About
Sandi Russi, E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teacher) is the owner and primary instructor of East Sac Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 2001 as a certified Ananda Yoga instructor.
Series Classes available at 3240 B Street (Lion's Roar Dharma Center) in Sacramento at 11:30 a.m. Mondays. Series also available at Sacramento Yoga Center, 2791 24th Street, Room 6 (Sierra 2 Center) on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Each series is a "theme" for the month such as "Ananda Yoga + Yoga Nidra," "Yoga for Joint Health," etc. Get updates at www.eastsacyoga.com
Classes also available via Zoom 4x/week at 9:00 a.m. NEW Student Special: $30 for unlimited online attendance.
Classes are rooted in the Ananda tradition and emphasize safety and comfort. Rest periods are taken in between the poses and students are given instruction on how to modify poses for their individual needs.
We begin either sitting or lying down watching the breath for a few minutes before moving into gentle warm-up stretches. After transitioning to standing postures, we come back to the floor for seated and/or prone/supine poses. Class is completed with ample time in deep relaxation to fully integrate the benefits of entire practice. A drop of pure, therapeutic grade essential oil may be offered to enhance deep relaxation.
Ananda Yoga includes breathing, pranayama, affirmations and gentle guidance to students to become more aware of the body, the breath and the energy within.
In private sessions, we outline specific poses to support the client's goals and fine-tune the practice to the client's needs.
I enjoy connecting with my students and helping them discover the many ways that yoga can benefit their health and well-being. I especially enjoy hearing how good they feel after class and how it was "just what they needed."
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Determine if there are any medical condisitions, past injuries or other concerns.
Let the student know basic safety precautions and advise to move out of any poses carefully if they are not comfortable or feeling any sense of strain or pain.
Let the new student know the basic sequence of the class: breathing on back or sitting up; gentle warm-up stretches on the floor; transition to standing poses; back to floor for more postures; transition to deep relaxation. Deep relaxation may include guided body scan or guided visualization then breathing in silence. We gently return to body awareness and return to sitting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certified Ananda Yoga Instructor, 2001. E-RYT 200 with the Yoga Alliance: “Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher.” I have taken many classes and workshops over the years, integrating all that I learn to help students practice safely in a way that works for their bodies.
I also integrate other modalities such as occational use of pure therapeutic essential oils to help with breathing, deep relaxation, focus, etc.
As I have worked on my own health & healing, in 2019, I have begun to introduce students to Energy Medicine practices that easily integrate with our yoga practice.
2021 update: I am currently enrolled in a 300-hour yoga teacher training to deepen and broaden my understanding of all aspects of yoga, bringing this knowledge to my students as well. Upon completion, I will be registered as an E-RYT 500 with the Yoga Alliance.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Several options are available and all can be seen at: http://eastsacyoga.com/class-fees/.
ALL classes via Zoom during COVID (this updated 9/9/21). New Student Special is $20 for 30 days.
Info below is for when we return to in-person classes.
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NEW STUDENTS can choose 1 of the following offers:
Option #1: usable at SYC LOCATION ONLY: $10 for 20 days -- this pass can be used for ANY SYC instructor. We are all independing and after your 20 days, you can choose who you'd like to continue with.
Option #2: $20 for 1 month. Good at BOTH locations, but at SYC, only for Sandi's classes.
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SYC is located at 2791 24th Street, Room #6 (Sierra 2 Community Center in Curtis Park area). Street parking or enter the lot via 4th Avenue, near basketball court. Drive to back left corner of lot and you will see the SYC sign above window.
East Sac Yoga's 2nd location is at Lion's Roar Dharma Center, 3240 B Street (just a few blocks east of McKinley Park). Park in the lot and enter via the stairs on side of building.
How did you get started teaching?
I came to Ananda Yoga originally through meditation. At an all-day meditation in late 1999, I receive a clear message to pursue the Yoga Teacher Training. I had already completed many of the required courses through my meditation and philosophy studies at the Sacramento Ananda Center. In 2001, I completed the 200-hour training at the Expanding Light in Nevada City, Ananda’s Retreat center.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve worked with students of all ages and experience levels, including children, teens, adults and seniors.
A number of students I work with have various physical challenges and limitations. Most of the students in my morning classes are retired or semi-retired.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love the Healing Arts Festival that happens 2x /year in Sacramento. The event is run by Prasanna, another Ananda Yoga instructor. She thoroughly vets all of the vendors at the event.
I have been a vendor at the event for the past few years, offering complimentary neuro-auricular technique: a simple process of applying 4 therapeutic-grade essential oils to the back of the neck to support immune system, reduce stress and help with sleep.
About once every month or two, I offer Aroma-Bliss Yoga classes which incorporate the use of therapuetic grade essential oils with the yoga practice. I only use Young Living essential oils due to their stringent quality control, farming practices and high standards.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I typically offer the following advice to those looking for a yoga instructor:
#1– find someone who will keep you safe! Does the instructor give plenty of cues to help your protect your knees and other areas of concern? Does the instructor show you step-by-step HOW to get into the pose and HOW to come out of the pose safely? To receive the many benefits that yoga has to offer, one needs to be BOTH SAFE & COMFORTABLE. I do not advise working with anyone who wants to “push” your body somewhere it is not ready to be. It is ok to feel a stretch... but not pain or strain.
#2 — Find someone you resonate with. You want to feel that the instructor is approachable and easy to talk to. Is this someone you feel comfortable asking questions? Do you like the sound of his/her voice? Do you feel inspired, uplifted, etc., in their presence?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about your health and wellness goals. BE sure to discuss any particular medical concerns or past injuries.