Karen
Karen Moss is the founder, owner and director of Better Bodies Yoga which opened its doors in December 2004. Karen is grounded in a strong athletic foundation and maintains certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) which she earned initially in 1995 and received her 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification from YogaWest in traditional Hatha Yoga. In addition, she has trained and become certified in other areas of fitness including strength, cardio, mat, various sports and age specific instruction.
Inspired by her own personal transformation through yoga and motivated by her dedication to share her passion for yoga with others, Karen has founded a yoga studio that offers the benefits of yoga to students of all levels, all ages, and all physical abilities. She often says "if you can breathe, you can do yoga."
Karen believes that the strength of her studio lies in offering a variety of classes, styles and instructors. "I am proud to have assembled a varied, qualified and professionally certified group of instructors who bring their own gifts, experiences, knowledge, interest and energy into the studio. In this way, we are able to offer something for everyone, and an energy that all practitioners can connect with."
Energetic and athletic, Karen's students leave her classes energized, motivated, and relaxed. Although her power yoga and vinyasa classes are challenging and rigorous, Karen also enjoys teaching fundamentals to newcomers in a softer format to ensure a solid foundation. All of her classes are focused in form, alignment, and moving safely. Karen has found a particular niche in providing partner assisted yoga private lessons to especially athletes recovering from injuries or looking to prevent future ones, and to persons enduring brutal treatments and recovering from illnesses such as cancer.
All of Karen's students, three children and husband find her compassionate, sympathetic, understanding, and interested in their individual needs. Because yoga has helped Karen through the most challenging times of her life ~ personal loss, grief, injuries, and the aging process ~ she is truly committed to providing every individual who walks through her doors, with the foundation and guidance to allow yoga to help balance, bring harmony, and inner peace, to their lives as well.
Because Karen lost both parents to the Cancer, she has a particular connection to those individuals who are suffering from this disease, have survived cancer, or who have lost someone to this illness. In 1999, Karen lost her beloved father, Louis Kirschner to Lymphoma. In 2001 she ran the Chicago Marathon in her dads memory and raised $18,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2006, Karen's mother, Sylvia Kirschner, was diagnosed with and quickly died from Leukemia. Karen was given the opportunity to offer her mother some comfort in the hospital through the gift of yoga.
Better Bodies Yoga organizes a fund raising event each year, "Saluting the Spirit ~ Yoga for Cancer", for the Wings Cancer Foundation. In addition, each Saturday, Better Bodies Yoga offers free of charge a weekly yoga class for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.
Over the past three years, Karen has made her life's work giving people an opportunity to come to a safe, serene and very healing place to breathe in life, move, and find comfort, gain energy and hope from each other in a sacred space where they do not feel self-conscious but do feel connected and alive. She feels that ultimately this is her Seva (contribution) and the way in which she will leave the world a better place than she found it.
Amanda
Amanda Wilson has been a dedicated yoga student for the past five years, beginning with Bikram yoga in Portland, Oregon. Even though Amanda found a strong sense of discipline through Bikram yoga, she wanted to explore other styles that were less stringent and more flexible. Upon discovering the freedom and self interpretation of Vinyasa Flow yoga, Amanda knew then this was the direction she wanted to take. At the Asheville Yoga Center in North Carolina, Amanda studied under the tutelage of Stephanie Keach-earning her 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification. Amanda is CPR certified and has been teaching for over a year. Amanda compassionately guides her students as they explore their own personal yoga journey. Amanda encourages each practitioner to build a sturdy foundation, awareness of alignment, individuality, and movement of the body and mind through the wisdom of yoga.
Jimmie
Jimmie Miller first began her yoga journey in 1970. She has been teaching yoga and other fitness classes since 2002. Jimmie is an RYT(200hr certified yoga teacher) through Yoga Alliance. Jimmie is certified to teach Seniors and children as well as adults. She is also an AFAA certified personal trainer. Jimmie has completed four Shiva Rea workshops. This included a teacher intensive and Ayurveda lecture. She has also trained with Doug Swenson, Beth Shaw, David Belz, and others. Jimmie is now working toward her 500hr RYT. She just completed a four-day yoga Therapy Teacher Training Program. Yoga is a journey which can improve every aspect of life. Jimmie hopes to guide others so that they may find the joy that she has found in her practice.
