A Bit About Myself
Sheryl Oleksak, ERYT
When I was in my late teens/early twenties, I was a gym junkie. Many hours a week were spent at the gym but nothing was happening to me physically. This was due to my strict, so called too healthy/unhealthy eating and excessively working out lifestyle. With many things going on in my life I looked healthy, maybe a bit thin, but mentally and physically I was not.
I took a step back and realized I am important, accomplished, loved, and I needed to change some things so I can be on the path that was better for me. I made these changes: my diet (not perfect but what is perfect, importantly, food is not a negative thing for me anymore), the way I view things in life (being positive) and I turned to yoga (not only for the physical aspect but for a better mental awareness).
Yoga was now the place for me and I realized that it did challenge my mind and body along with relaxing it. The feelings of strength, ease, accomplishment, open heartedness, harmony and balance, just to name a few, was all given to me in my practice. I also have been playing the piano since the age of 5. Being a pianist along with the feeling I get from listening to music is that great addition of Harmony and Balance, hence Aria Yoga.
These are the feelings that I want to share with others. Me..... stand up in front of students to teach yoga..... yes, it's scary I thought, but not when you are passionate with what you do from your heart.
Today I have daily classes and do workshops at Yoga Studios and Gyms on Long Island and NYC. I have also gained experience by teaching at resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.
Remember every day is a different day!
We grow.... We learn.... And we will meet soon!!
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST....... BE HAPPY ALWAYS!! SMILE!!!!
Disciplines
Tools of my trade.
Thai Yoga Massage
Many years ago a dynamic bodywork therapy based upon yoga and Ayurveda practices, appeared in the temples of Thailand. This therapeutic art was directly rooted in the Indian healing traditions of Ayurvedic medicine.
In this unique healing system of Thai Yoga Massage, the practitioner guides the client through a series of yoga postures, while palming and thumbing along the body’s energy (‘Sen’) lines and pressure points. Together these actions result in a comprehensive full body treatment that relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and balances the body energetically.
Vinyasa and Hot Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a style of yoga that keeps you moving from pose to pose linking each pose to an inhale and an exhale. Movements from one pose to another are continuous which allows you to stay present along with using your breath. Different breathing techniques are also given which will allow you to find strength and ease throughout the practice and even when you leave your mat.
Hot Vinyasa is a flow that is practiced in a room of 85 to 105 degrees depending on the studio. A vinyasa flow does create body heat but the heated room adds more intensity to the flow. The heat magnifies the physical environment which encourages those in the practice to be present, while noticing feelings, thoughts and physical sensations. Of course, your body knows the level of heat that is tolerable.
Essential Oils
The use of essential oils is a natural and holistic approach to a positive well-being. Aromatherapy uses plant-based essential oils to provide the mind and body with various health benefits. These oils are free of harmful side effects and they work quickly as the get absorbed through the skin and lungs. Essential oils trigger responses in the brain that send healing to the body. These oils can alleviate digestive disorders, reduce symptoms of depression/anxiety, aid in sleep deprivation, to name a few. These oils can be used as a topical, diffuser, sprayed or ingested. Essential oils are used in Sheryl’s yoga practice in Svasana (and sometimes throughout), during her workshops, Thai Massage and Reiki in order to aid in relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall mood.
STRENGTH & SERENITY®
Pilates & Yoga Tag Team
If you're tired of going to classes with the same expected exercises and a flow that you could do in your sleep, then join Yvette Lenhart and Sheryl Oleksak for something unexpected! Their tag team teaching style pulls together the best of Yoga and Pilates into a fun, spontaneous, and challenging class that will keep you on your toes and leave your body feeling great! All levels are welcome.
Buti Yoga
A dynamic yoga practice fused with cardio intensive bursts of tribal dance, primal movement and conditioning. There is a focus on activating the spiral structure of the core to engage the deep abdominal muscles and strengthen the body. Buti comes from the word Butisattva, “Buti” meaning the cure to something kept hidden or secret” and “Sattva” meaning mode of existence. Having fun, being yourself, no judgment is key and this goes for all yoga practices.
Partner Yoga
Finding that connection, trust, and communication with your partner while each person gives support and receives benefits as the two create a posture together. Working with a partner provides balance in a pose while establishing and maintaining proper body alignment. Listening is key since one might not be as flexible as the other. Breathing techniques still apply even though this practice might not be as rigid as a Vinyasa flow.
Reiki
A spiritual healing art coming from the Japanese word (Rei) meaning “Universal Life” and (Ki) meaning “Energy.” Energy can be stagnant where there has been physical trauma or emotional pain in the body. Reiki is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea of unseen “life force energy” flows through the body. This practice aids in relaxation, assists in the body’s natural healing processes, and develops emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.