We all know movement is a key component of optimal health, but it has to be accessible and it has to be smart. The benefits of any physical practice are also amplified when other holistic methods coalesce restful sleep, proper nutrition, mental health, the development of healthy relationships, and so on. On the mat, Taylor's teachings are upbeat, light, and playful. He encourages healthy, skillful movement. Off the mat, Taylor a paramedic, anatomy teacher, and current emergency & psychiatric nursing student uses yoga with both his students and patients to illustrate new ways of thinking about their bodies and their lives. His passion for the way the human body works is contagious and his long-term goal is to move people toward a healthier life. Catch one of his upbeat classes, and you may just find your frown turned upside down.
Yoga
This restorative practice is all about using the breath to surrender the body into a state of relaxation. Begin with a quick body scan, then use your exhalation to release and unwind into deep folds and twists. Learn how to support your practice using props to find deeper relaxation in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Finish with a seated meditation. Props Required: as many as possible—blocks, blankets, and a bolster or cushion.
Meditation
This 15-minute meditation teaches how to tap into the breath, find pause, and open a line of communication. Great for cultivating a sense of consideration and compassion for others when we’re experiencing a short fuse.
Yoga
A gentle practice with easy poses to calm the body and nervous system before sleep. Begin with breathwork, seated stretches, and a restorative 5- to 7-minute supported savasana. Props Required: Bolster or pillows.