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Don’t Miss Yin + Yoga Nidra Sunday, Aug. 19

By Events

Yin and Yoga Nidra Sterling Hot Yoga MobileWe’re excited to offer a very special 90-minute combination yin yoga and yoga nidra class! It will consist of a one-hour yin yoga practice and transition into a 30-minute yoga nidra. Together, that adds up to bliss for your body AND your brain.

Many of you are already familiar with our yin class, which focuses on mental and physical stillness in longer-held postures (don’t worry–they’re all on the floor!) that results in improved concentration and flexibility.

This special 90-minute class will end with a yoga nidra, also known as yogic sleep. A form of meditation, yoga nidra has been proven to activate the relaxation response, which helps improve the functioning of the nervous system and endocrine system.

Additional studies indicate that yoga nidra can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve blood glucose fluctuations and symptoms associated with diabetes.

Yoga nidra can also help cells regenerate and repair, decrease anxiety and improve your mood. To learn more about the benefits of yoga nidra, click here!

Yin + Yoga Nidra is a great way to end your weekend and get prepared for the week ahead! Please join us Sunday, Aug. 19 from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. for this special class!

Casey Kuluz Finds Relief From Stress at Sterling Hot Yoga

By Testimonial

Sterling Hot Yoga Yoga for Stress Yoga Student Testimonial Mobile AL

Casey Kuluz hated the heat, sweat and “all things exercise.” And she had a stressful IT job that she knew affected her blood pressure.

But when she heard “some lady from California” was opening a hot yoga studio in a space near her house, she was intrigued.

So much so that she and two friends bought the $50-for-10-class online special to what would become Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile.

“We had no idea what to expect for our first class, so we were not hydrated but looked cute in our long, cotton yoga pants and big, baggy cotton T-shirts,” Casey said. “We also learned that classes were 90 minutes long right before the teacher walked in to begin class!”

Despite her feelings for the heat, Casey kept showing up on her mat, though she admits she didn’t enjoy the first six or so classes. “I don’t know what made me keep showing up,” she said.

“Deep down, I must have liked it enough to continue. After my 10-day deal ended, my mind had me pre-pay for an entire year to ensure that I would keep practicing. And this is from someone who hates exercise and sweating!”

Of her group who started hot yoga in their “cute” attire, Casey is the only one still practicing. She soon realized she needed a consistent practice for the mental break it provided from her stressful IT job.

When she started practicing six-and-a-half years ago, Casey was at a different company, but as a young female among an older male management team, she had to work even harder to prove herself and gain respect.

“My last two blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office were high, which I knew was all work-related,” she said. “My yoga practice really helped get my blood pressure under control, and to better deal with the uncomfortable management style (that includes relationships inside and outside of work).”

The high blood pressure isn’t an issue like it was then, but Casey’s yoga practice continues to help her with her job in a different way.

“I work at a different company now, and my CEO says that I’m the only director who hasn’t gotten into an argument with him (yet),” she said. “I have yoga to thank for helping me keep my cool!”

Prior to joining Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile (now Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness), Casey had taken some Pilates and vinyasa classes at the University of South Alabama Rec Center. But she wasn’t able to focus or relax. “My mind kept thinking about all of the things I needed to be doing instead of in yoga class,” she said.

At this point in her practice, Casey can fully focus in the classes and block out distractions for 60 or 90 minutes—and that’s one of the most important changes or benefits she’s experienced. Off the mat, she said she has developed “the ability to quickly process and let things go that are out of my control.”

Casey has come a long way since her first class—now she doesn’t mind the sweat! “Also, I’m surprised at how my body subconsciously reacts to various outside factors,” she said. “For example, I find myself doing breathing techniques when I’m getting overwhelmed or stressed without realizing it.”

Though managing stress is high on the list of reasons Casey continues to practice at Sterling, she said she can’t overlook the feeling of community she has found at the studio. “I’ve made some really dear friends who are caring, supporting and interested in the welfare of others… all things that I strive to be,” she said. “It also helps that the studio is close to my house!”

Like everyone else, Casey didn’t feel the way she does now about hot yoga after the first class. “I had a hundred different thoughts,” she said. “‘Why is it 90 minutes long? Why is it so hot? I need to buy some new clothes that don’t stick to my sweat. I need a water bottle that keeps ice frozen throughout class. And I have to come back within 24 hours?!?!’”

