Robson resident Shari Shaw demonstrates the Warrior II pose in her yoga class in the Cimarron Fitness Center. This pose helps with balance and strength. (Photo by Susan Engstrom)
Since retiring from an office job in a dentist’s practice and moving to Robson 18 months ago, Shari Shaw decided to do something about diminishing flexibility. For Shari, that “something” was yoga. She’s now doing yoga two or three times a week.
“I’ve seen that my flexibility is getting worse as I get older,” said Shari, 63. “Just getting out of the car was becoming more difficult. I knew I shouldn’t be feeling this way yet.”
When she first started yoga, her muscles were a little sore, because she’d never done anything like this. But the soreness went away, and in just a few months, she says she is more flexible and less stiff.
“This is unusual for me, because I don’t like exercise,” she said. “I never have. But I am getting the benefits I want.”
She enjoys the fact that teacher, Susan Engstrom, has shown her how to modify the more difficult poses so she can do them and get the benefits. Shari also finds the classes a calming experience. “I’m not normally a calm person. My life feels as though it has always been rush, rush, rush,” she said.
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, said, “I started practicing yoga after I moved here, then got drawn into teaching because I enjoy the feeling of helping others get the benefits I have seen. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in both my hips and spine. After a year of Bikram Yoga, my hips were osteopenia, and my spine had improved. I bend so I don’t break! Yoga is a weight-bearing practice that helps you achieve more flexibility, strength, balance and calmness.”
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