WHY NEWS AND VIEWS

Research Project at West Hartford Yoga
“The Relationship between Level of Yoga Experience and Its Benefits”
In the event that you notice people walking around the studio with clip boards and are wondering what that giant exercise bike is doing in the hallway, there is a reason. We are currently participating in a research study investigating the benefits of yoga, a project spearheaded by one of our longtime members, Gillian Galen. After joining West Hartford Yoga as a student, Gillian became a member of our staff. She is a much loved and valued presence at the studio. The research is directed by Dr. Lourdes Dale of the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology of the University of Hartford and was initiated by Gillian, a doctoral student at the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. Studies have been conducted at the studio over the last several months with many of our students participating.

It is wonderful to observe you, our yogis, acknowledging the importance of this work by giving your time and sharing your own yogic experiences with the research team. As of early April, over 70 individuals had been seen for a first session. Results of this groundbreaking study will be written up over the summer. The team expects the study will show concrete evidence that the practice of yoga impacts psychological and physiological well-being.

Meet Our New Teachers
Our family is expanding! Join us in welcoming Brie Teaboldt and  Sarah Britton to our staff. As always we strive for and are proud to offer the highest quality yoga instruction at WHY. We know these teachers will meet the standard you’ve come to expect from us. Additionally, they are great people, and we look forward to all of you getting to know them.

NEW PRODUCTS…NEW CLOTHING
Stuff to look out for in the WHY Shop
We’ve got these cool new mat wipes. You know how the whole baby-wipe thing started a trend for quick, disposable cleanup? Well, think of your yoga mat as a baby’s behind …. one swipe and all the smelly, germy things are gone! They’re called Jo-Sha Cleansing Wipes and come in a variety of fragrances. Only $1 a piece. Regular students who use their mats a lot are always complaining about the smell (well, face it, the mat goes under your bare feet.) Here’s a quick, simple solution. It doesn’t mean not to do a thorough mat washing in the tub or washing machine from time to time. Again, think of the baby. This isn’t the bath, just the diaper change …….

Oh, and remember Bali Dog? The excellent yoga pants with the images up and down the leg? They’re back! In some new colors and designs for spring. Not only are they trendy and great looking, they are excellent practice pants. The fabric moves with your body and washes well without fading. Just wash in cold water and hang dry (no dryer!) In general, it’s best to keep yoga clothes out of the dryer for longer life, anyway. Stretch fabrics break down in that kind of heat.

We’ve got some new spring color WHY T-Shirts. The same soft, stretch fabric that everyone loves, in cheerful, bright colors and softer earth tones. A good variety of sizes and styles, too. Look closely, there are lots of different cuts to accommodate all shapes and preferences (not every yogi wants “itty bitty tiny” …..) The popular one-size rib tank is on the way, too! Lots of new colors coming.

And a favorite line unique to WHY - - new pieces from Shiva Shakti. Wait until you see what she did for spring. Funky pants with over skirts ….. bright colors ….dangling charms …… Definitely not your “mom’s yoga wear.”