In 2003 I came to the point of my life when I needed something for me, for my body, and for my mind. I had tried different exercise programs, joined health clubs but nothing gave me the satisfaction that I was looking for, until I stumbled upon a Park District brochure and decided to try a yoga class. As a professional dietician caring for seniors in long term care with various forms of Dementia and memory loss, my days were challenging. I knew nothing about Yoga but after my first class I knew I had found my inspiration. Not only did I feel good, but also I felt a deep connection to myself. Inspired by my instructor, I deepened my practice and expanded my knowledge.
I developed my foundations in Anusara inspired Vinyasa Flow through the influence of my mentors. I have also had extensive studies in the practice if Iyengar and therapeutic yoga. I received my 200 hour RYT Certification from my mentor, Silvia Mordini and Total Body Yoga, as well as a certification in Prenatal Yoga.”
Larisa believes the practice of Yoga enhances and improves the quality of our lives. When our lives become more demanding it is essential that we take time to nurture our minds and heal our bodies. Larisa feels privileged to share the physical and mental benefits of Yoga with her senior clients and yoga students.
Larisa says, “Yoga allows you to focus on yourself; changing and bettering your perspective of the world and how you see people. I help my students do this by teaching Vinyasa Flow incorporated with the philosophies of Yoga. My classes are filled with vitality and fun, yet therapeutic and calming. I work to reduce student’s stress and worries, instilling a sense of calm in a frenetic world. I try and help my yogis become more aware of their bodies; connecting to their inner beauty through breath and movement. My hope is that I help my yogis take the
lessons learned on the mat out into their daily lives.”