Learn the art of yoga in Matlacha
For centuries, many cultures have practiced the art of yoga to develop a deeper concentration through meditation and gain better flexibility. Growing in popularity in this and other countries in recent years, yoga is now thought of as an alternative to high impact exercise methods and has proven to provide its practitioners with the added benefits of weight loss, muscle tone by using the kinetics of opposing muscles and increased energy levels with a minimal risk of physical injury.
Having experienced all the benefits of yoga, Nicole Lauber, manager of the Sandy Hook Restaurant in Matlacha, had decided to bring what she had learned to island residents.
“I have always talked about how I loved yoga and had people asking me where to find a yoga class. I was taking a class in Fort Myers, but most islanders didn’t want to drive that far, so I thought, why don’t I learn to teach yoga,” said Lauber. “The lessons were very intensive and it was the most difficult, yet most rewarding experience. I learned more than I could have imagined and am still learning more every day.”
While Lauber has practiced many forms of yoga including Jnana, Bhakti and Kriya, her classes mainly focus on Raja Hatha, which is a combination of meditation and posture.
After spending months searching for the right teacher, Lauber finally found the Florida Institute of Yoga in Bonita Springs where she began studying right away. According to Lauber, the course lasted six months and required more than 300 hours of studying, training and practicing various yoga and meditation styles. Lauber said that her studies involved attending classes four days a week for six months and learning 20 different forms of yoga.
After completing her studies, Lauber began looking for a place to conduct her classes and is currently teaching on Wednesday and Friday morning at the Pine Island Dance Studio located next to the Perfect Cup in Matlacha.
“I just happened to mention that I was going to have to find a space one night while I was at the Sandy Hook and Miss Sheli (Thompson-Gauthier) spoke right up and offered her school,” said Lauber. “I couldn’t have done it without her wonderful generosity.”
The yoga classes last one and a half hours and include meditation, breathing, strength and flexibility building. Lauber said she makes a point of changing up her program gauged on her students’ needs and abilities.
“I always have an idea about what we are going to cover before the class begins, but I never know who will show up, so I have to make adjustments for the individuals in front of me,” Lauber said. “For example, my first class included a woman with double knee replacements and another woman with double hip replacements and a fused spine. I had to make major adjustments.”
Many of Lauber’s students now sing the praises with regard to the mental and physical benefits of yoga.
“I have watched one of my students, Marylou, go from having very limited range of motion to better backbends than some of my younger students. Marylou was so excited when her doctor said he was taking her X-rays to all of his seminars and she credits yoga for getting her moving and strengthening her knee joints” Lauber said.
Try Yoga by Nicole classes are offered to both men and women that cater to a wide range of skills and experience levels.
“I am doing this for the love of yoga and I hope to have others love it, too,” said Lauber. “I just want everyone to be able to feel better about themselves and realize that we all have differences and limitations, but some of these can be changed with nourishment to the body and spirit.”
For more information about classes with Try Yoga with Nicole, stop by a class on Wednesday or Friday beginning at 10 a.m., or call 850-5438 or e-mail to triyogabynicole@aol.com