AYS: When did you first start teaching at Adeline Yoga?
Sandy: January 2017, but I own my own studio in Brentwood and have been teaching yoga for 20 years.
What drew you here?
I love the community and Iyengar Yoga.
I’ve never used ropes in a yoga class before–what are they for?
Ropes create a lot of traction and strength in the body. Difficult asanas can become more accessible and enhance learning and understanding of yoga practice. Ropes can also challenge us to go deeper and explore the body in asana. Inversions are more accessible and even restorative poses come easier. Hey, the ropes are FUN too!
I’m nervous about putting my full weight on the ropes. Will they hold me? Will I fall?
The ropes will hold you! I’ve had 300+ pound people in the ropes without any problems. They are installed straight into the studs in the wall, so they are very sturdy. And I will not let you fall, I promise!
What if I want to try this at home? Is there anything I can do to mimic this experience without putting holes in my wall?
I don’t think so…You can certainly buy and install ropes into your home, but please come learn how to use them properly first before experimenting on your own.
How has your own practice been affected by the use of ropes?
I have been able to improve my practice by using the ropes. I can safely rotate more deeply and hold Parivrrta Trikonasana while I am using the ropes and then do the pose without the ropes right after and keep the improvement. I can also hold inversions longer and feel more traction rather than contraction in my spine. Ropes inspire me!
Do you have a favorite asana?
Salamba Sirsasana.
LEARNING THE ROPES
April 3, 10, 17 and 24
Mondays 4 – 5:30pm (Slower Pace)
Tuition:
$45 for the 4 week series
Or drop-in using your existing class pass
About the Instructor:
Sandy Carmellini is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor,CIYT-1000. She fell in love with yoga as a child back in the 70’s while watching Lilias Folan on TV. She has been teaching yoga since 1998 and is also a certified ERYT-500. Sandy owns her own yoga studio, Brentwood Yoga Center. She was a devoted student for many years of Donald Moyer until his recent retirement. She has studied yoga for the past 7 years with Sri HS Arun and has traveled to India several times to deepen her studies with him. Sandy is a graduate of the Sadhana Studies program at Adeline Yoga. When she’s not on the mat, Sandy loves spending with her family, hiking, cooking, eating, studying essential oils and firmly believes that a healthy lifestyle, including yoga and connection to community brings balance to the body, mind, and spirit.