Promote Your Page Too
| |
Interview - Dennis Gray
 |
After Dennis Gray had a total knee
replacement at Kernan Hospital in Baltimore, he had to do
rehabilitation. Fortunately, Kernan had a Wellness Center in Timonium,
near his office where he manages a commercial real estate company.
Dennis "never dreamed he would be doing yoga until it was somewhat
forced upon him as therapy". He was introduced to both pilates and yoga.
Yoga was more challenging, so he decided to stick with it.
After rehab, Dennis thought it would be more economical to sign up at
the YMCA. However, he found that the YMCA's classes were too big for
personal attention and he felt that he had too much at stake to allow
frugality to stand in the way of proper healing. So, Dennis shopped
around at other studios to see what each one had to offer. |
Although he never
had a bad experience at any of the ones he tried, he chose Susquehanna
Yoga for several significant reasons:
• Beautiful studio
• Lots of necessary props
• Caring/ Knowledgeable staff--not necessarily in that order
Dennis actually was introduced to SYoga by his daughter-in-law who lives
in New York City. She saw it on the internet and chose it for 3 simple
reasons:
1. She is a firm believer in the therapeutic purposes of Iyengar Yoga
2. After reading the referrals on the website
3. It was in his zip code
 Dennis
started with Linda Howard who has built her practice from the many
referrals from doctors she has attained over the years. However, when
Dennis was unable to attend on Wednesday nights, he switched to Eric
Reid on Mondays, and has felt right at home ever since. According to
Dennis, "Eric always has a tight program from beginning to end. He is in
terrific shape and gives precise demonstrations both going into the pose
and coming out--something one would not get from a DVD or a large
class”. As time has gone on, Eric has been extending the time they hold
the poses. It's quite intense but then comes Svanasana, leaving Dennis
feeling refreshed, no matter what the rest of his day has been like.
Since teaming up with Eric, Dennis has done some make-ups with other
instructors at SYoga. He has found each teacher to be "caring,
encouraging, and knowledgeable about what his body needs". Their main
goal is to maximize the positive qualities that each individual
possesses.
Slowly, but surely Dennis’ 2 year yoga practice has been shown to be a
good investment. He continues to go to the gym 2 times a week as he did
before the knee replacement. While there, Dennis mainly concentrates on
maintaining his upper body strength. He does admit that he has become
more aware of body alignment, as is stressed so often in his yoga
classes. He no longer worries about lifting heavier weights, but is now
convinced that the key is to be more precise. In addition, he works
lightly on the treadmill at home.
Dennis has also become mindful of subtle improvements in his well being.
He has experienced an upgrade in his energy level and considers himself
to be more tolerant than before. In years past, he has been very active
with Boy Scouts. He has worked with and mentored 30 Eagle Scouts. Years
ago, he even started a High Adventure Triathlon on the C& O Canal for
the scouts. Over an 8-day period they hiked, canoed and biked the full
184 miles from Cumberland to Washington, DC. Dennis has done the trip
twice!
Dennis recommends SYoga for many reasons:
• Convenience
• Personal attention
• Knowledgeable staff
• Well-equipped studio for every level of yoga proficiency
• 10% discount for those who live or work in the same zip code
• Great experience, and a little bit of an escape
Even though, Dennis lives in Ellicott City, he likes to avoid the
end-of-the-day traffic by going to his yoga class, and then driving home
in a shorter amount of time. According to Dennis, his wife has noticed a
bit of a difference when he arrives home. He seems to be more relaxed
which she appreciates greatly for his sake and for hers.
Dennis recommends that you try yoga. In addition he suggests that people
sign up for the full 12-week program; for all of the reasons he has
mentioned above, as well as for the discipline it provides. He says that
even though he really likes going, he has to admit that there are some
days when he just wants to go home after work. However, once he makes
his way to the studio, he has never regretted it. Someday, the C& O
Canal Triathlon awaits, but for now, shoulder stand is his goal!
Namaste,
Bonnie Allan |
|
