Winter break yoga

Prepping the prop room which includes folding blankets, cleaning mats, organizing blocks and bolsters.

Freshly swept & mopped yoga studio!

A sweet little surprise from one of the instructors, Nancy.

Nancy's goody bag included milk tea, chocolate, and shortbread cookies!

Blog 11: Mentorship 10 hours Check

1.   Where are you doing your mentorship? 
I am doing my mentorship at Yoganette Yoga Studio in West Covina, CA.
2.   Who is your contact?
Antoinette Contreras
3.   How many total hours have you done (total hours should be reflected in your mentorship log located on the right hand side of your blog like your WB)?   
I have done approximately 70 hours including classes as well as maintaining the studio.
4.   Summarize the 10 hours of service you did.
The 10 hours of service I did was pretty simple -- I took a couple classes and maintained the cleanliness of the lobby, studio, back rooms, and bathrooms.
5.   Email your house teacher the name of your contact and their phone number.
Just in case - Antoinette Contreras / 626) 965-4000

Blog 10: Senior Project Update

(1) What are you currently doing in your independent component? 
I am taking yoga classes at my mentorship about 3 times a week, trying to learn from each instructor on the roster. A personal goal for myself was that I had to take a class every day but unfortunately, it's impossible as of now due to my hectic schedule involving drama and the play coming up soon. But after December when the play is over, I am sure I can reach my goal & hours required for my independent component.

(2) What is a recent piece of research (article, interview, or audio-visual) that have you reviewed you would say was significant in helping you understand where to go next in your senior project?  The piece of research should be something you reviewed in November.  Please explain what you learned and where are you going next because of this piece of research.
"Healing Injuires With Yoga" by Kino MacGregor was an interesting read. It was about properly aligning yourself in a pose so that any injuries would be avoided. With this piece of research, it opens up more knowledge for my science experiment which is based solely upon alignment.

(3) Provide evidence from your independent component or the piece of research as something you recently did.  For example, a photo of something you working on for your independent component or your notes from the video you watched. 
This photo was taken after Alex's last Vinyasa Flow class. I was lucky enough to catch his class before he took off to venture out to something better for him.

Blog 5b: Science Fair Proposal

1. What is your topic?
Yoga

2. What is the driving problem behind your experiment and the quote by an expert to support that problem? (Expert citation must be MLA format.)
"Women's bodies are more lax or flexible than men's, Quinn said. Women have wider pelvises than men and less developed musculature. These factors affect the alignment, strength and movement of women's extremities."

1      Lasalandra, Michael. "Women and Sports Injuries: Why It's a Different Game."Women and Sports Injuries: Why It's a Different Game. N.p., Mar. 2011. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. <http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/HealthNotes/BonesandJoints/SportsInjuriesandPrevention/WomenandSportsInjuries.aspx>.

3. What is your hypothesis? (Must be in If-Then form.)
If a woman performs a set of asanas, then they are more likely to be misaligned than a man.

4. Write a paragraph summary of how you will perform the experiment.  Include the tools you plan on using.
I've had a lot of trouble finding someone to help me perform the experiment so I will be conducting this experiment on my own. I will use a general digital camera and yoga mats for the subject's comfort. The subjects will be recruited via Mrs. Pittman's yoga elective and since it consists of mainly women, I will recruit men from the junior's PE class. I'll have the subjects perform a set of asanas and photograph them between the poses they're holding. I'll then upload the photos and use a computer program to draw lines on the subjects, connecting the joints that should be stacked on top of one another. This will give me the results on whether or not women are more likely to be misaligned.

5. Select one of the following Project Categories for your experiment:
Behavioral/Social Science

Blog 9: Working EQ and Possible Answers

(1) What was the working EQ you used during your presentation?
What factors are most important for a successful yoga class?

(2) Did you decide to revise your working EQ after your presentation? If so, write your revised EQ here.  If not simple write "I am not going to revise my EQ at this time".
I am not going to revise my EQ at this time.

(3) What are possible answers to your current working EQ? 

• posture modification
• alignment
• use of props
• nutrition
• correct mat
• some prior knowledge of the postures
• choose the best teacher that fits your preference

Bakasana

Today, I finally mastered bakasana, or crow pose, which is my first inversion as a yogini. I hope to be able to perform a lot more inversions by the time my 2 hour rolls along!

