What’s AIS
About Adarsh
Testmonials
April 7th – 9th , 2010 & April 12th ,2010
Ashtanga and morning Mysore with Adarsh
Adarsh strives to pass on the precise method of Ashtanga as taught to him by his Guruji believing that the best teacher is one who inspires students to "practice, practice, practice." This approach is individualized, compassionate, and respectful, allowing each practitioner to receive the appropriate attention without any one person getting lost in the crowd of students. He maintains the exact method of counting vinyasa, dristhi, pranayama, asana, and bandha which form the core techniques of Ashtanga.
Through in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology and formal training as a massage therapist, Adarsh is highly regarded for his sensitive yet deep adjusting style. He has experience working with a wide variety of students of diverse abilities, ages, and backgrounds. With a deeply held belief that anyone can develop a personal yoga practice, Adarsh is an energetic teacher who infuses his enthusiasm for practice and hard work in his students.
April 10th -11th ,2010
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) & Yoga Workshop (All Levels)
April 10.2010
9-11:30am hips + trunk
Pelvic floor, psoas, gluteals, hamstrings, hip rotators, leg adductors/abductors, IT band, quadriceps, abs + obliques, erector spinae (back), respiratory diaphragm.
2-4:30pm shoulders + neck
Pectorals, deltoids, biceps, rotator cuff, rhomboids, latasimus dorsi, serratus anterior, trapezius, levator scapula, neck flexors, extensors, side flexors, rotators, sternocleidomastoid, jaw/tmj
April 10.2010
9-11:30am ankle + foot
Review of hips and trunk. Calf, Achilles tendon, tibialis anterior (shin), ankle invertor/evertor, foot pronators/supinators, toes
2-4:30pm wrist + hand
Review of shoulders and neck. Elbow flexors, biceps, triceps, forearm supinators/pronators, wrist flexors/extensors, thumb, fingers
What is AIS?
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) works with the body's natural intelligence to safely elongate muscle and deep myofascial tissue. Using precise bodily positioning, AIS isolates specific muscles for a stretch lasting no more than 2 seconds (yes, 2 seconds!). This 2 second stretch allows for optimal flow of blood, oxygen and nourishment without triggering the protective contraction of the muscle avoiding painful tears caused by prolonged static stretching.
AIS is a highly effective form of therapeutic stretching developed in the US over the last 30 years. It is a training and restorative tool used by many top Olympic and professional athletes to "get the edge." Now it is being integrated with the ancient methods of hatha yoga. This integration blends modern anatomical research of just how muscles contract and relax with the age old science of yoga. The experience of AI Stretching is meditative, following the rhythms of breath and energy flow. The technique is gentle, safe, and easy to perform.
Benefits of AIS for yoga practitioners:
- Identify and address blind spots in practice
- Address common postural misalignment's
- Gain an intuitive sense of alignment in yoga postures.
- Increase isolated flexibility, isolated strength and body awareness.
- Repair injured muscles, open joints, and break up scar tissue
- Awaken dormant or atrophied muscle
The goal of this workshop is to provide practitioners of yoga a means to greater strength, flexibility and body awareness. This in turn will give an intuitive sense of alignment in yoga, therefore making postures easier and more refined.
You will learn how to isolate, stretch, and strengthen virtually every muscle of the body. You may expect a course in essential muscular anatomy along with detailed instruction in complete Active Isolated Stretching routines for upper and lower body and discover how AIS complements yoga postures and vinyasa.
All Levels may attend. For each session we will draw from variations of basic, intermediate and advanced yoga postures, giving yogis a useful tool in the refinement of their practice. Students will apply the AIS techniques to a large variety of postures including twists, back bends, forward bends, side bends, standing, inverted, and arm balancing.
About Adarsh
Adarsh Williams teaches a contemplative style of yoga that embraces both modern innovation and traditional wisdom. Since 1995, Adarsh has been engaged in the field of natural healing and has received certifications in therapeutic massage and active isolated stretching. He continues as a student of Ashtanga Yoga and its sister sciences of Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and Bhakti. Adarsh has continuously traveled to Asia since 2001 for study and pilgrimage and has received teaching Authorization by his late Guruji Shri. K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Adarsh directs the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Palo Alto, CA specializing in progressive instruction for beginner through advanced levels.
Testimonials
When Sally and I first met in Mysore, wet behind the ears and bewildered by India, Adarsh was there first an old hand at negotiating peace and Mysore on the same hand. He was very much a charming and light mentor to us on our first journey. Now he is still every bit the gentleman,
a family man and a master of his craft – a keen observer
of the body and its anatomy.
Russell and Sally
Adarsh is a great teacher, a true yogi, an open devotee and a loving father and husband. I have known him many years through practice in Mysore, India, devotional visits with Ammachi and also to teach at his studio in California. Adarsh has taught his own programs at Yoga Thailand. He is truly and honestly connected to the yoga path and has something special to share. He is very open minded, allowing students to develop in their way while guiding. And he is caring and kind. His specific body alignment knowledge should be learned by all students and teachers.
Paul Dallaghan
“Thoughtfully giving” is a quality that both SPACE and Adarsh have in common. As a studious practitioner, don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn and grow with such a generous and experienced teacher in this ideal yoga setting. Highly recommended!
Gladys & Axl