Self Care Workshops

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Laura

Self-Care for Athletes

Saturday, 9/7 

12:30-2:30

&

Self-Care for Pain Management *

Saturday, 9/28

12:00-2:30

These workshops combine Yoga, Biomechanics,

Balls!

Ortho-Bionomy, and Yoga Tune-Up® therapy balls.

Learn a practical approach to working with your body, instead of against it and take care of YOU!

The techniques taught in this class create balance and flexibility in the body, while relieving painful injuries, improving coordination, and reducing stress. You’ll be amazed at how good your body will feel!

Cost: $75, including a set of Yoga Tune Up® massage balls.

To reserve your space, e-mail us. Both workshops are limited in size to ensure individual attention.

What do people have to say about Laura?

  • Laura at Yoga Tonic is amazing. I come from a competitive Figure skating background (of 10 years) and have been an avid skier all my life. This has led to 4 ACL reconstruction surgeries. Needless to say, I have not been kind to my body. Up until about a year and a half ago I only did yoga as a supplement for my skating and always enjoyed it, but it was never my primary form of exercise. Then 18 months ago, I tore my ACL skiing, so I started doing yoga for the low-impact and stability benefits. Then, after I moved to Chicago last September (2010), I started practicing with Laura knowing full well I was going to have to take on my 4th and 5th surgeries. In January (2011) I found out I was also going to need a bone graft (to amend a prior reconstruction) and Laura graciously took me under her wing to help me prep and recover. Through consistent practice she was able to help me fully recover from that surgery (keep in mind I still didn’t have an ACL at this point) and develop my hamstring and quad strength for my actual ACL reconstruction. After 4 months of very dedicated practice with her, I went into my ACL reconstruction feeling very strong and stable. In the first few days of my post-op I could tell my body was handling the trauma quite well, given the experiences of my prior surgeries. I believe this was due to the dedicated practice and tailored approach Laura brings to each yoga class. I am waiting in eager anticipation to get the go-ahead from my doctor to start practicing again, as I know that I will be able to, through working with Laura, regain full functionality of my knee post-acl reconstruction and meniscus repair.       ~ Ashley
  • After a year in time, two orthopedic docs, and months and months spent at two different physical therapy locations…I was slowly (too slowly) doing “better” from a dislocated knee injury. The result was that the area around my knee was very strong, but also very tight. I couldn’t bend it more than 90 degrees. Just when I thought I was stuck like that forever, I met Laura. After countless squats and lunges endured at the encouragement of physical therapists to strengthen the muscles around the kneecap, Laura guided me through the process of stretching that area in a way that was safe and effective. I had full range of motion back after several months in Laura’s class and I directly credit that to this yoga practice. Now that I am healed, I have found that yoga continues to be an essential part of my body’s recovery process from the hours I spend running and swimming. ~ Sally
  • I’m of the older age group but you’re only as old as you feel. I have been an active person all my life and wish to stay that way. My later years have been invaded by osteoarthritis. At this time, arthritis and scoliosis invade my back, muscles and joints. I’ve had 2 knee replacements and 1 hip replacement. I’m also a breast cancer survivor.

I had never done Yoga and am now in Laura’s functional class. I feel very fortunate that, Lisa, a Physical Therapist recommended Laura. Class began May, 2010. My goals were to be free of back pain, deal with stiffness and walk without a cane.
At this time, I am free of back pain and walk part time without the cane. I hope to walk without the cane in the fall. This stormy weather isn’t good for me.
Laura is an excellent teacher, the most patient and warm person. She knows how the body works. Yoga by Laura has made my life easier. You will end up doing things that you never did before. ~ Doris

* Self-Care for Pain Management will include a discussion about foods and their relationship to inflammation.

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Summer Weekend Yoga Retreat

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Laura

I hope you’ll join us for a wonderful weekend of

Yoga on the lake at Williams Bay.

Click on the photo for more information or send us an e-mail.

Summer Yoga Retreat - Alec

Join us for a wonderful weekend of Yoga 

May 31-June 2

at the Lake in William’s Bay, WI!

4 Classes in 3 Days

Yoga, Beautiful Setting & Great Company

 

I want to go but I have some questions.

