Curvy Yoga

[Kimberly]

On June 14, you were asked to attend Colleen’s curvy class at the studio sometime during the next month. Once you attend (this post response can be later than the normal week if you have not yet attended), please comment on your experience. How did the language, tone and practice differ than a slow flow or gentle class at the studio? What did you learn that you can apply to your teaching? How can you integrate these concepts into a “regular” class that isn’t labeled for a special population?

[regmarlew63]

During the curvy class, I noticed in the opening meditation, whether it was intentional or not, that the gratitude focused on parts of the body, that is not thought about when describing a person as heavy, or thin. Instead its focus was on being thankful for the body parts,( which I’m sure people who have insecurities abut their body type, might not concentrate on these important aspects of the body) such as the brain, the heart, the eyes, the ears…I thought that is an awesome reminder that there is always something to be grateful for about our bodies.
The use of props were key. It was not so much what she said, but what she addressed, without awkward acknowledgements about bellies, thighs, breasts getting in the way. Instead she knew that these body types might have limitations on reach or position due to differences in anatomy. So, to make the poses more accessible and less embarrassing, she instructed from the start to use a prop, one way or another.
I hope to bring this gentle approach of being “in tune” into all class types. To not point out the obvious limitations one may or may not have, knowing they are most likely already aware, and do not need to be reminded in a direct way, but a more subtle, discreet way that would never be offensive.
Regina Lewis

[LAD92761]

I attended Colleen’s curvy gentle class this morning. Her opening pose included many props to get into Butterfly comfortably and her reading was beautifully focused on what our body parts do for us, a beautiful reminder of God’s work in our bodies. Teaching this class means you need to keep the class sequences challenging but not unreachable. I liked how she included advanced poses yet used props to get into them, all along building confidence in the room.

Her use of blocks for pyramid and great hip stretches I will use in my gentle classes moving forward. Colleen does a great job of pacing movement with breath and also with speed. Taking movement slower is key for this special population to get into poses successfully.

The key is not to use special language but special techniques. I’m very happy with the learnings today.

[dooley]

Today in Colleen’s class, the language and tone were soft and gentle but to the point. She began with a beautiful mediation that gave everyone a chance to be grateful for the body parts they have by calling out the main ones we all have that really are different, such as the heart, brain, eyes, and ears. Her use of props was good. In a gentle or slow flow class using props are a suggestion as to modify your pose. She didn’t give options to use them. She included in her cuing to use them when doing the pose. This way people who have to use them may not feel as self-conscious about using them when the see everyone else using them.

I learned that I am able to bring this type of teaching into my gentle or slow flow class as a way to help anyone that is in the class a way not feel that being the only one to use a prop makes them different or not as good as the person next to them.
Great Class!!!!

[CindyHurst]

It’s been 6+ months since the last time I attended a curvy class. The most notable difference between the two classes was the level of difficulty. The class I recently attended on 6/30 offered multiple challenging poses – for example, pyramid and half-moon. The poses were built from the ground up, making them more accessible to a broad range of students. Colleen’s cues were clear and concise.

Gently encouraging the use of blocks, blankets, and straps is something that I will incorporate into my teaching – regardless of the style of class. My own attitude toward the use of props has changed significantly in recent years. Rather than thinking of props as a crutch, I now embrace them as enhancement tools. Colleen’s use of the blocks for half-moon (stacked blocks) helped with balance; most, if not all, students were able to do the leg extension.

[melross1]

Colleen has a very gently voice but is also to the point. She is very clear in letting her class know that they get the same benefit from every veriation of each pose. And she doesn’t show the fullest expression of any posse so no one on the class feels they need to try and achieve some crazy pose. I love the use of props. We used 3 block to get into twisted triangle, it blew my mind. I will be teaching beginners that version, it was amazing, I felt the stretch with the block and there was no strain nor did I wonder if I was doing it right, the blocks helped with my alignment to ensure I was doing it right. Wide leg forward fold, we stacked blocks, again mind blowing, for my body type I would never think to use blocks but for a large man who doesn’t bed well or has back problems, or a curvy person and the list goes on 3 blocks makes a forward fold achieveable. I LOVE her use of props, I never would have thought to use the props like that. And the strong reminders that you get the same benefit from having your foot in kickstand doing tree as you do bringing it up higher. No matter how advanced we are we all need that little reminder from time to time.

[sally200]

I did not attend the curvey class, but I have thought a lot about the concept of special populations. I am 65 and have curves do I want to be singled out?? I feel someone who is taught to be in charge of their body’s ability and practice to their potential could fit in any class. I feel the description of classes need to be precise. And I would offer private classes to help folks restricted from movement to learn how to modify.

Theses are just my thoughts as my experience to date. Put open to continue to grow in my teachings.

[heatherfly]

I loved the gentle/curvy class I attended in June. I was surprised by it. First, though gentle, it was not easy. Colleen set out a plan that played successfully to everyone’s ability without compromising on athleticism or creativity. She has a really wonderful approach that offers options or “choices” but does not acknowledge limits. Even while modeling and talking through accessible versions, she offered ways to deepen poses and take them further. So the reference point is the most accessible version and the modification is the one that’s deeper. But. All poses are available to everyone – no ifs, ands or buts. There was something super powerful about this and you could feel the confidence in the room. Especially at the point of doing a supported, horizontal dancer’s pose. I suppose she has and will have a large and loyal following. She certainly deserves it.

