Live from Home: Relax and Refocus

Betsy Hoyt

Patron Saint: 
St. Elizabeth of Hungry
Physical Focus: 
Balanced
Class Length: 
30 - 45 min
Spiritual Focus: 
Living in the Present Moment

This 41-minute, Gentle class is perfect for those looking for a slower-paced, relaxing to refocus, both physically and spiritually. Physically, you will have the time to really tune in to your body as you stretch and strengthen your muscles, enabling you to receive the feedback you need from your body to fine-tune your postures and make every pose more effective. Spiritually, this class reminds us to focus on living in the present moment--the place where time meets eternity and we can be with God. All of the exercises are on the mat, either supine, prone, or hands and knees (with a couple of Pike poses that can be modified if need be). You will begin on your back to practice deep breathing and thoughts of gratitude. During the workout portion, you will engage in a series of kneeling twists, quad strengthened, and gentle backbends...you may be surprised to find how this section strengthens your shoulders! After coming to prone for gentle chest lifts and quad stretches, you will come to a seated forward fold and then relax into a seated inner thigh stretch for your long-hold. Even though this is a Gentle class, you can still get a good workout by focusing on activating the proper muscle groups in each posture. By the end of class, you will be better prepared to live the truth proclaimed in the bodily prayer verse: “Lord, in your presence, there is fullness of joy!”