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen McIntire, M.D. graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Memphis in 1981 and earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Tennessee in 1985. She has trained in pathology and internal medicine and currently practices urgent care medicine in Memphis. Her yogic journey evolved over the past ten years as she balanced her work in medicine, cared for her husband and 3 children and taught group exercise classes.
Mary Ellen has been teaching Mind Body Fitness Classes since 1995. Her love of yoga developed while training in Martial Arts. She holds a fourth degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and is a Master Instructor. Her husband and her children are accomplished black belt martial artists. Mary Ellen holds a Group Fitness Instructor Certification from the American Council on Exercise, is certified by YogaFit Level One, Two, and Three and recently completed her 200hr RYT through YogaWorks. She is also certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
She believes in the power of the mind body connection as an antidote to today's busy and challenging lifestyle. Yoga gives the practitioner more strength, more peace of mind and a chance to re light their internal compassion candle. The more yoga classes she teaches or attends, the greater the connection becomes with all humanity. She strives to bring to all her classes the serenity of mindfulness through proper breathing and careful instruction of asana. Teaching others to find balance and become more conscious keeps this doctor happy and healthy.
Janet
Janet Katz has a profound appreciation and respect for the intricacies, nature, and spirit of each individual. Her five-year evolution from a hard core adrenaline junkie to an inhaling and exhaling yogini continues to broaden her perspective of the transforming benefits of a consistent yoga practice. Inspired to kick a 20-year running habit by the freedom she found linking movement with breath, Janet was at first exclusively drawn to the physical benefits of asana. After a lifetime of impatient living manifested by way of two lumbar spine surgeries in 2007, Janet began to study other aspects of yoga and has grown to apply what she continues to learn into her life.
She hopes to be able to share her love of yoga and her interest in maintaining a healthy spine in her classes. Her intention is to encourage a healthy balance of self-acceptance, body awareness, and good alignment both on and off the mat. She is delighted and honored to have recently completed her 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification with YogaWorks, and looks forward to incorporating the YogaWorks methodology and intelligent sequencing into her own practice and teaching.
Janet is deeply appreciative to her husband, Paul, for encouraging her on her yoga journey. She also thanks her friend, teacher, and employer Karen for her dedication to her students, her commitment to the discipline, the opportunity to teach in a supportive and stunning environment, and her investment in bringing YogaWorks to Memphis.
Josie
Josie Carleton relocated with her Navy husband to the Memphis area in October 2007 and immediately joined the Better Bodies Yoga team. She has been practicing different Yoga and Pilates formats since 2001 and became an instructor in the Denver Metro Area in 2003. Josie is 200 hour Certified through YogaWorks, and carries a STOTT Pilates Certification, a PiYo Certification, and she is AFAA Certified in Group Fitness. She is also CPR Certified and has completed Levels 1 and 2 Certification through YogaFit. Josie enjoys teaching safe and effective exercise; incorporating strength and core stabilization, while balancing a mind and body connection. Josie currently instructs Gentle Yoga at BBY, teaches off-site corporate Yoga at Lausanne Collegiate School, and instructs private lessons in Yoga, STOTT Pilates, and PiYo by appointment only.
Kevin
Kevin Wheet's recent move to Memphis is yet another stop along the exciting journey that he has traveled in the past 36 years. Initially introduced to yoga as a child by his yogini mother, Kevin has carried the practice throughout his life. Kevin completed a major in theatre from Murray State University, and spent a number of years as a struggling actor before studying psychology and going into the field of developmental disabilities. Kevin's first experience as a yoga teacher began approximately 4 years ago, when he began teaching yoga to his disabled clients as a way to increase joint mobility and relaxation. Kevin studied with Ken Zimmerman, Larain Ashby, and most extensively with Deborah Perry. Kevin attends workshops every year with Cora Wen and Mark Whitwell. Kevin seeks to study with teachers who approach the full spectrum of yoga, from its ancient texts, breath work, meditation, and traditional asana practice, to modern therapeutic applications and advancements. Kevin earned his 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification in 2005, and is currently working toward his 500 hour certification. Kevin's teaching style is traditional, but light, with plenty of room for improvisation and experimentation. His classes include slow, mindful vinyasa as a way to open the body to deeper poses and meditative mindfulness. Kevin believes that every pose, not matter how complex or challenging, has steps along the way that are accessible to all people, regardless of level of experience or flexibility. He is often creditied as helping students to achieve poses they never thought possible.
