Yodates® is a unified mind body approach to cardiovascular conditioning. Yodates® stimulates the mind, motivates the body, and inspires spirit. It is a fun, vigorous moving meditation that ultimately quiets the mind, strengthens the body, and evokes a feeling of bliss. Be prepared to let loose and sweat!!

Be Prepared For Class:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes in advance of class to sign-in and set up
• Wear comfortable & supportive clothing
• Bring a water bottle and towel
• Please bring a yoga mat or purchase one at the studio

About Yodates®

Yodates® is an integrated, cardiovascular approach to fitness that unites mind, body, and spirit.

Benefits of Yodates®

• Find pleasure and joy within the body.
• Experience movement that is motivated by individual choices.
• Uncover the parasitical elements eroding self esteem and self worth.
• Discover the qualities that make you unique and special.
• Improve cardiovascular health and emotional wellbeing.
• Learn to initiate from internal sensation rather than external appearance.
• Embrace life with each breath taken.

Finding Joy Through Yodates® - by Brandi Woodard

The passage below is an excerpt from Brandi's upcoming Book on Yodates®.

       Unfortunately, fitness is not enjoyable for most. I rarely hear people raving about how emotionally and spiritually fulfilling their workouts are yet, experience has taught us that if a fitness program is not truly enjoyable then the prospects of continuing are next to none. Like glamour magazine models and movie star personalities, it appears the portrait of fitness has become an unattainable idea about how someone else thinks you should look. If I see another chiseled young babe with fake boobs coaching me in a workout routine, I just might lose all hope that fitness can possibly be the lifeline millions of woman and youths are so desperately in need of.

       What is so interesting to me is that in spite of a booming fitness industry our society is tragically overweight, unhealthy, and miserably depressed. Why the discrepancy you may ask? It is my belief that the fitness industry’s marketing madness is meant to keep you unbalanced so that you’ll continue to buy into the propaganda. It really is no different then makeup ads that make you feel unattractive, old, and self-doubtful unless you go out and buy the newest product or cream that guarantees to take years off your sagging face or reduce that unsightly cellulite. It is no surprise to me that our society is largely off center. Nothing is ever good enough as it is: hair color, teeth color, size, weight, skin, age. You name it and someone is preaching about why it is not good as it naturally is. When will it end? As long as we continue to buy into the hype, it will never end and unfortunately our society will continue its downward spiral into obesity and depression.

       If we want to make the necessary changes to turn this disturbing trend around, we need to embrace ourselves are we are NOW!!! Not the skinnier, younger looking, prettier you that so many of us are striving to become but, the uniquely beautiful person you are right now at this moment. Tell me about the wonderful qualities that you possess. Tell me how you demonstrated compassion for both yourself and others today. Tell me about the experiences that have shaped you into the character you are today. Certainly, you have many more great qualities then not so great qualities. If your having trouble: Did you show love, kindness, and compassion to your significant others, kids, or pets today? Did you start your day with a healthy breakfast? Did you brush your teeth, take a shower, and get dressed for the day without judgment? Okay, that last one may have been a challenge for some but, I’m trying to get you to understand that happiness and self-contentment are found in the little things we do every day and not in the aspirations we may have for the future. Happiness is also not found lingering in the halls of past sorrows and regrets. The magic we all seek in life is found within us with every breath taken. All that is needed is the desire to discover it and the self discipline to embrace it.

       You may be saying: Oh come on, is it really that easy? Well, yes and no. Anything worth having requires an investment of some kind. Whether that means making time for it or following through with single minded determination is ultimately decided by you and your level of discipline or self control. Let’s start small: Take a few minutes to breath before moving on. Take deep, slow, and deliberate inhales and exhales. Close your eyes and feel the sensations traveling throughout the body. As you continue to breathe this way, acknowledge to yourself that there is greatness within you. You have the capacity to be kind, generous, compassionate and loving to others and, most importantly, to yourself. It begins with the belief that you can. In theory it really is that simple but, put to practice, can be extremely challenging for some.

       Let me help you uncover the parasitical elements eroding your self esteem and allow me to assist you in your journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. Let me be a friend who wants nothing more than to see you happy and healthy and living life to the fullest. I offer you my support and guidance as you peruse the path toward enlightenment. There will be challenges along the way that will require discipline but, let this discipline become a good friend encouraging you during the discovery of your unique self. If good health and happiness were the paths of least resistance, then I guarantee we would all have them.

       I ask you to be kind to yourself. Stop berating yourself and turn off the marketing madness that surrounds us all. Watch less TV, avoid magazines and spend more quality time with yourself and those whom you love. Read more of what interests you and find activities that bring about feeling of joy. I love paging through cottage house plan books and cottage living materials because cottages bring about feelings of inner peace and contentment for me. I’m not entirely sure why but I think it has to do with the comfy nooks and crannies, the wood details that bring weight and sophistication to a space, and the intimacy of the designs. If I’m feeling tired, bored, or depressed, I consciously avoid the kitchen because giving in to my desire to fill empty space with food will only bring about feelings of discontent and failure. Instead, I go to my cottage stash and instantly feel better both during and, most importantly, after. This simple thing can start a ripple affect that boosts my confidence and brings me pleasure and satisfaction knowing that I exhibited will power and self discipline and made a conscious choice that supports my journey toward better health and happiness.

       Throughout this book I’ll give anecdotal suggestions, motivational quotes, and provide you with appropriate tools to successfully navigate the lifelong learning process fully awake, fully alive, and filled with spirit. I’ll also provide a step by step guide to developing a fitness program that is enjoyable and accessible to most that embraces and celebrates the body as a profound way of knowing. My Yodates® program envelops unique elements like embracing ugly and focuses on specific breathing patterns that can bring about feelings of joy like no other fitness program you’ve experienced before. If you decide this program doesn’t work for you, please seek out a fitness program that brings you satisfaction. If you can’t enjoy it and look forward to it, then you’ll probably give up on it sooner rather than later.

       What follows is an attempt to provide accurate information, both quantitative and qualitative, that will inform readers of the current state of health and happiness among citizens. I will also present integrative ideas and applications of mind-body practices and methods that aim to promote quality living. Through this integrative process, it will be determined that Yodates® meets and exceeds the requirements of a mind-body technique aimed at improving a person’s health, fitness, and wellness; physically, mentally, and spiritually. By accessing bodily knowledge the mind, body, and spirit are given the opportunity to unite. Through this union we can see more clearly and then be more capable of making positive choices that can increase happiness and well-being. Sadness, depression, and poor health should not be the default condition that governs our lives. Good health and happiness cannot be bought and no magic pills or products exist that bring about feelings of joy, but there are things one can do everyday to steer their life in a direction toward self-acceptance, self-love, and improved health.

       Namaste…may the divine beauty of you shine within me. -- Brandi Woodard