Yoga at Springmoor

By Kari Richie, Springmoor Health and Fitness Director

Kari Richie

Yoga has been part of the Pathways fitness schedule for years. The residents that participate are very faithful because of the benefits they experience. The word “yoga” can be intimidating for new participants because it’s often believed that it’s a religion. The goal of our yoga instructors and the Pathways fitness program is to help people understand that yoga is not a religion, but a practical aid to assist our residents in their wellness journey.

The practice of yoga makes the body strong and flexible. It can also improve the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and hormonal systems. Some of the reasons our residents enjoy the yoga classes are reduced pain, improved range of motion and flexibility, relaxation and stress relief.

The Pathways fitness schedule provides a Gentle Yoga class twice a week. The class is performed in a chair and partially standing using the chair for support. The second option is Yoga Two for those who are interested in taking their yoga experience to the next level on the floor. 

One of our Yoga Two participants said she likes the class because, “it’s different and it teaches you how to get up off the floor.”

I encourage residents to try yoga at least once; you never know until you try.