Ray Hoyt
Passionate Yoga Instruction
Ray introduced a style of hatha yoga to our yoga community informed by the teachings, tradition of Yoga Master B. K. S. Iyengar and Ann Bissanti (Iyengar's student, Ray's instructor).Passionate Yoga Instruction
Ray remains most responsible for informing, influencing my lifestyle choices to make nutrition and mobility priorities.
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| Ray Hoyt As Youthful Yoga Instructor Two Asanas On Ray's Yoga Website (2010) Demonstrating Strength, Balance, Flexibility Controlled Breathing Calm Mind |
Among Ray's Emphasis As Instructor
* Gender, body type, age were not viewed as barriers to making ones heath a priority, to engage in daily whole body movements
* All level yoga instruction (beginner, intermediate, advanced) was used as a opportunity to learn, inspire, motivate all class participants
* Gentle whole body movements were encouraged to promote safety, avoid injury
* Gentle whole body movements were encouraged to promote safety, avoid injury
* It was important for each individual to listen to their bodies, to move within their abilities and comfort level
* Yoga was humbling- being compassionate to ourselves was important
* Breathing, a calm mind were important and complemented the physical aspects of our hatha yoga activities
We Often Were Told
- Yoga was personal and not a competition with others
- Frequent yoga practice was important to achieve mobility, to maintain progress
- Each yoga asana reflected ones strengths, limitations
- To focus daily on nutrition choices, to drink water, to get sleep, to reduce stress, to calm our minds
- Of Ray's appreciation: thanking those he instructed and recognizing their shared commitment, dedication to yoga
Group Yoga Classes
Ray was experienced teaching classes with an attendance of less than ten to numbers in excess of 60 people - the sequence of asanas selected during each class was different.
He had a talent making people comfortable, to enjoy themselves independent of how well or limited they were able to move.
Comments made throughout Ray's classes about how to approach, enter specific postures, sequence of movements were clear and informative.
He frequently emphasized not to make assumptions on how a person could move based on appearance alone.
He frequently emphasized not to make assumptions on how a person could move based on appearance alone.
Among my most vivid and valued memories during these past seven years occurred when Ray would make comments about a specific asnana of others, mine - an effective approach, tool to instruct us.
I especially enjoyed how Ray effectively utilized the diverse abilities of various class participants to demonstrate specific movements.
- Bird of Paradise, Tortoise and Standing & Forward Splits
- Moving from Malasana to Pendulum to Firefly
- Sequencing Extended Lateral Angle to a Revolved position and moving my opposite arm over the bent leg to the floor and into a Bound position, Twisting my Torso
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| March, 2017 Ray, Patty Feathered Peacock Duo Note Body Details Of Ray, Patty In This Asana [Arm Positions, Spinal Curves] |
The Yoga Loft (Dudley, MA)
The opportunity to participate in classes at Ray's new yoga studio complemented those attended at the Webster Gym and Oxford Temple.
Ray's passion, vision and focused efforts led to our first group evening class on February 7, 2011.
Approaching the first anniversary of The Yoga Loft, I expressed in writing to Ray:
"those of us who have been fortunate and privileged to attend these Monday night and Saturday morning yoga classes have been rewarded with an excellent level and style of instruction in a conducive and fun learning environment".
Approaching the first anniversary of The Yoga Loft, I expressed in writing to Ray:
"those of us who have been fortunate and privileged to attend these Monday night and Saturday morning yoga classes have been rewarded with an excellent level and style of instruction in a conducive and fun learning environment".
I continued to value positive experiences in our yoga studio into 2107 - involving Ray directly, with fellow members of our yoga community.
Access to the two wall ladders, wall ropes, chair(s), yoga blocks, straps and room wall along with the introduction of the 'whale' during 2013 - facilitating my back movements - all contributed to enhancing our yoga mobility.
Documenting how I moved during each yoga class, making notes of the asanas selected by all instructors, at this and other locations has been instructive and rewarding.
