| Aspen Yoga Studio: Home
Welcome to the Aspen Yoga Studio. My name is Richard Bird.
I first opened the Aspen Yoga Studio in 1999 to serve both Aspen locals and its' many
visitors from all over the world. Over the years I've had the honor of guiding thousands of individuals
in The Forrest Style of Hatha Yoga.
I can honestly say that I would not be alive today if I hadn't incorporated yoga into my busy
life in 1987. And, I would not be teaching or practicing yoga had I not returned to Ana Forrest in 1999
and trained in her Style of "Forrest Yoga".
One of the trademarks of Aspen is that it is unique and special, on the cutting edge of forward thinking,
exercise and mind, body, spirit practices.
From my 22 years of study, practice and 13 years of teaching yoga and the healing arts, it
is my experience that Forrest Yoga is on the cutting edge of mind, body, and spirit practices as well as
exercise. A perfect fit for the Aspen Community and our visitors.
As a Forrest Yoga Instructor my first responsibility is provide you with a safe and sacred space to unwind, heal
and practice yoga. Appropriate verbal and hands-on adjustments may be offered however, it is not required you
accept the assistance.
What Is Forrest Yoga And How Is It Different From Other Popular Styles Of Yoga?
Forrest Yoga does not have a set sequence. Instead there are generalities to do at different times.
We begin with breathing and grounding. This gets your
awareness into your body and creating inner space.
A conscious warm-up follows to release the neck, shoulders and hips so your body is not shocked or resistant to stronger and
more flowing postures.
Forrest Yoga is known for its' core conditioning and abdominal work. If your core (the area from
pelvic floor to inner top of skull) is weak or unconscious, you set yourself up for strain or injury in other
areas. Notably the shoulders, neck, low back, knees and hips.
But, if you do the abdominal series early and consciously you can have a struggle free practice where
sun salutations, standing and more challenging postures become easier.
We do lunges (my favorite) to get your energy balanced, grounded and connect you
below your waist, before moving into standing sequences.
As you move on in years your energy tends to rise and you live more in your head or mental
body. Long posture holds with conscious breathing gives you enough time for your joints to open and your
bones and muscles to settle and adjust before moving to the next posture.
After your warm down and Svasana you'll feel strong, balanced
and energized. Ready to move into your day peacefully, vibrating above the challenging energies and
stresses you often encounter.
I offer group classes and private yoga
instruction. This Fall I am offering two series: one three- week and one four-week series.
Fall Series II, October 19 - November 14 (four weeks)
Each Series has two levels of Instruction: Basic and Intermediate/Advanced.
Each Level is structured and moves step by step building a solid base and foundation in yogic breathing,
postures and movement. The intermediate level picks up where the basics level ends.
If you are currently taking Yoga Classes and practicing at an Intermediate or Advanced level but have not
taken Forrest Yoga classes or classes from me, I would recommend taking at least one basic class each week of the
series.
Basic Students may take any or all of the Basic classes offered each week. Intermediate Students may
attend any or all of the Basic and Intermediate Classes.
Series II, October 19 - November 14 (four weeks), registration by Thursday October 15, $99 thereafter
$125
Class Schedule & Registration
Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns.
Namaste,
Richard
970.366.2947
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