Downtown Muskegon Blog

Behind the Scenes – Downtown Yogis/Yogini

The “MYC” the Muskegon Yoga Center opened across from the “YMCA” in April, which is a nice addition to the hub for health and fitness for the Muskegon area. Barb Badolati has been teaching yoga along the lakeshore for over 15 years and finally has a home in which to offer classes. This is a good thing as classes have been ever growing in demand. Besides her Wellness-Life Coaching practice in the Frauenthal Center, Barb has teamed up with Peter Violino, a certified massage therapist and yoga teacher who offers sessions at both locations.

The Muskegon Yoga Center was the brainchild of Warren Mosley, certified in yoga from the International Sivananda School. Warren, a native Muskegonite recently returned after 20 years career military and 10 years at the DOD (Department of Defense). He began taking yoga classes in the national D.C. area to relieve stress, which helped him also improve mental acuity and focus – necessary for an intense occupation there. He believes that Muskegon is ready to grow into a healthier place, both physically and mentally as it did for him.

MS: What can yoga do for people of Muskegon?

WM: In stressful times and economic uncertainties, people draw strength and comfort in the ability to control their own lives. Muskegon is experiencing a paradigm shift right now. To adjust to the changes occurring, it is important for people to be equipped to take on these challenges. Yoga provides this and much more. Some of the benefits include relaxation, concentration, flexibility, strength, a better diet, calmer mind, immune function, and relief from back, muscle and joint pain.

PV: Yoga has grown to become the most popular physical/mental activity in the United States. 29 million people participated in yoga in 2008 alone. Yoga has been helpful for myself personally to achieve better equilibrium, and I appreciate how my practice connects me to better health and well-being in other aspects of my life.

MS: What are your plans in taking Muskegon to a new level of health?

BB: The Muskegon Yoga Center, also coined as “MYCenter” not only offers a variety of classes which guide students towards a healthier body, but is also a peaceful place to rest and rejuvenate from everyday demands.

PV: We are certified teachers who are qualified to help people with just starting out or well on their way! We are planning to offer specialty programs such as Partner Yoga, YogaKids, Women’s Retreats and Healthy Lifestyle classes. All three of us offer Private Yoga session, and it is a compliment for me to provide massage therapy, which I offer at our smaller location inside the Frauenthal Center, Suite 308.

MS: What has been the progress on the Muskegon Yoga Center?

WM: Since April we have secured a lease, done renovations, and begun teaching classes in the space at 825 W. Western. Things have moved very quickly. The space is great as there is a nice reception area, a large studio space for classes, individual classrooms, shower facilities, all in an ADA accessible space. We are planning to be able to hold a wide variety of classes here geared towards different affinity groups at the Muskegon Yoga Center. For example we are already starting classes geared to cancer patients, golfers, the lunch hour crowd etc. In the past the yoga scene in Muskegon has been scattered. With the Muskegon Yoga Center we are hoping to create a central place for the community to experience the many benefits of yoga and even more than that create a powerful shift of energy in Muskegon.

MS: MS: What makes downtown Muskegon a good place for this endeavor?

PV: While there are a number of great assets, such as the YMCA, the bike trail that distinguish downtown as a healthy location. Also, many yoga centers have been successful in downtowns probably because yoga is an experience that values aesthetics and character - something plentiful in downtown cities. Finally, this central location right off of Seaway and Shoreline Drive is within 10 minutes from North Muskegon, Norton Shores and anything in between.

MS: Well, it sounds like an exciting endeavor and we wish you the best of luck in the pursuit of helping to make Muskegon a healthier and happier place.

PV, BB & WM: We are grateful to you, and everyone along the lakeshore for their interest and support.

Check it out on the web

Muskegon Yoga Center
Balance Massage and Yoga
Alive and Well
Well-BEing Tips
Yoga on Wikipedia

Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News

posted by Dan & Sarah @ 8:18 AM