INTRODUCTION
Where
Do I Start?
GSW Tid-Bits
News,
notices, and social events, etc.
Some items
printed in our newsletter do not fall into a "defined category"
yet they are likely to be of interest to our members. Bicycling advocacy
is a prime consideration for this section. For other activities including
non-bicycling items, please see our Special
Events page. Comments welcome!
Early GSW photos by Linda and Bob Harvey
Do you recognize any of the people or places in these early photos?
Please let me know so I can add to the captions.
bamos_99@yahoo.com
(web publisher)
Can I do Yoga? - Yoga Is For Every Body!
You don’t have to be a pretzel to try Yoga
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation. Yoga has been practiced for over 4000 years and it can be done standing, sitting or even lying down. The word Yoga comes from the ancient Sanskrit word meaning “yoke” or “union”. The practice of yoga helps quiet the mind and increase self awareness. When the mind and body work together as one, your breathing slows down, excess stress and tensions are relieved and balance, coordination and overall health improves. Your quality of life is enhanced when you feel more at ease.
Why do Yoga?
There are many rewards that come with a regular practice of yoga. Even if you are unable to get up from a chair, you can still enjoy the health benefits that come from yoga. The aging body is caused by stress, poor diet and ingestion of toxins. Stress motivates us into action, but if it is not released, stress chemicals (adrenaline, and cortisol) stay in the body obstructing digestive and immune systems. Over time the body is depleted of energy and that can cause disease.
Yoga helps to release the stress chemicals that age us by increasing oxygen intake, which cleanses the systems creating more energy to move the body. When the body moves into and out of stretches and postures, joints stay lubricated, muscles get longer and stronger, and balance and concentration are a result. Working within your own limitations in a non-competitive environment allows you to focus on and listen to the hints your body may be giving you. A regular practice compliments any workout, recreational or competitive sport and even the couch potato can benefit. There are a multitude of benefits produced by yoga and below you will find just a few. Try it for yourself and see.
For your Body – Physical postures and gentle stretches:
Strengthen and tone muscles and bones to reduce the risk of injury
Lengthen muscles and lubricate joints to increase flexibility
Improve balance and posture with spinal alignment and body awareness
Tone and massage internal organs aiding digestion and healthy weight loss
Cleanse the blood stream and increase energy levels by removing toxins and decreasing blood pressure
For your Mind – Breathing techniques:
Increase oxygen intake to improve circulation and enhance the immune system
Increase lung strength and capacity
Calm the mind and improve attention and concentration
Balance emotions and relax the body in stressful situations
For your Spirit – Meditation and Relaxation:
Improves attitude, mood and emotions
Encourages self acceptance and self confidence
Creates mindfulness to be fully present and aware
Promotes a positive, healthy outlook on life
Life gains new meaning by improving all senses
How do I find an instructor?
It is important to work with a teacher who is certified in their particular style of yoga to be sure you get the safest, most accurate information. Certification typically consists of 200 to 500 hours of training and includes basic anatomy and physiology. There are many different styles of yoga. The focus of each style may vary, but most incorporate breathing (pranayama) and posture (asana) or flow (vinyasa).
How do I start?
Start out with a beginner class even if you are a professional athlete. There is a difference between strength and flexibility, so start slow and always proceed at your own pace. Refrain from comparing yourself to the instructor or others in the class. Be non-judgmental when you find yourself challenged by a stretch or posture. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” be compassionate and aware of what you can do: “I can do this !” By practicing yoga regularly you will notice a gradual improvement.
How do I know which yoga class is appropriate for me?
Yoga classes that tend to be easier, or more focused on relaxation, may be described using these words: gentle, restorative, easy, beginner.
Yoga classes that are vigorous or challenging may be described using these words: hot, power, vinyasa (flow), Ashtanga, Bikram, Kundalini, Forrest.
Depending upon how the teacher directs it, a yoga class could include a combination of beginner and advanced stretches and may be identified by these names:
Kripalu, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Anusara.
Before starting any exercise program, please check with your doctor if you have any major health issues or concerns. For more information, please feel free to call (603) 801-8624, or email your questions to: laurie@ladaley.com .
If your sport or job creates imbalances and / or chronic tight muscles in your body;
I can help you. Call for more information.
Laurie A. Daley is a Certified teacher in the Kripalu Yoga and LV Chair Yoga tradition. Laurie has studied with many yoga masters in North America including Yoganand Michael Carroll, Todd Norian, Ann Green, Lakshmi Voelker and many others. Laurie has been practicing and studying yoga for more than 18 years. Laurie has been teaching yoga full time since 2005, when she completed her 200 hour certification. She teaches classes at several studios in New Hampshire and can also be found at Catholic Medical Center’s Prime Time, the Veterans Hospital in Manchester, and Parkhurst Place in Amherst.
Laurie offers private and group sessions as well as classes to corporate clients. Laurie is currently studying to complete her Professional level certification. Laurie presents classes to people of all ages and levels of flexibility. Her unique way of teaching provides a safe environment to practice and allows all people to participate, no matter what physical or mental challenges are presented. Special instructions and modifications are given so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of yoga.
Helping people achieve their natural born flexibility and peace of mind.
Cycling Vocabulary Words 101
Have you heard of this Term?
Words provided by Exeter Cycles
A'Bloc: French Expression for going at maximum or flat out speed.
Attack: To increase speed quickly in attempt to drop other riders.
Baby heads: Popular term in mountain biking for a section full of rocks the size of a baby's head.
Bonk: Is the term when a rider / athlete runs out of energy due to low blood sugar or a lack of fuel.
Dirt rocket: This is a local term for going head first into the ground while mountain biking. We first heard it from Mark Ouellette, former GSW president.
Drafting: To stay in another rider's slipstream.
Echelon: A pace line at an angle that is caused by a side wind.
Full Gas: Pro's use this word for going at maximum or flat out.
Half Wheeling: Long time expression for when someone is riding side by side and keeps his or her wheel slightly in front of the other person's, forcing the pace a little more than is wanted or is comfortable with.
Nuber: A term John learned in Toronto in the early 70's for cable end crimps. Probably only used by us.
Pace line: A group of cyclists who take turns at the front setting the pace and breaking the wind.
Peloton: Is the word for the pack of cyclists.
Sitting in: Means staying in the pack without going to the front.
Sitting on: Is to be following someone's wheel.
Shelled: Common term for getting dropped when the pace is high.
Sleigh riding: Term from road racing in the 60's for not doing any work.
Q. Why can't bicycles
stand alone?
A. They're two tyred.
