Health spas being in short supply in Todos Santos in the late 90s, Janice turned to other channels for inspiration; each morning she would start her day with a yoga class from the Yoga Zone. She got hooked. She sought out yoga classes, retreats, seminars, CDs and books, and practiced.
“I appreciate yoga in a cross-training program as I am a runner and equestrian. I have personal experience as to the many positive effects of a regular yoga practice on performance and recovery.” Janice has applied yoga across several sports disciplines, and for the past ten years, has taught for surf camps, eco-adventure groups, and area boutique hotels. Most recently, she has studied Pilates and its focus on core strength and correct alignment. Now Janice leads a Core Yoga class at Cuatro Vientos, a practice that focuses on strengthening, stabilizing, and mobilizing the spine and the muscles that move the spine.
“My style of yoga is hatha flow with a core focus. I’ve seen that yoga can aid all aspects of health and personal well-being by increasing body awareness, proper breathing, flexibility, and balance--both physical and mental. In my Core Yoga class, we start by loosening up/stretching out all the muscles, move into a challenging flow that works the whole body and culminates with a peak balancing pose, then end with a relaxing cool down. I like to send my students off feeling energized, relaxed, and ready to master the day!”
Each class is structured around a core focus--hips, glutes, legs, arms, shoulders, and neck--learning how to engage, strengthen, and aid mobility. At every stage in the class, Janice gives intelligent alignment cues and demonstrates modifications and the use of props, so each individual is free to work at their own level. Effective sequencing and teaching the components of each pose helps students make the connections to comfortably work towards executing the peak pose. Students of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome, including older yogis. Aging has a unique set of aptitudes and challenges, and it takes someone in the trenches to get that. While Janice takes the challenge seriously, she also believes that class should be lighthearted and fun. Teaching at the beautiful and peaceful environment of Cuatro Vientos helps. It is open, light, and surrounded by lovely gardens. All the mats, props, and accessories are provided free of charge to students. Dianne Weir Chapman says of the Core Yoga class, “Most amazing workout I have ever had; definitely recommend joining us in the fun.”
Sandra Sutphen says, “I love Janice's class because while it is vigorous and demanding, she always gives options for those of us who need to scale back a bit. And if one has a particular problem (shoulder, knee, whatever), she'll design a routine for you that addresses that problem.”
Lisa Jackson adds, “The clarity and specificity of Janice’s instruction is what makes this class special and every week is a new challenge that I’m never afraid to attempt.”
Janice states, “I love teaching yoga, the beautiful outdoors in Baja, and am very focused on the balanced lifestyle that I was able to create in Todos Santos--work, play, recreation, relaxation, and nutrition. All come together so naturally for me here.”
