Using chairs for props, this class offers many benefits of regular yoga by encouraging proper breathing and posture, while developing better flexibility and balance.

Don't give up on yoga because you can't get down to the floor -- join this enthusiastic group and experience the joy of practicing with others whose knees, hips, backs, and shoulders aren't "what they used to be".

Wilma published the book on Chair Yoga (literally). You can learn more about it on her website here or purchase it on Amazon here.

For questions about this class, please email Wilma at rrcwlc@gmail.com

Wilma Carter

Forrest Yoga is a strong yet slower-paced practice that uses extended holds of poses (5-8 breaths) paired with an intimate connection with your breath to feel deeply into your body.

Named after its internationally renowned creatrix Ana Forrest, this style of practice is a truly unique and powerful way to develop a rich awareness of self, with a particular focus on deep healing and growth of both the physical and emotional bodies.

The challenging and intelligent sequencing cultivate a balance of strength and flexibility, the abdominal exercises in every practice connect you to your core, and the sustained holds of each posture allow for nuanced observation of your body – all with the goal connecting you with your Feeling self. Sarah’s Forrest Yoga classes are trauma-informed, alignment based, injury sensitive, and open to everyone.

Forrest Yoga Basics

Forrest Yoga Basics classes are perfect for those newer to yoga or unfamiliar with the Forrest style of practice, as well as anyone who wants a simple yet satisfying practice. No music will be played. Expect to be challenged both physically and mentally, and throughout the empowering experience of Forrest Yoga, expect to FEEL as you create more space in your body and your mind.

Forrest Yoga

This class is more challenging than the Forrest Yoga Basics class, but all levels of ability are welcome. The room may be slightly warmer than other classes and no music will be played. Expect to be challenged both physically and mentally, and throughout the empowering experience of Forrest Yoga, expect to FEEL as you create more space in your body and your mind.

To pre-register (optional) click here.

If you have questions about Forrest Yoga classes, please email Sarah at sarahlissanelson@gmail.com

Sarah Nelson

Gentle Yoga is a slower paced yoga class that improves flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness. This gentle, but beneficial class is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Refresh, renew, and enjoy. Give your body the break it needs with yoga's proper breathing, mindful movement, and relaxation. Be inspired to offer your best effort the rest of your day.

No experience necessary. Poses are taught using modifications and props to accommodate those of us whose body is stiff with arthritis, age, or past injury.

If you have questions about this class, please email Wilma at rrcwlc@gmail.com

Wilma Carter

Join Akiko to increase flexibility, balance, strength and endurance with this creative slow flowing sequence (postures) class.

Modifications and instructions with proper alignment will be given throughout the practice. Come and practice mindful awareness with this fun Morning Flow.

If you have questions about this class, please email Akiko at akikodyk@gmail.com

Akiko Dykhuizen

Gentle breathing exercises lead you to further relax and release tension in body and mind. Pose modifications are given to accommodate for individual needs. These classes aim to leave you feeling stretched, relaxed, calm, and peaceful; restoring your body, mind, and soul.

Restorative yoga is gentle class suitable for everyone. Bolsters, blankets and other props are used to support the body in seated and reclining poses allowing the body to relax and stretch.

Restorative Yoga classes are $15. Pre-registration is required with an Instructor.

This class is not taught every week, please see schedule for dates offered. Pre-registration is necessary with Akiko (akikodyk@gmail.com) or Peggy (pegwhisler@gmail.com).

Akiko Dykhuizen

Join this group of active seniors who practice yoga to increase stamina, lower blood pressure, improve balance and flexibility and to promote overall good health. Props are available when needed (chairs, blocks, straps, blankets, pillows). You are encouraged to work at your own pace, always listening to the message of your body.

For questions about this class, please contact Wilma at rrcwlc@gmail.com

Wilma Carter

The class starts with gentle yang practice (slow movement) then leads into quiet yet intense long held floor poses (yin practice). We practice each pose as is appropriate for each person's body in a respectful manner. Practice of both yin and yang complement each other, helping to bring balance to our bodies and our lives. Slow down, stretch deeply and relax into this therapeutic practice.

If you have questions about this class, please email Akiko at akikodyk@gmail.com

Akiko Dykhuizen

Wilma Carter

Wilma Carter (RYT 200), author of All I Need is This Chair Yoga, brings a genuine belief in the power of yoga to improve physical health while creating a positive and peaceful attitude within. Her classes, whether traditional yoga or chair yoga, offer the student a sense of body and spirit awareness. Enjoy her website at Wilma Carter.

Contact Wilma at rrcwlc@gmail.com

Marena Dassay

I went to Baker College of Cadillac for two years and graduated with my Associates Degree in Therapeutic Massage. While going to school I was trained in a varieties of modalities including: Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, pregnancy massage, and much more. After getting my massage state license I worked at The Riverwalk Place in Gladwin until 2018, at which time I became a full time therapist at Wellsprings in Midland. My goal as a massage therapist is to be able to adjust my treatments based on each clients needs in hopes of increasing their overall wellbeing.

Contact Marena here.

Akiko Dykhuizen

Akiko began her personal practice and study of yoga in 2003 after she moved from Japan. She has been teaching various styles of yoga in the Tri City area since 2009. She completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training and is registered with Yoga Alliance as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT). She has also taking additional trainings, and is a certified yoga teacher for Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga and Yoga for All (inclusive yoga). Her classes emphasize alignment, mindfulness, balance and a gentle approach for increasing body awareness, safe and sustainable practice for every body.

Contact Akiko at akikodyk@gmail.com

Sarah Nelson

Sarah is a certified Forrest Yoga and Trauma-informed instructor (RYT-200), who trained under Ana Forrest in England in 2016 and earned the Yoga to Transform Trauma certification in 2017/18. Her goal as a teacher is to support and inspire others to find a connection deep within themselves, and to create a safe space for her students to go deeper and be curious – about what their body can do, how it communicates, what its needs and limitations are, and how to facilitate a nourishing mind+body+spirit Connection.

Having first experienced yoga in 2010, she dabbled casually on her mat for a few years before falling head over heels in love with Forrest Yoga nearly four years ago. After committing to a dedicated Forrest yoga practice, she has felt her life completely transform in more ways than seemed possible. Over her first two years of teaching, Sarah has taught over 560 hours of yoga in the form of public classes, private sessions, and workshops! She has continued to learn and hone her teaching skills by attending various continuing education programs, and is currently in the process of completing the Forrest Yoga Level 3 certification requirements.

Contact Sarah at sarahlissanelson@gmail.com