The newest Elemental Om yoga studio on Church Street near downtown Mason is filled with light and color. From the local art on the walls to tinted glass letting sunlight stream into the oldest church in Warren County, it’s the type of space that feels like the perfect place to find some peace.
In simple terms, yoga is an ancient discipline from India that uses breathing, exercise and meditation to improve overall health. At Elemental Om, they are seeing a lot of men and women over the age of 55 coming to yoga for the first time, and 1 in 3 new students is sent by a doctor. For some, it’s a physical form of therapy, but it can also have a big impact on mental health.
“A workout is separate,” says Elemental Om founder Pamela Quinn. “Yoga can heal the body and help you learn how to relax and de-stress.”
If you’re unsure about your ability to do yoga for any reason, whether it be health or injury, Pamela encourages everyone to just try it.
“If we can get you in and using props appropriately, you can do yoga,” she says.
Pamela and Elemental Om instructor Annie Eschmeyer shared a few of their favorite poses that anyone can do, including how to use props like blankets and blocks to help lessen the strain on problem areas of the body.
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Easy Pose is the ultimate pose for meditation. “All postures lead to this,” Pamela says. “It’s where you get to close your eyes and relax.” Start by sitting on the edge of a firm bolster or blanket with your legs extended. Sit up straight and cross your legs in front of you, letting your hands rest on your knees, or rest your wrists on your knees and bring your index finger and thumb together. Using a blanket or bolster allows you to get into position without pinching the lower back.
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Supported Low Lunge opens the hips and can alleviate lower back pain. Start by placing the right foot between your hands (on blocks) with your knee directly above your ankle. Drop your left knee to a blanket and flatten your left foot. Practice your balance by placing your hands at heart center, then repeat on the other side. Using a blanket relieves pressure on the knee, and the blocks help you comfortably stay in alignment.
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Modified Tree Pose offers a supported balance, so you can build on it once you’re more comfortable. With your hands at heart center, ground down through your left leg and foot to stabilize. Externally rotate your right leg, bend the knee and rest the ball of your foot on the floor and the heel on your inner shin. Challenge your balance by raising your arms overhead. Repeat on the other side.
300 W. Church St., Mason
513.440.3128, ElementalOm.com