James Ranch Blog

Summertime is in full swing and at the James Ranch, that means the return of Yoga on the Terraces.  This popular program is being offered by the talented practitioners, Deb Buck and Sheryl McGourty from Yogadurango and this year, we are adding Pilates with Kristie Kiser from Pilates Durango.

Not only is this a fun change from your indoor practice, but changing things up and taking your practice out of doors has some significant benefits as well. A recent Swedish study found that taking in the visual patterns in nature such as the naturally occurring patterns in tree branches and grasses, for example, increased wakeful relaxation and internal focus. Both of these are important components of yoga practice, in particular as well as enhancing the Pilates experience. In addition, practicing on new, uneven terrain can challenge even the most experienced practitioner.

The Terraces at the James Ranch offer views of the dramatic red cliffs in the Animas Valley as well as the serene pastoral images of cows placidly grazing in the green fields. The benefits of the quiet contemplation that nature can inspire is backed by science, too.  A study from the University of Southern California found that  looking at beautiful scenery releases endorphins, the naturally occurring chemicals that bring us feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Who doesn’t want to increase these feelings?

Practicing outside can also physically alter your health. Field studies, published in Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, examined how those who engaged in activities in a forest or natural environment versus an soley in an urban environment had a lower concentration of the stress hormone cortisol.

While being outside can offer many benefits, some specific ones you may experience when engaging in yoga or Pilates outside are:

• Replenishing depleted energy
• Heightened awareness
• Release of endorphins
• Build confidence, pushing you to practice outside your comfort zone
• Increased meditative benefits

The James Ranch invites you to join us and engage in yoga and Pilates outside this summer.  Classes are offered on Tuesday (Pilates) and Thursday (Yoga) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Classes are $15 each at a drop-in rate or $65 for a 5-class pass.

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Meet the Practitioner: Kristie Kiser

Kristie began her career with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company as a professional dancer and teacher while attending college. She graduated from the University of Houston in 1995 with a BS in Psychology and minor in dance. After experiencing a fractured foot, physical rehabilitation involved Pilates.

Kristie experienced the positive effects of Pilates and became certified in 2001 by the PhysicalMind Institute. Pilates certification involved apprenticeships in Houston, Texas and classes in Austin, Texas. She has a passion for training and helping people recover from their injuries as well as teaching first time students.

Kristie moved to Durango in 2012 with her husband and two children and their new Great Dane, Ruby. Kristie is also an avid CrossFit athlete.

Meet the Practitioner: Deb Buck

As a yoga teacher, Deb finds deep interest in Yoga as a rich path of transformation and awakening innate intelligence. Her specialty is to encourage students toward self-inquiry through their connection to nature as well as exploring how yoga practice can be a metaphor for how we choose to be in life and in relationship.

She loves to discover and continuously question how to embody the practice; how to really walk the talk and perceives Yoga as path towards wholeness. Deb is an instructor at Yogadurango and will be teaching every other Thursday on the Terraces.

 

Meet the Practitioner: Sheryl McGourty

Sheryl McGourty is very happy to teach yoga at James Ranch. She loves the sweetness of being in nature coupled with the feeling of total embodiment. Sheryl is humbled to guide people in ancient practice of yoga, helping people build connection to self and others.

Having owned, operated and taught at Yogadurango for the past twelve years, Sheryl is committed to the community and our collective well-being.

 

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