Are just beginning yoga or curious to give it a try?
Do you have injuries or health concerns?
Are you a bit older than the typical yoga student?
Has your health care provider suggested that you do yoga?
Are you intimidated by the whole yoga studio scene?
Do you prefer to work out at home or privately?
Do you want to try yoga in a private personalized way?
****PLEASE NOTE: I’VE RELOCATED TO NORTHERN WISCONSIN AND AM NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS IN PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE.****
I may be the private yoga instructor you're looking for…
Hi! I'm Martha. I offer private yoga in Phoenix and in Scottsdale, Arizona.
If you live in Phoenix or Scottsdale and would prefer personal yoga instruction (either one-on-one, as a couple, or in a small group) in the privacy of your home or office, I may be the yoga teacher for you.
With private yoga in Scottsdale or Phoenix, I come to you at a time that is convenient so there is no need to rush off to an overcrowded, over-competitive yoga class.
It's a perfect way to experience the benefits of this ancient form of exercise, especially when beginning yoga.
What Style of Yoga do You Teach?
I specialize in providing personal yoga instruction, mostly to beginners over 50, many with health issues.
I teach a gentle, realistic style of yoga that truly is yoga for anybody and everybody, regardless of age, size or current fitness level. Your practice can be as gentle or vigorous as you desire.
You don't have to be able to turn yourself into a pretzel to benefit from yoga. I'm living proof!
I began doing yoga to help heal lower back pain and severe sciatica from herniated disks. It worked! And I've an avid yoga fan every since.
I've had the opportunity to teach yoga to a wide range of individuals and couples with health concerns including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, lack of balance and/or flexibility and stress.
My clients include working professionals, retirees, busy executives and successful business owners.
I've taught yoga in living rooms, offices, home gyms, on patios, poolside and lakeside.
What are the Benefits of Yoga?
A Yoga Practice can help you:
- Increase strength, balance, and flexibility
- Reduce stress
- Reduce pain
- Improve mental focus
- Increase energy
- Lose weight slowly and peacefully
- Regulate hormones and balance blood sugar
- Promote restful sleep
- Create a sense of calm, well-being, and peace of mind
What My Clients Have to Say About Private Yoga…
"My husband, a golfer, was interested in trying yoga but skeptical. I had practiced yoga for many years but a long time ago. And--we are not as young as we used to be! So we were looking for a private yoga instructor who could accommodate our very different backgrounds and attitudes and, as well, the limitations of aging. Martha understood all of this immediately, integrated these disparate issues seamlessly, and created a yoga class that was a perfect blend of challenging and relaxing. Martha is skilled, sensitive and adaptable: a superlative yoga instructor."
Laura
"Thank you for helping me improve my strength, flexibility and balance. Since beginning yoga with you I am much steadier on my feet and haven't fallen in months."
Barbara
"I thought I was too old and out of shape for yoga. Martha's quiet, easy manner and gentle approach convinced me otherwise. My energy and flexibility is better and my joint pain has decreased since I began practicing yoga."
Judy
"I had a severe work injury 23 years ago which caused muscle and nerve damage. This lead to chronic pain, many doctor visits and various treatments. Since I started practicing yoga with Martha last January I have increased energy and mobility and much less pain. Martha is an excellent teacher who took the time to develop a program specific to my needs. I was a first time yoga student and now have a routine I can practice on my own. I look forward to continue working with Martha and am grateful for all she has done for me."
John S.
What is the Cost of Private Yoga?
The cost of private yoga sessions for one to four people in the comfort and privacy of your home or office begin at $85 per hour and is dependent on where you are located in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona.
(Your furry family members are welcome to join in too!)
Ready to Schedule A Private Yoga Session or Have Questions?
If you have questions or want to schedule a private yoga session in Phoenix or Scottsdale, send me an email (marthamckinnon[at]gmail[dot]com) or contact me here.
What More Reasons to Practice Yoga in Your 50s, 60s and 70s?