(The weekend schedule is below)

Should I go even though…

  • I haven’t practiced in a while (or maybe it’s been more than a while)?
    •  This is a great way to get back to your yoga practice. 4 classes in 3 days will definitely get your yoga juices flowing again! Remember all classes will have yogis of different levels looking to accomplish different goals.  Practice at your own pace.
      • Wait, I have to have goals?!?
        • Don’t worry – you don’t have to do anything but have a great time. Type A’s, totally let me know what your goals are and we’ll make sure to focus on them!

 

  • I have an injury?
    •  I always focus on alignment so you’re in good hands. Plus, I have a new secret weapon – Yoga Tune Up therapy self-massage balls. That’s right, I have balls now and they are amazing! You will love them!

 

  • I want to bring my significant other but they don’t practice yoga.?
    • William’s Bay is beautiful and there will be plenty of non-yoga things to do this weekend. The price for a a person not doing yoga and sharing a room with someone paying for a single is $110 prior to May 15 and 135 after May 15. (I’m trying to convince my sweetie to join us even though I won’t let him take a yoga class with me.)
  • I’m still relatively new to yoga?
    •  This is a great opportunity to learn alignment and ask questions in a small group. Practice asana through posture all weekend.

And the biggie question – do I have to practice yoga on a paddleboard like in the photo?

  • Noooo, but you’re welcome to join me in heading out on the water in a kayak or on a Stand Up Paddleboard. Of course, you can also just watch and take bets on whether I fall into the water.

I can’t make it for the entire weekend. Is that ok?

  • While we’d love for you to join us for the entire weekend, you may have other commitments. Some yoga is always better than no yoga.  Reserve your space for the classes you can attend!

To reserve your space, e-mail us.

Retreat Schedule
Friday, May 31
 
  • Sign In for your room anytime after 4:00 pm
  • Opening Circle and Evening Yoga Class
    • Building Foundations and Self-Care
  • Bistro Cash Bar open for mingling after class
Saturday, June 1
  • Light Breakfast, Coffee and Tea
  • Meditative Walk followed by Energetic Yoga
    • Straight Lines – Creating Length and Space in Standing Poses and in Your Life
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon Yoga
    • When Lines Go Awry – How to go with the Flow
  • Dinner
  • Optional Sunset Kayak
  • Kirtan
  • Stargazing and Campfire
 
Sunday, June 2
 
  • Light Breakfast, Coffee and Tea
  • Energetic Yoga and Closing Ceremony
    • Flying – Letting go of What Keeps you Down and Getting off the Ground
  • Optional Lunch

 

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A Scoliosis Workshop

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Laura

A Scoliosis Workshop

Unwinding the Mysteries of the Spine

Using Yoga, Orth-Bionomy and Self-Massage, we will explore how to

  • Breathe into the area of discomfort or the the area of the lungs or diaphragm that you have trouble reaching
  • Work with the body instead of fighting it
  • Lengthen the spine
  • Invert, defy gravity, and decrease back pain
  • Educate your body and re-align your posture

 

“The body with scoliosis has developed a highly sophisticated compensating ‘act’ and it can also learn a more refined symmetrical ‘act’ with proper instruction. By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop a structural alignment, creating a more normal symmetrical alignment. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and strengthening muscles that have become weak from this asymmetrical imbalance. Thereby the body will create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than over working the muscles to hold itself up. Through yoga, one can find that balance point that allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body’s natural plumb line. The result for most people with scoliosis is better posture and less pain.”

— Elise Miller, MA

 

Scoliosis

 

Testimonial: It has greatly helped my scoliosis. Since I started practicing yoga with you (Laura)  2 years ago, I no longer have any back pain (it used to be a 3-4 out of 10 on the pain scale).  I actually have less pain now doing yoga four times per week (for a total of around 5 hours) than when I was running track in college and working out 3 hours a day 6 days a week!  My increased flexibility, improved posture, and lengthening of my spine during yoga class has helped my back tremendously.  My husband also says that my curve is less noticeable.  I would recommend yoga to anyone suffering from scoliosis.  

All I can say is thank you for being such a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher and for impacting my health so significantly. 

 Alicia

 

When : Saturday, April 27, 2013 12:00-2:00 pm

Fee : $75, cost includes set of Yoga Tune Up therapy balls

Location : Yoga Tonic, inside The Trainer’s Gyn
401 W Ontario, 4th floor

View Larger Map

Workshop is limited to 10 students & pre-registration is required.
RSVP to laura@yoga-tonic.com.

