November 11, 2018

Macomb Yoga Co-op: Yoga by the Community for the Community

Community is defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals, and this definition is the driving force behind Macomb Yoga Co-op.

Established in July 2018 by three friends and fellow yoga instructors, the Co-op offers classes on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall community room, along with special classes, such as the 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23 "Black Friday" class. Certified instructors Karen Hostert, Julie Murphy and Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, all of Macomb, lead classes. The three banded together to form Macomb Yoga Co-op following the closure of another Macomb studio where each taught classes.

"We were brainstorming a concept in which we can provide a new yoga experience for the community, and we came up with the idea of a co-op. Each of us brings our own style of teaching, and no class is ever the same. We wanted to provide an opportunity for people to come and go – no memberships, punch cards, and registrations. You just show up when you can and do something for yourself for an hour or so," said Hostert.

 Classes are $10 per class for non-students, and $5 per class for high school and college students. All levels are welcome, all one needs to bring is a mat and any props she/he would like to use. 

 "From chair yoga to restorative to gentle flow to vinyasa (vigorous) flow, and even getting back to basics, while the classes are teacher's choice, we look to our students to determine how a class will flow," said Murphy. "We may come in with our class notes, but look around and everyone is ready to just relax and stretch, so we'll change that planned class to the needs of our community."

According to McIlvaine-Newsad, a few common misconceptions from those who may have not practiced before is they're not flexible enough or have the balance to try yoga. Not so, she said.

"Our yoga practices are for all levels. From those who've never attempted a class (or a pose) to those who are seasoned practitioners. We'll modify poses to fit our students, and we'll be there to guide each person through the class," McIlvaine-Newsad added. "It's about joining together in a community, where you can gain more flexibility and balance and be good to yourself."

 All three agree that their philosophy regarding yoga – and teaching yoga – is it should be fun (and in some cases, should include chocolate and cookies after class), and everyone should feel welcome when they walk through the door. 

 "We do this because we love yoga and we love our community," they added. "We appreciate the generosity of the Unitarian Fellowship for allowing us to use their lovely space to bring our version of what yoga should be to our community."

 Visit Macomb Yoga Co-op on Facebook at facebook.com/MacombYogaCo to stay up-to-date on classes and motivational and healthy living tips (along with a dose of humor), or email macomb.yoga.coop@gmail.com.