Second, there was something about her down-to-earth approach that offers even more accessibility and inclusivity by its lack of complexity, flowery language, imagery or deep spirituality. Curvy classes are important and because of this it’s so valuable that they be inclusive in many ways. What a great learning experience!

[EmilyD]

I love that Colleen starts basic and then adds “IF” students want. She places a lot of emphasis on “IF” and “MAYBE”, as well as cuing props instead of making them optional. I love this approach. I think it’s important in any class and not just curvy. People should feel like it’s okay to be where they are that day. Colleen makes that possible.

I also liked that she reference poses not being Instagram perfect. We were working on tree this morning and her emphasis was on strengthening and stabilizing the hip – not putting your foot clear up at the top of your leg or putting your arms in the air at the end. It was about getting to the pose safe and not fast.

Poses were held, but not as long as a hatha class. Cues focused on what muscles to use to be able to stay in the pose. I was about being strong. I really love how she cued Warrior II. I felt good in it, which isn’t always the case. I need to be reminded sometimes.

I think using this language is a great way to get to know your students and their abilities. My first Karma class at the studio was on July 3rd, and I took the opportunity at the start of class taking about freedom – from stereotypes, from Instagram perfect images, from doing exactly what your neighbor is doing. I thought it was important because the class was truly all levels (from brand new to yoga to a hot/power yoga junkie). Based on the fact that I looked out while they were doing extended side angle and saw a ton of variations, it was worth the reminder and the effort to cue add-ons instead of modifications to make it easier.

[KHuttsell]

Since I attended curvy yoga on “free yoga day” – I not only learned Colleen’s style for this particular population – but also how to manage a large number fo students at varying levels!

Colleen gave options for many of the poses to allow students to meet her where they were in their practice. For example, when we did a wide legged forward fold – Colleen started everyone with blocks. Then she said “for my bendy people you can place your hands on the floor – but be sure to keep your back flat.” I appreciated how much she remind students about proper form – especially in the folding asanas.

I also like that she had a half Sun Salutation approach in lieu of the full Sun Salutation. Not only did that play to making the class more gentle – but again it allowed her to focus on proper form in the forward fold and halfway lift.

Finally, Colleen discussed not comparing yourself to “Instagram yoga poses.” This was very empowering – as many of us tend to think that there is a “perfect way” to do the asanas.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 9 months ago by KHuttsell.

[Beth]

I attended Colleen’s Curvy class on June 16th. I enjoyed taking a morning class as I do not often do this. The class was not huge, maybe 9 people and Colleen’s teaching style immediately made me feel calm and that I was with a very knowledgeable instructor. She is able to provide expertise without making anyone feel small. She brought straws and rubber bands which was instriguing. We focused on our feet as a body part theme and the class flowed smoothly. When we got to the straws and rubber bands, she had us stand against the wall and pick up the straw with our toes. Then she had us put the rubber bands around our toes and push our toes out against the bands. This allowed us to stretch our toes out and observe how each foot responded differently.

I know from YTT that Colleen can take the poses to levels beyond what she taught in class, but no one seemed to notice this. Her cuing is very specific and not too wordy, but she also infuses her personality into her word choices. Her music was interesting, as it varied without the level of movement. She played some very empowering song, the lyrics were only mildly distracting but I appreciated the message. I think underneath all the choices she offers, she encourages and made the women in the class feel stronger within themselves. Her treats at the end really go a long way to making each person feel special, she is unique!

[lisaclick48]

I attended Colleen’s curvy class frequently months ago. She has a very direct way of cueing and it’s easy to follow her cues. She is clear in her directions and instructions. She reminds students that we are not trying to achieve Instagram photos. I love how she provides options for poses so students can pick what they feel they can do or should try. Not so much a modification so they don’t feel like they can’t do the basics. The flow is nice but not too fast or too slow. Lots of reminding to breath. Her meditations are amazing, and I love the way she shares her own personal experience would brings value to her students building trust and rapport. She makes everyone feel comfortable too. I will plan to attend her classes in the future as it’s always fun to get one of her treats at the end of class too!

[msinghal]

I attended Curvy Yoga today (7/21/18). I had mentally prepared myself for a gentle class, although I was surprised it was not as gentle as I had expected. Her cueing is very clear, precise, slow, emphasizing heavily on breathing. She continuously, boldly, and purposefully cues inhales and exhales, which I appreciated and will try to incorporate in my teaching. I did not find her instructions specific for the curvy audience at least in today’s class; maybe her choice of poses were such that they did not need specific instructions. Her use of props was deliberate though. Most times, she had the entire class use them without offering options. This can be helpful to those who might feel intimidated by a neighbor who is not. She herself used them as directed all the time.

Overall I enjoyed the class.

[lisaclick48]

Lisa Click = 2nd version.I attended Colleen’s class on Sat August 4th. Her cueing in excellent and I”m able to not even look at her with great instructions. Her reminding everyone to breath is helpful. The class was chair yoga and I really enjoyed it. Colleen has a nice way of presenting the poses.

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