 

INSTRUCTOR:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Laura Peskoe, MSW, E-RYT has been practicing yoga since the early 1990′s and teaching since 2001. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999, she understands how pain can impact your life. Drawing on the many schools of yoga and movement she has studied, Laura collaborates with Physical Therapists and Orthopedic Surgeons to help clients avoid surgery and become pain-free. 

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Why I practice Yoga…

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Laura

I had a FB conversation with a guy I really admire.  He’s a Chirporactor and a Yogi so he knows a little somethin’ somethin’ about bodies.  We were talking about backbends and he bottom-lined it by saying that you “shouldn’t try to be Krischnamacharya when your body is clearly not conditioned to be”.  I couldn’t agree more!

We’re human though and sometimes we get caught up in our egos.  Photos of Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Krishnamarchya are a thing of beauty.   I love watching Kino practice her Ashtanga and Ana doing her Forrest gravity surfing.  They are awesome, inspiring, amazing and all of those other words.  But dig deeper and you might be suprised.

Ana started practicing yoga on a dare and credits Yoga with saving her.  I’m using my words here not hers – she found her power to heal herself, physically but also mentally, spiritually and emotionally, through Yoga.  Her practice shows that power.  I suspect we all have a “story” about our practice.

I started practicing Yoga with VHS tapes back in my early 20’s.  (Yes, I said VHS tapes.  The gyms were practicing high impact step aerobics and Yoga studios were rare.)  I don’t know why I stayed with it but I did.  In 2000, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  (Did you notice that I’ll capitalize Yoga because it’s that important but fibromyalgia?!  If there was something less than lowercase, I would use it with that word!)

I was practicing Ashtanga already but not hard core.  My practice was never hard core.  I tried, oh how I tried but I could never get hard core.  My body just didn’t react well to it.  I love the primary series but I’ve never been able to go at the typical pace of a led class.  I felt like a failure because I didn’t fully commit to Ashtanga.

I started practicing with Ana Forrest.  I loved that too.  I studied with Ana for years.  She is amazing and if you have the chance to practice with her, do it!  Again though, it wasn’t me.  Again, I felt like a dissapointment because I “bailed”.

Why am I telling you this?  Because I needed to find MY yoga.

There are days when I practice inversions, arm balances, standing poses.  Days when my ego is allowed to puff a bit.  I was smart growing up – I wasn’t strong, coordinated, or anything physical.  I am still thrilled and suprised when I go into arm balances and inversions.  I can’t believe that I can do this!  Even when they aren’t perfect, even when they “fail”, I am amazed that I can even attempt them!

There are days when my body feels like it’s been replaced by someone who has never set foot on a yoga mat though.  I practice supine poses, forward folds and breathing.  Maybe a few twists will help and eventually I may work into the “harder stuff”.  Sometimes the easy stuff is the hard stuff.  I hate those days because they start with such pain but I’m also grateful because those can be beautiful practices that come to mean the world to me.

I understand how my body mirrors my mind and my heart.  Sometimes I’m in pain and need comfort.  Sometimes I’m in pain and need to find my voice or my power.  My mat tends to let me know what I need.

That is when yoga becomes Yoga – a personal practice.  I am so grateful to the masters who have come before me and who have taught my teachers and through them, me, but I am not them.  I may never progress beyond the Primary Series.  I may never achieve Iyengar’s more advanced asanas.  I may never Gravity Surf for what seems like hours.

BUT I have poses that challenge me to grow, stretch, become stronger and more balanced.  I have Yoga and I am so happy with that!

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Back Tonic Workshop

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Laura

BACK TONIC WORKSHOP

Back pain? Yoga can help! And yes, even YOU can do yoga pain-free!

Learn

  • specific poses to diminish and / or eliminate back pain
  • how to use props
  • how to adapt future yoga sessions to fit individual needs

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends exercise to reduce back pain.  The primary goal of an exercise program for the spine is to make the muscles of the back, stomach, hips and thighs strong and flexible.

The Back Tonic workshop will incorporate strength and flexibility training while educating clients about their bodies.  The class will include:

  • Stretches to lengthen the back
  • Core Work
  • Standing poses
  • Stretches for hamstrings and hips
  • Question/Answer period

November 17, 2:00-4:30 pm

Fee: $60

Location : Precision Human Performance
1335 West Lake Street


View Larger Map

Workshop is limited to 10 students & pre-registration is required.
RSVP to laura@yoga-tonic.com.

