Susan Baetge, a Yoga Alliance certified instructor with 500 hours of training in her field, is the class instructor. She has also taught yoga classes at Palms Resort and Gold’s Gym.
Baetge, who is also a certified Montessori instructor, said the free yoga class is created to give parents who are dropping off their children at school a chance to join it.
The classes are open to the community.
“In addition to creating a good example for children the classes are meant to give back to our community, another Montessori concept,” Baetge said.
She said the first yoga class consisted of many parents from Brilliant Star and Whispering Palms School, but also included individuals who did not have children attending school.
“It feels great to combine my two passions: Montessori education and yoga,” Baetge says.
The Wednesday morning classes include guided instruction on the basics of yoga, breathing and relaxation.
Erin Ewing who is five months pregnant and taking the class, said “I have never felt so relaxed and rejuvenated…I could have listened to Susan for hours!”
The free yoga class will run every Wednesday morning from March 2 to April 20 and is geared toward those who are new to yoga or who would like to have a gentle class.
Class schedule is from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Adults who want to join the class must bring their own mat, water and a bath size towel.
Baetge said in addition to the free class every Wednesday, they are also holding classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:15p.m.for a charge of $5.
In a statement, Brilliant Star School principal Richard Sikkel said they are offering free yoga classes because “part of Montessori education includes modeling of behavior by the adults in the children’s life.”
“We know from Maria Montessori’s research that children learn what they see. We as educators strive to surround the children at our school with good examples not only in academics, but mental and physical health. In that respect it makes perfect sense for the children to see their parents and others adults participate in an activity that has lifelong health benefits,” Sikkel said.
For more information email Susan Baetge at [email protected] or call Richard Sikkel at 323-7827 (STAR).
