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“Yoga, at its roots, is a practice for the mind and it’s meant for everybody,” said Tom Helbig of Tomfoolery Outdoors. “With the Urban Yoga Movement, you go to a venue where there is an atmosphere filled with love, peace, acceptance and no judgment.”
In its fourth year, the Urban Yoga Movement is a collaboration between Tom Foolery Outdoors and Alex Keller Yoga. It has been held in various downtown Dayton locations and will be held at the newly renovated Brightside Music & Event Venue on Jan. 5.
“We were in this same building a few years ago, before all the renovations, so this will be a totally new experience,” Helbig said. “Being back there is really symbolic of what yoga, meditation and wellness can provide. It’s about transformation – becoming your best self.”
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The Brightside will be a one-stop shop for all things yoga with a variety of sessions and instructors providing both active, meditative and educational experiences. There will also be music, an expo and opportunities to socialize.
Credit: Tom Helbig
Credit: Tom Helbig
“We’re bringing in a lot of different instructors, from different studios, to one place for one day,” Helbig said.
The now 44-year-old outdoor adventure seeker came to yoga a bit later than some, but it wasn’t long before he was hooked. Helbig is proud to say that he participated in 67 classes at 41 different studios, in 13 states and two countries in 2018.
“It’s been absolutely incredible,” he said. “My body feels better than it has in a long time. And yoga also gives me the tools to combat stress and anxiety in my everyday life.”
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The format of the daylong event enables participants to pick one session or workshop during each time period. From an active yoga class to meditation or an educational workshop, participants can select the session that best meets their needs.
“You can get a heck of a workout or just relax the mind, it’s up to you,” Helbig said.
New, this year, participants can take part in either the morning or afternoon sessions or the entire day. The event has brought together more than 100 yogis in recent years and The Brightside space can accommodate even more people. But Helbig is careful to distinguish between quantity and quality.
“We would love to see more people attend, but I never base the success of an event on the number of people who show up,” he said. “We focus on the culture of the event. And this is truly an event in which everyone can benefit.”
HOW TO GO
What: Urban Yoga Movement — Get Your "OM" On
When: Saturday, Jan. 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E. Third St., Suite B, Dayton
Registration: Morning only — $35 at event; Afternoon only — $35 at event; Full day — $45 at event.
More info: Visit Urban Yoga Movement on Facebook
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
• 8- 8:45 a.m. — Registration, snacks and beverages
• 9-10 a.m. — Opening session
• 10:15-11:15 a.m. — Active sessions and workshops
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Active sessions and workshops
• 12:30- 2 p.m. — Social, lunch, expo, live music
• 2:15-3:15 p.m. — Active sessions and workshops
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Active sessions and workshops
• 4:45-5:45 p.m. — Closing session
• 6-8 p.m. — Continue the energy flow with your new and old friends from the Urban Yoga Movement. Informal gathering for those who don’t want to see the day end. Location TBA
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