It has enabled me to evaluate my gradual whole body mobility progress and evolution.
These records during seven years were a valued reminder of what is possible from disciplined and focused daily activities.
The feedback I received from Ray to communications on a wide range of topics including the evaluation of my asana photos were always welcomed and appreciated.
What I expressed to Ray in January (2017) holds true today: "For your continued positive roles and verbal support, I remain grateful and motivated".
Evaluation Of Spinal, Back Mobility
My March 20, 2011 meeting with Ray in The Yoga Loft led to a back, spinal assessment providing a pathway to address seriously limited bending backwards and associated restricted breathing.
Our session also included my first experience on an inversion table.
While the reconstructive thoracic surgery at 50 to address a pectus excavatum diagnosis restored my seriously compromised breathing and eliminated decades of debilitating asthma and allergies, issues remained that Ray could help to resolve.
Our session also included my first experience on an inversion table.
While the reconstructive thoracic surgery at 50 to address a pectus excavatum diagnosis restored my seriously compromised breathing and eliminated decades of debilitating asthma and allergies, issues remained that Ray could help to resolve.
Tu- Nai Bodyworks
For most of the 61 massage sessions I had with Ray, regions of my back were the focus but not exclusive body sites requiring his attention - my last massage occurred in November, 2016.
Issues with my neck, leg, calf, and right palm with Dupuytren's Contracture all benefited from his skills at different times.
Over time I learned how:
- to address my various back issues, muscle discomfort without using any pain medications
- to move my spine & back with and without props (1) to enhance my whole body range of motions and (2) to facilitate my breathing
"You recently witnessed, facilitated my best execution of assisted back bending over two chairs including a spinal lift without any discomfort, pain"
As I noted in my February 1 (2016) yoga blog that included an image of the two chairs:
- Feet, head and forearms were easily maintained in contact with the floor simultaneously - the hands of others applying pressure on my thighs, arms
- I experienced controlled breathing, a calm mind in this once more challenging asana
- Ray's additional gentle lifting of my upper torso further elongated my spine - a memorable, exciting experience given my past history.
Dealing With Inversions
Ray also was helpful to address my extreme discomfort, fear of moving into inverted yoga asanas - handstand, headstand, feathered peacock.
Ray acknowledged my fear had a positive role; he and others patiently facilitated my efforts to include these asanas in my yoga practice by frequently providing an assisted 'spot' at a wall, on my mat.
Ray acknowledged my fear had a positive role; he and others patiently facilitated my efforts to include these asanas in my yoga practice by frequently providing an assisted 'spot' at a wall, on my mat.
Nutrition
I used Ray's lean, strong and mobile body and relatively good health as a model to inform my approaches to make good nutrition choices.
My 2017 yoga blogs highlight my most recent nutrition experiences, positive outcomes and lowering my weight to adolescent levels.
This success was an outgrowth of many conversations with Ray during the past seven years.
Patty Tremblay
Accomplished, Skilled Yoga Practioner
I became aware of Patty's enhanced whole body mobility as a novice yoga student.
Among others, Ray often had Patty demonstrate basic and more challenging asanas in his Tuesday and Thursday evening group classes that were inspiring, appreciated.
Among others, Ray often had Patty demonstrate basic and more challenging asanas in his Tuesday and Thursday evening group classes that were inspiring, appreciated.
In December, 2012 I wrote to Patty about an evening class she led:
"Thanks for your instruction time & effort and selecting asana combinations/transitions from start to finish that challenged our breathing, core strength, endurance, balance and flexibility - holding postures longer at times was a real plus in my opinion"
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| October, 2012 Patty In Hanumanasana [Sitting Split] |
Demonstrating
Enhanced Muscle, Joint Range Of Motions
[Hips, Spine, Back, Legs]
Note
Upright Torso, Shoulders Square
Forward, Backward Leg Extensions
Creative, Skilled Yoga Instruction
Patty's elevation from teaching Ray's classes in his absence to an Assistant Instructor leading her own yoga sessions during 2013 was not surprising.
