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Lakshmi Voelker

Lakshmi Voelker created Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga in 1982. Since then she has certified more than 650 teachers, including health-care professionals at the Mayo Clinic and the New York City Department of Education. She has dedicated her life to creating accessible paths to wellness by deveolping exercise programs geared toward those who cannot benefit from traditional methods of physical activity due to age or limiting physical condition. The New York Open Center is thrilled to offer her lessons in an online format.

Divided into 8 stand-alone video modules, Lakshmi opens each session with an explanation of what the postures are, why they are effective, and what results a practitioners should expect. These asanas (poses) engage the mind and body using methods that cultivate the inner peace through motion at the heart of the yogic tradition. Using crystal clear instruction and encouragement, these videos explain the benefits yoga has to offer all of us, no matter what our apparent physical limitations.

You can take 1 module, several modules, or the register for the entire series for a discounted price. The videos in each module function as standalone classes that are generally 20-30 minutes long. Whether you take just 1 module or all 8 modules, you have access to your modules during the entire 8 week period of this online course.

Here is the list of topics in each module:

Module 1: Sitting Mountain (Tadasana) 31 min.
Module 2: Balancing Series 28 min.
Module 3: Warrior Series 27 min.
Module 4: Sun Salutation Series 21 min.
Module 5: Moon Salutation Series 20 min.
Module 6: Eight Essential Sitting Movements 27 min.
Module 7: Weighted Chair Yoga (Muscle and Bone Mass Building) 17 min.
Module 8: Double Chair Yoga 19 min.
(Please click the links below to register for individual modules.)

These unique videos epitomize inclusion and invite all those following along to enjoy the tranquility yoga offers, making real Lakshmi’s refrain that we can indeed “Get Fit Where You Sit.”®

NOTE: Students must have access to a computer with a web browser for this ONLINE ONLY course, and may need to download free software to use some course features. Password-protected access to the course website is permitted only during the dates that this course is being held; PASSWORDS WILL BE ISSUED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS; and user accounts will be deleted once the course is over. Audio-visual materials on the website are not downloaded but streamed through the web browser. Open Center Online Learning courses give students access to teachers and other students through several interactive tools on the course websites.

Please view our F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) for more detailed information about Open Center Online Learning courses.

AN ONLINE COURSE
February 20 - April 15, 2012 (8 weeks)
12OLABY101TZ
$125 for all 8 modules / or $20 per module (No Member Discount)
Register for ENTIRE SERIES

Click Links Below to Register for INDIVIDUAL MODULES of Chair Yoga:
MODULE 1: Sitting Mountain (Tadasana)
MODULE 2: Balancing Series
MODULE 3: Warrior Series
MODULE 4: Sun Salutation Series
MODULE 5: Moon Salutation Series
MODULE 6: Eight Essential Sitting Movements
MODULE 7: Weighted Chair Yoga (Muscle and Bone Mass Building
MODULE 8: Double Chair Yoga

Lakshmi Voelker

Lakshmi Voelker, YT, E-RYT 500, YA, IAYT, a yoga practitioner since 1969, created Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga in 1982 and is the creator of the Get Fit Where You Sit!® Single Chair Yoga DVD and Chair Yoga: The Sitting Mountain Series® CD and tutorial book. Lakshmi works with the NYC Department of Education and the Mayo Clinic, among others, to certify health-care professionals.

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Other Classes Taught By This Teacher:

Chair Yoga Teacher Certification Training

Jonas Westring

ADVANCED TRAINING- To register call 212-219-2527 x 2

LEVEL III:

For the first time in NYC, we are offering students who have learned the basic Thai bodywork routine and practiced for a period of time more advanced Thai Yoga training, which will impart deeper client assessment skills and a wide range of new techniques, including deeper myofascial work, more detailed insights into biomechanics from a physical therapy perspective, and more adjunct yoga applications, all of which prepare practitioners to better handle the complexity of client situations. More than 50 new, effective hands-on techniques are clearly and carefully examined. This training also serves as a gathering of experienced practitioners who can exchange effective treatment tips with each other. Join us for a high level educational forum while receiving five days of extraordinary Thai Yoga treatments from your fellow students!

Prerequisite: 10 days of training in the Thai tradition, with any school/teacher.

The Thai Yoga Level 3 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, August 6–10,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SC    CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650

Jonas Westring

To register call 212-219-2527 x 2

LEVEL II
To complete the basic sequence in Level II we learn a whole range of additional Thai Yoga techniques, including abdominal work, inversions, and a full sequence in the side-lying position that provides access for in-depth treatment of the back and shoulders. After this training, you will be ready to safely deliver a complete two-and-a-half hour full-body Thai Yoga Bodywork session that includes all the traditional treatment positions. You will now be equipped to begin practicing one of the most complete, inspiring and deeply satisfying bodywork systems as well as one of the most therapeutically effective.

Prerequisite: Thai Yoga Level I.

