During these cooler days, please give 2 hours notice if you plan to attend class. That gives adaquate time to warm up the studio. Thanks!
Using Christian Yoga to Increase Wellness
I began taking yoga exercise classes in 1988 and developed an avid interest in this type of exercise by 2002. Over the next two years I saw the amazing benefits in my own life and began teaching in 2004. I teach yoga at my studio in Freeman, Missouri.
The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5,000 years. Yoga arrived in the United States in the late 1800s, but it did not become widely known until the 1960s. Many physicians are now recommending Yoga to patients at risk for heart disease, as well as those with back pain, arthritis, depression, and other chronic conditions. Yoga is suitable for most adults of any age or physical condition.
Research has proven the benefits of exercise for physical and mental health. The uniqueness of yoga exercise encompasses even more areas of benefit: physical, mental, and spiritual. Yoga improves focus, concentration, memory and balance. The physical benefits encompass improvement in muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Balance, posture, circulation, and cardio strength are other areas that benefit. There is less risk of bodily injury and falling when compared to other types of exercise. As people begin to age, there is less flexibility in the muscles, joints and ligaments. The body doesn’t move as quickly or easily as it used to, and sometimes pain is involved. Yoga, can help to reverse this trend. The flexibility and ease of movement of youth begins to return. The old saying is “Use it, or lose it”! Yoga is an exercise form that you can start enjoying no matter your age and harvest the rewards.
My exercise program nurtures the body and soul. Classes offer strengthening and toning exercises with a spiritual component. Think of my yoga classes as “Release Yoga”. It is an opportunity to release tension, both in your mind and your body, your muscles and joints. It is a chance to release some of the things that are not helpful for you and gain flexibility because you are helping your muscles, joints and mind flow in ways that while they may be new, will be helpful and nurturing.
GOAL: To build a practice that offers physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
PHYSICALLY: Build muscle and bone strength, improve flexibility, tone the body and help prevent future injury, build muscle strength without putting stress on the joint, help rehabilitate injured joints, increase lean muscle and decrease body fat, help control weight, strengthen the overall immune system, lower blood pressure.
EMOTIONALLY: Relieve stress, enhance your psychological well-being, reduce the development of depression, improve blood circulation and mental focus, elevate mood.
SPIRITUALLY: Improve breathing which calms your mind and relaxes your body; provide the opportunity for prayer, meditation and receiving insight.
My program takes a non-competitive, sensible, and individualistic approach to exercise. Go at your own pace. Pay attention to your body. Do not do anything that is painful. Do not do anything that your body is not ready to do.
Yoga Poses
Your ability to do yoga poses will advance the longer you practice yoga. The poses are very forgiving of beginners. They can be started at one level, and as you continue and your flexibility increases you will find you can go further into the pose, getting more of a stretch. Yoga is something that can be done by almost anyone, no matter their level of athleticism and they will notice the benefits. No matter how much you improve, you won’t “outgrow” yoga, as the poses can be adapted to your level of fitness. Nancy is very good at helping people find the way to modify poses when needed. People with back problems have benefitted from yoga as well.
Comments from students who take or have taken my classes:
“My flexibility is better when I teach my dance classes”
“My golf game has improved”
“I sleep better”
“It helps me relax and let go of the stress that builds up in me. I get a more centered feeling, and feel more calm. I love my drive home from yoga, it’s a time I can be quiet in my mind. I don’t know if it’s Nancy’s studio because it always smells so good (she diffuses the essential oils) or that the yoga alone helps me be able to maintain more serenity. But whatever it is, or whatever combination, I love learning yoga from Nancy, and I love the class. Oh, it does help my balance and flexibility too!”
To take my yoga class you will need:
1) Comfortable clothing that you can move easily in.
2) A Yoga Mat, these I supply, so even if you don’t have one there will be one here you can use. I do sell them to students at a very reasonable rate so they can exercise at home. They are also available at most sporting goods stores.
3) Plan to drink plenty of water after class. You should drink plenty of water everyday anyway!
Lesson Schedule
Freeman Studio Summer Schedule–Please let me know if you plan on attending class.
Monday 8:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-6:00 PM
Saturday 8:30-9:30 AM
Occasionally there will be a Friday morning class held. To be notified sign up at nancy@waystowellness.info
To sign up, call 816-506-9906 or e-mail
For questions or to make arrangements to take a class, send e-mail to nancy@waystowellness.info