Robson resident Sara Shibley demonstrates a supported twist in her yoga class in the Cimarron Fitness Center. This pose helps with relaxation and flexibility. (Photo by Susan Engstrom)
Regular, affordable yoga classes were a big part of the reason Sara Shibley moved to Robson Ranch in 2008. “I started taking yoga classes 25 years ago at LA Fitness, but I didn’t go on a regular basis,” said Sara, 70, who’s still taking yoga classes three times a week. “It really made a difference to have the classes on site, near my home.”
Sara feels that yoga has helped her slow the aging process a bit. “I’m not as flexible as I was 20 years ago, but I’m a lot more flexible than I would have been without yoga,” she said.
Sara likes the fact that yoga is a weight-bearing exercise that helps slow the bone loss that older women experience. She also appreciates the calming effect of focusing on the exercise. “I ruminate a lot, and learning how to focus on my body in class helps my brain slow down. It’s made me aware of how to do that outside class as well and be more in the moment,” she said.
She also likes the fact that teacher Susan Engstrom varies her routine from class to class, forcing students to focus their attention on what’s going on in the classroom.
Yoga classes at Robson range from beginner and relaxation-focused classes to more energetic and difficult sessions. All classes are in the fitness classroom of the Cimarron Fitness Center.
Susan Engstrom, 70, a certified yoga instructor who has lived at Robson for 17 years and taught yoga here for 12 years, has seen the benefits of yoga herself. She says, “When I first moved here, I was still working. I drove an hour each way, then sat most of the day. I was really stiff. After a few months of yoga, that stiffness went away and has not returned.”
All yoga classes are $5. Your first class is free. See a list of classes and times at yogayatra.punchpass.com/classes.
You can sign up for Susan Engstrom’s classes via the link, or just show up to any class your first time and ask the teacher about payment and discounts. Teachers’ names show on the schedule.
Reach out to teachers at:
Susan Engstrom, [email protected], 214-632-9110
Veronica Hollenshead, 817-996-2667
Susan Cope, 850-624-7191
Dana Lodwick, 561-827-6416