Gardnerville's Yoga Loft celebrates one year of business

The Yoga Loft in Gardnerville is celebrating one year of business filled with gratitude for the support of the community and its loyal clients, said owner Jill Mustacchio.

"The Yoga Loft celebrates our one year anniversary presenting unique and inspiring workshops that will open your heart, motivate your mind and strengthen your body," she said. "The loft opens to beautiful views of the Sierra and skies. In a time of uncertainty, the loft is in full swing this new year and dedicated to promoting health, wellness and joy."

Mustacchio placed the word "Joy" in her yoga loft to be the reminder of what she wants to share this upcoming year.

"Yoga is about finding inner joy amongst life's challenges (we all have them), as we connect to the movement of our body and the flow of our breath," she said. "Sometimes that is found hiking in nature or making a home cooked meal with love. Opening the studio in our special valley has been one of the highlights of my life. Many of my students have become my friends and we have grown together."

Mustacchio has lived in the Valley for 21 years raising her three children with her husband Jon. She has a degree in health education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a 200-hour registered Yoga Alliance instructor. She also teaches Yoga for Cancer Warriors at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center in Carson City on Wednesdays at 10 to 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and for the Carson Valley Medical Center Breast Cancer Resource Center at The Yoga Loft on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m.

Mustacchio is passionate about the benefits of yoga and that it is for everybody.

"Not only will yoga improve the strength and flexibility of the body but it will oxygenate your entire being bringing vitality and improved energy," she said. "The stretches/asanas improve the health of the joints and spine, increase balance, improve posture, reduce pain and increase range of motion of the body. Modern medicine is embracing yoga as a powerful healing tool. Studies are flooding the medical research of the health benefits of yoga for all ages and abilities including disease processes. Studies show yoga helps to reduce the harsh effects of chemotherapy to cancer patients, helping with pain management and promoting relaxation. Research continues to support the health and relaxation benefits of yoga to patients of heart disease, arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, cancer, and many others."

In addition to offering a variety of classes, The Yoga Loft offers new workshops of healing and self discovery.

Kalena Thiessen, Minden resident and owner of Kalena Associates, Inspiring Creative Minds, is a certified soul coach and business advisor.

Thiessen's workshop "Women's Wheel of Life" in November at the loft was a success full of heart and heritage, Mustacchio said.

In keeping with Mustachio's monthly Friday Morning Cup of Yoga, Thiessen will be offering Cuppa Kalena, an hour and a half workshop of topics of interest for today's seeker. Thiessen will present "Dream Boxes," creating a dream box for your hopes and dreams for 2010. The January Cuppa Kalena will be held Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. Reserve space by calling Thiessen at (775) 721-3292 or Mustacchio at (775) 781-1226. Cost is $25 in advance.

Thiessen will also be starting her latest business inspiration group entitled "Infinity Project," turning vision into action. The 10-week program will teach you how to leave behind your rational mind and tap into your intuitive side to create a visual road map that will assist you in creating a marketing plan for 2010. Contact Thiessen for schedule and full details at www.kalenaassociates.com.

"There are many new wellness studios opening in Carson Valley which is wonderful for the health of our community," Mustacchio said. "Choices from Pilates, spinning, to yoga, a 'fit' to fitness for everyone. I am honored to be among the other women entrepreneurs that are dedicated to wellness, health, and business. Everyone needs to move and stretch their bodies. Find the time to try a new class or workshop to inspire your health and happiness this new year and meet some new friends."

The Yoga Loft offers a variety of yoga styles including Iyengar yoga levels 1 and 2 on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. taught by Mary Foraker and prenatal yoga with doula/massage therapist Anne Vondruska on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

The Yoga Loft is located upstairs in the Mountain View Center at 1528 Highway 395, Suite 200.

For more information visit www.jillsyogaloft.com or call (775) 781-1226.