 

INSTRUCTOR:

Laura Peskoe, MSW, E-RYT has been practicing yoga since the early 1990′s and teaching since 2001. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999, she understands how pain can impact your life. Drawing on the many schools she has studied, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Prajna, Forrest and Bikram, Yoga Tune-Up and even Biomechanics, Laura collaborates with Physical Therapists and Orthopedic Surgeons to help clients avoid surgery and become pain-free. She has extensive experience working with clients whose back issues range from congenital to herniated disks, spinal fusions, and back surgeries. 

Laura is very supportive in her teaching and takes alignment seriously but she also has a sense of humor and is often playful (possibly mischievous) in her teaching. It helps to laugh when you realize your foot is trying to go WHERE?! Laura’s goal in working with her clients is to help them to be smarter about their bodies, safer in how they use them and stronger than they thought possible!

 

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6 Habits of Happiness

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Laura

 

How many do you practice daily?  Can you add another one today?  Can you add a different one tomorrow? Can you keep adding one until it becomes a pattern?

Don’t forget to drop grudges against yourself too!

pastedGraphic.pdf

 

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Athlete’s Recovery Tonic

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Laura

Athlete’s Recovery Tonic

Injured? Want to take your workouts to the next level?

Yoga is for you! And yes, even YOU can do yoga safely!

  • Counter train overdeveloped muscles while strengthening underdeveloped ones
  • Learn specific poses to rehab / prevent overuse injuries
  • Increase core strength and balance
  • Increase flexibility and range of motion
  • Develop deep relaxed breathing

The Athlete’s Recovery Tonic workshop will incorporate strength and flexibility training while educating clients about their bodies.  The class will teach you how to adapt poses to fit your body’s needs. You’ll be able to practice yoga safely and improve your workouts! Question and Answer period will be included.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

2:00-4:30

Precision Human Performance

1335 West Lake Street

The Athlete’s Recovery Tonic workshop is limited to 10 students.

Contact laura@yoga-tonic.com to reserve your place.

INSTRUCTOR:

Laura Peskoe, MSW, E-RYT has been practicing yoga since the early 1990′s and teaching since 2001. Laura is a certified Forrest and Hatha yoga instructor with the national Yoga Alliance at the Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) level. She is very supportive in her teaching and takes alignment seriously but she also has a sense of humor and is often playful (possibly mischievous) in her teaching. It helps to laugh when you realize your foot is trying to go WHERE?! Her approach to yoga is to encourage students to start where they are. Yoga can always meet you there. Drawing on the many schools she has studied, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Prajna, Forrest and Bikram, Yoga Tune-Up and even Biomechanics, Laura collaborates with Physical Therapists and Orthopedic Surgeons to help clients avoid surgery and become pain-free.

Many people come to yoga to heal minor injuries or common aches and pains. Unfortunately, if practiced without focusing on alignment, yoga, like all things, can aggravate injuries and even create new ones. Laura emphasizes alignment on and off of the yoga mat to discover habits that are contributing to tension and pain. Working with clients to help them understand their bodies, poses (asanas) are adapted to respond to the individual’s needs.

Laura’s goal in working with her clients is to help them to be smarter about their bodies, safer in how they use them and stronger than they thought possible!

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Hold On Loosely But Don’t Let Go

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Laura

I had some bodywork done the other day. My brother came across a new modality and said I had to try it. In case you didn’t know, my brother is a personal trainer. Correction, my brother is an incredibly gifted personal trainer. He also is a certified Thai Massage Therapist and has his certification in Yoga (I can take credit for that one – He only tried yoga after I insisted he had to). Anyway, if he says I have to try something, well, then I HAVE to try it.

I went into the session with some body issues that really needed help. My feet have been bothering me and were really painful that day. I also have problems with my lower back, an old shoulder injury and slept funny last week so my neck is out of wack.  I really wanted some relief and couldn’t wait to get on the table.

After my 1.5 hour session, I felt incredible. It was like that blissed out feeling after a great yoga class.  You know the feeling?  Totally relaxed and energized at the same time.

Have you noticed that I haven’t told you what the modality was?  There’s a reason for it. I don’t think this guy was very good at what he does.

I still had every one of my pains and aches. They were all still there. If the pain hadn’t diminished, why did I feel so good?  I have a theory about that.

For 1.5 hours, I had someone focus entirely on me… touching me. It wasn’t massage, thai massage or reflexology, but it was physical touch.

