Classes Offered
Gentle Yoga
Whether your needs are temporary or long term, this offers a gentler approach. Ideal for those who are not ready for more challenging classes, have muscle or joint pain, stiffness, weakness, fatigue or recovering from a major illness. Classes include simple stretches, breathing exercises, restorative poses, as well as gentle movements designed to increase range of motion and build strength and flexibility. Restore your body and relieve your stress with this class.
Yin Yoga
A quiet practice that compliments your regular dynamic yoga practice. Yin Yoga targets the spine, hips and legs. A small number of poses are held comfortably for approximately 3 to 5 minutes each. Each pose is designed to open meridians (superhighways through the body, carrying energy or prana). Yin Yoga applies strategic stress to connective tissues to help prevent deterioration of connective tissue which happens as we age. We increase our range of motion and reverse our aging process through Yin Yoga.
Beginner Yoga
Whether new to yoga or returning after a long sabbatical, a beginner class introduces students to basic standing poses, forward bends and twists. Emphasis is placed on the use of breath and learning the basic principles of alignment of your body to experience the full benefit of the pose and avoid injury. The beginner class helps in building confidence, strength and endurance in all foundational poses. Preparations for arm balances, inversions and simple backbends are incorporated for intermediate level classes.
Beginners read FAQ below
Private Yoga Therapy
As a Professional Yoga Therapist we have a thorough assessment process which involves an in-depth postural assessment, testing of specific joint range of motion and muscle strength. In addition, we look at your breathing patterns and other aspects of your energy body, as well as a non-judgemental discussion of your beliefs and personal needs. Your ayurvedic constitution is also taken into account to help guide your healing path. With this we have you take a simple dosha test to determine your consitution. A Yoga Therapist adapts and individualizes a specific set of postures and therapeutic movements, breathing techniques, focusing and meditation tools, while focusing on your lifestyle needs. Individual and customized treatment plans are the hallmark of Yoga Therapy; as no two clients are the same, even though they may be presenting with similar conditions. The care we give, as a Yoga Therapist, is done in a nurturing, safe & confidential environment.
Adaptive Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis
Yoga is excellent for people with MS because it involves stretching and range of motion movements for the whole body which can reduce symptoms such as muscle spasticity, muscle weakness, problems with balancing, and fatigue. Focused breathing asanas (postures or poses) promote relaxation of the mind and the body. It is important the asanas be tailored to the particular physical needs and limitations of people with MS.
Meditation
Yoga and meditation are self-regulation strategies, which enable the practitioner to become more aware of his or her mental processes, bodily mechanisms and life style. They help not only to deal with the stresses and strains of daily living but also enhances one’s overall sense of wellness.
Meditation classes focus both on theory and practice, effects of stress on the mind, body and behavior.
The participants will learn the basics of yoga and meditation; understand their scientific bases and get to practice both yoga and meditation. . The method of meditation taught by Venkata integrates concentration and mindfulness methods derived from Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
FAQs for Beginners
First, and foremost – yoga is for everyone and always has been! All who come to Woodlands Yoga and Wellness are welcome. If this is your first time to yoga, please come with an open mind and an open heart. Yoga is unlike anything you may have ever tried before! Also bring with you a sense of adventure and a sense of humor. Here are some other suggestions:- • Arrive at least 10 minutes early so that you have time to relax. The beginning of each class is one of the most important times for focusing within.
- • This time is especially for you, please leave your cell phone in the cubbies and turned off.
- • Drink plenty of water before and after class.
- • Try to avoid eating a meal less than two hours prior to class and one hour after class.
- • Stay until the end, the final pose is one of the most beneficial poses for your central nervous system and your overall relaxation.
- What do I wear?
- Comfortable, breathable and stretchable bottoms (bike shorts, capris or full length leggings), and tops that will not come over your head when you bend over. We prefer bare feet, please leave your socks and shoes in the cubbies and, please avoid wearing perfumes or colognes or scented lotions.
- Do I need to bring anything?
- You can borrow one of our sticky mates if you do not have your own, but we recommend you purchase your own mat for sanitation purposes. We also provide blankets, blocks, straps, bolsters at no extra charge.
- What if I just can’t do a pose?
- Our staff and teachers will help you select a class that is appropriate for your level of experience. But, if you encounter a pose that you are not quite ready for, you can always ask the teacher for modifications. (All of our teachers are trained to help new students master poses safely and successfully) You can also opt to rest, or do another pose that you would like to work on. The important thing to remember is that this is your practice. We foster a non-competitive environment and ask that you honor your body and do only what is comfortable and feels right to you. With time, you may find that you can, indeed, master that challenging pose.

Professional Instructors
PATRICIA HILLYARD

Patricia is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance E-RYT (Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher) and a 500-hour Professional Yoga Therapist. She became a certified integral Yoga teacher in 1975 studying the teachings of Swami Satchidananda and continued her studies of Eastern Philosophy for over 30 years experiencing two (2) spiritual journeys to India with her family. She has actively participated in community service since she was 18 years old. She continues her Yoga Certifications yearly at various accredited Yoga Ashrams and Centers. She has been exploring natural living since 1974. Her background as a Yoga Instructor allows her to help you create a healing place within yourself with visualization and relaxation so that you may tap into that unlimited energy source and enjoy life to the fullest. Her compassion for people and desire to serve and nurture others brings her to Woodlands Yoga and Wellness.
JANAKi HILLYARD, RYT 200

I have been doing yoga since in my mother’s womb I remember when my mother use to wake me up really early in the morning starting with a meditation and then doing a sun salutation. I have been blessed with a very wonderful mother that introduced yoga to me at a very young age. There would be times where I would have trouble falling asleep, and my mother would lead me in a deep relaxation allowing me to drift off to dream land almost instantly. I gave birth to my son nine years ago at home with the help of my yoga instructor (Patricia Hillyard) my mother reminding me to focus on breath, and a little acupuncture (no drugs). I feel yoga is very important for many reasons. Not only for the body and the mind, but for heart and soul as well. It helps connect you, helps you listen to your inner voice. When you allow yourself to heal you are able to heal the entire planet, because we are all one BIG collective consciousness!!!!
Venkata K. Ponnaganti, Ph.D.

Venkata is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Ex Director of the Institute for Yoga & Consciousness at Andhra University in South India. He was the editor of Journal of Indian Psychology. Venkata has done extensive research in yoga and psychology and published papers in these fields.
At the University he developed an approach to help people live more powerful and happier lives through a combination of Yoga and Psychology. His approach is secular, scientific and psychological based on years of research he has done in this field. He believes that meditation combined with gentle stretching and asanas or joint and gland exercises provide an effective approach to self-regulation that integrates body, mind and behavior.
He acknowledges that yoga opened a new vista in his life by providing a means to approach life and to come to terms with the complexities of the mind-body processes and living in the world. Venkata lives in the Woodlands, Texas and Florida. He has taught courses on yoga and meditation at various Yoga Studios in the US. More information about Venkata Ponnaganti can be found at his website, http://www.yogapsychologyandmeditation.com
Scott Kilpatrick

Scott's desire to learn led him to Woodlands Yoga Studio where he is an active part of the Yoga community. He is currently taking teacher training for his 200 hour yoga alliance certification. Scott feels that his practice has enhanced his state of being and is eager to share his discoveries with others. Aside from Yoga, Scott is a Student of Philosohphy and enjoys all aspects of seeking knowledge and understanding.