SELF-CARE SUNDAYS & OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

 "Restorative Yoga" is about slowing down and using passive postures to open your body without using any muscle effort. Its a practice of giving ourselves time to become re-acquainted with our body and mind. We'll use many props (blankets, bolsters, blocks etc.) to make our bodies fully supported so as to provide the opportunity for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Class format: 90m event; in-person only at MYC.  

Cost: $30 (cash, check, Venmo and PayPal *please email Akiko for details.)
*Please note that this class does not qualify for a "first class free" class with Akiko.

Registration: Pre-registration required. Please email Akiko at akikodyk@gmail.com to register. 

This class will start with 30 minutes of restorative yoga poses followed by 30 minutes of sound/vibrations from the crystal bowls to invite therapeutic and restorative processes to the body, mind, and spirit.

Wear comfortable and layered clothes as we will be laying still the last part of the class.  Please bring a blanket and pillow to aid in your relaxation.

Teacher: Stephani Kolevar

Class format: 60 minute event. In-person at MYC 

Cost: $20; (Please note that this special event does not qualify for "first class free")

 
Registration: Pre-registration is recommended. Please email Stephani at kskolevar@gmail.com to register.
Payment options: cash, check or Venmo (@Stephani-Kolevar) 

 Come visit the MYC tent at the Midland County Health Fair!  Sarah will also be offering a free 30m yoga class at 3-3:30pm during this event.  BYO mat; limited number available to borrow.

Join local organizations (including Midland Yoga Collective!) in Downtown Midland for a Free, all ages health fair packed with energy, movement, and community fun! Held from 2:30-6:30pm right on Main Street, this years event will feature interactive fitness demos, exciting activities, wellness resources, local health partners, giveaways, and more - all designed to inspire healthier living for every stage of life.

Whether you’re looking to get moving, learning something new, or simply enjoy a fun day downtown, there’s something for everyone. 

Free to attend and no registration required!

More info: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midland-County-Health-Fair/61579454794188/ 

 A BONUS Self-Care Sunday Practice this month!
NO PRIOR YOGA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Because caring for physical bodies involves being flexible AND strong, Julie has created a slow paced "hybrid" yoga practice to step up the intensity of your familiar practice.  This class will incorporate light hand weights with traditional yoga poses to target all major muscle groups, challenge balance, and keep your bones strong.  Rest assured, you can also expect plenty of gentle stretches and relaxation, too!
*Please plan to bring a pair of 2-5 lb hand weights, if you have them.*

Teacher: Julie Pierce

Class format:  60 minute class; in-person at MYC 
Cost: $14 drop-in, or purchase a class pass for Julie's classes (8 classes for $90 or 12 classes for $115).   (Please note that this Self-Care Sunday special event does not qualify for a "first class free" class with Julie.)

Registration:  Pre-Registration Recommended.  Register at julieannpierce69@gmail.com and pay at Paypal https://www.paypal.me/yogapeacewithjulie ;Venmo (Business page: Yoga Peace with Julie); CASH App:  $yogapeacewithjulie; or In Person: Credit/Debit Card, Personal Check, and of course Cash 

 This is by far the most popular Latin dance, and our method of teaching will help you go from zero to hero in no time! In October, there will be Salsa classes on Wednesday nights, so this free class is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the water before jumping in. You do not need to bring a partner; we change partners frequently in our classes to help you gain a better lead or follow. 

Take this FREE class as an opportunity to learn from the hottest social dance club in Mid-Michigan while dancing in Midland's premier Yoga Studio. Also, we love to show off, so there will be performances after class by some of our members for your enjoyment.

Teacher: Nick Switala
Class format: 60 minutes class, in-person at MYC 
Cost: FREE

Registration: MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND. Contact Nick at michigandancefever@gmail.com or 989-208-0225 to register. 

Join Senta For An Immersive Gathering of Asana (Yin Yoga) • Pranayama • Kosha Meditation • Svadhyaya (soul journaling) • Ayurvedic Tea

This isn't another trendy, high-intensity "breathwork" class. Pranayama Sangha is a sacred invitation to step away from the noise and chaos of modern life and enter a nourishing, ancient sanctuary rooted in traditional Vedic wisdom.

While fast-paced breathwork techniques are popular today, traditional Pranayama is the art of mastering, directing, and expanding your Prana (life force energy). Designed specifically to cultivate long-lasting inner stillness and heal from overthinking and anxiety, this gathering offers gentle, ancient practices to help you deeply ground and return home to yourself.

Rather than a typical class, this is an unfolding inner journey. Behind closed doors, you will be guided through a secret multi-dimensional sequence—moving from poetic movement and ancient breath practices to deeper meditative chambers, soul inquiry  (Svadhyaya) and sacred tea (Soma Pan). The exact path is revealed only as you walk it, holding space for profound alchemy, unexpected quiet, and genuine magic.