She had the requisite knowledge, talent, excellent communication skills to complement her passion for yoga.
Through words, physical movements Patty emphasized whole body movements reflecting the diversity, abilities and limitations of class participants.
As with Ray, each class taught by Patty reflected different and diverse sequence of asanas during our 60 minute sessions.
Arriving early, Patty provided assistance to all students and the opportunity to practice movements before her classes began.
I enjoyed being exposed to variations of basic asanas - including Malasana, Full Lotus, Marichyasana - many being referenced to movements included in Iyengars's book, 'Light On Yoga'.
She embraced the use of props including blankets, blocks, straps, chair(s), the wall ladders, studio walls.
Following Ray's example, partner poses were frequently incorporated in her classes with an emphasis on communication and safety.
Promoting Transition Of Movements
Patty extended Ray's practice of combining asanas in a sequence of movements during her classes.
Among my favorite sequences during 2013:
- Moving from Triangle, to Chest Over Leg with Shoulder Stretch to Revolved Triangle
- From Warrior I to Warrior II to Triangle To Chest Over Leg To Chair To Revolved Twist & Arm Extensions (palm on mat, arm extended upwards)
These combination of asanas in creative sequences were constant reminders of strengths and limitations moving my body.
Morning Partner Sessions
[One-On-One Yoga]
An unexpected invitation in May (2013) by Patty to meet for morning partner sessions was accepted and significantly impacted my yoga progress.
Patty and I enjoyed our 461st session earlier this week - now in our fifth year of morning meetings as a consequence of Ray's generosity.
The 17 assisted whole body movements we have selected include standing leg lifts (toes touching wall), splits, sitting upavistha (chest, chin to mat with legs wide, plow pose, cobra lift).
As a consequence, my whole body range of motions have significantly improved.
Photos taken during our sessions by Patty over the past several years have been a valuable tool to evaluate my mobility progress.
These images have been shared with Ray for assessment of my form, how to make improvements - many have been posted in my yoga website blogs.
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| May, 2013 Patty, Bob |
Assisted Leg Lift
Toes Touch Wall
October, 2017
My
Legs Raised With Greater Facility
Standing Upright, Shoulders Level
Straight Support Leg, Foot Flat Both Sides
Jen Gendron
Youthful Exuberance
My appreciation for how our bodies can move was further enhanced when Jen began to participate in Ray's yoga classes during 2012.
Ray noted Jen's decades of gymnastic experiences, discipline that contributed to her graceful spinal, back mobility.
Jen's whole body range of motions were appreciated for demonstrating what a supple and strong body was capable of - especially in upper facing plank, locust, bow and cobra asanas.
Ray noted Jen's decades of gymnastic experiences, discipline that contributed to her graceful spinal, back mobility.
Jen's whole body range of motions were appreciated for demonstrating what a supple and strong body was capable of - especially in upper facing plank, locust, bow and cobra asanas.
It was not uncommon for me to see Jen move from a standing position and bend backwards with hands reaching the floor and return to an upright position multiple times with facility.
- King Dancer Variation (both hands move rear elevated foot towards, to head)
- Locust Variation (elevating legs towards a vertical position with chin on mat, arms at sides)
- Kapotasana (Kneeling, Head Contacts Feet & Arms on Mat)
- Headstand Variations (with arms in various positions)
- A Wheel Variation (transition from a Standing Drop Back with hands on floor into a Handstand)
- Scorpion Variations including the Handstand to Scorpion (shown below)
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| October, 2012 Jen, Ray
Handstand Into Scorpion Pose
[Moving Feet to Head]
Demonstrating
Spinal Mobility
&
Lengthening of Muscles
[Chest, Abdominal, Back, Leg]
Controlled Breathing, Calm Mind
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Another asana demonstrating Jen's supple spine is illustrated below.
