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Yoga and Yoga Therapy with RoxAnn Madera – Background & Philosophy

Seventeen years ago, due to the suggestion of one of my teachers, I decided to share my experience and started teaching. Since that first day in class, I have never looked back only forward, with a passion and joy that I find in every opportunity I have to work with students, believing there is a form of yoga suitable for everyone, regardless of age or physical limitations. My knowledge and quality as a yoga teacher and yoga therapist is based on a solid educational background: I’m registered and certified as a Yoga Teacher in Hatha Yoga, by Yoga Alliance, USA and the European Yoga Union, having completed 400+ hours at Yoga Vidya/Sivananda, BYV, in Germany, and E-RYT-500 USA. I’m also registered and certified as a Yoga Therapist C-IAYT by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. I also joined workshops and gained additional certifications with the following teachers:
Judith Lasater (Anatomy, Relax & Renew Teacher Certified), Dr. Larry Payne Ph.D. (Prime of Life Teacher Certified), Liz Franklin (Chair Yoga Teacher Certified),  Dr. Amy Wheeler PhD (Case Studies), Surendra Mehta (Pranayama – Breathing), Gary Kraftsow, Desiree Rumbaugh,  Richard Rosen, Cindy Lee,  Frank Jude Boccio,  Tias Little & Jason Crandall, Dr. Richard Miller.
I also finished four years of Yoga Therapy studies at Loyola Marymount University and an Internship Program at the Venice Family Clinic’s Simm/Mann Health and Wellness Center with Dr. Lori Rubenstein Fazzio and Dr. Myles Spar.

While I offer classes, LIVE and INTERACTIVE on ZOOM for all ages (15+), my focus belongs especially to an often neglected age group: boomers/seniors (55+). In the meantime I’ve established  a dozen classes on this medium, which are adapted to the special needs, wishes and requests of this target group. Generally, I give priority to the art of breathing, movement in synergy, with a focus on a solid foundation of asana and alignment while also developing flexibility, building strength and increasing balance.  Always offering students optional variations/adaptations of asanas to suit their individual bodies, asking students to challenge themselves but never asking them to leave their comfort zone, as pain is not gain. Emphasizing function over form but always considering when a form is necessary for the integrity of the body. I enjoy teaching my students how to be able to heal themselves, helping them to clarify their values and living their lives with integrity, conviction, and consistency. Practice and life are not that different.

My  Gentle Yoga classes are for all ages.  Most Boomers/Seniors, start doing yoga … with the Chair  to … on the Mat, with an emphasis on prevention and independence, seeing the ability to do tomorrow something which they can’t do today, teaching life skills for living. Since two years I’m also offering ‘ Meditation and Breathing Classes.

My teaching philosophy is based on a contemporary interpretation of ancient sources without fashionable trends while establishing a coherent discipline with therapeutic benefit. Yoga therapy can be considered replacement therapy, giving up something in your life which may not be working and replacing it with something which will bring you closer to your goal of living a healthier balanced life.

Important Disclaimer:

“The yoga therapy components of my [instruction or practice] are based on the credentials earned as Graduate of Yoga Therapy RX at Loyola Marymount University and Yoga Therapy Clinical Practicum at Healing Yoga Institute, not derived from my status as an RYT ®with Yoga Alliance Registry.”

I’m registered and certified as a yoga therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

The news, suggestions, information, exercises and other offers or items on this website are intended for informational purposes only. Not all exercise is suitable for everyone. To reduce the risk of injury, please consult your Doctor before engaging in any physical and/or therapeutic exercise program. Nothing is intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.

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