Yoga saved my life
Casey Brandon
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Sports
Wellness of the body, mind and spirit is what hatha yoga is all about. It's not simply a series of stretches aimed to achieve difficult positions to create balance within the chaos of life.
Joanna Sypudt began the yoga practice 30 years ago. After developing back problems and osteoarthritis 15 years ago, Sypudt became serious about yoga. All the medical cures that she attempted had failed and yoga was her last resort.
She said her body has healed and her spirit and mind are healthy after almost two decades of practicing yoga.
"[Yoga] saved my life in many ways. When I was first diagnosed I suffered through immense pain and was bound for a wheelchair. Yoga is meant as a union of body, mind and spirit. I find life more peaceful now," Sypudt said.
Sypudt is a full time yoga instructor. Not only does she teach classes at PUC, she has her own studio, Inner Balance Yoga in Highland.
At the PUC fitness center, Sypudt teaches eight classes a week. Classes for credit generally have 15 students, while non-credit classes are around 12. She also plans to offer an advanced course for those who have already taken her basic one with enrollment up. People who attend her classes range from students to faculty.
"I started with only offering one class per week and am now up to eight. I enjoy helping students get through the chaos of school," said Sypudt.
According to Sypudt, in her classes students keep a journal and are asked to turn them in so she can see the progress they are making.
"They generally start out stressed at life. As the course progresses they are using the techniques taught in class to chill," said Sypudt.
Once her advanced course starts, students will be going deeper into the yogic life style. They will learn to treat others with respect while learning to live within the chaos of life.
"Regardless of shape and size physically, yoga can help everyone. There are safe ways to do each technique no matter what physical condition a person is in," said Sypudt. "People see ads on television or in a book and see people doing extremely difficult yoga positions, but each technique can be modified to fit a person's ability. No one should fear taking the class."
Joanna Sypudt began the yoga practice 30 years ago. After developing back problems and osteoarthritis 15 years ago, Sypudt became serious about yoga. All the medical cures that she attempted had failed and yoga was her last resort.
She said her body has healed and her spirit and mind are healthy after almost two decades of practicing yoga.
"[Yoga] saved my life in many ways. When I was first diagnosed I suffered through immense pain and was bound for a wheelchair. Yoga is meant as a union of body, mind and spirit. I find life more peaceful now," Sypudt said.
Sypudt is a full time yoga instructor. Not only does she teach classes at PUC, she has her own studio, Inner Balance Yoga in Highland.
At the PUC fitness center, Sypudt teaches eight classes a week. Classes for credit generally have 15 students, while non-credit classes are around 12. She also plans to offer an advanced course for those who have already taken her basic one with enrollment up. People who attend her classes range from students to faculty.
"I started with only offering one class per week and am now up to eight. I enjoy helping students get through the chaos of school," said Sypudt.
According to Sypudt, in her classes students keep a journal and are asked to turn them in so she can see the progress they are making.
"They generally start out stressed at life. As the course progresses they are using the techniques taught in class to chill," said Sypudt.
Once her advanced course starts, students will be going deeper into the yogic life style. They will learn to treat others with respect while learning to live within the chaos of life.
"Regardless of shape and size physically, yoga can help everyone. There are safe ways to do each technique no matter what physical condition a person is in," said Sypudt. "People see ads on television or in a book and see people doing extremely difficult yoga positions, but each technique can be modified to fit a person's ability. No one should fear taking the class."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Brooke
posted 5/06/08 @ 10:25 PM CST
Hello, I know that this might seem strange to email you on this website, but I found you on google. My name is Brooke Sypudt and I don't know anyone else named Sypudt except my immediate family. (Continued…)
Sharon Maffei
posted 3/25/09 @ 1:55 PM CST
Hi Brooke-
Noticed your comment while trying to track down a long lost cousin. Did you ever get any info on this? Are you from Chicago? My grandmother's maiden name was Sypudt although that was shortened from Supicinski (sp?). (Continued…)
Diane Sciarretta (Sypudt)
posted 4/27/09 @ 10:10 AM CST
Hi Sharon, I believe I am one of your cousins as my dad wad Peter Sypudt(Sypucinski). He had three sisters,Joan,Martha and Esther. Which of these is your mother?. (Continued…)
Chuck Bluestein
posted 11/27/09 @ 2:49 PM CST
Have you heard of Dr. Oz? He used to be Oprah Winfrey's MD but now he has his own show on TV. He has his patients learn yoga. He has a testimonial on a yoga book by an MD stating this. (Continued…)
Lemonade Diet
posted 11/28/09 @ 7:14 AM CST
The tennis player, John McEnroe, developed a problem where he would not be able to play tennis anymore. Then he started doing yoga for therapeutic reasons and it enabled him to play tennis for another 6 years. (Continued…)
Post a Comment