Gentle Healing Yoga is beneficial to those that lack the overall flexibility—who needs a practice that encourages modified poses without any intense strain. This class is great for people with movement limitations, chronic conditions, back pain, arthritis or seeking an alternative stress reduction management.
Gentle healing yoga is a style of yoga that is far less strenuous than other forms. It is beneficial to those who are over 40 and fit, but lack the overall flexibility to be able to do some of the more intense yoga poses.
It attempts to serve a variety of distinct needs: people with movement limitations, or stiffness due to lack of activity; relief from disabilities and chronic conditions e.g., arthritis, back pain and other muscular-skeletal issues; for seniors, new practitioners, and those seeking stress-reduction or weight management. A gentle yoga approach has even been found to be an important compliment in programs to reverse heart disease or provide relief from the challenging conditions of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, as well as mood disorders.
The way that gentle yoga works without putting any unnecessary strain on the practitioner is by using modifications of standard hatha yoga poses. This approach includes carefully orchestrated movements, controlled pressure, and well-measured stretches, including range of motion exercises all with the support of the breath. Postures may be approached in gradual steps, with plenty of time to focus on breathing and repetition, so that the practice is simple to do and easy to remember. A gentle yoga style encourages a highly individualized approach to practice with on-going encouragement to make moment-to-moment adjustments.
Testimonials for Denise and Shanna Hughes Classes
“I have been practicing yoga with the dynamic Denise for 8 years. My body is stronger and more flexible because of yoga, and the “focused” breathing techniques I’ve learned—the first and simplest link your breath with your movements—have helped me to relax both on the mat and in real life; to focus on the moment that is NOW, not regretting the past or worrying about the future; to fall asleep faster at bedtime; and to stay calm during stressful times and encounters.”
– Susan Hamric
“Denise’s class is heaven. An escape into calmness and smiles. Denise’s class is a true ‘ahhhhhh’ experience. It takes a lot of energy to get me out the door to ‘go’ to a yoga class but as soon as I am in Denise’s class, I immediately smile. I know I am in the right place. Denise is not only one of the most kind and caring people I have ever met but one of the most versatile, intuitive and compassionate teachers I have the to honor to know. Denise’s class and friendship has given my life more depth and XXXOOO!!!!”
– Dana Barron
“I have been a student of Shanna’s for almost 10 years now. She is one of the loveliest women and best yoga instructors you will have the good fortune to know. Since she is a yoga therapist she cannot only lead you through a series of vinyasas, but can tailor-make them for you according to your needs. My flexibility and strength at age 59 are a direct result of her classes. If I take time off for any reason, I can immediately notice a difference in my body in a negative way. There are not enough words that can impart how wonderful she is and how enjoyable and beneficial her classes are.”
– Lynn Lansing
“Over the years I’ve enjoyed practicing with Denise immensely. Out of all the yoga teachers I’ve practiced with, Denise is my favorite. She teaches a gentle and effective style of yoga that is customizable to both beginner and advanced student alike. Every class is a new and life-giving experience.”
– Marlene Mounce
“Shanna Hughes’ Yoga class has helped me recover from two major surgeries. The back strengthening poses have been just what I’ve needed to gain stability and maintain normalcy in my life. Added to that, the poses for hip opening have been very useful and have seen me through painful stiffness to new pain-free flexibility. Another plus is the general relaxation one feels after one of her classes. Shanna understands the needs of her “students,” most of us well up in our years. She is kind, thoughtful, understanding, knowledgeable, and a simply great teacher!”
– Joy Jacobs
“I just got back from a physical today and my blood pressure is great! I’ll be reducing blood pressure medication and hope to be off meds totally. I get so much from my yoga class—breathing, meditation, gentle movement, food for thought…. yoga class has helped when I’ve had physical tests and when I am stressed or anxious. It feels good to slow down!”
– Lynn Akamini
“Denise approaches yoga in its entirety, the physical and spiritual. Her gentle, breath-based class has helped me further my development of inner and outer strength and deepened my awareness in life.”
–Cyndi Houck
“As a beginning student of Shanna Hughes at the Culver City Senior Center last spring. I was physically healing from several surgeries. I started yoga gradually with Shanna’s chair yoga class. As my strength started to increase she allowed me to advance to floor yoga. The healing effect of Shanna’s yoga is not just physical healing exercises, but the psychological, mental and emotional healing that has improved my life greatly. I could not be much happier than I am. Thank you Rays of Yoga.”
– Arnie Schoenfeld – 85 years young
“Being part of Denise’s yoga family has enriched my life. I started Denise’s class many years ago with the thought of increasing my flexibility and muscle strength but through her teachings I have realized much more. My physical and mental balance has improved, I have learned important “tools” to better manage life’s mental challenges and I have met a wide assortment of wonderful people.”
– Kathy Wiles
“I learned how to strengthen my body and heart connection in Denise’s yoga class. Her warm spirit opened my heart to breathing and stretching, which increased my flexibility and helped me focus and calm my busy mind.”
