WESTFIELD-As the holiday season quickly approaches, area residents interested in finding ways to stay “happy and healthy” might consider a yoga class.
Lezette Beaumier, a yoga teacher who understands how hectic the next three months will be for her students, leads a Sunday Yoga program from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at WOW’s Creative Arts Center on Elm Street.
Lezette Beaumier offers Sunday Yoga at the Creative Arts Center on Elm Street in Westfield. (Submitted photo)
As a program of Westfield on Weekends, the goal of the arts center is to provide opportunities for artistic expression to community members of all skill levels. Class sizes are small to ensure individualized instruction.
“Yoga has helped me find a deeper meaning in slowing down and taking care of myself,” said Beaumier, who works full-time and is completing a master’s degree in history at Westfield State University.
Beaumier began offering classes in January and to keep the gatherings fresh, she creates monthly themes. Class size is limited to 10 students each Sunday at a cost of $15 per session.
“Our first theme was getting back into balance after the holidays,” said Beaumier, noting she specializes in Hatha Yoga poses.
“Hatha Yoga is a slower and more gentle yoga style which still builds resilience and strength because we hold each pose for multiple breaths,” she said. “My classes are slow paced and relaxing and can be challenging because I want my students to build strength.”
Marie Yvon, the “first in line” in January, concurs.
“Lezette has a unique ability, she gently introduces modifications that are both helpful in class and out,” said Yvon. “I had a sore arm that is now better and stronger than ever. Plus – her class is an awesome way to unwind.”
Since January, Beaumier said one of the many benefits of the class is a sense of “community” that has been created.
“I love the atmosphere at WOW,” said Beaumier. “The center brings such a beautiful dynamic and it feels like home. It is a beautiful place to teach.”
In addition to the community gathering space, Beaumier said area residents will get to know their neighbors in a supportive environment.
“There is nothing like sharing your practice with others,” said Beaumier. “If it is your first time you will not only experience increased flexibility and strength, you will see improvement in your respiratory and digestive systems, as well as experiencing more energy and vitality.”
Beaumier added that students can also expect to experience “spiritual and self-development benefits.”
“Yoga has drastically changed my life,” she said. “In today’s fast-paced society, yoga has helped me slow down. I was able to listen to my body and mind to understand what I really needed.”
One of Beaumier’s students since April, Rachel Osada, echoed a similar sentiment.
“While there are tons of benefits I’ve seen since beginning the class, the top ones I’ve experienced include improvement of my posture and the ability to better control my breathing, whether during exercise or to calm stress.”
Osada also noted her balance has improved.
“The best benefit by far is confidence,” said Osada. “It is so rewarding when I finally get new poses down and it really inspires me to consistently push myself to try new things, both in yoga and in life in general.”
During October, Beaumier is introducing students to twists that rinse out the toxins in the body, and in November, she expects grounding will be among the poses covered.
“So many of my students are beginners,” said Beaumier. “Safety is my first intention. I want my students to be happy and healthy. I do plan my flows before class with a skeletal map and also ask my students what they need.”
Autumn Smith, a student since March, said the classes have allowed her to become more in tune with both her body and her mind.
“My physical job wears on my body so starting off the week with Lezette makes a huge positive difference for me,” said Smith. “I love her class – not to mention the blissful serenity you experience after her deep stretching flows!”
While everybody’s body is different, Beaumier explains to students how they can “go deeper” in a pose if they choose to experiment.
“I want to be respective of people’s boundaries,” said Beaumier. “I am constantly communicating with my students on how to breath deeply and move safely.”
For Elizabeth Lombardi, who has attended classes for eight months, she has seen “incredible benefits” from yoga.
“I started Lezette’s class as a new mom of a 6-month-old with extreme low back and hip pain,” said Lombardi. “Today, I have minimal to no pain. It is truly amazing. Other than that, I have seen a positive change in my digestion, my overall body strength, my flexibility, my energy levels, my breathing and most of all my mental health. I have seen a significant decrease in my anxiety and stress levels.”
Each class has several components, starting with a brief meditation to help students find their center space. A light warm up low to the ground follows that warms up the body, and then a focus warm up revolves around a body part that the class is focused on – from hips and shoulders to the spine. Lastly, a cool down sequence grounds and rests the body.
“We finish with everyone’s favorite time – relaxing and enjoying the results of their practice,” said Beaumier.
Mats are available to borrow, however, Beaumier encourages students to bring their own “because your mat is your home – where you take your practice.”
Blocks are also available for students to use during the class which can help support one’s body, ensuring a better alignment when completing poses.
Beaumier noted that students should not eat before a yoga class unless it is a small granola bar to keep one’s sugar in check.
“I do a fair amount of twisting in the class so you are rinsing your gut,” said Beaumier. “Sometimes if you have a full stomach you will be uncomfortable.”
Beaumier’s ultimate goal for her students of all skill levels is to notice the “deep body and mind connection” that can be experienced by engaging in yoga.
“During the holidays in particular, people need a place to relax, a place that makes them happy when they are stressed,” said Beaumier. “Doing a yoga practice is a mind, body and spirit experience.”
For more information on all of WOW’s offerings including Sunday Yoga, visit www.westfieldonweekends.com.