Jessica
Jessica Fredrick has been in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years and has been teaching yoga for 7. She has a BS degree in Education and a MS degree in Education, both from Southern Connecticut State University. Jessica is a 200 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) with the Yoga Alliance and received her certification through YogaFit Training Systems. She is also certified with AFAA (Aerobics & Fitness Association of America) and is a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists). Jessica continues taking ongoing intensives in Stott Pilates and Iyengar Yoga. Jessica teaches at several locations throughout the mid-south area and has had tutelage with Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea, Douglas Keller, Joe Adlesic, Peentz Dubble, and Colleen Gallagher. She is also current in CPR. Jessica might be small in frame but is enormous in heart and has found a love and affinity for working with the special needs population. Jessica's compassionate demeanor has led her to teach cancer patients, cancer survivors, and persons dealing with eating disorders thus leading her students on the path to a better quality of life. Jessica has been instructing students for the The Wings Foundation and The West Clinic for 3 years and brings to Better Bodies Yoga a world of experience, expertise and talent.
Wendy
Wendy Nations is a certified yoga instructor through the acclaimed YogaWorks program. A lover of children, travel, and adventure, she sees beauty in all things and encourages others to see it as well in their yoga practice and daily life. She integrates her love for the dance of vinyasa, the strength of power of Iyengar classical postures, and the stillness of meditation with breath, body and soul in the classes she teaches with humor and joy. In addition to teaching yoga, Wendy is a certified meteorologist, and holds certifications in pilates, AFAA, and CPR.
Alma
Alma Corla has been practicing yoga since 2000, and is no stranger to the path of holistic healing. She became a certified Reiki Master in 1997 and has been a dedicated practitioner of meditation ever since. Originally from Romania, Alma grew up in Argentina, married Nik from India, relocated to Memphis 9 years ago, considers herself as a Memphian, and together they have two beautiful twins. After finishing her MBA, she joined FedEx in their Marketing department in 1999 where she is still currently employed and began her yoga-teaching career in 2003 at the FedEx Wellness Center. Alma earned her 200 hour YA certification at Better Bodies Yoga through the YogaWorks Teacher Training Program in 2008.
Despite her busy life, Alma has always made time to practice yoga in some manner. Bed ridden from her difficult pregnancy, yoga not only provided physical benefits, but also the mental strength she needed to endure this challenging time in her life. Alma believes that her yoga practice was vital in maintaining her stability and feels that a regular yoga practice affects one on a level far deeper than just on physical level. She encourages students to enjoy and relax during a yoga class regardless of their physical abilities. She also views yoga as a therapy to combat disease and includes the many benefits of different poses in her classes. Alma's education and personal practice are strongly rooted in the Iyengar Yoga lineage, as she enjoys the precision and alignment qualities of that style. However, it was through the YogaWorks teacher training program that she experienced great joy in developing a flow style yoga and has incorporated vinyasa into her personal practice and teachings as well. Through Alma's love of sharing and giving her yoga knowledge to her students, she is especially proud to see those who continue their yoga journey whether guided by her or other teachers. She believes that once someone's life is touched by yoga, the positive impact remains with them always and is grateful for the opportunity to plant those seeds of enlightenment within her students on their yoga journey.
Julie Bleier
Julie Bleier had an enlightening fitness wake-up call in 1999 as her mother suffered the debilitating consequences of arthritis and osteoporosis. In Julie's attempt to avoid traveling down that same path, and to cope with watching her mother's pain, she tried every form of fitness known to man. Ultimately, it was the yoga journey that gave Julie such an enormous amount of beneficial mind/body relief and a true awakening. Julie has completed many levels of training through YogaFit and Namaste' International, and earned her 200 hour YA certification at Better Bodies Yoga through the YogaWorks Teacher Training Program in 2008. Julie has a Master's in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and previously was the Chief Nutritionist at Emory University in the NIH Clinical Research Facility. Julie has participated in inspiring yoga workshops and taken tutelage from world renowned instructors such as Esther Myers, Chris Coniaris, Shiva Rae, and Dean Lerner. Sparked by such awe, she began teaching small groups in Dallas. Upon moving to Memphis, where she currently resides, Julie loves teaching special needs groups, especially seniors, and flexibly challenged students. She recently finished teaching a 10-week Chair Yoga Class at St. Jude Hospital. Julie's goal as a teacher is to instill balance, stretching, and strength in the senior students; softness, flexibility, and comfort in tight students and to develop an internal awareness in every student so their yoga practices can move off the mat and into their lives.
