Grow with greenhouse yoga

SANDUSKY — A program providing many health benefits once again sprouted from the Sandusky Greenhouse. Returning this winter, Sandusky Rec and Open Way Yoga partnered to resume Greenhouse Yoga classes. These classes went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past Wednesday marked the first such class happening in a weekly series occurring throughout January and February. From within the Franklin Street structure — where thousands of plants grow and are destined for embedment in parks citywide, prettying up these green spaces — about 20 locals took part in this most recent yoga class. Beside begonias and in proximity to petunias, people engaged in poses to strengthen their flexibility, concentration and deep breathing. Keelie Webb, of Open Way Yoga, leads a Greenhouse Yoga class at the Sandusky Greenhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. "The Sandusky Greenhouse is a safe haven for plants and people," said Keelie Webb, an Open Way Yoga instructor who leads these greenhouse classes, including this past Wednesday. "We are so grateful to share the practice of yoga in this space that has been cultivated by countless volunteer hours. Beat the winter blues with us by breathing in some fresh air." Greenhouse yoga represents just one of several in a winter series offered by Sandusky Rec. People can also partake in other yoga classes, also taught by Open Way Yoga, on Saturday mornings as well as Tai chi on Wednesday mornings. "The benefit for this as another tool to address mental health to our community is endless," said Tondra Frisby, Sandusky Rec's youth program supervisor. "Yoga is about so much more than the poses." This newest series of classes continues a longstanding partnership between Sandusky Rec and Open Way Yoga. Several people took part in a Greenhouse Yoga class at the Sandusky Greenhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Meanwhile, yoga classes also help fulfill the city recreation department's mission of providing year-round activities for all people to improve their quality of life. It "is about being on a mission to break the stigma of how yoga has been looked at as traditionally only for a certain demographic," Frisby said. "We are looking forward to finding ways to support introducing and offering classes to people of color to become certified trauma yoga instructors." Growing in the greenhouse Shannon Thomas, the co-owner of Huron-based Open Way Yoga, talked more about yoga, its partnership with Sandusky Rec and special classes offered at the greenhouse: Q: What are the benefits of yoga? ST: Yoga has so many benefits. The two that we focus on most devotedly at our studio are the mental health benefits of working to calm and down and regulate the nervous system through movement, breath and meditation as well as the mobility and pain minimization benefits that come from regular conscious movement and the awareness that develops when you pay attention to your body regularly. In the front row, Haylie Beatty, left, and Lea Summerfield-Wechter are among two people who participated in a Greenhouse Yoga class at the Sandusky Greenhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Register photo/ANDY OURIEL Q: Can you explain the partnership between Open Way Yoga and Sandusky Rec in offering yoga classes year-round? ST: We've been enthusiastically involved with the city of Sandusky's recreation department for years, and this collaboration has grown since the pandemic. This winter, we are offering Tai Chi on the Pier on Wednesdays, Yoga with Erin on Saturdays at the Mylander Pavilion and Greenhouse Yoga on Wednesday evenings. Greenhouse Yoga is a paid class, but yoga on Saturdays at Mylander and Tai chi are both sponsored programs, so they are free to the public. We're really grateful for our sponsors: Bayshore Counseling and Susan Lowell — Mental Health Counseling and Consulting Services. Thus far, most of our programs have focused on the lakeshore area of downtown Sandusky. In the coming year, we are looking to bring yoga to Sandusky's South Side with some programming at Sandusky Rec's location in the old Mill Street school building. Kayla Eyer stands in a mountain pose during a Greenhouse Yoga class at the Sandusky Greenhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Q: Why was yoga in the greenhouse, specifically, brought back? ST: We've collaborated on greenhouse yoga for several years before the pandemic and paused it for the last two years due to viral spread. This winter, we are thrilled to be back in this unique space. Q: Why should people register for a yoga class, including at the greenhouse? ST: There are all kinds of amazing yoga experiences. In this instance, getting to be in the greenhouse is part of the draw. Getting to be in the humid air surrounded by growing things in the winter is an effective remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder. All levels mean there will be accessible options for all body types. Q: What will people get out of this greenhouse yoga class? ST: Attendance is limited by the space in the greenhouse, so participants will get quality movement instruction in an intimate setting as well as the opportunity to cultivate self-awareness, calm and mobility. Keelie Webb is teaching this session, and she's an experienced teacher with an embodied understanding of movement and mindfulness. She has a quiet, gentle way of holding space, so you are guaranteed some deep calming effects. Want to go? Note: All different skill levels can participate in these sessions. People can visit cityofsandusky.com/recreation to sign up for these events and/or for more information. Yoga on the Pier Join Open Way Yoga on Saturday mornings in January and February. Free sessions are in the Mylander Pavilion on Jackson Street Pier. Hourlong start at 10 a.m. and are sponsored by Bayshore Counseling Services. The Jan. 28 session will be at Mills School, 1918 Mills St. "Move, laugh and stabilize the health of your nervous system with Erin from Open Way Yoga," according to a program statement. "This beginner-friendly class will have layered modifications for intermediate students." Tai Chi on the Pier Join Open Way Yoga for progressive weekly Tai chi sessions in the Mylander Pavilion. Hourlong sessions are on Wednesdays in January and February and start at 11 a.m. No experience is necessary. It is sponsored by Susan Lowell Mental Health & Counseling Services. This class is free for students. "In this all levels/abilities Tai chi class, taught by the engaging and very experienced mother-son combination of Brian and Bev from Open Way Yoga, we'll stretch, strengthen, balance and breathe while moving in very simple, gentle ways. Every class will have some time devoted to learning and practicing a traditional 108-move Tai Chi form. Absolute beginners are welcome anytime." Greenhouse Yoga Join Open Way Yoga for Wednesday night yoga sessions inside the Sandusky Greenhouse. Sessions are taught in January and February from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Registration for all eight sessions is $60 or $10 per session. "Stretch, strengthen and settle down in our greenhouse this winter," the statement read. "Cozy up with Keelie of Open Way Yoga in Sandusky City Greenhouse for some unseasonably green yoga. This class will be taught to an intermediate level with modifications to accommodate basics and other levels." Organizers encourage people to dress Several people took part in a Greenhouse Yoga class at the Sandusky Greenhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.