Who is Denise?

An early baby-boomer and life long resident of Racine, I've practiced Yoga on and off for over 20 years. I've taught classes at the Racine Family YMCA, St. Michael's Church, The Healing Touch South Inc. and for St. Mary's Physical Therapy instructors. 

Professionally, I'm a 40+ hours/week employee working in accounting and office administration at a local non-profit SAFE Haven. Personally, I'm the mother of two young women (Generation X'ers) and the grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter and two grandsons.

I've felt the need for balance in my life, and both practicing and teaching Yoga has helped me to achieve that. Perhaps it can help you to achieve balance in your life, too.

There are many reasons to take a Yoga class, but ultimately you'll come to it if the time is right. I believe it helps me achieve a balance between the mental, the physical and the spiritual and helps me be who I am, a more peacefully and relaxed human being.

Hopefully, this class will help you too.

What kind of class is this?

This class is designed for beginners and for persons looking to increase their flexibility and relieve stress and tension. We will be practicing various Hatha Yoga positions, which are known to promote wellness and health. I  have incorporated numerous stretches and Yoga poses into this class to present a Yoga session that is not too difficult and that will leave you feeling great!

When is this class being held?

My Yoga class is currently being held on Monday and Wednesday at St. Michael's Church located at 4701 Erie St. in Racine. Cost is $5.00 per session. Additional classes by appointment.

Where is this class being held?

St. Michael's Library is the site for classes held on Monday and Wednesday's nights. You should wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel, rug, or mat to practice Yoga on.

Why should I take a Yoga class?

The practice of Yoga will bring various benefits to you. Some of the benefits you will receive from the practice of Yoga include:

• improved flexibility 
• increased concentration 
• greater physical endurance 
• improved prospective of yourself
• increased awareness of "Now"
• learn ways to de-stress the body and mind
• improved sleep
• more "alive" feeling

Additional Information

We'll spend time doing various stretches and Yoga positions in a slow and calm manner, while listening to relaxing music. We will work on breathing and stillness and centering yourself into both the moment and your body.

I strongly emphasize not holding the breath, but instead letting both it and your mind flow into the moment. You will feel extremely relaxed and at peace after an hour of "Yoga with Denise". 

Be aware that when first starting the practice of Yoga, your body will initially feel terrific but that without intervention you will most likely feel stiff in a day or so. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you take a nice hot bath or shower so soon as possible after you are done practicing Yoga. This helps your body adjust to this new practice.

Other Yoga Resources

A premier magazine for yoga is the Yoga Journal. This site has numerous features such as books, video tapes, and an index of poses.

Another site that has listings of numerous books on yoga and health is found at the Yoga.com site.

Finally, if you're looking for information on various yoga poses, then the Yoga Site is the place to go.

 Questions about my Yoga classes can be sent to dsierra@wi.rr.com.

Last updated 12/2008.