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| October, 2012 Jen, Ray Cobra Pose Variation [Feet In Contact with Head] |
Deep
Muscle Lengthening From Head To Feet
Spinal Mobility
Our Youngest, Enthusiastic Instructor
I continued my hatha yoga education when Jen was given opportunities by Ray and Patty to teach her own classes - her first Yoga Loft class occurred on Thursday evening (January 29, 2015).
Jen effectively demonstrated her experiences, verbal skills well - as I noted in a February 2, 2016 e-mail: "You continue to communicate your passion, joy for instructing others".
Not surprisingly, Jen frequently incorporated traditional, basic hatha yoga asanas with different levels of challenging variations along with new ways to move in the classes I attended.
Various locust movements were among those movements I struggled with - a constant reminder of my limited mid and lower back muscle strength, mobility.
Among my favorite sequence of movements taught by Jen was 'Wild Thing'- moving from a plank to side plank position and beyond with arm and leg extended and returning to side plank.
As with Ray and Patty, I enjoyed the opportunities to assist Jen in her classes via demonstration of asanas as they spoke - especially the Marichyasana movements.
Various locust movements were among those movements I struggled with - a constant reminder of my limited mid and lower back muscle strength, mobility.
Among my favorite sequence of movements taught by Jen was 'Wild Thing'- moving from a plank to side plank position and beyond with arm and leg extended and returning to side plank.
As with Ray and Patty, I enjoyed the opportunities to assist Jen in her classes via demonstration of asanas as they spoke - especially the Marichyasana movements.
My most memorable, valued assist by Jen occurred doing a full split when she lifted both arms - confirming my restricted back movements, challenging range of motions were possible.
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| July, 2012 Bob Split With Raised Arms |
In
2017
Making Progress
Raising Torso, Elevating Arms Higher
Lengthening Back, Leg & Pelvic Muscles
Kudos to Ray, Patty and Jen for their roles in facilitating a major objective of mine: to move better, without pain as I age.
Their contributions, along with many unnamed members of our yoga community, provided learning experiences and positive outcomes during the 1,314 group classes I attended at three locations.
Significant changes to my daily yoga activities occurred during 2017:
- Customized, daily practices in my 'condo yoga studio' replaced four group classes [My last class was on June 26, 2017]
- Yoga blocks, sandbags, strap and multiple mirrors are among the props used to improve my form and mobility
Since my September 30th yoga blog, I have continued to address both nutrition and mobility interests.
Nutrition Update
Debra Horan, owner of the Booklovers Gourmet in Webster, prompted me to purchase Steel Cut Oats by sending me a photo of her morning meal.
Teaspoons of the oats were soaked overnight in water, microwaved twice for 60 seconds and added to various mixed greens, fruits, seeds and granola among other selections.
Teaspoons of the oats were soaked overnight in water, microwaved twice for 60 seconds and added to various mixed greens, fruits, seeds and granola among other selections.
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Morning Meal October 6, 2017 Red Mill Steel Cut Oats With Blueberries, Pineapple Slices Cherry Almond Granola Other Additions To The Oats Provide Variety, Nutrition |
Mobility Progress
My September 30th blog highlighted Baddha Padmasana - a sitting full lotus variation introduced during Patty's classes.
During the past two weeks I documented another modification of Baddha Padmasana - lowering crossed legs in full lotus towards the floor from a supine position and extending arms beyond head.
I continue to focus on having both legs in full contact with the floor enjoying my progress to date.
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BOB ON MORNING OF October 6, 2017 Modified Baddha Padmasana [Supine Full Lotus ] Demonstrating |
Lengthening of Quad & Many Back Muscles
Enhanced Range of Motions
Of
Pelvic Girdle, Spinal Muscles & Connective Tissues
Knee and Ankle Muscles, Joints
I have enjoyed receiving responses to recent blogs focused on my nutrition and mobility activities, progress.
Do continue to send me your thoughts on both topics including details of what you are eating.
BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA
