Salerno Center Yoga
The practice of yoga is an ancient tradition spanning over 5,000 years. The word “yoga” literally translates to “union” and is thought to be the path to uniting mind, body, and spirit.
Benefits of Yoga:
- Release tension in the body
- Release emotional stress
- Improve focus
- Improve balance
- Cultivate relaxation techniques
- Relax the nervous system
- Increase circulation all over the body (including the extremities, internal organs, and brain)
- Increase metabolism
- Improve digestion
- Amplify detoxification
- Improve lymphatic circulation
- Cultivate body awareness and consciousness
One-of-a-Kind Classes
Besides offering yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, Salerno Center For Complimentary Medicine is the only center offering osteopathic manipulative treatments at the end of every class. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a form of hands on manual treatment that is used to eliminate or alleviate somatic (bodily) dysfunctions in the body.
These dysfunctions are impaired or altered functions of related components of the body’s framework that includes skeletal, joints and myofascial structures, related vascular, lymphatic and neural elements. Stretching, resistance, and gentle pressure work together to promote healing, reduce tension, recover from surgery, lower stress levels, increase mobility, and decrease inflammation.
Schedule & Pricing
Thursday
6:30pm – 7:45pm
Saturday
3:00pm – 4:15pm
RSVP Policy: If you are interested in registering for one of our classes, you must first reserve your place. Because of the popularity and demand for each class, a 7-person limit is instated.
For pricing and package discounts, please call 212.582.1700 or email us at info@salernocenter.com.
What is Included in the Classes?
Yoga at the Salerno Center will include:
- Learning to Breathe: an Exploration of Breath as a Life Force throughout the Body
- Vinyasa: Connecting Breath to Movement
- Discovering the Chakras: Using Yoga to Combat Disease
- The Vibration of Yoga: Using Sound as a Healing Energy
- Yoga for Detoxification
- Yoga for the Immune System
- Yoga for the Circulatory System
- Yoga for the Nervous System
What different types of Yoga are Taught at the Center?
Yoga at the Salerno Center is unique in that it combines Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Ayurvedic Medicine.
Hatha Yoga
Emphasizing asanas or poses, hatha translates to “sun” and “moon” and represents the yoga of opposing energies. This type of yoga emphasizes finding balance within the body and focuses on purification asanas as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. Hatha yoga focuses on the proper alignment of body parts in asanas, ensuring a safe practice for all student levels.
Vinyasa Yoga
This form of yoga builds on the principles of Hatha while connecting all movements to the breath. Because it contains many modifications through the asanas, Vinyasa is an excellent choice for practices of all levels. The flow of the vinyasa postures makes it multi-dimensional, allowing students to develop a personal practice while still in a classroom setting. The unification of breath within postures with other students in the class, allows for an energizing and empowering class dynamic.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Yoga at the Salerno Center also emphasizes the ancient tradition of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the earliest form of medicine, spanning over 5,000 years, and is the standard of mind-body medicine. The Ayurvedic approach is comprehensive and prevention oriented, focusing on balance within the body as opposed to disease. Ayurveda emphasizes the connection of the mind with nature in disease prevention. Although it has deviated in the modern era, yoga was thought to be a primary component of Ayurveda, and to be used as a crucial medical treatment.
Who is the Instructor?
Linda Alvarez is a certified yoga teacher and medical student. After finishing her bachelor’s degree and the first half of medical school at the prestigious Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, she received her 200-hour yoga teacher training from Sacred Sounds Yoga. This past summer, Linda decided to delay her third year of medical school at New York Medical College to study yoga, meditation, and the ancient medical practice of Ayurveda. Linda has been trained in pre and post-natal yoga, restorative yoga, therapeutic yoga and chair yoga. Linda has also focused on the medical aspect of yoga and has studied yoga for the lymphatic, immune, circulatory and nervous systems. Along with her adult training, Linda is a certified kid yoga teacher through the Urban Yoga Foundation. Linda teaches in a unique style that combines her medical knowledge with her love of yoga.
Linda Alvarez is currently the manager and Director of Ayurvedic Studies at the Urban Yoga Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings yoga and the holistic arts to underserved communities throughout New York City. Through the Urban Yoga Foundation, Linda has taught yoga to the US National Guard and has provided yoga through the American Heart Association’s Tu Corazon Latino Summit, the Mt. Sinai Go Red Campaign Health Fair, and Yankees’ Fan Fest on the Intrepid. Currently, Linda Alvarez serves on the Passion Committee for the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign and has been featured in the New Physician Magazine in their piece on nontraditional medical students.
Linda Alvarez
Yoga FAQ
What do I need to bring?
All that is required is a yoga mat. If necessary, you can bring a small hand towel to accommodate any sweating.
What should I wear?
Active wear that allows for easy, comfortable movement is the best clothing for yoga. For women, supportive wear is encouraged (as many of the poses are slight inversions). Sneakers are not required during the actual activity as yoga is practiced without shoes.
What if I’m not flexible?
Not a problem. All levels of flexibility are welcomed at the Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine, including those who think of themselves as inflexible. Yoga at the Salerno Center encourages flexibility at your own pace, allowing for the practitioner to develop his or her own yoga practice. You may also discover that different aspects of your body are more flexible than others, such as the back, shoulders or torso. Yoga at the Salerno Center is a practice in self-discovery of your body.
What if I’ve never done yoga before?
All levels, including first-time yoga students, are welcome to Yoga at the Salerno Center. The yoga classes at the Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine encourage learning at your own pace and self-discovery of the body. Teacher Linda Alvarez is skilled in teaching classes that have mixed levels of students. As the manager and yoga teacher of a studio in Harlem, many of Linda’s students have been first-time practitioners.
I’m on medication, but can I still do yoga?
Yes. Before the start of the class, let the instructor know what medications you are taking and if you have any chronic health concerns. Also inform the instructor of any injuries you may have, including past and present. Instructor Linda Alvarez is not only a yoga teacher, but is also a medical student and is comfortable providing modifications for various health considerations.
Should I eat anything before class?
The practice of yoga focuses on moving the torso and increasing circulation to the internal organs. For this reason, it is important to avoid eating at least two hours before the practice. If you become lightheaded easily, it is recommended to eat something light, such as berries or fruit, about an hour or so before class.
What if I need a rest?
The beauty of yoga at the Salerno Center is that it encourages a personal practice in a classroom setting. Instructor Linda Alvarez demonstrates restorative, restful poses that can be done during the class if you ever feel as though you need a break. Yoga encourages the mind-body connection. Part of this connection is being aware if the body is fatigued and taking the steps needed to give the most benefit to your body.
Is yoga a religion?
Although many think yoga has a religious connection, yoga was created long before many of the eastern religions were developed. Yoga was developed to prepare the body for meditation and higher states of consciousness.
If you have any questions regarding scheduling or pricing structure, please call our office at 212.582.1700 or email us at info@salernocenter.com.