Debbie
Debbie Denny considers herself a Memphian, even though she did not grow up here. Debbie grew up in Iowa where she earned a BA in Political Science from Central College. For a little over a decade Debbie worked in the corporate world of casino / hospitality management. Debbie began a regular practice of meditation long before she added the vinyasa dimension of yoga to her routine. Debbie earned her 200 hour certification with OM Yoga in 2005 and has since dedicated herself to spreading her gift of yoga teaching throughout the mid-south from Memphis to NW Mississippi. Her classes incorporate an alignment based vinyasa style, emphasis on breath and mindfulness practices. "My love for the practice of yoga began when I learned to listen to my breath. From there everything else began to fall in line simply." Debbie has studied in various yoga traditions including vinyasa flow, Iyengar and Anusara yoga. Stirha sukahm asanam (Yoga Sutra II.46). It is with the balance of effort (stirha) and ease (sukaham) that Debbie encourages and inspires her students to practice both on and off the mat.
Kathleen
Michael
Michael Coplon has studied Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong with some of the world's most renowned instructors since 1988. Inspired from his very first class in 1977, he began teaching in the New York metropolitan area in 1991. Michael's tutelage has included Jeffrey Yuen, for Chinese medical theory, herbal medicine and Qi Gong, and William C.C. Chen, for Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Michael is also a New York state licensed massage therapist and is working on state licensing in Tennessee.
Michael received certification from T.K. Shih in Qi Gong therapy in 1991. In 1999, he was certified to teach Chen family style Tai Chi Chuan by Pan Yun Tei. In 2002 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Oriental healing and Martial Arts from SUNY Empire State College.
In 2006, Michael moved from New York to Tennessee. He is now helping Memphians enjoy the benefits of these Chinese treasures, which are accessible and beneficial to all individuals who are open to the practice.
Advanced Power Flow: Level 3
Traditional yoga postures are combined with vigorous athletic fitness moves. This Hot Power Vinyasa Flow Class is our most challenging and intense yoga / workout. Class consists of a flowing series of complex yoga postures with NO MODIFICATIONS announced. An excellent cardiovascular, fat burning workout. Consistent attendance will strengthen and tone your body, and enhance flexibility. Determined intermediates willing to make personal modifications and who are in tune with their own internal body cues are welcome. Although the room is heated, body heat is built from within through pranayama. Come prepared to enjoy the detoxifying effects of a good sweat.
Intermediate Vinyasa Flow : Level 2
This intermediate level class is more challenging than the Beginner Vinyasa Flow class, using additional complex postures with longer holding periods, in a flowing format. Modifications are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to advance their strength and endurance, working up a sweat, thus adding a cardiovascular and fat burning element to their practice. Mastering the Beginner Vinyasa Flow level class is recommended before attending this Intermediate level. A solid knowledge of the basic yoga poses is needed to maintain optimum safety. This is not an appropriate class for those who are not familiar with the basic poses or for those who still feel they are struggling in the beginner level Vinyasa Flow classes. Sweat is a by-product of this class.
All Levels Yoga
The focus of these Hatha Yoga classes is developing body awareness through breathing techniques, meditations, and asanas (postures). Instructors introduce and give specific details for and modifications of poses to promote good body alignment. Concentration of the class will vary by session and teacher. This class is open to practitioners of all levels; however, students new to yoga are encouraged to attend the All Levels Yoga / New To Yoga Welcome classes.
Wall Rope Fundamentals Class: Open, On-line Registration Recommended
You may reserve your spot online for the rope wall classes by following this link:
Rope Wall Class Sign Up
YogaWorks Vinyasa 1/2
Beginner Yoga: NTYW
Traditional yoga poses introduced. Class emphasizes proper breathing techniques, safe physical execution, proper body alignment, and personal modifications. Great for beginners and all students interested in refining postures. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)
All Levels Vinyasa Flow
The focus of these Hatha Yoga classes is developing body awareness through breathing techniques, meditations, and asanas (postures), with poses linked together in a flowing manner. Instructors introduce and give specific details for and modifications of poses to promote good body alignment. Concentration of the class will vary by session and teacher. This class is open to practitioners of all levels; however, students new to yoga are encouraged to attend the All Levels Yoga / New To Yoga Welcome classes.