Blog 8: Rough Draft of Presentation 1

Rough Draft of Presentation 1

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1) I plan to continue to take yoga classes at Yoganette Yoga Studio and try to meet and speak with all the teachers. Lately I've only been sticking to a couple of teachers because they just so happen to have a class at the time I'm available. For my independent component, I plan on taking classes the entire day on Saturdays and Sundays since I come to clean and close up, anyway. This way I can meet more teachers and try new styles compared to coming at the same time regularly. I have also spoken to Mrs. Pittman about teaching her yoga elective, but that is still tentative due to Mr. Hogan's decision since I am taking his drama elective for VAPA credit.
2) As I stated earlier, instead of taking a class once every other day, I plan to take one every day during the weekdays and the entire day during the weekends. Since the classes are only 90 minutes, I am hoping that multiple classes every day will help fulfill the 30 hours for my independent component. It would also be the icing on top if I am allowed to teach Mrs. Pittman's yoga elective because it's a whole different experience being a teacher opposed to a student.
3) My independent study component relates to my working EQ because as a student, I can observe how the instructors teach and how the students respond to certain teachers, atmospheres, and yoga poses. I once took an intermediate class by accident and the teacher was very understanding. She wasn't pushy and she allowed me to go at my own pace. I'd like to observe how yoga classes work when something is off because they would have to adapt to the students needs.

Blog 6: Second Interview

• What was the process of becoming a yoga teacher?
• How do you think you should train one to become a yoga teacher?
• What interested you in becoming a yoga teacher?
• How has yoga (or being a yoga teacher) impacted your life?
• How else can you expand your knowledge on yoga?
• What styles of yoga have you tried? Which is your favorite and why?
• What style of yoga do you teach? Why do you want people to learn this style of yoga?
• What is your favorite yoga pose? What are the mental and physical benefits that pose possesses? 
• What characteristics do you think a yoga teacher should have in order to teach?

Blog 5A: Science Fair Problem Statement

1) Senior topic: Yoga
2) Yoga isn't just stretching. Although stretching plays a huge role in yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and a healthy diet are important factors as well. If I get permission from Ms. Melogno and Mr. Hogan, I'd like to teach a class that yoga isn't strictly stretching or contorting ourselves into weird positions. I'd like to open their minds to the different styles that cater to different stretches and poses in sanskrit. Contrary to popular belief, this exercise does get you sweating from stretching and lengthening.
3) People tend to practice yoga incorrectly which results in an injury or an unsuccessful yoga class. Yoga teachers always teach differently so their pace might be faster than others. Students may feel challenged and push themselves harder than they should and the end result usually comes to a pulled muscle. Although it isn't too extreme, teachers always want their students to finish their class without stress, extra weight on their shoulders and obviously injuries. I would like to fix this problem by leading the class in some light, basic stretches and then upping the intensity before moving on to the poses. If I am allowed to teach Ms. Melogno's yoga class, I also have to have tons of patience, making sure that everyone is comfortable and can get in and out of the poses safely.

UPDATED PROBLEMS

• There is no set certification process/program to become a yoga teacher. There are programs to become a teacher from a local yoga studio, but there is no formal, consistent training.

Blog 4: Project Reflection and Working EQ

Positive Statement: What positive thing happened as a result of what you have completed so far?
By far, I always look forward to my mentorship. I have been taking classes every day and what's great about it is that I've been seeing different instructors each time. This gives me a chance to see the varying teaching styles each teacher uses in his or her class. But regardless of who's teaching that day, I love the intense workouts and the connection between the mind and body.

EQ Content: Pick a piece of research or an interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
One of my research articles included yoga terminology and that was possibly the most helpful pieces of research regarding my topic. During yoga classes, instructors will often use the words "chaturanga" or "shavasana" and as a new yogi (practitioner of yoga), I had no idea what that meant. Because of this, I often had to watch others as they already knew what to do. With my knowledge of the common yoga terminology, it's now so much more convenient for me to do the correct poses when the teacher says so.

What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
Although I've already state this, I have the best mentorship ever. I participate in work exchange, so during the weekends, I would clean the studio inside and out. In turn, I get unlimited yoga classes which is definitely worth sweeping and mopping for a couple of hours.

What hasn't worked so far?
As far as I know, the only thing that hasn't exactly worked for me is narrowing down my topic. Yoga is a very broad topic because if you look deeper into it, you'll find that there are tons of different styles that are taught differently, so it'll be hard trying to focus on one section of yoga.

Finding Value: Based on your experience so far,

• What possible question or questions come to mind regarding what you would like to study this year?
• How can I narrow down my topic to something that has a significant amount of research?
• What is your goal this year with your senior project?
• As an active person, my definite goal from practicing yoga is to become lean, flexible and physically fit. I'd also like to learn how to remain positive and calm in stressful situations.
• Who would you like to talk to next? Why?
• I'd like to speak with Nancy, a Yoganette instructor. I have not taken her class yet, but Antoinette referred me to her so I believe she will make for a great interview!

Blog 3: Interview Preparation

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?
Antoinette Contreras is my go-to person. Although she is extremely hard to contact due to her schedule, I can tell you that she knows what she's talking about when it comes to yoga. It's not just something she enjoys doing but this form of exercise just comes naturally to her so I can trust her with clear and precise answers. Since she is the owner of Yoganette, I imagine she's gone through so much to bring her passion to life which is one of the main reasons why I came to her for mentorship.

