The array of Bhoga family tools are created to reduce pain and improve health while enhancing mindfulness. Designed to delight everyone from the sedentary chair/couch sitter, yogi(ni)s, Pilates practitioners, physical therapists and fitness enthusiasts of all methodologies! We use natural, sustainable and renewable materials for our health and the health of our planet!
The backstory – I was 18 when I took my first yoga class in the basement of a church in Harvard Square in Cambridge. Fast forward ten years. Having been inspired by the practical and spiritual principles of yoga, I move to San Francisco to study yoga. The Institute for Yoga Teacher Education, later to become the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco perfectly suited my western mind wanting to ‘understand’ why I was doing what we were doing in each posture. They taught anatomy and physiology alongside asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), philosophy and the fine art of teaching.
Before beginning my first class at the IYTE, I overdid a backbend and paralyzed a shoulder muscle, the right serratus anterior. Yikes. I was not able to raise my arm overhead and my shoulder blade protruded in back when bringing the arm forward.Luckily, I was embarking on a magnificent journey of discovery and healing. Little did I know of B.K.S. Iyengar but his influence, more than any other, inspired what was to become the Bhoga System — tools for body/mind balance.
At the heart of integrating body/mind intelligence is being aligned, balanced and centered. Iyengar’s innovation in using ‘props’ enables any level practitioner to create and maintain optimal alignment for their ability. Common props used are blocks, blankets, belts, chairs and bolsters. There are props called forward benders, back benders, halasana and setu bandha benches plus many more. My fascination with props and my desire for optimal balance in body and mind is responsible for the birth of the Bhoga System – tools for body/mind balance.
Fast forward more decades. Happily, my injured right shoulder area is almost completely healthy. My flexibility, strength, fluidity and balance are continually improving using Bhoga System tools with a healthy diet. I am confident you will enjoy using Bhoga family tools for life! Experience improved balance, flexibility and strength; safely and simply. Dance with gravity:)
Enjoy,
Randy Dean
Founder