One of my clients recently shared this informative AARP article on the healthy benefits of yoga in your 50s, 60s, and 70s. Here's, a brief summary of what it had to say:
3 Reasons to Practice Yoga in Your 50s
- Minimize hypertension
"Yoga has a powerful effect on stress and high blood pressure and can help people reduce the amount of medication they need," says Amy Wheeler, yoga professor at California State University at San Bernardino. According to one recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, participants who practiced yoga six hours a week for 11 weeks reduced their systolic blood pressure — the top number — by an impressive 33 points, compared with 4 points for a control group. Researchers speculate that the slow, controlled breathing inherent in yoga practice decreases nervous system activity, which helps manage blood pressure levels. - Strengthen bones
"People in their 50s often develop the beginning stages of osteoporosis and low bone density," notes Melinda Atkins, a yoga teacher in Miami. Studies consistently show that the weight-bearing activity of yoga helps slow bone thinning, reducing the risks of osteoporosis, particularly among postmenopausal women. - Keep excess pounds at bay
Yoga enhances concentration and determination in all aspects of life. Practicing it every day "improves willpower and shifts your focus toward wellness rather than instant gratification," says Larry Payne, yoga director at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Regular yoga is one of the primary ingredients in my personal recipe for weight loss success that allowed me to lose more than 40 pounds and keep it off. (Read more about yoga for weight loss.)
3 Reasons to Practice Yoga in Your 60s
- Reduce anxiety
Yoga induces the relaxation response, an alpha state between awake and asleep that helps modulate the way the body responds to stress. When faced with a potential threat (or ongoing stress), your heart beats faster, your muscles tense and you start to sweat. Yoga stops this process in its tracks, reducing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure and easing respiration. (Read more about yoga for stress relief.) - Protect your joints
During your late 50s and early 60s, you may begin to notice that your joints aren't as fluid as they used to be. Practicing yoga regularly can help lubricate joints, staving off debilitating disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. "It's important to start caring for your joints, to help maintain your independence and preserve your ability to perform routine daily activities as you get older. - Build strength and balance
Yoga's slow, measured movements and strengthening poses can help you achieve better balance and prevent falls as you age. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults; every year, one in three adults 65 or older falls. Yoga gives you the tools now to prevent a bad fall so you can still move around in your 80s.
3 Reasons to Practice Yoga in Your 70s — and Beyond
- Improve balance
Yoga tones muscles and works on your proprioception — your sense of position in space. Practicing postures that emphasize standing and balance can help build strength and confidence, too. "About 80 percent of proprioception is in your ankles, so standing poses are important, particularly for people in their 70s," explains Larry Payne, yoga director at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. "As you get more sedentary, your sense of balance atrophies. 'Use it or lose it' really does apply." - Sharpens your mind
Unfortunately, as we age, our thought processes aren't as sharp as they once were. "Focusing on the breath and synchronizing it with movement helps keep the mind clear and engaged," says Melinda Atkins, a yoga teacher in Miami. Breathing exercises such as alternate-nostril breathing help harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which correlate to the logical and emotional sides of the personality. - Boosts mood
Yoga's combination of breathing, meditation and movement creates an overall sense of well-being. In fact, studies show yoga has a greater impact on enhancing mood and reducing anxiety than other forms of exercise. The reason? Yoga boosts levels of the brain chemical GABA, which helps calm nerves.
Here's a Cool Graphic Illustrating the Benefits of Yoga
Want to Know More About Private Yoga?
The Benefits of Private Yoga
Why Do Yoga?
****Please Note: I've relocated to northern Wisconsin and am no longer available for private yoga sessions in Phoenix/Scottsdale.****
Ready to Schedule A Private Yoga Session or Have Questions?
If you have questions or want to schedule a private yoga session in Phoenix or Scottsdale, send me an email (marthamckinnon[at]gmail[dot]com) or contact me here.
I realize getting started with yoga can be intimidating, especially when you are just beginning. And you probably have lots of questions. I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can!
The cost of private yoga sessions for one to four people in the comfort and privacy of your home or office begin at $85 per hour and is dependent on where you are located in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona.
Subscribe to Get: Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes
The Top 10 Most Popular Recipes (PDF) on Simple Nourished Living + Weekly Support Emails with Tips & Easy Healthy Recipes Not Found Anywhere Else!