2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?
I plan to ask her why she chose yoga as a lifelong career. It must have taken plenty of thought since she had to go through a whole business process to open the doors of Yoganette. I'd also like to bring up the basics of yoga, such as the different types and its history. I think it's pretty important to know the foundation of yoga before divulging into the details, otherwise my work and research would be extremely shallow.

Blog 2: Topic Choice

A. What is your topic and why?
Yoga is my topic of choice and I will stand by this as I believe it is an underrated form of exercise. I love being active in ways that others would not prefer. For example, I would rather explore trails and hike on mountains compared to frequenting the gym. Although yoga can become quite costly, it definitely is a new feel for those who are intimidated by gym buffs. Yoga is a style of exercise that is amazingly convenient and can cater to many health related needs so there really is no reason to try it.

B. What do you hope to accomplish this year with this topic?
I aim to practice yoga multiple times throughout the week, become lean, and be able to do many yoga poses along with the countless types of yoga. It may be a long shot, but I believe it is definitely doable. With my mentorship being done at the yoga studio itself, I am given the opportunity to practice yoga with unlimited classes so I use that to my advantage. I also want to be able to be more at peace with myself, my body, my surroundings and situations. Though I probably won't be doing yoga as much as I want due to such a hectic schedule, the senior project will guide me to take the baby steps to get the what I am aiming for.

• As an iPoly citizen, I plan to handle situations differently with the help of yoga. I can show improvement by solving problems civilly and in a peaceful manner, which is rare. I believe that with yoga, I will release all negative energy and think positively of situations.

• As an effective communicator, I plan to be more outgoing. That is a very vague statement, but it will teach me to break out of my shell and be more personable. At times I am often to myself but if I am able to communicate well with others, I can learn things that aren't familiar to me which makes it a learning process as well.

• As an effective learner, I plan to try out all types of yoga. This will aid me in becoming a more effective learner because it will guide me to be open minded. With that mindset, I'd be more than willing to try and learn new things instead of sticking with what I already know.

• As an effective user of technology, I plan to use the web to its fullest extent. If I am unable to attend a class, there are many, many videos and how-tos regarding yoga so there really isn't any excuse for me to skip. I can effectively use technology by learning the ropes of the internet and exploring the web through different mediums to find what I am looking for.

Blog 1: Summer Mentorship Component

Mentor
Antoinette Contreras
626) 965-4000
antoinette@yoganette.com

Literal (Know)

1. June 16, 2012 (4 hours) - Antoinette, the owner of Yoganette Yoga Studio, showed me the ropes of being a receptionist at her facility. I learned how to use Dharma Tribe (system to keep up with students & classes) and how to check students in with it. Throughout the rest of the time I was there, it was my responsibility to keep the lounge and restrooms tidy.
2. June 23, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - After my usual 4 hours being a receptionist, I took my first yoga class with Alain. It was a very exclusive class with only 3 other women participating with me. He taught me that there were multiple forms of yoga such as Vinyasa and Bikram but advised me not to try it yet seeing as I was a beginner. 
3. June 30, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - I arrived at the studio a lot earlier than the instructors themselves, so Antoinette agreed to give me a key to open it. Though I've only volunteered for a short amount of time, I already felt at home and comfortable with my fellow volunteers once I was handed the key. With all of the trust the studio has instilled in me, I felt like I should take on more responsibility. I assisted students to their classes and tidied up the entire studio during and in between classes. After my usual 8-12 shift, I took another class that has never been brought to my attention. Erica, one of the instructors that trained me, urged me to take a Restorative class. Not knowing what I was getting into, I went ahead and took it. Surprisingly, this was the polar opposite of what I thought it would be. Throughout the 90 minute class, it contained little to no movement, just relaxing which can alter perspectives of yoga.

Mentorship Spreadsheet

Literal (Need to know)

1. How many types of yoga are there?
2. Which types of yoga promote stress relief? Weight loss? Flexibility?
3. What types of yoga should one stray away from if they suffer from sensitive conditions such as scoliosis?
4. Should you eat healthier to gain a better experience while taking yoga classes?
5. How does one know which intensity to practice with certain conditions or if they're simply a beginner?

Interpretive

The most important thing I've gained from this amazing experience was that there are innumerable amounts of yoga. Coming into the studio, I thought that we'd only be stretching and doing some "downward facing dogs" but boy, was I wrong. Each instructor has their own style and way of teaching. Depending on which class you take, you can either relax, sleep or sweat because yoga is truly a workout.

Applied
What I did made me want to stick with yoga because it's such an amazing feeling after a long, stressful day. For those 90 minutes, you forget all of your worries and burdens and live in the present. Not only do you clear your mind but you exercise your physical health as well. With my current knowledge of yoga, I'd like to learn as much as Antoinette knows and share it with others because it's something healthy you can resort to opposed to others.