CHAT: I'll briefly cover my four favorite props to use in a yoga class.

• Blocks: Provide support and stability, helping to bring the floor closer in standing poses or to maintain alignment in seated positions.

• Strap: Increases flexibility by allowing you to safely reach or extend into poses, especially useful for hamstring or shoulder stretches.

  Bolster: Offers gentle support and comfort in restorative and seated poses, helping to release tension and deepen relaxation.

• Yoga Mat: Creates a non-slip surface for safe practice, defines personal space, and provides cushioning for joints.

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  Roxanne is a yoga instructor currently based in Idaho. She has 20 years experience practicing and teaching yoga and began practicing yoga while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar. After a decade of dedicated practice at various DC studios, she received her 200 RYT certification in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia with Shades of Yoga and then her 500 RYT certification with Online Yoga School's Yoga & Ayurveda Center. Throughout the years, she has worked owned and worked at various studies in DC and Virginia and delivered yoga trainings to medical officers worldwide while working for the government. Additionally, Roxanne has created yoga programs for victims of assault and violent crimes, as she passionately believes in yoga as a tool in recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Roxanne enjoys teaching beginners to advanced with a variety of styles; vinyasa, restorative, and also has Baptiste-style certification, as hot power is her preference in her practice. Connecting breath, movement, with attention to alignment is her focus and finding strength in transitions of poses. Her mantra is "we grow in the transition."

ENERGY: Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) are a dynamic sequence of yoga poses traditionally performed in a flowing rhythm, often at the beginning of a yoga practice. They link breath with movement and are designed to warm up the body, increase circulation, and build strength and flexibility. Historically, Sun Salutations have roots in ancient India, where they were practiced as a form of spiritual reverence to the sun, considered a symbol of life, energy, and consciousness. While their exact origins are debated, they became more widely popular in the early 20th century through modern yoga teachers like T. Krishnamacharya. Over time, the sequence evolved into a foundational practice in many styles of yoga today, often used as a moving meditation and a way to energize the body and mind.

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Roxanne | E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Certified

Roxanne is a yoga instructor currently based in Idaho. She has 20 years experience practicing and teaching yoga and began practicing yoga while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar. After a decade of dedicated practice at various DC studios, she received her 200 RYT certification in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia with Shades of Yoga and then her 500 RYT certification with Online Yoga School's Yoga & Ayurveda Center. Throughout the years, she has worked owned and worked at various studies in DC and Virginia and delivered yoga trainings to medical officers worldwide while working for the government. Additionally, Roxanne has created yoga programs for victims of assault and violent crimes, as she passionately believes in yoga as a tool in recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Roxanne enjoys teaching beginners to advanced with a variety of styles; vinyasa, restorative, and also has Baptiste-style certification, as hot power is her preference in her practice. Connecting breath, movement, with attention to alignment is her focus and finding strength in transitions of poses. Her mantra is "we grow in the transition."

BALANCE: Root down to rise up—this session emphasizes foundation and grace.