A new fitness class is thriving in Langenburg.
Alexis Schappert and her crew of yoga participants are now able to enjoy chair yoga held at New Horizons every Friday from 11:00 – 11:45.
Chair yoga is beneficial for anyone who wants to give it a try; the more focus you put into the activity, the higher your benefit
“Commitment is truly key in improvement, both physically and mentally. Everyone is so busy these days, but really committing to coming to class will change your life,” Schappert explained. “There is nothing like hearing an excited holler during class because your client finally nailed a posture they’ve been focusing on, or getting the feedback from clients on how much stronger their body is or how their anxiety has reduced from creating a committed yoga practice with me. That’s why I do what I do. That’s what keeps me committed to teaching.”
The Langenburg resident was motivated to teach chair yoga so that all those interested in yoga will have a place to develop.
Alexis explained, “I started studying how to teach chair yoga in order to make my classes more inclusive. I had clients who were regulars but just couldn’t put pressure on their wrists or knees as was required in my other classes, and didn’t want them to have to miss out on the benefits of yoga. These classes are particularly useful for anyone recovering from surgery or with any type of mobility restrictions. I had a client reach out to start private classes because she wanted to take-up yoga for her 90th birthday, and that really inspired me! I know how profoundly yoga can improve our quality of life, especially as we age. I also love chair yoga because you can do it anywhere! I find myself practising while at my desk or driving. Just connecting my breath to sitting a little more upright, or drawing the shoulders back while doing daily tasks can improve strength, mobility, and posture.”
Improving flexibility, relieving cramps and stiffness, and creating a happy mental state are a few benefits that chair yoga can provide.
Chair yoga implements flows of motion and increased flexibility during cycles of traditional yoga. According to Yogapedia, almost any traditional yoga pose or move can be replicated and altered to accommodate chair yoga. Breathing techniques are a popular practice within chair yoga and can assist in reducing anxiety, introducing or practicing meditation, and creating spatial awareness.
“Some of the benefits my clients have mentioned include increased strength, reduced anxiety, mental clarity, improved sleep, better balance, improved mobility and flexibility, and just better awareness in general of their movement patterns in daily life. My favourite response after class is a deep sigh and, ‘I really needed that today’ from a client. My regular clients truly notice a difference over the years and the improvements after we begin classes again after a summer break.”
When asked about her training and background, Schappert said, “I started my 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2011 through Aura Wellness Centre. I originally took the training with no intention of teaching, but to add depth to my personal practice and simply to learn more about anatomy and the spiritual aspect. I had really positive feedback from my practicum students and they asked me to continue teaching a regular schedule. I was unsure at first, but once I started, I fell in love with teaching! I lived with chronic back pain and anxiety my entire life and my yoga practice has helped me heal from that, so I hoped to bring that level of health to others.”
After that, she studied at retreats in Mexico and Costa Rica and received her kids yoga teacher certificate through Yoga in My School.
Schappert is an experienced yoga teacher and well-known in this area.
“I started teaching out of Awakening Fitness Studio in Langenburg, then branched out to Unwind in Yorkton and the Churchbridge & District Fitness Centre. I have taught at daycares, schools, group homes, private classes, corporate classes, birthday parties, retreats, ceremonies, and women’s circles. This upcoming spring will mark 10 years of teaching yoga!”
“I have taught many forms of yoga over the years, including power yoga, yin yoga, and vinyasa, kids yoga, and of course, chair yoga. My current teaching style is a slow flow that is acceptable for beginners and focuses on increasing mobility and flexibility while strengthening.
One thing that any attendee will notice is how comfortable and welcoming the classes are.
To explain her philosophy, Alexis said, “I really want my classes to be comfortable for everyone – from feeling welcome the first time you walk through the doors, to being able to ask a question if you don’t understand a posture during the class. I’ve been practising a long time, and I still feel nervous trying out a new studio, so I hope to ease that anxiety for newcomers. Everyone is so focused on their own practice, that I promise no one is looking at you! I want to feel joy in the practice and comfortable enough to laugh out loud, or maybe even a grumble after a long plank hold!”
The chair yoga classes follow a similar approach to many other traditional yoga classes
Each class begins with a meditation and breath-work, and ends with a deeply relaxing savasana.
“I want my clients to feel physically stronger, while reducing anxiety and increasing mental clarity and relaxation. In yoga, you truly get what you put in – for each posture I offer several variations to suit every body type and ability. There are modifications to make every posture accessible to beginners, but if you want to make the class harder, all you need to do is push a little deeper and really focus on engaging the proper muscles and finding your alignment.”
Speaking of connection, Schappert ensures to focus on each of her students and their individual goals.
She said, “There is no better feeling than teaching a posture and seeing everyone in class doing it slightly differently, depending on how they are feeling that day, because I know they are moving intuitively and listening to their body, which is all I can ask for!”
While this yoga class is still new, there are large plans for growth.
“My current goals for teaching locally are to increase class sizes – the energy of a large class is palpable and we all lift each other up so much and push each other to be our best. I’d really like to get younger people in my classes as well! My regular classes are open to teens 15 years old and up. Social media and the pressure on youth these days is immeasurable and I wish I had started yoga younger as a way to regulate my mental health. It’s also a great physical activity for anyone that doesn’t love team sports, but wants to stay active.”
Anyone wondering if yoga can benefit them is encouraged to give the class a try.
“Yoga is also recommended for athletes as a supplement to their training to improve mobility and dexterity, as well as improve the mental edge required in higher level athletics.”
Yoga is becoming more popular with youth, which is highly impactful to their physical and mental strength. Schappert mentioned she would love to have the opportunity to work with more youth.
“My goal is to teach more regularly in schools. I love teaching in schools because it makes it more accessible to every child and you can see an immediate impact. When I can see a child’s breath slow, and can literally see their energy soften, it’s so inspiring to teach!”
Schappert’s current schedule in Langenburg involves teaching beginner yoga on Monday at 7 P.M. and Wednesday at 9 A.M. Chair yoga is on Fridays at 11 A.M. All classes are held at the New Horizons Centre, 112 Wells Avenue East.
“I teach beginner yoga in Churchbridge at the Churchbridge & District Fitness Centre on Thursday at 6:30 P.M.. They run every week until we break for Christmas holidays mid-December. The Langenburg classes are $15 drop-in fee, $50 per month for any 1 class weekly, or $75 per month for unlimited classes. The Churchbridge classes are $10 drop in, or included in your gym membership. I record myself in the Wednesday and Friday classes to post on YouTube. These videos are included in any pass price, or $25 for a month of videos. There are also some free videos on my YouTube channel under Alexis Schappert. If you have a specific area to target or type of class you need, you can always reach out and I’m happy to send some free videos to see if my classes are right fit for you.”
Alexis encourages everyone to give the classes a try or you can reach her at 306-496-7557, on Facebook as Half Moon Holistic and on Instagram @halfmoonholisticsk.