Power Flow : Levels 2 & Up
Intermediate / Advanced . This Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga, mixed-levels class combines traditional yoga postures with vigorous athletic fitness moves. Complex yoga postures are linked together in a flowing format with longer holding periods. A vigorous cardiovascular, fat burning workout. Increased strength and flexibility will be realized with consistent attendance. For intermediate and advanced practitioners with solid basic postures. Modifications are announced, NOT DEMONSTRATED. Not suitable for beginners. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is generated through pranayama (nasal breathing). Come prepared to enjoy the detoxifying effects of a good sweat.
Gentle Rejuvenating: NTYW
Gentle enough for the newcomer yet a good stretch with functional stability for all levels, including athletes. The practitioner leaves with a feeling of renewal and openness. All ages and levels welcome from new student to advanced practitioner. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)
Lunchtime Express Refuel: All Levels
Taking a break in the middle of your hectic day has never been easier or more fun. This Lunchtime Express Refuel class is appropriate for all levels of students from new to the practice of yoga on up. This middle of the day pick me up yoga class promises to enhance and elevate anyone's mundane and stressed out mood. Deep breathing to energize your body and to rest your mind, stretching to work out the kinks from sitting, typing, or driving too long, and moving to feel good and burn calories is what this class is about. Class ends with a bit of pampering from our signature final relaxation; a warm aromatherapy eye towel over your tired eyes, a gentle hip alignment, and a soothing neck rub before sending you back into the rat race to make it over the afternoon slump. Just the right amount of yoga, me time, de-stress time, and feel good time ~ serving up fuel for your mind, body, and spirit.
Hot Slow Flow: NTYW
This gentler form of Hatha yoga vinyasa flow class emphasizes fluidity and movement of the body synchronized with the rhythm of the breath in an 85* degree heated room. Class consists of asanas (poses) linked together in a flowing manner to help cultivate a positive and calming effect on the immune and nervous systems. Reducing stress from an internal perspective ultimately and over time trains the body to block out negative energy that impacts our overall health, which causes physical and mental illnesses. The heat is helpful in finding more flexibility in the joints, tendons, muscles and connective tissues, which will enhance synovial fluid regeneration and provide the blood deprived spine, with a much needed supply of nourishment. The heat is also supportive in avoiding and healing injuries, balances the body between flexibility and strength and is helpful in purging the body's accumulated tension and stress that has built up within the body over time. This class increases mindfulness, brings more focus into the present moment and provides a creative, self-expressive, and delightful addition to anyone's yoga journey. All levels are welcome and modifications are given. A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor's care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor's consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request) NTYW = New to the practice of yoga welcome.
Vinyasa Flow : Levels 1 & 2
This Vinyasa Flow class is appropriate for beginning and intermediate students. The flowing format of this Hatha Yoga class links asanas (yoga poses) together with one another. Modifications for varying degrees of intensity are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to gain strength, flexibility, and endurance along with the mind/body connection. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is created from pranayama (nasal breathing).
