For Trish LaGrua, practicing yoga is a way of life
STAUNTON — She started working out in her parents' garage when she was 15 years old. Fitness became Trish LaGrua's constant in life, and her true passion.
“It’s something that I’ve never, ever given up in my life,” says LaGrua. “It proved to me not just the physical benefits, but the mental and emotional benefits of exercise and research will back this up.”
After a decade working as a psychotherapist, when her second son was born she took a hiatus and wasn’t sure if she was going to return to therapy. During that time, she got certified in group fitness and thought how fun it would be to teach classes and it took off from there. It was in 2006 that LaGrua began her yoga journey.
“I loved it. Loved it. It really spoke to me and worked with my mental health background.”
When it’s been challenging for LaGrua to practice yoga on her mat, she will use those times to practice other limbs. The eight limbs of yoga is a way of life, she says.
“There are times where we may shift and maybe our focus is more on the meditative aspect,” or on breath, she says. “Breathing techniques are a big part of yoga. Some people will say, it’s the essence of yoga. There are different ways to practice yoga. Ideally, we want to be practicing all eight limbs, but that’s not always possible.”
These are the 8 limbs of yoga
Yama (how we conduct ourselves in life; one's own integrity and ethical standards)
According to Yoga Journal, "Yamas are universal practices that relate best to what we know as the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Niyama (observances; self discipline; spirituality)
"Regularly attending temple or church services, saying grace before meals, developing your own personal meditation practices, or making a habit of taking contemplative walks alone are all examples of niyamas in practice," according to Yoga Journal.
Asana (posture)
"In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, the care of which is an important stage of our spiritual growth," according to Yoga Journal.
Pranayama (breath control)
"As implied by the literal translation of pranayama, life force extension, yogis believe that it not only rejuvenates the body but actually extends life itself," according to Yoga Journal.
Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
"The practice of pratyahara provides us with an opportunity to step back and take a look at ourselves. This withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our cravings: habits that are perhaps detrimental to our health and which likely interfere with our inner growth," according to Yoga Journal.
Dharana (concentration)
"Having relieved ourselves of outside distractions, we can now deal with the distractions of the mind itself. No easy task," according to Yoga Journal.
Dhyana (meditation or contemplation)
"Where Dharana practices one-pointed attention, dhyana is ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus," according to Yoga Journal.
Samadhi (pure contemplation)
"The experience of bliss and being at one with the universe," said Yoga Journal.
Classes at Phoenix Fitness & Yoga 'start the journey inward'
In the studio, most every class addresses breath, the physical postures and meditation, says LaGrua.
“We typically open with a brief meditation for the first two minutes and then settle in and start the journey inward. We start to arrive right in our space on our mat. We start to turn inward, notice our breath, notice our body, notice our thoughts, and we end that way as well in a final relaxation.”
It amazes LaGrua how she learns something every time she comes to the mat; learning more about herself through the poses.
“I tell my classes, yoga is not about mastering the poses. It’s about learning from each pose. It’s about getting closer to yourself through the yoga postures.”
Yoga classes are also community-oriented. In the Kula yoga class, students learn how to go through the chakras (the energy systems in the body). Each week students focus on a different chakra.
“Kula means community. It’s a 75-minute class where there’s meditation, there’s some physical postures and discussion and tea afterwards. So it’s bringing together community, and that’s a huge part of yoga is connecting not only to yourself but to others.”
Phoenix Fitness & Yoga has two studios that offer yoga classes for the complete beginner to the advanced student. They also have chair yoga to make practicing yoga accessible to every person’s needs. Heated yoga classes are offered in the Fishersville studio.
In June, LaGrua opened her second studio in the warehouse district in Staunton. It makes her smile when she sees people interested in yoga walking down Beverley Street with their yoga mats.
“I feel grateful for that whole area,” she says. “It’s being brought back and it’s being revitalized. To be part of that is pretty exciting.”
Phoenix Fitness & Yoga is located at 213B N. Lewis St. in Staunton and 58 Myers Corner Drive in Fishersville. To learn more, visit https://phoenixfitnessandyoga.com.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Yoga: Phoenix Fitness & Yoga studios in Staunton and Fishersville