These days, Casey is a regular at the studio, and she is well on track to complete Sterling’s year-long “18 in 18 Challenge,” which requires 18 classes a month for every month of the year.

Making that transition from hating the heat to loving it, from control freak perfectionist to letting things go hasn’t always been easy, she said. But the change does happen, and she encourages anyone thinking about trying hot yoga for the first time to get past their excuses.

“You will have a million excuses. You don’t like heat. You don’t want someone else’s sweat to touch you. You can’t spare the time. You tried yoga before, and it wasn’t your thing. You can’t drink THAT much  water to stay hydrated,” she said.

“Just show up, and keep showing up. You will likely not enjoy your first few classes, but it will pass. You will get used to the heat (and save on your A/C bills because you acclimate outside of the hot room). You won’t mind when you put your foot down on the floor, and it is sweat-soaked from the previous class. You will learn to drink water throughout the day, even coconut water (flavored is the trick for me!)”

Are you ready to try hot yoga? It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it! Join Casey and the rest of the Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness community today. We’ve got a great introductory special where new members get 30 days of unlimited practice for just $30! Sign up here to get started!

 

Sterling Hot Yoga Likely Helped Save Reggie Wilson’s Life

By Testimonial

Hot Yoga Benefits Yoga for Knee Injury Yoga for Cardiovascular HealthWhen Reggie Wilson started practicing at Sterling Hot Yoga in August 2014, he was carrying old aches and pains from lingering injuries from his service in the 82nd Airborne Division.

But the 22 classes he took during his introductory month and the three times a week practice he maintained after that could have well saved his life, according to Reggie, his wife and his doctor.

On Feb. 1, 2015, Super Bowl Sunday, Reggie went to the hospital after feeling tightness in his chest. Several tests helped doctors determine he had a 100 percent blockage in one of his arteries, and he underwent triple bypass surgery.

After surgery, the doctor asked what he had been doing. Reggie told him, “Sterling Hot Yoga.” The doctor said there’s a good chance yoga saved his life because his heart developed alternate routes around the blockage. Plus the strength of his systems helped him through the surgery with relative ease!

He returned to Sterling Hot Yoga during his recovery with modifications in his practice, then after knee surgery and knee replacement surgery less than two years apart, he made the decision to come back.

“After having two knee surgeries, my health was starting to decline,” he said. “I noticed that I did not have too many health issues when I was practicing yoga consistently.”

Over the past five years of Reggie’s practice off and on at Sterling, he’s experienced changes in body composition and sleep patterns and found more inner peace and relaxation, and that’s what keeps him committed to showing up on his mat.

“Yoga is truly a connection between the mind and the body,” he said. “The health benefits associated with yoga is the main reason that keeps me coming back.”

With a consistent practice, Reggie said he was even amazed at what he experienced and most importantly by what he learned about himself. “One of the most surprising things I have learned about myself is that I am capable of doing 20 times more than what I think I can do,” he said.

Yoga was—and is still—hard work, and Reggie realized that as soon as his first class. He said he thought, “This is going to take English bulldog determination, Bengal tiger strength and the tenacity to see it through.”

Now, it’s easy for Reggie to realize the benefits of yoga, and that’s what he stresses to anyone thinking about trying hot yoga for the first time.

“Yoga is the best investment you can make for your health and fitness,” he said. “By practicing yoga consistently, the return on this investment is priceless.”

Everyone at Sterling Hot Yoga is happy to see Reggie back in the hot room! He still has to take modifications in postures due to his knee surgeries, but most importantly that regular practice helps him feel better and stronger!

For that Reggie is thankful for David and “his staff of trained professionals” for welcoming him back to the studio.

We’d love to welcome you too so you can experience the benefits of yoga for yourself! Sign up here for our $30 introductory special, and you can try all of our classes UNLIMITED for 30 days!

Select Retail ON SALE! Get These Deals While They Last!

By Announcement

Image-1 (1)It’s time to clear out the old and make room for the new!

We’re marking down (almost all of) our retail items so we can create space for new merchandise.

Take advantage of the following LOWER prices below on select items while they last!

Sterling Yoga Mats: Was $39, NOW $29.95
Youphoria Towels: Was $24.95, NOW $19.95
Sterling Water Bottles: Was $39.99, NOW $19.95
Sterling Tanks: Was $15, NOW $10
Flowy Tanks: Was $18, NOW $10
Sterling Pink T-Shirts: $5

*Prices shown do not include tax.

