Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of yoga?
Most people are aware of the basic benefits of yoga. However, there is a unique benefit to the physical practice of yoga that most exercises lack, and that is strengthening the mind-body connection. Learning to transition between the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze vs. rest and digest) is extremely beneficial. Since we tend to be overstimulated in modern society there’s a strong argument to be made that most of us could benefit from more time spent relaxing in the parasympathetic state, but shifting between the two states is the real secret sauce.
During yoga class stress may be introduced to your body by attempting a difficult balancing pose so, you enter fight flight or freeze mode. Your fists are closed tight, your jaw is clenched and you’re taking rapid shallow breaths. Then as you focus your gaze, and take calm deep breaths your brain gets the signal that you aren’t in danger, so the state of your nervous system shifts. Learning to manipulate the connection between your mind and body creates an awareness that allows you to transform the way you feel and the more often you practice dealing with controlled stress in the safety of yoga class, the easier it is to deal with unexpected stress throughout daily life.
What if I’m not good at yoga?
Just because you can’t bend like a pretzel doesn’t mean you’re bad at yoga! I couldn’t care less if there are pictures of you doing a handstand while eating an ice-cream cone with your foot (or something crazy like that) on social media. With Refined Remedy, your yoga experience is completely judgment free. As long as you’re movin’ and open to new challenges I’m happy for you : )
Yoga is called a practice for a reason. Even if you practice for a lifetime, there’s always more to learn. If you’re a new student you actually have the advantage of bypassing the development of bad habits and learning the basics in an intelligent way. P.S. since classes are virtual you can practice alone in the comfort of your own home or with a group of your most supportive friends! So, throw all your worries and excuses right out the window.
What is the meaning behind Refined Remedy?
Refined: removing unwanted elements through processing; developed or improved; cultured and elegant in manner
Remedy: To restore, to heal; treatment, medicine, solution
Refined Remedy was created as a resource to practice yoga and share health & wellness advice. Since we are always learning, changing, and growing it was important to incorporate that idea in our name. Like many things, learning yoga is a process. It’s okay to start with simple on demand videos, and then build up to challenging hour-long classes. Health and wellness looks different for everyone. That’s why Lexi is excited to offer a variety of classes that you can customize for your fitness routine and lifestyle.
While it seemed like an obvious choice to include the word yoga in our name, Lexi did not want to do that because most people think of yoga poses when they hear the word yoga. At Refined Remedy the goal isn’t for you to practice yoga poses all day. The goal is to enhance your well-being and enable you to thrive in all aspects of your life. Yoga poses are great, but they are tools to build self-awareness. Some days your remedy might be a vinyasa class, but other days it could be a meditation session, a walk outside, or a phone call with your best friend.
Why do you teach yoga?
The progress and positive outcomes that students report is our main inspiration for teaching. Yoga has transformed Lexi’s life in beautiful ways and she wants to share that experience. She believes yoga asana is an incredible way to help people become the best version of themselves because we repeatedly practice growing beyond comfort zones, and have the chance to increase our self-awareness with each pose.
Why do you choose to teach on Union?
Lexi chose to start teaching on Union for a few reasons. One is because she loves using the platform as a student! The easy access of on demand videos with amazing teachers works well with her busy schedule. She also likes that the platform allows her to teach high-quality livestream classes AND saves them to the Refined Remedy profile creating a library of classes that grows every week for students to go back and watch on demand. Lexi is also a proud member of the Balance Yoga Project and happy to work with a platform that has active Black Lives Matter initiatives.
We all know that consistency, and repetition are key to progress. With Refined Remedy’s monthly class pass on Union, you have unlimited replays of on demand videos! This allows you to practice the videos that make the most sense for you until it’s time to move forward. This also allows you to have agency in your practice. Based on factors like the time of day, or your energy level you can decided if it’s best to take a relaxing class filled with floor postures or a lively vinyasa flow.
What if I tried yoga before and didn’t like it?
Yoga is not a one size fits all scenario. There are many styles and countless teachers, so you are bound to find a combination that feels right for you. Lexi’s teaching style focuses on keeping things simple to help you gain the confidence you need to build your yoga practice. Her goal is to provide you with plenty of options so that you can gain exposure to the elements of yoga that interest you the most. Lexi is especially excited to offer short videos so that even when your day goes sideways you can find a little time to incorporate yoga into your day.
What if I don’t have yoga pants?
You do not need fancy yoga pants to practice yoga. You can practice in shorts, old sweatpants, or whatever you’re comfortable moving in. If you want to practice in your pajamas, go for it! I personally like to practice in tight yoga pants because I love the way the soft fabric feels clinging to my skin. I’ve always loved leggings and I was definitely ahead of my time with the athleisure wear trend. Even my Abuelita has been wearing tight leggings since I can remember (to help keep her bad knee in place lol!). What can I say? A love for tight pants runs in the family. In addition to the lovely feel, I prefer to wear tight yoga clothing in most of my videos because I can give visual demonstrations much better than in baggy clothes.
Will I become a dirty hippie?
No, probably not. Trust me, you can experience the amazing benefits of yoga without joining a cult, or moving to a new continent, or changing your name to something that makes everyone raise an eyebrow.
Why did you start Refined Remedy?
A few years ago, Lexi was exhausted and unhappy. After going on a yoga retreat she committed to practicing yoga every day, meditating, and reading more self-development books. At some point she read the poem “tired” by Cleo Wade.
I was tired of worrying
so I gave myself my peace back
I was tired of feeling intimidated by what I should do
so I pulled up my sleeves
and
got to work on what I could do
I was tired of not knowing
so I found out—about myself, my family, my
ancestors, my government, and the struggles of others
I was tired of seeing evil everywhere
so I found the heavenly spots and showed my
neighbors where they
were
I was tired
of looking at the world as one big mess
so I decided to
start cleaning it up
and when people ask me if I am exhausted
I tell them no
because
more than anything
what I got the most tired of
was being tired
-Cleo Wade