Broward County Bar Association

Yoga for Lawyers Series

Meet the Presenters

Meet the Presenters

Meet the Presenters

Meet the Presenters

Meet the Presenters

Meet the Presenters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5000 years ago that involves breathing techniques, meditation, movement, and other elements to promote physical, mental, and energetic health and well-being. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which translates to “yolk” or “union.” In the practice of Yoga, we learn that there is no separation, as we practice the conscious connection of the mind, body, and spirit. It is often said that we don’t practice Yoga to get better at Yoga – we practice Yoga to get better at living.

What Types of Yoga Classes are Being Offered?

There are many different types of Yoga classes and wonderful teachers out there, each drawing from their own wisdom and experience in sharing the parts of this practice that have resonated with them. The Yoga for Lawyers Series is designed to provide a taste of what this sacred ancient practice can offer. You may use this as a starting point for your Yoga and Wellness practice and integrate whatever tools you like from this experience into your life. All classes offered in the Yoga for Lawyers Series are ALL-LEVELS and you do not need any experience in Yoga or meditation to participate. During Vinyasa Flow Yoga Classes, we link our breath with movement, as we build strength, flexibility, balance, and equanimity. Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a more active style of Yoga that is great for heart health, stretching and strengthening large muscle groups, and preparing the body to rest in meditation. During Yin Yoga Classes, we move slowly and mindfully, allowing us to relax the mind and work deeply into the body with passive, longer holds. Yin yoga is a more passive, restorative style of Yoga that targets deep tissues, ligaments, joints, bones, and fascia to empower a more sustainable active lifestyle.

Why Yoga?

There are MANY known benefits of a Yoga practice. Whether you try a class once, or practice every day, Yoga can positively impact your life. Some of the known benefits of Yoga include increased flexibility, strength, lung capacity, focus, calm, and equanimity, as well as the improvement of symptoms of a host of chronic diseases. Yoga also supports heart health, relieves back pain, improves ability to relax and sleep, and can be a valuable tool as a part of treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and addiction. A regular Yoga practice can enhance overall well being and quality of life.

Do I Need to Be Flexible to Practice Yoga?

You do NOT need to be flexible to practice yoga! Yoga accepts you exactly as you are. There are many poses and options available and it is normal to change what your practice looks like from day to day. The practice is here for you, after all. All Yoga Teachers participating in this program are trained to guide students of all levels and abilities through a Yoga practice. That being said, you should always consult with a medical professional before starting a Yoga practice or any other movement.

What if I Don’t Want to Take a Pose That is Cued?

You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. All poses cued are suggested and everything is optional. Your Yoga teachers can guide you, inspire you, support you, and help keep you safe, but no one knows your body and how you feel but you. You should always feel empowered to listen to your body and modify or skip poses. You may even choose to just sit down, lay down, or rest in child’s pose, as you breathe and relax. As long as you are present in the moment and mindfully breathing, you are practicing Yoga!

What Should I wear?

You should dress comfortably so that you can breathe and move with ease. For Vinyasa Yoga classes, you may choose to wear athletic, sweat-wicking clothing. Depending on the weather that evening, you may also bring layers for comfort and warmth. Yoga is traditionally performed barefoot, so you can wear sandals or other footwear that is easy to remove.

How Should I Prepare for a Yoga Class?

You should bring water to class and be sure to hydrate throughout the day and every day! It is recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes early, to give yourself time to park, walk to the event location, check in, and set up on the beach. Other than that, just show up with an open mind and an open heart. Remember, Yoga is a practice – NOT a performance or a competition. When you come to your mat, you are encouraged and expected to move mindfully from a place of purpose, to rest when you need to, and above all else, to use this as an opportunity to feel good and serve yourself.

What Should I Bring?

Other than water, you really don’t need to bring anything but yourself! That being said, using props in a Yoga practice can help make it more accessible and enjoyable. Below are some helpful props you can to bring with you to Yoga class.

Yoga Mat: A Yoga mat is preferable, but you can always use a towel or blanket if you need to. There are many brands and types of Yoga mats, and which one to use is a personal preference. Some options include Gaiam (they make several lightweight, reasonably priced Yoga mats), Manduka Pro, and Manduka ProLite (these are more of an investment, but also work great for hot Yoga). You can find yoga mats at many local and online retailers.

Yoga Blocks: Blocks are great because they raise the ground up and help support us. Cork blocks are great for beach yoga since they are sturdier and less likely to blow away. But foam blocks are great too, as they are light/portable and generally less expensive. You can find blocks at many local and online retailers.

Yoga Strap: You can find a Yoga strap at many local and online retailers, or just use any belt or hand towel.

Yoga Bolster: For Yin Yoga, it is a great idea to bring a Yoga bolster, and they come in many brands, shapes and sizes. You can also use a standard or large pillow just as well. You can find Yoga bolsters at many local and online retailers.

Towels/Blankets/Layers: You can bring any extra towels, blankets, and hand towels you need for comfort and warmth. You may want to bring clothing layers in case you are cold.

Do I Need to Fill Out Any Paperwork?

All program participants must sign the required waiver before participating. You can find the waiver by clicking here.

I Have More Questions…

If you have any other questions about Yoga or how to prepare for these classes, you can reach out to me at YogiArielle@gmail.com.

“The success of Yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures, but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships.” — T.K.V. Desikachar

Location & Parking

Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Yoga for Lawyers series is on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, near Lifeguard Stand #13, which is located at the intersection of A1A and N.E. 9th Street (just south of Sunrise Blvd) in the North Beach area of Fort Lauderdale Beach (33304). There are paid parking spots along A1A, as well as near the resorts and restaurants that are within walking distance. Please note that if the weather is inclement, registrants will be notified and we will meet at the Broward County Bar Association Conference Room.

Parts 4, 5, and 6 of the Yoga for Lawyers series is at the Broward County Bar Association Conference Room Conference Room, located at 1051 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. There is free parking in the lot outside. .