 

Enjoy a Healthy Happy Hour With Your Friends on Us

By Events

HH Yoga With Friends Class Pic KeneeHas it been a while since you’ve practiced at Sterling? (We’re not judging!) If it’s been six months or more, you are invited to take our Happy Hour Yoga With Friends class on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. for FREE!

The same goes for your friends. (Let’s face it; we’ve all got someone we’re trying to convince to get in the hot room.) Whether they’re first-timers or it’s been six months or more, they get to practice for FREE too!

Don’t miss it! It’s the healthiest happy hour in town! This promotion applies to the first visit back only and to the 5:30 p.m. class on Friday only.

 

Slow Flow Vinyasa on Wednesdays

Manja continues to lead a 60-minute vinyasa slow flow class on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. Manja’s style of vinyasa yoga is offered in a non-heated room with a focus on postures that build strength, promote balance and increase flexibility in flow with the breath–making it another great complement to your hot yoga practice.

She received her 200-hour teacher training in 2014/2015 and also has extensive knowledge of hatha and kundalini yoga. This Wednesday morning class is offered for a donation of $10.

 

18 IN 18 CHALLENGE UPDATE: Congrats on Meeting the Halfway Mark!

By News

18 In 18 Challenge SHYWThe “18 in 18” Challenge has hit the halfway mark, and we couldn’t be more proud of the dedicated yogis who have made such a strong commitment to their practice as a result.

Many of the usual suspects are still meeting the minimum monthly class requirement, but some new names have entered the list this month.

Remember, it’s possible to complete the challenge by averaging 18 classes per month over the course of the year. That means 216 total classes in 2018 are required to be entered to win the annual membership and one of the two Fitbit fitness trackers.

Everyone completes that overall total number of classes will receive a Dri-FIT pullover featuring the studio and challenge logos, as well as bragging rights for reaching such an amazing achievement!

These Sterling yogis completed at least 18 classes in May:

Stacy Galloway, 30 Sheri Granberry, 19
Robert Carlock, 29 Sujin Kim, 19
Mendy Bornfleth, 23 Paula Brown, 18
Reid Gilbert, 21 Amber Gaillard, 18
Christy Lock, 21  Danny Miller, 18
Michelle Ryan, 21 Michelle Wilson, 18
Casey Kuluz, 20

Carlos and Monica Gonzalez Find New Home in Mobile

By Testimonial

Client Testimonial Yoga TestimoialWhen Carlos and Monica Gonzalez relocated to Mobile from Colorado, they knew they would have to find a new yoga studio to call home.

With a combined 15 years of practice between them (12 for Monica; three for Carlos), the couple had practiced mostly vinyasa, some Bikram method and “one attempt at aerial,” according to Monica.

So when they found Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness, they found a studio that offered the classes they loved—and more!

But even more important than what was on the schedule, the “good vibe” they felt at the studio kept them coming back.

After her first class, Monica said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to have found a great place to practice yoga in my new hometown, Mobile.”

The Gonzalezes moved her to be closer to their son, who is attending the University of South Alabama where he is studying accounting.

Monica was the first to seek out yoga, looking for a way to reduce work-related stress. But she found so much more.

“My inner being is more accepting and loving of me and everything around me,” she said. “My days that start with yoga practice are more productive and joyful.”

Carlos began his yoga practice as a way to share time with Monica, but he’s found that he’s gained more flexibility through a consistent practice.

“I can bend more than I thought I could,” he said, “and that feels awesome!”

Right away, they’ve had to adjust to the heat and humidity of Mobile—in and out of the hot room. After his first class, Carlos said he thought, “OMG!!! It is really hot, but I did it!”

The Gonzalezes have experienced so many benefits from their yoga practice, and they emphasized those in their encouragement for first-time students.

“It is an exercise that works well as a standalone practice,” Carlos said. “Contrary to what most people believe, yoga is a complete workout, but it can also complement any other physical training practice.”

Just as she has experienced in her own consistent practice, Monica noted the mental and emotional gifts yoga can offer.

“Yoga is essential to be centered, to be loving and to get in good shape,” she said. “More importantly, yoga practice is for all ages.”

Carlos and Monica have quickly become a part of the Sterling community, and we are so happy to have them. (When you see them at the studio, please help us welcome them to Mobile and to Sterling!)