The Thai Yoga Level 2 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, June 11–15,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SB   CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650

To register call 212-219-2527 x 2

Jonas Westring

LEVEL I:

Thai Yoga Bodywork is an ancient and sacred healing art with deep roots in yogic and Buddhist practices. As a uniquely diverse and powerful healing modality, it provides a deeply rejuvenating and transformational experience both for the recipient and the practitioner. This specific style of Thai Yoga Bodywork stays true to the traditional form of hands-on healing originating in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. To further enhance its effectiveness, it also incorporates complementary techniques from hatha yoga and an understanding of biomechanics from an anatomical perspective. Various yoga and meditation techniques make Thai Yoga a graceful and holistic form of applied hands-on therapy that emphasizes alignment principles, mindful presence, safety, individual needs, and balance of the human energy body.

Thai Yoga combines myofascial stretching, joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, rhythmic rocking, acupressure, energy balancing, Buddhist meditation and assisted Hatha Yoga postures, blended together in a seamless sequence that can take several hours to complete. It is done on a futon mat with the client dressed in comfortable clothing that allows full movement of the entire body. For the receiver it is like having an entire passive yoga therapy session done—without any effort on their part. Regardless of your personal background, you will experience tremendous benefits by learning, giving and receiving an extensive repertoire of hands-on techniques in any of these workshops, and students leave completely recharged, balanced and inspired.

In Level I we discover the history and theory of Thai Yoga and then receive in-depth, detailed, hands-on training in its techniques, learning how to apply them to clients in supine, prone and sitting positions. We will leave this training ready to practice giving a basic Thai Yoga Bodywork session with mindfulness and precision. Come discover this deeply spiritual, joyous, rejuvenating and profoundly healing modality with one of the world’s most accomplished practitioners and teachers.

Note: No prerequisites but previous bodywork or yoga experience is recommended. There is a $20 materials fee for the training manual that covers both Level 1 and 2. The Thai Yoga Level 1 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, April 30–May 4,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SA   CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650
[reg_button:12WBY06SA]

or call 212-219-2527 x2

Jonas Westring

LEVEL I:
Thai Yoga Bodywork is an ancient and sacred healing art with deep roots in yogic and Buddhist practices. As a uniquely diverse and powerful healing modality, it provides a deeply rejuvenating and transformational experience both for the recipient and the practitioner. This specific style of Thai Yoga Bodywork stays true to the traditional form of hands-on healing originating in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. To further enhance its effectiveness, it also incorporates complementary techniques from hatha yoga and an understanding of biomechanics from an anatomical perspective. Various yoga and meditation techniques make Thai Yoga a graceful and holistic form of applied hands-on therapy that emphasizes alignment principles, mindful presence, safety, individual needs, and balance of the human energy body.

Thai Yoga combines myofascial stretching, joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, rhythmic rocking, acupressure, energy balancing, Buddhist meditation and assisted Hatha Yoga postures, blended together in a seamless sequence that can take several hours to complete. It is done on a futon mat with the client dressed in comfortable clothing that allows full movement of the entire body. For the receiver it is like having an entire passive yoga therapy session done—without any effort on their part. Regardless of your personal background, you will experience tremendous benefits by learning, giving and receiving an extensive repertoire of hands-on techniques in any of these workshops, and students leave completely recharged, balanced and inspired.

In Level I we discover the history and theory of Thai Yoga and then receive in-depth, detailed, hands-on training in its techniques, learning how to apply them to clients in supine, prone and sitting positions. We will leave this training ready to practice giving a basic Thai Yoga Bodywork session with mindfulness and precision. Come discover this deeply spiritual, joyous, rejuvenating and profoundly healing modality with one of the world’s most accomplished practitioners and teachers.

Note: No prerequisites but previous bodywork or yoga experience is recommended. There is a $20 materials fee for the training manual that covers both Level 1 and 2. The Thai Yoga Level 1 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, April 30–May 4,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SA   CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650
To register click HERE

LEVEL II
To complete the basic sequence in Level II we learn a whole range of additional Thai Yoga techniques, including abdominal work, inversions, and a full sequence in the side-lying position that provides access for in-depth treatment of the back and shoulders. After this training, you will be ready to safely deliver a complete two-and-a-half hour full-body Thai Yoga Bodywork session that includes all the traditional treatment positions. You will now be equipped to begin practicing one of the most complete, inspiring and deeply satisfying bodywork systems as well as one of the most therapeutically effective.

Prerequisite: Thai Yoga Level I.

The Thai Yoga Level 2 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, June 11–15,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SB CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650
To register call 212-219-2527 x 2

ADVANCED TRAINING:
LEVEL III:

For the first time in NYC, we are offering students who have learned the basic Thai bodywork routine and practiced for a period of time more advanced Thai Yoga training, which will impart deeper client assessment skills and a wide range of new techniques, including deeper myofascial work, more detailed insights into biomechanics from a physical therapy perspective, and more adjunct yoga applications, all of which prepare practitioners to better handle the complexity of client situations. More than 50 new, effective hands-on techniques are clearly and carefully examined. This training also serves as a gathering of experienced practitioners who can exchange effective treatment tips with each other. Join us for a high level educational forum while receiving five days of extraordinary Thai Yoga treatments from your fellow students!

