That all-too-common excuse was the impetus for Rife's new yoga class – Not Bendy Yoga at Inner Dance Yoga Center in Oakwood. The beginner-friendly class, designed for those who don't think they have the flexibility for yoga, focuses on the lower back and hips.
“That’s where a lot of people are tight,” Rife said. “It’s a really gentle class, designed for people who don’t have a lot of yoga experience and it’s also perfect for men.”
Rife, in fact, had her husband — who has been bothered by back problems — try many of the exercises when she was designing the class.
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YOGA BENEFITS
Yoga benefits the body and the mind.
Increased flexibility is just one of the many physical benefits of yoga – the result of gentle lengthening and stretching of muscles.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, other benefits include increased muscle strength and tone; improved athletic performance; improved respiration, energy and vitality; weight reduction and protection from injury. It can also offer significant relief for people with chronic pain.
And beyond being bendy, yoga has also been shown to help people improve their mental well-being. Reduced stress, improved sleep patterns and increased calmness can also be welcome benefits of a regular yoga practice.
“I’m a Type A personality – always going,” Rife said. “This is a great way to relax and take some time for you.”
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PERFECT FIT
The Not Bendy Yoga class is an ideal fit for the studio that has been an Oakwood community mainstay for close to two decades.
“I don’t think people understand that anyone can do yoga, it just depends on what type of yoga you choose,” Inner Dance owner Debbie Stirsman said. “At Inner Dance, we really try to make it accessible to everyone.”
Both Stirsman and Rife admit that yoga can be intimidating. From inversions to chanting, some yoga experiences can be overwhelming.
“Some people think it’s too difficult or too far out there, but that’s not always the case, this class is designed to be very relatable,” Rife said. “And, not only won’t there be any inversions, you’ll probably spend half the class on the mat.”
And, as is the case with many yoga classes, modifications are the rule, not the exception.
“You can have 25 people in a class and one pose looks different on every person,” Stirsman said. “And that’s alright.”
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NOT BENDY YOGA
What: A gentle class for those who think they don't have the flexibility for yoga. The class focuses on gently stretching tight hips and safely relaxing the lower back and shoulders.
When: Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Inner Dance Yoga, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Suite 306, Oakwood
Info: Call 937-609-9642 or visit www.innerdanceyoga.com
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