Yoga with

Eve Grzybowski

I've been teaching yoga since 1980.  A lot of my identity is tied up with being a yoga teacher.  What does that mean?  What should that mean? On this site I explore my personal journey and provide commentary on the state of yoga in the twenty-first century. I invite you to have a look and see what may be here for you.

 
Photo by: Julie Slavin Photography, Old Bar

Eve Grzybowski - Home

Featured videos from my YouTube channel

I've been adding meditations, short instructional video and an ever-growing selection of complete yoga classes.  Click on any of these below videos to view them directly.  Or click on the button below to explore the entire channel.

Access all videos by clicking on any of these buttons. 

Current Post

Do Muscles Have Memories?

handstand
I've been using the expression 'muscle memory' in my yoga classes to explain how students remember to do certain movements. People learn to embody certain movements over time. 'Neuronal pathways' is another term for what links the brain to the body's ability to do activities.
I decided to check out my word use with Dr. Google. I was surprised to find information which said that muscle memory is a myth, that muscles don't have memories.
So, what is it exactly that lets you remember forever how to ride a bicycle? Or, in yoga, how to free balance in headstand when you were so wobbly in the beginning stages.
Apparently there is something called procedural memory. The brain keeps a stockpile of often enacted tasks and the repetition of them helps reinforce how you do any activity.
The body/mind also learns to develop a memory that relates to whether we are muscularly fit or excessively fat. The longer we carry muscle mass or excess fat, the more the body learns from that reality to recognise that state as 'normal'.
This information reminds me how important it is to have a good teacher so you learn skilful movements and are observed doing them. Procedural memory helps you become good at something through repetition, but it can also cause you to reinforce bad habits. Taking in and responding to feedback from an experienced teacher means you get the most out of your yoga practice. You will build good foundations and use them to go on to intermediate and advanced poses.
The key to building skilful procedural memories is to focus on the quality of what you do. Work on breaking movements down into small chunks when you notice they are too complicated or difficult.
Doing yoga classes and regular home practice is an unbeatable combination. Then, the postural tips, flexibility and strength you learn in class will spill over into your everyday life.
They will become muscle memories.
 

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Do Muscles Have Memories?

I’ve been using the expression ‘muscle memory’ in my yoga classes to explain how students remember to do certain movements. People learn to embody certain movements over time. ‘Neuronal pathways’ is another term for what links the brain to the body’s ability to do activities.
I decided to check out my word use with Dr. Google. […]

read more
Eve Grzybowski - Home

It's been out of print for 15 or more years but now it's back.  It's available as a paperback as well as a range of digital formats for different devices.  The design of this edition is modelled as closely as possible on the original release from 1997.

Electronic versions:

Paperback version:

(Note: Book retailers set their own prices that are all different and constantly change.  It's worth shopping around for the best price.)

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Teach Yourself Yoga.  Just ask and quote ISBN: 978-0-6487945-0-9.

Please send me feedback about the book.  I'd love to hear about any errors or problems with eBooks on various devices.  And please review the book wherever you get it.  Reviews will help more people discover the book.

Eve Grzybowski - Home

Classes and Workshops

I'm currently teaching two weekly classes on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales where I live. I also lead workshops here and in other parts of Australia.

Eve Grzybowski - Home

Visit the Vault!

I've been regularly contributing to this blog since 2009.  There are now over 1250 posts about a very wide range of topics. Click here to explore.

Eve Grzybowski - Home

Yoga Resources

Books, videos, teachers, websites, places to buy really hot yoga clothes (kidding), and generally anything I find that I think others might find useful.

Eve Grzybowski - Home

A Bit About Eve

I've been teaching since I was 35. I'm now 76. In that time there have been a few changes. Click here if you want to find out a bit about my life.

Eve Grzybowski - Home

Shop

No, I'm not selling yoga mats or clothing.  I don't even have a t-shirt... yet.  But from time to time I find myself with something that someone may want.  Have a look, I'm never sure what you'll find.