Prerequisite: 10 days of training in the Thai tradition, with any school/teacher.

The Thai Yoga Level 3 Intensive provides 35 CEUs through NCBTMB.

A FIVE-DAY TRAINING
Monday–Friday, August 6–10,
9:30am–5:30pm
12WBY06SC    CEUs click here
Members: $610 / Nonmembers: $650
To register call 212-219-2527 x 2

Jonas Westring is a multi-certified yoga teacher with 25 years of experience and a licensed physical therapist. He is the Director of Thai Yoga Healing and teaches Thai Yoga Bodywork nationally and internationally. His website is www.shantaya.org

Jeannette Watson Sanger

Research has shown that laughter reduces stress and pain, lowers blood pressure, enhances lung capacity, and boosts the immune system. Laughter Yoga, created by Dr. Mandan Kataria, is a unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing. In this class we’ll practice a blend of laughter techniques interspersed with breathing, stretching exercises and rhythmic clapping to improve our health and refresh our psyches. Ten minutes of laughter equals 20 minutes of jogging and is much more fun!

Come for the full four weeks or drop in for individual sessions.

Note: Not advised for people with hernias, heart disease, recent surgery, severe backaches or any eye complications.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, April 4–25, 3–4pm
12WBY57T
Members: $48 / Nonmembers: $52 /Individual Sessions: $15
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Take a look at this story featured on the ABC Local News with Dr. Sapna Parikh on how "laughter can be the best medicine."

Hari Nam Singh Khalsa

Kundalini Yoga, an ancient, distinctive form of yoga, emphasizes extensive and varied use of breath control as well as vigorous movements and “sound current” meditations. Very effective at combating stress and promoting physical fitness, good health and emotional balance, it is also a spiritual discipline that provides a clear roadmap to self-knowledge and purpose in life. In this course we will explore the role and practice of meditation in Kundalini Yoga, learning two meditation practices each week, including: pranayam (which enhances the body/mind/spirit connection), concentration exercises that focus on one or more of the seven chakras (the subtle energy vortices found in all human beings), and mantras (the repetitive chanting of primordial sounds that allow us to resonate with our true essence). We will also learn how to develop “meditative mind,” to seamlessly integrate the profound experience of meditation into every aspect of life.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, March 7–28, 6–7:30pm
12WBY52T
Members: $90 / Nonmembers: $100
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or call 212-219-2527 x 2

Penni Feiner, ERYT and Deborah Lubetkin, PsyD

In this class we will delve deeply into the ancient and evidence-based practice of Life Force Yoga® to naturally manage imbalances of mood.  Whether these imbalances are related to stress, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, or hormonal changes, we will learn to calm the reactive mind through the weekly practices of LFY. Each class will include calming and energizing breath practices, chakra clearing meditations, uses of mudra and mantra (sound), and therapeutic asanas, and will end with Savasana (deep relaxation) accompanied by the blissful chanting of Penni.  We will leave this class deeply relaxed and revitalized and with a home practice to meet our individual needs and goals.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Wednesdays, April 4–May 9, 6–7:30pm
No class on April 11.
12WBY58T For CEUs click here
Members: $110 / Nonmembers: $120
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Ravi Hari Kaur, MSW, LSW

Chronic, long-held patterns of fear exist in nearly all of us, and can prevent us from achieving optimal well-being. But this contractive energy can be mobilized and transformed into an expansive, self expressive, full-bodied vitality. Using a dynamic and at times rigorous blend of postures, movement, breath, sound and meditation, Ravi Hari will help us unlock hidden energy from the navel chakra, solar plexus and heart center and learn to transmute our fear into a powerful ally.

AN EVENING WORKSHOP
Friday, May 11, 7–10pm
12WBY59M
Members: $40 / Nonmembers: $45
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You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Wednesday, April 4 at, 6pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Kundalini Yoga.

Donna Amrita Davidge

The Kundalini Yoga tradition teaches that to realize our potential as human beings it is important to tap into our often dormant subtle spiritual energy (kundalini) and circulate it effectively. A key to this effort is to unblock and harmonize our chakras, the seven main centers of subtle energy in the body. In this class, we will use specially designed breathing techniques, postures, movements and mantra chanting to unlock our latent spiritual power and learn to direct its flow up through our seven chakras, thereby strengthening the nerves, internal organs and glands associated with each chakra and dramatically boosting our health and well-being. We will also work with our aura (the electromagnetic field that surrounds all living things) to make it a more effective protective shield that can help us ward off illness, injury and negative energies.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, April 11–
May 2, 6–7:30pm
12WBY08T
Members: $70 / Nonmembers: $80
/Individual Sessions (as space permits):$22