Hot Yin Yoga: All Levels
Hot Yin Yoga consists of simple poses in a heated environment to facilitate deep tissue releasing. Poses are held for longer periods to help the body slowly melt into alignment with greater ease, thus allowing muscles to relax, and to put gentle corrective tension on deep connective tissue. Yin Yoga is mainly concerned with the ligaments, the tissue that holds bone to bone, encapsulates each joint, and contains the lubricating synovial fluid found wrapped around the spine, attached to the pelvis and the thigh bones. Fluidity of movement and the range of motion in the body is dependant upon healthy connective tissue. Connective tissue begins to lose its range of motion as we age and if not used. Moving slowly and deliberately through a series of poses that address all joints and major muscle groups and re-establishes natural body alignment that is often lost through modern day work and driving habits. While the room is heated, it is not a vigorous vinyasa flow. Therefore, the practice is accessible to people of all skill levels. Modifications will be available. A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor's care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor's consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request)
Basic Fundamentals Yoga: NTYW
Traditional yoga poses introduced. Class emphasizes proper breathing techniques, safe physical execution, proper body alignment, and personal modifications. Great for beginners and all students interested in refining postures. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)
Light & Gentle Vinyasa: NTYW
This open level class is for the individual who wants the stress reduction and flexibility benefits that accompany a yoga practice. This class is comprised of a slow, gentle format that teaches basic yoga poses and modifications through the use of props. Proper breathing, stretching, and gentle strengthening movements are an important part of the class. Anyone who feels intimidated or overwhelmed about joining a yoga class will want to start their yoga journey here. This class is good for the newcomer, beginner, those students who have never exercised before and/or are sedentary, overweight, frail or for the practitioner who simply wants a gentle class. Consistent participation in this class reduces stress, develops increased flexibility and joint mobility, a renewed, energized, and invigorated sense of self, along with a more positive and calmer way to deal with the negative effects of stress. No previous yoga experience necessary to attend this class. You will want to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. Class is done barefoot. Come on a somewhat empty stomach. NTYW (New to the practice of Yoga welcome)
Hot Vinyasa Flow: All Levels
This Vinyasa Flow class is appropriate for advanced beginning and intermediate and up students, although, not advised for the new to yoga or new beginner. The flowing format of this Hatha Yoga class links asanas (yoga poses) together with one another in a heated room of 85°. Modifications for varying degrees of intensity are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to gain strength, flexibility, and endurance along with the mind/body connection. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is created from pranayama (nasal breathing). A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor's care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor's consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request)
Hot Yoga 26 poses: NTYW
All Levels Yoga: NTYW
The focus of these Hatha Yoga classes is developing body awareness through breathing techniques, meditations, and asanas (postures). Instructors introduce and give specific details for and modifications of poses to promote good body alignment. Concentration of the class will vary by session and teacher. This class is open to practitioners of all levels; however, students new to yoga are encouraged to attend the All Levels Yoga / New To Yoga Welcome classes.
Miniyogis (starting September 13)
Cooperative games, theme activities, storytelling, and music engage the natural energy and enthusiasm of the 5-11 year old child. Classes explore yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques while conveying lessons in self-expression, body-awareness, social skills, positive thinking, and environmental awareness.
The time of this class is coordinated with the noon class on Saturdays in order for the parents to be able to attend yoga, while their child also takes yoga next door in our 696 location. Bring your miniyogis to the main building to check in, and we will take care of the rest! Miniyogis will be picked up by their parents after class ends in the main building. Cost is $8 for your miniyogi.
Yoga For Cancer Patients & Support Persons: Free
Research has shown that cancer patients who participate in yoga classes have a better quality of life than those patients who do not practice yoga. Better Bodies Yoga is pleased to parter with Wings to offer a class to anyone touched by cancer. The class will focus on gentle stretching and deep breathing to promote relaxation and healing. As with all Wings programs, this class is offered without charge to cancer survivors, their family members, and their caregivers. No previous yoga experience required. Wings Cancer Foundation is celebrating a decade of providing hope, education, research, and support without charge to anyone touched by cancer. Please visit www.wingscancerfoundation.org for more details Please contact Jessica Fredrick at (901) 754-0926 before attending.
Qi Gong: All Levels
Qi Gong exercises are sometimes referred to as Chinese yoga. Like Hatha Yoga, Qi Gong works with awareness, breath and posture. Both systems are derived from the teachings of the ancient rishis who lived in the Himalayan Mountains. In addition, the Chinese and Indian masters shared their wisdom and methods with each other for over 2,000 years, so the two systems are closely related. Both systems have been shown to provide many healing benefits.
Nearly all of the Qi Gong exercises taught in this class are much less physically demanding than Hatha Yoga asanas. As a result, the class is accessible and profoundly beneficial to a wide variety of people. Students will quickly learn to recognize and tune into their subtle body energies. Then they will begin to refine these energies. The student will feel relaxed and lighter almost immediately. When practiced regularly, this process leads to radiant health, happiness, and a more positive outlook on life. More specifically, Qi Gong is highly efficient for many medical issues such as the management of mild depression, aging, high blood pressure, and arthritis, to name a few. This class is suitable for students ages 16 and up.
Therapeutic Wall Yoga: NTYW
This class will be every Sunday except for the last Sunday of the month, which will be substituted with Restorative Yoga from 4:00 - 5:15 PM with Alma Corla