Article contributed by Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema
The Monarch in Hart, Oceana County’s new yoga and movement studio at 408 S. State St., offers Chair Yoga on a pay-what-you-can basis, or suggested $10 class rate, on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the newly renovated Robinson Building, the midcentury modern former preschool within the Hart Congregational Church. Chair Yoga may assist those managing mobility challenges, recovering from injury, working in an office, managing aging aches or simply seeking a gentler approach to movement.
Chair Yoga at The Monarch is designed as more than just movement, but rather a community movement; a practice of connection, empowerment and well-being that truly meets people where they are, while providing a stress-free and relaxed way to practice functional movement in an informal and social outlet for an hour. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably in layers and to bring a water bottle. No advance registration is necessary, and cash and check are accepted onsite for payment.
Chair Yoga has been defined as “an inclusive practice utilizing a chair for supported movement, which makes traditional yoga practices, breathwork, philosophy and movement accessible for all abilities, improving mobility, reducing stress, and offering physical, mental, and often spiritual benefits, with poses that are adapted for seated or standing use.”
Before The Monarch in Hart opened, Chair Yoga had been going on for several years prior, held at the Oceana County Council on Aging. Since forming the class there, yoga guide and Monarch founder Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema was excited to bring it to the new studio, “It’s always been a personal favorite offering, and it’s such a uniquely human joy to make new friends while stretching and chatting together. Our movement shifts each week, and accommodations are made based on who shows up in the room. A theme is woven throughout, with our focus on breath and mindful movement, in the ultimate aims of creating skills for stress relief and enhanced well-being and connection, in addition to increased mobility, strength and balance. It’s honestly just a really lovely way to spend an hour with some really lovely people.”
While Chair Yoga is suggested for seniors, office workers or anyone needing gentle movement, the reality is that it’s a foundational practice that may offer longevity for those who lean on it, providing as much accommodation or challenge as the practitioner desires, all while being appropriate for everyone living in a body of any age. The added aspects of community creation at The Monarch make for a wonderful blend of physical exercise, social engagement and intergenerational storytelling that gathers new friends together to move once weekly.
Local residents are invited to join the Chair Yoga community on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at The Monarch in Hart, 408 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420 and on subsequent Tuesdays. The Monarch's schedule with over 20 other classes can be found by subscribing to their newsletter when visiting themonarchinhart.com or by following The Monarch in Hart on social media at Facebook and Instagram. Inquiries about Chair Yoga or any Monarch programming or rental inquiries can be sent to themonarchinhart@gmail.com.
