Courtesy of Doris Yoga
Yoga teacher Doris from Doris Yoga in Los Altos has switched to online courses via Zoom to keep customers busy during the pandemic.
Since the shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March, some residents have taken advantage of online opportunities to solve their fitness problems.
Doris Yoga, led by the Los Altos-based yoga teacher who simply calls herself “Doris”, offers virtual yoga classes Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am
Doris’ courses emphasize body awareness and body control. Actively involving muscles that students may not be used to and strengthening muscles so they can live painlessly, improve their balance, and improve their stability and strength.
The yoga business has been difficult for teachers amid the pandemic. Many were on leave in March due to gyms and studios closing. To survive, they reinvent themselves and their businesses. Some are learning new skills, others are adopting technology and turning their homes into virtual studios.
Although Doris teaches and teaches from home 18 classes in seven locations per week, there are positive aspects including saving travel time and saving gasoline.
Another advantage? Remote students can now take their online courses. In addition to her local practitioners, Doris’ students are from Oregon, Colorado, Washington, DC and internationally from France, Great Britain, Denmark and South Korea.
“I’m digging this zoom thing,” she said. “It’s exciting to connect with students all over the world.”
Doris’ international following is based on leading annual trips to Nepal. She has planned a trip to Italy that has been postponed due to the pandemic.
“Self-care is important as we face unforeseen challenges,” she said. “I am grateful that we are keeping in touch through technology. It is a privilege to share my teachings with the students on a daily basis, even when they seek refuge on site. It offers comfort and joy in the midst of uncertainty. “
Positive results
After weeks of attending Doris’ courses, the students report physical, mental and emotional changes.
“I noticed that my right hip was improving,” said one participant. “I am seeing a new definition of the back muscles. I can coordinate large muscle groups. “
Another student added, “As I became increasingly sedentary during the quarantine, I noticed old injuries to my hip and shoulder that made it difficult to sleep and sit. After consistently practicing Doris Yoga for weeks,
I’ve gained stability in these joints. Not only have I healed my injuries and slept better, but also improved posture and a more muscular tush. “
Doris also teaches meditation classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. For 15 minutes, she guides students through visualization and breathing techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, relieving pain, improving sleep, and increasing positive energy, resulting in mental and physical balance.
Tuition costs $ 10 to $ 20. Doris offers a donation-based Align and Flow class on Fridays at 4:45 p.m.
A timetable and further information about Doris Yoga can be found at dorisyoga.com.
