and certified instructor of the appropriately-named Yoga-for-You, which offers on-site yoga classes.

Volkenand has taught yoga for 14 years, and has seen yoga’s popularity with the general public grow. However, she said she feels many people still are misinformed about yoga.

“I think the awareness of yoga has already peaked, but the awareness of how yoga can be adapted to anyone has not peaked,” said Volkenand, who currently teaches yoga classes at Curves For Women in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, in addition to private classes at worksites, or for any group of at least five participants.

As a parent of three boys, Volkenand is aware of the busy schedules and obstacles many people have when attempting to attend classes, so she tries to make hers as inviting and convenient as possible, she said. To do that, she offers modified classes in which most yoga positions are adapted to each individual person depending on their flexibility and fitness level. In addition, Volkenand holds classes on Saturdays and on Tuesday nights. She provides yoga mats, and most important, she will come to you.

Rather than focusing on a particular study of yoga, Volkenand incorporates components from various studies into her instruction and caters to both beginner and intermediate. She invites all ages and genders to her classes, although, typically, her clients are women over 40.

“I want to change the perception that yoga is inaccessible and intimidating,” she said. “People are really curious about self-care and what that might open the door for in their life … people are starting to be more open-minded about yoga.”

Susie Munson, owner of Curves For Women in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg and Sandpoint, said she decided to bring yoga classes into her business because of its compatibility with Curves’ mission – to help women be more in tune with their bodies through exercise and overall health. Munson also participates in Volkenand’s classes, and said she can relate to the common misconceptions people have of yoga.

“I never considered the fact that I could do yoga, or enjoy it, and I absolutely love it,” Munson said. “I think everyone seems to be intimidated by yoga because we picture it as these people who put their legs up around their necks. Well, Anastazia doesn’t have it that way at all. It’s just a time to be in tune with your body, to relax, and strengthen you body and flexibility.”

Relaxation and stress-management are key components that Volkenand ties into her classes, often touting the health benefits and stress relief that yoga can offer in today’s hectic society, especially for people who tend to deal with a high level of stress in the workplace. In the past, Volkenand has conducted on-site yoga classes for employees at TESH, Health and Welfare and Skyway Elementary School, and says she would like to see more organizations and businesses utilizing her services for employee well-being and morale.

“Yoga is so good for relieving stress, and so many diseases are caused by stress,” she said”There is a lot of need for it – everyone needs to be de-stressed.”