Front Page, Suzi Mahler

About Suzi

Suzi began her yoga journey at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, California in 1976. As a dancer, she found yoga to be helpful in her movement art., Her first class with a well known local yoga and dance teacher, Roberta Bristol, changed her path and sent her on a quest to learn more about the ancient art of yoga. After graduating from UCSC, she traveled the world studying and exploring a variety of styles of yoga. Decades later, Suzi had the privilege of attending a retreat with Roberta and during this yoga retreat Roberta said, “Suzi, you must teach yoga.” Suzi took it to heart and adapted a unique style of Vinyasa yoga based on a chair.

Forever a student, Suzi pulls tidbits of information from years of study of Asian healing traditions and shares with students her knowledge of functional movement, meditation, mantra, breath awareness, anatomy, and nutrition. She studied with Korean Master Yu in the ancient tradition of a Shiatsu-like style of healing and began practicing functional body therapy in downtown Santa Cruz for over 20 years.

What is Chair Yoga?

Suzi transformed asanas (yoga poses) for the chair to accommodate any person’s age or ability without having to get on the floor. She developed a unique style that flows gently into a pose with awareness of the breath and the body in space. Each class begins with pranayama, (breath work), then movement, targeting the joints to increase range of motion. Standing poses are always optional, but work on balance is key to building strength and stability.

Suzi is passionate about spreading the joy of yoga to inspire healing in all of us.

Classes

Class Schedule

Class is canceled Friday, April 25, at Grey Bears and on Zoom.

Maintaining our personal health becomes even more important as we navigate aging. Make the practice of yoga apart of your health routine.

Weekly Schedule On Zoom and In-Person

Tuesday Chair Yoga 9:30am-10:30am on Zoom

Tuesday Gentle Mat Yoga 10:40am-11:00am on Zoom Free ( you must be a regular student to attend this class).

Thursday Chair Yoga 9:30am-10:30am on Zoom

Thursday Meditation Basics 10:40am-11:00am on Zoom Free ( you must be a regular student to attend this class).

Friday Chair Yoga 9:30am-10:30am on Zoom & in person at Grey Bears. Please contact Suzi at suzimahler@gmail.com for details. Everyone is welcome.

What you will need:
A comfortable chair, preferably without arms.
A yoga block and strap. These props are not required, but they do help assist in poses.
A yoga mat. A mat is not required, but if your chair is on a slick floor, it helps stabilize the chair from slipping. If using a mat, place your chair on top of your mat.

For Gentle Mat Yoga
This class will be on the floor. You will need a yoga mat, strap, blanket, and block. These props are suggested, but not required. If you are comfortable getting down and up from the floor, please join me for restorative gentle yoga. This class is free.

Zoom Info Pay For Classes

Student Testimonials

What students are saying

I am loving the class so much. Thank you.I have been dealing with neck issues for quite some time. I have tried various exercises, chiropractic (one session – mistake!) and PT. After Thursday’s class, I noticed that my neck felt better than it had in years. I am anxious to incorporate the things you did into my daily practice, but don’t remember the sequence exactly. Can you direct me to a resource or do a brief recap for me?I am so excited about this neck relief – and so grateful to you!

AB

About 8 weeks ago I had surgery on my right elbow as the result of osteoarthritis. I have had follow up with the surgeon and I have rehab therapy every 2 weeks with an OT. Both of them see that my right arm extension has improved significantly and rapidly. We are all in agreement that the yoga as had a therapeutic affect on my elbow joint.So, thank you from me and my treatment team for helping me have a successful and speedy recovery process.Grateful in Newton,

Ellen

Thank you so much for the great class this morning. I’ve never taken a chair class before–and the PSOAS is my #1 challenge with low back pain, so super helpful for informing my small (but mighty) home practice. 🙂 Plus, I’ve never taken yoga sitting with a 94 year old student before!I wanted to let you know that I now understand why you have an ‘entourage’– your knowledge, clarity, kindness, and grace is a blessing for our senior friends–and for yours truly as well.

Diane

Great class today–I drove away feeling so good, comfortable in my body. Some of the exercises I know are particularly beneficial to me, and I’m learning to adjust to those not so easy and just do what I can. As you always tell us! Thank you for everything and I am so glad my friend recommended I try your class. It is hard to believe 12 months have gone by!

Lorraine

I believe chair yoga balances life; between food, exercise, and daily living. Chair yoga offers the opportunity to establish community. It also gives me a sense of well-being. Chair yoga has completely changed my life by changing my outlook and giving me a sense of total relaxation without having to go on vacation! The classes with Suzi has improved the quality of my life.

Tamera N.

While standing in line at DMV I practiced balancing! My balance and stamina have increased substantially since starting chair yoga with Suzi. I take classes at Grey Bears, Resurrection Church and at Capitola Fitness. The effort has paid off. I love the fact at 84 years old I can balance on one foot!