Touch. We need this more than we know. Many of us are starved for touch in today’s world. We communicate via text, FB, and twitter. We “like” each other’s statuses. We retweet. We give each other virtual hugs but “xoxo” doesn’t really give you hugs and kisses.

How often are you touched?  I’m not talking about sex either. (Although, never underestimate the power of great sex!) How often do you hug or touch someone? Yogis, how great is that little scalp massage in savasana?

Even though this bodyworker did nothing to alleviate my pain, I felt great and I’m convinced it’s because of the touching. 1.5 hours of being touched? Heaven!

So the next time you see me, don’t be surprised if I hug you and hold on for just a little bit longer!  I think we’ll both feel better!

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Back Tonic

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Laura

Back Tonic Workshop

Saturday, August 11, 2012

1:00-4:00 pm at Yoga Tonic

“I was in severe back pain.  I had already had 2 back surgeries and was trying to avoid a third when I started working with Laura on a one-on-one basis.  I had taken yoga classes with her at my gym and she was the only teacher who suggested ways to modify the poses for my back problems.

We used many props – the wedge-ee, straps, tabletops, walls and books (we didn’t have any blocks, so we improvised) – to adapt the basic poses so they didn’t hurt me.  In the beginning, I could barely do any of the poses – we had to make so many modifications.

Laura designed a yoga practice specifically tailored to me which not only diminished my existing back pain but also stretched and strengthened all of the muscles around my back to prevent future pain.  I’m at a desk all day and at the time was taking depositions, so I was sitting for long periods of time.  Sitting was incredibly painful.  To top it off, I was also traveling for work during this time – more sitting.  My yoga practice was a necessity.  If it hadn’t been for Laura and her way of practicing and teaching yoga, I don’t know how my back would have survived!

My back is great and I now take ballet and pilates classes (which I couldn’t do before).  I still take yoga classes.  I don’t have to worry about who the teacher is (although Laura’s still my favorite yogi!) because Laura taught me how to adapt the poses so that my back is always safe.  Laura rocks!

Katie”

The Back Tonic workshop will incorporate strength and flexibility training while educating clients about their bodies. The workshop will include:

Breathwork (Pranayama) & Visualization
Stretches to lengthen the back
Core Work
Standing poses
Stretches for hamstrings and hips
Relaxation Pose (Savasana)
Question/Answer period

The Back Tonic workshop on Saturday, August 11, from 1-4 pm, will be three hours of information, poses and pain relief. Twists, forward folds, hip openers, back bends, standing and partner poses will be utilized. By the end of the workshop, participants will have learned what specific poses (asanas) diminish and/or eliminate their back pain. They will then have the skills to adapt future yoga sessions to fit their individual needs.

INSTRUCTOR:

Laura Peskoe, MSW, E-RYT has studied yoga since 1992 and has trained with YogaKids™ founder, Marsha Wenig and yoga masters, Ana Forrest and Tias Little. Since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999, Laura’s approach to yoga has been one of healing and strength. She has extensive experience working with clients whose back issues range from congenital to herniated disks, spinal fusions, and back surgeries.

Many people come to yoga to heal minor injuries or common aches and pains. Unfortunately, if practiced without focusing on alignment, yoga, like all things, can aggravate injuries and even create new ones. Specializing in working with back injuries, Laura emphasizes exploring alignment on and off the yoga mat. Working with her clients to help them understand their bodies, poses (asanas) are adapted to respond to the individual’s needs.

The WEDGE-EE® was developed and patented by Ari Jason, a personal trainer with more than twenty years experience. While specializing in rehabilitation and posture training, Ari found that many clients were aggravating existing or creating new back, shoulder, and/or neck problems and realized there was a need to find a safe and more efficient way to do core work. He designed The WEDGE-EE® for this purpose. Using a variety of aids, including The WEDGE-EE®, Laura worked with Ari Jason to develop the Back Tonic workshop following the philosophy of No Strain…No Pain…All Gain®.

 

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July 4, 2012 Schedule

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Laura

Yoga Tonic’s Fourth of July Schedule

Saturday, June 30, 11:15-12:45
Monday, July 2, 6:30-8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 3, 10:00-11:00 am
Thursday, July 5, 4:00-5:00 pm

The Sunday, July 1, 9:00-10:00 am, Tuesday, July 3, 12:00-1:00 pm and Wednesday, July 4, 1:30-2:30 classes are canceled for the holiday.

Happy Fourth of July! Be safe, smart, strong and have some serious fun!

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