🌿 SACRED PREPARATION & WHAT TO BRING:

 Pre-Ritual Preparation: It is recommended to refrain from caffeine and heavy meals for at least 2 hours prior to best receive the subtle energy of Pranayama.

• A sacred journal and pen to capture your Svadhyaya insights
• A water bottle for hydration
• Comfortable, layered clothing that allows for easy breathing and floor-based movement
• An open heart and a willingness to rest in stillness
• (All studio props, bolsters, blankets, and sacred tea are lovingly provided)

Guest Teacher: Senta Gonzalez (Ascension Senta's Ritual Wellness)

Class format: 90 minute event; in-person only at MYC

Cost: ✨ Sacred Exchange: $55

Registration: Pre-registration required; 🔗 Reserve Your Cushion online here

Space is strictly limited to preserve an intimate container. Tap the link above to reserve your cushion and gather your divine light back home.

Myo-Yin Yoga is a mind+body+spirit practice consisting of 90 minutes of deep passive stretching in yin yoga stillness combined with soothing self-myofascial massage with therapy balls ('myofascia': myo = muscle, fascia = connective tissue), ending with an extended savasana (often with a guided yoga nidra meditation) for deep rest.

This class can help you to:

• - increase flexibility
• - reduce muscle tension
• - find freedom in your fascia
• - soothe your nervous system
• - work on your skill of meditative mindfulness
• - feel overall more relaxed and at ease in both body and mind

Expect to learn techniques for self-myofascial release using Yoga Tune Up therapy balls both independent from and in combination with yin postures, which are held passively with little to no effort or movement for between 1-5 minutes each).   Options are always given for all bodies and abilities, and beginners are welcome. 

The room will be warm and dimly lit; dress for comfort.  You're welcome to bring your own therapy balls and yoga props, but some will also be available to borrow or purchase.

Teacher: Sarah Nelson

Class format: 90m event; in-person only at MYC.  
Cost: $18 (sorry no class passes or "first class free" promo)

Registration: Pre-registration required; register and pay online at sarahnelsonyoga.com or email sarahlissanelson@gmail.com to pay cash, check, or Venmo

A meditation practice to reset your nervous system & spirit as we step into the new season. We'll honor the Harvest Moon and Autumn Equinox with gratitude for the bounty and lessons of the summer season, and shedding what's ready to shift just like the leaves.

The deeply rejuvenating and meditative practice of Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation of yogic 'sleep' (NSDR: non-sleep deep rest) that will quiet your mind and relax your body, right down to your innermost center. This practice does not include movement; you will lie down on the floor with support from blankets, bolsters, and whatever you need to feel cozy and comfortable while you follow with your awareness as you are led toward a place of profound relaxation and inner peace - you'll awake from this practice feeling fully refreshed and renewed. 

Expect to be guided verbally to set an intention (sankalpa) then led through a combination of progressive relaxation, breath awareness, body scan, and/or imaginative visualization journeys.  

No meditation experience is necessary! Room will be warm and dimly lit; dress for comfort.

Teacher: Sarah Nelson

Class format:  45m class; hybrid format: join in-person at MYC or online via Zoom.  Recording is available by request; past recordings are available On-Demand

Cost: $14 drop in or purchase a class pass (10 classes for $120 or 5 classes for $65) 

(Please note that this special event does not qualify for "first class free")

Registration: Pre-registration required; register and pay online or email sarahlissanelson@gmail.com

 Slow Burn:  In this completely guided class, you will slow down your movement and dive into the muscles by holding poses for an extended period of time (up to 10 breaths).  

You'll be encouraged to connect to your breath to support you as challenges arise and allow you to find focus and strength throughout the class.  This class is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and find a new edge.  Open to all levels.

Guest Teacher: Kelly Roy
Class format:  60 minute class; in-person only at MYC 
Cost: $14 (Please note that classes with guest teachers do not qualify for "first class free")

Registration: Pre-registration required; register by email kelly@kellyroyfitness.com; pay with cash or Venmo 

Myo-Yin Yoga is a mind+body+spirit practice consisting of 90 minutes of deep passive stretching in yin yoga stillness combined with soothing self-myofascial massage with therapy balls ('myofascia': myo = muscle, fascia = connective tissue), ending with an extended savasana (often with a guided yoga nidra meditation) for deep rest.

This class can help you to:

• - increase flexibility
• - reduce muscle tension
• - find freedom in your fascia
• - soothe your nervous system
• - work on your skill of meditative mindfulness
• - feel overall more relaxed and at ease in both body and mind

Expect to learn techniques for self-myofascial release using Yoga Tune Up therapy balls both independent from and in combination with yin postures, which are held passively with little to no effort or movement for between 1-5 minutes each).   Options are always given for all bodies and abilities, and beginners are welcome. 

