|
ROYAL OAK -- When Colleen Geyer, 32, started
attending yoga classes two years ago, she found relief from
her chronic back pain.
"I never had any more back problems,"
Geyer said. "I've never gone back to a chiropractor."
The Royal Oak resident began taking classes
at the local YMCA with yoga instructor Lucile Palancher
and now attends Palancher's class at the Salter Community
Center. The 12-week class, which costs $96 and are offered
by Full Spectrum Training through the city, is one of the
most popular classes at the center.
"Lucile teaches in a way in which you
can do the poses to your level," Geyer said. "...
I always walk away being able to do something that I haven't
been able to do before."
Palancher said the benefits of yoga include
stress release, improved circulation, improved digestion,
stretching the muscle and clearing out energy. The most
popular class is Spectrum yoga Basics, which involves a
lot of movement, Palancher said.
"With movement you are able to go
deeper," Palancher said. "It's very dynamic. We
use it for energizing, stress release, as well as weight
loss."
Student Ruby Kimpo, 27, has seen results
that include toning and more strength in her upper arms.
|
Chris Boyd
Hands are folded during a yoga
class at Salter Community Center in Royal Oak
|
|
Chris Boyd
Lucile Palancher gently bangs
the gong to "awaken" her students after
their cool-down period.
|
"I feel more at peace with life in
general," Kimpo said. "That's just a time to be
with your thoughts."
Geyer has lost 30 pounds since starting
yoga. She is pregnant and said yoga is the one thing she
will be able to continue.
"I think it's only going to be to
my benefit to continue," Geyer said. "If I do
have some stiffness, I can do the movements and take care
of it myself. In today's world we can use a little relaxation."
|
