Bridging the gap: Beth Shaw combined the philosophy and physical aspects of yoga in YogaFit - Cover Story

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Bonnie Siegler

When it comes to exercise, what you think is best may not be the best for your body. That was certainly the case for 35-year-old Beth Shaw, creator and founder of YogaFit[R] as well as author of YogaFit[R] (Human Kinetics; $17.95). It wasn't until this New York native moved near the Pacific Ocean in 1989, that she traded her tried-and-true daily jogging routine for a more balanced fitness program. Shaw discovered the benefits of yoga's traditional focus and stretching exercises.

Taking yoga to the next level, in 1994 Shaw opened her YogaFit[R] studio in Hermosa Beach, California. She brought her extensive background and training, which included certifications in White Lotus Hatha Yoga, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Reiki Healing, Reebok Cycling Instructor and IPSB Massage Technician as well as a degree in Health Marketing. YogaFit[R] enthusiasts are enjoying new variations of yoga bends, poses and breathing techniques through Prenatal YogaFit[R] and Kids YogaFit[R] classes. "We're putting a lot of deposits [into] the good karma bank," says Shaw, who believes yoga and its mindset is about giving back.

Q. How did you discover yoga?

A. Yoga is on the must-do list when you move from the East coast to California. I took my first yoga class in Torrance and felt it complemented my daily running routine. I began taking different classes and decided to become a certified yoga instructor in 1993. After receiving my certification, I began teaching in health clubs and discovered yoga classes were focused more on philosophy--not the physical aspects. Therefore, I created a style that worked with both aspects and trademarked YogaFit[R].

Q. With yoga classes being taught in almost every health and fitness facility, how does YogaFit[R] differ?

A. It's a user-friendly, fitness-oriented style of yoga which follows the traditional group exercise model of warm-up and cool-down work. We took the contra-indications out of traditional yoga poses, to meet the safety standards of the fitness industry, and made them modifiable for all populations.

Q. Does yoga provide benefits tailored to meet the specific needs of different age groups?

A. Definitely. At any age, yoga reverses the aging process. My mother is 65, works for YogaFit[R] and is in incredible shape I think the older audience taps into the spiritual benefits--the peace, calm, tranquility and stress-reduction aspects, while the younger audience enjoys the strengthening and intense workout benefits.

Q. Most people equate yoga with a meditative quality, while others say its a grueling workout. Where does YogaFit[R] come into this spectrum?

A. It's definitely a workout, but our classes can be tailored to any individual. We have beginning, intermediate and advanced YogaFit[R] as well as YogaFit[R] Cardio Power, Kids YogaFit[R], Prenatal YogaFit[R] and YogaButt[R].

Q. What did yoga give you that jogging did not?

A. More flexibility. When I first started yoga, it was a struggle. I couldn't touch my toes and my limbs felt like they weighed 500 pounds.

Q. I know you teach yoga and do a personal yoga workout three times a week. Is three times a week your suggestion?

A. I suggest doing :a yoga workout between three to five times a week forever! Like any workout, you have to do it regularly.

Q. What if you're a working mom who can only spare 20 minutes a day?

A. Then do it 20 minutes-you'll get some benefits. You can get benefits from doing five minutes in a pose. The benefits are cumulative so the more you do, the more you achieve. It's better to do 20 minutes everyday then wait to fit in a one-hour workout once a week.

Q. What poses do you recommend a woman concentrate on within those 20 minutes?

A. I would recommend doing a Chair Pose to work on glutes and leg strength. The Bridge Pose opens the front of the body, Boat or modified Boat Pose strengthens the abdominals, Warrior II Position works on leg strength and the feeling of empowerment. I also recommend a Back Bend after the body is warmed because so much in life is focused on forward flexion especially for working mothers and people who work at a computer all day.

Q. Considering the different seasons and sports, how does yoga get you in shape for swimsuits and then ski season?

A. There are different forms of yoga. For ski season, I would recommend balancing poses and for swimsuit season, my new YogaButt[R] video.

Q. With yoga's empowerment, self-esteem building and other attributes, can these qualities transition a child into adulthood?

A. Yes. Yoga helps a person get more in touch with themselves, thereby, helping their body image. You get in touch with your own skin.

Q. What is your life motto?

A. "Help and raise the consciousness of as many people as possible through yoga, community service, outreach programs and pet adoptions. Yoga brings people to a certain degree of sensitivity and awareness within themselves and if we can translate that to our community, it would be so beneficial.

Bonnie Siegler has been covering celebrity fitness for American Fitness since 1990. Based in Playa del Rey, California, Ms. Siegler is an internationally known published writer whose work has appeared in McCall's, Redbook and InStyle.