“I really enjoy all the people there,” said Carlos. “From the yoga instructors to all practitioners, it is a pleasant environment to practice.”

Monica continued: “This place has a genuine good vibe. You find the owner that treats you like a friend, his dog, Yogi, that is adorable, the teachers are committed yet gentle in helping you to improve, and your classmates are in their own practice or helping you to adjust to the new place. Thank you for receiving us with open arms!”

We’d love to make you feel welcome at Sterling too! Click here to sign up now for our introductory special—$30 for 30 days of unlimited practice—and be a part of something special in Midtown Mobile!

Vinyasa Weekend With Chris De Vilbiss

By Events

Vinyasa Workshop Pranayama Breathing TechniquesJoin visiting teacher Chris De Vilbiss for a weekend of vinyasa workshops at classes at Sterling! These offerings will help you refine your vinyasa practice, particularly in finding strength needed to progress in arm balances and tips on preventing common yoga injuries, and provide you breathing techniques that will specifically benefit your hot yoga and vinyasa practice.

Shoulder Mechanics/Vinyasa Yoga with Arm Balances
Saturday, June 30: 1 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Learn to stabilize your shoulders and release tension around your neck, chest and arms in preparation for postures that bear weight on your hands or arms. Unlock the secrets to cure or prevent most yoga-related aches of wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck in this anatomy-rich workshop!

Immediately following, put what you’ve learned into practice in a 75-minute class with emphasis on shoulder and arm alignment for optimal strength for inversions and arm balances. All levels welcome!

Vinyasa Yoga/Pranayama Breathing Workshop
Sunday, July 1: 11:15 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Start with an invigorating vinyasa flow with emphasis on standing balance and hip extension, specifically lengthening and strengthening your psoas. Suitable for all levels.

Learn how to regulate mind activity with controlled breathing to evenly distribute energy throughout your nervous system in the pranayama workshop immediately after. Techniques covered will be ideal for the hot yoga or hot vinyasa practitioner. Some yoga experience is suggested to attend, but all levels are welcome!

Sign up for one or both days using this link. Members can take advantage of discounted pricing (both early-bird registration and day-of sign-ups. Non-members are welcome to join us too!

What’s Up With Wellness? A Guide to Extra Services

By Announcement

ReikiWithManja

As you have probably noticed, Sterling Hot Yoga Mobile has a new name!

We’ve slowly been making the transition to Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness to reflect the full range of wellness services that we make available to you.

In the hot room, you’re working on physical, mental and emotional wellness. These “extra” services we offer help you work on the same things in a different delivery.

Here’s a quick guide to those extras, plus contact information if you’d like to reach out to these wellness professionals to make an appointment or ask questions!

Arnie Harrison – Massage Therapist

Offers services including reflexology, crania-sacral therapy, deep tissue therapy and warm stone massage. Click link above for email or call 251- 533-6048.

Ginger Dunaway – Massage Therapist and Life Coach

Offers deep tissue and restorative modalities, including trigger-point work for specific pain patterns.Also provides life-coaching sessions over the phone or in person that help you discover meaning, focus and drive to identify and take your next step in life. Click link above for more.

Manja Leyk-Podratz – Reiki Energy Healing

Customized sessions that help balance energy, regenerate cells for optimum health, support recovery from illness and trauma, and increase spiritual awareness. Click link above for more.

 

 

18 in 18 Challenge Update: Whoa, We’re (Almost) Halfway There!

By News

18 In 18 Challenge SHYW

Exciting news, challengers! The “18 in 18” Challenge is ALMOST at the halfway mark, and we’re so excited that we’ve still got several yogis who are meeting the minimum monthly class requirement.

Remember, you don’t have to do 18 classes each month to be entered to win the annual membership or one of the two Fitbit fitness trackers. Just AVERAGE 18 classes a month.

That means there are some of you who are well within reach to getting back on track to finish the year with the 216 total required classes.

Stick with it! Everyone who meets that number gets a Dri-FIT pullover featuring the Sterling and challenge logos. Plus, what an awesome achievement maintaining a consistent practice all year long will be!

These Sterling yogis completed at least 18 classes in May:

Robert Carlock, 25 Casey Kuluz, 20
Sheri Granberry, 25 Reid Gilbert, 20
Sujin Kim, 23 Paula Brown, 19
Christy Lock, 21 Michelle Wilson, 19
Mendy Bornfleth, 20