The room will be warm and dimly lit; dress for comfort.  You're welcome to bring your own therapy balls and yoga props, but some will also be available to borrow or purchase.

Teacher: Sarah Nelson

Class format: 90m event; in-person only at MYC.  
Cost: $18 (sorry no class passes or "first class free" promo)

Registration: Pre-registration required; register and pay online at sarahnelsonyoga.com or email sarahlissanelson@gmail.com to pay cash, check, or Venmo

This class will start with 30 minutes of restorative yoga poses followed by 30 minutes of sound/vibrations from the crystal bowls to invite therapeutic and restorative processes to the body, mind, and spirit.

Wear comfortable and layered clothes as we will be laying still the last part of the class.  Please bring a blanket and pillow to aid in your relaxation.

Teacher: Stephani Kolevar

Class format: 60 minute event. In-person at MYC 

Cost: $20; (Please note that this special event does not qualify for "first class free")

 
Registration: Pre-registration is recommended. Please email Stephani at kskolevar@gmail.com to register.
Payment options: cash, check or Venmo (@Stephani-Kolevar) 

 3-Week monthly session for September:  9/14, 9/21 and 9/28. 

Pre-registration required.
A single class drop-in is welcome if there is space available. 
Please contact Akiko for the availability.

We'll explore foundational poses with creative, mindful movement in this gentle and slow paced yoga session. The class focuses on building flexibility, strength, agility and balance, and promoting better health. 

 Dates for this session: August  10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st (4-week session)  *no class on 8/3.

Teacher: Akiko Dykhuizen
Class format: 60 minutes class. In-person at MYC & Zoom recording share options. 
Cost: $36/session or $14/single class drop-in
 *Please note that this monthly session does not qualify for a "first class free" class with Akiko.

Registration: Pre-registration required. Please email Akiko at akikodyk@gmail.com to register.
Payment options: cash, check, Venmo and PayPal *please email Akiko for details. 

8-week session: 8/7-10/2

8-week session format with a prerequisite requirement in order to drop in to individual classes: you must either have previously taken this series, or watch/practice this video before attending individual classes.  Attending all 8 weeks is encouraged, but not required; click on "register for single event" for individual classes.

This yoga class series is an exploration of whole core care: learning proper deep breathing for core pressure regulation, increasing abdominal strength, unraveling excess tension and unconscious gripping in core & PF, de-stressing mind+body with nervous system calming strategies, understanding functional pelvic floor health, gaining better hip mobility to support PF, and more.  This is a relatively gentle and mindful practice for anybody with any body, although it can be particularly helpful for: hip or back pain, building/rebuilding strength in these areas (including but not limited to post-partum), and addressing pelvic floor dysfunction. Please note I am NOT a doctor; always discuss yoga with your healthcare team first!

Expect a uniquely blended yoga practice with functional mobility work, soothing Body by Breath techniques, self-myofascial massage (using the YTU Coregeous ball and other therapy balls) as well as breath-integrated Forrest Yoga and Yoga Tune Up core strengthening exercises.

Each week's class will have a specific theme that builds on the information from the previous weeks:

1. 8/7: Breath 101 & Core Stack
2. 8/14: Pelvic Awareness & Mobility, w/ guest co-teacher: pelvic floor therapist Sierra Miller, OTRL (Pelvic Wellness)
3. 8/21: Core Strength 101
4. 8/28: Hip Mobility & Strength to Support Pelvic Floor
5. 9/4: More Core: Obliques & Lateral Movement
6. [NO CLASS on 9/11]
7. 9/18: Mastering the Hip Hinge & Foot Connection
8. 9/25: More Core: Rotational Movement
9. 10/2: Bonus Topic & Series Review

The work we do in this class is a great complement to whatever your usual movement practices are, with a positive ripple effect through your whole body and nervous system - and truly, your life.  You'll leave this class with a more embodied understanding of your own body, better breathing and movement habits, a core that is both strong and supple, and your whole being feeling centered and more calm!

Teacher: Sarah Nelson
Class format:  60 minute class; in-person at MYC only.

Cost: $14 single class drop in, or purchase a class pass (10 classes for $120 or 5 classes for $65)

Registration:  Pre-registration required; register and pay online at sarahnelsonyoga.com/classes or email sarahlissanelson@gmail.com to pay with cash, check, or Venmo

 6 week session: 9/22-10/27
 

Yoga for the Chakras will be a slow vinyasa class targeting a different chakra each session: Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart/Throat, Third Eye, and Crown. Each session will help clear any stagnant energy associated with that particular chakra.

Teacher: Stephani Kolevar
Class format: 60 minute event. In-person at MYC 
Cost: $14/class or $80 for all 6

Registration: Pre-registration is recommended. Please email Stephani at kskolevar@gmail.com to register.
Payment options: cash, check or Venmo (@Stephani-Kolevar)