– Karen McLoughlin
“Without Gentle Yoga as practiced with Shanna, I would be a stiff, aching being. I know this because at times when I have been out of town for extended periods and not practicing yoga, that’s how I was. After being in class for three weeks upon my returns, I was more flexible and free of pain. Shanna pays close attention to our specific needs and gears the class to us. She is a caring and personable teacher. Of the six yoga teachers that I have practiced with over the years, she ranks within the top two and is number one for being in tune with the class.”
– Debby Deblas
“Denise is highly skilled at ensuring that the students are practicing to their capabilities and offering alternative moves if a student has issues with any parts of their body and/or health. She makes every individual in the class feel like she is only instructing them. Never have I experienced a class where I felt the instructor had a personal interest in me and my practice.”
– Laura Coverson
“DENISE IS THE VERY BEST YOGA TEACHER. It was love at first sight of both the class and the teacher. Her calming voice, unhurried manner and moves that I surprisingly could do proved beneficial and long lasting.”
– Karen Civitate
“When I first joined Denise’s yoga class I could not reach the floor with both hands due to residue restraints from a shoulder injury. After a short time with her gentle yoga movements I could do it.”
– Karlon Talbert
“Yoga works!! Many times I have come to class weighed down by the demands of my life, the arthritis I fight continuously, and worries that in the grand scheme of things probably don’t amount to a hill of beans. Anyway, after class I feel better! So….yoga works!!!”
– Virginia Kaufman
“I find that Shanna’s utilization of music, poetry and stories blend very nicely into a relaxing physical workout when combined with her extensive yoga exercises. She has an aura and personality that makes the entire session a pleasing and rewarding experience.”
– Doug Grant
“I have practiced yoga with numerous teachers over the last 15 years. I can truthfully say that Shanna has been a unique inspiration. Her kindness and devotion to her students is a joy and a blessing. I have learned to breathe into my stress and feel it slip away. I have been known to tell the guys in the Post office line to “breathe deeply”. They do, and are amazed that it really works!!”
– Evelyn Cronin
“Shanna has always structured the practice to adjust to the needs of the participants and provided options for beginners to the more advanced students. She would always begin the class by asking what the particular needs of the day are, depending on any aches or pains present, and would work suitable poses into the practice to address these needs. I have always enjoyed her classes because they provide both challenges and relaxation in a pleasant and non-judgmental atmosphere. Shanna shares her knowledge of Eastern philosophy and poetry and her gentle, soothing voices puts one at ease. I feel that I have benefited greatly both physically and mentally from my yoga practice under Shanna’s direction.”
– Peggy Kharraz
“I have truly enjoyed my experience in Denise Hughes’s yoga class. Having suffered with chronic back pain for many years, I searched for some relief. I spent a lot of time in physical therapy, which was helpful, but limiting in that it dealt only with the physical aspects of my problem. After searching for the right “fit”, I found Denise’s class. After attending her classes regularly things began to change. My body could move easier, my range of motion improved and I could handle the pain differently. I learned to relax my body and mind through stretching and meditation. The benefits of yoga have carried over into my daily life by allowing me to live a wonderful life using the strategies and coping skills learned in my yoga class.”
– Rhonda Simmons
“Practicing yoga with Denise has created a profound personal transformation in me. My aging body is growing stronger and more flexible and my life style is becoming more healthy. She continually inspires me and brings much joy and balance into my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
– Andree Slaughter
“I am one of the fortunate ones I started at age 65. It has improved my calmness, humbleness, physical health, and almost all qualities of my daily life. My main reason for starting Denise’s yoga was to maintain and improve my physical health (scoliosis and osteoporosis have plagued me for many years). Yoga has helped me to live comfortably with these ailments and added spiritual and peaceful qualities to my life.”
– Nancy Nakagama, age 80.
“I was fortunate enough to attend Yoga Classes given by Shanna Hughes for many years. I found her caring, considerate and helpful and always full of encouragement for those students who may had difficulties or even disabilities. No matter how tired I was at the beginning of the class, I was always amazed to find that I felt totally rejuvenated and relaxed at the end of the session.”
– Catherine Annette Matzner
“When Shanna walks into our Yoga studio, she brings a precious gift of her bright nature and kindness—always reminding us to accept ourselves as we are, no matter how frail and ungainly, and to love and appreciate ourselves and others, flaws and all. Her teachings are beyond practicing deep breathing and asanas. This generous attitude, plus her innate and uncommon spirituality—make Shanna a beloved teacher.”
– Cecelia
“I thoroughly enjoyed yoga classes taught by Denise. I took classes from her for several years while she was at the Westchester YMCA. I especially enjoyed the summer yoga in the garden class. Denise is very precise with her instructions and easy to follow, especially for newcomers.”
– Carol Tucker
“There is no better teacher than Denise, except maybe, her daughter Shanna. And there is no better teacher than Shanna, except maybe, her mother Denise. With the two of them, you get the best of the best!”
– Andi Christensen
“I am so thrilled that I have happened upon Shanna’s classes at the Culver City Senior’s Center. She and her faithful devotees are inspiring. She provides a wonderful multi-level workout experience. But, there is only one level of (complete) inspiration for all who attend. I also appreciate her choice of music and her readings from Rumi.”
– Liz Moser