Practice with Us
Chair Yoga - Mondays at 4pm
A 45-minute session with movement performed either in the chair or standing.
Mat Yoga - Mondays at 5pm
A 60-minute session that one participant describes as “getting up and down on the floor” yoga.
Our Location
Sandwich Church of the Nazarene
205 W. College St.
Sandwich, IL.
Why Yoga?
There is all sorts of research out there about the benefits of yoga - physical, mental, emotional, stress reduction, and so on. Maybe you like the community. Maybe you like how your body feels when you’re done. Maybe you like how your mind feels after practicing. Whatever your reasons for coming to yoga are good ones.
Our Approach
Some people hear “yoga” and think “I could never do that.” This response may be due to some pretty extreme depictions of what yoga “is” in our society. With images of people doing bodily contortions that are unattainable for most human bodies, no wonder people are reluctant to try a yoga class. Our approach, however, is rooted in the belief that yoga is a practice of cultivating awareness, of noticing, of paying attention. And we do this through poses and breath practices. Furthermore, one paraphrase of the second yoga Sutra states that “yoga is the quieting of the fluctuations of the mind.” For some, putting your body into a pretzel shape may help you quiet the fluctuations of the mind. For others, being in that shape may make the monkey mind worse, and may also be painful.
All this to say, our focus here is on awareness and honoring your body by moving in ways that work best for YOU. You’re always invited to modify or skip poses to best meet your individual needs.
What to Expect
1
Waivers
When you come, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver for participation.
2
Updates
You have the option to join a Remind text group for weekly reminders and occasional updates about the class. The reminders arrive in a text message - no additional app needed - and any replies you send will go to the instructor only (which also means you won’t receive everyone else’s replies!).
3
Props
Both classes occasionally incorporate props such as blocks, straps, or bands so participants can explore tools to enhance their practice. In these cases, props are provided for you by our instructor. And, as mentioned above, all poses are optional with freedom for modification.
Our Teacher
Jen Penn
"I’m Jen. Since I first attended a prenatal yoga class in 2005, I always find that I feel better when I do yoga. I’ve been teaching since 2019, receiving my 200-hour certification then continuing my yoga education with nearly another 100 hours in an Anatomy for Yoga program. It’s important for yoga practitioners to find a class style that they enjoy and an instructor with whom they click. If you don’t find that match here, I encourage you to keep looking for the right studio or teacher!"
Cost & FAQ
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The first question we get about the yoga classes is “How much does it cost?”
There is no cost to participate. What’s the catch, you ask? No catch. I sought my yoga training and certification in order to bring yoga to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to classes. My goal is not to make money teaching yoga, but to share with the community. That said, we do welcome donations which are entirely optional. Donations are used for either purchasing additional supplies for the classes or given to the church to offset any facility expenses. -
What if I’ve never done yoga before?
New people are always welcome! The first few times may seem hard to follow, so you’re welcome to spend time observing. I tell people to stick with it for at least 4-6 weeks before deciding on whether yoga is right for you. Our classes are low key and I welcome questions during practice and after. We really have a lot of fun. -
Do I have to be able to put my leg behind my head?
Nope. But you’re welcome to. -
What if I’m not as flexible as everyone else?
Yoga is not a competitive sport. You don’t get extra yoga points for going farther or deeper or being bendier than the next person. What matters most is moving in the way that feels best to you! -
What do I need to bring?
Yourself in comfy clothes. You’re welcome to bring your own mat or borrow one of ours.