Accessible/Inclusive Yoga for Disabilities.
Weaverville/North Asheville NC Martie has been practicing and studying yoga since 2001, when she was introduced to yoga during a retreat. Initially, she was curious to see if yoga could assist her with stress reduction and quieting the mind. So upon her return to Columbus, she immediately signed up for classes at a local stud
io. During the course of the next four years, Martie continued her journey of exploration by sampling an assortment of yoga styles, including Bikram (Hot), Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Hatha, as well as taking classes from a variety of instructors. As her practice deepened, she noticed dramatic relief from the back pain which had plagued her for many years, as well as a growing sense of inner peace, stress and anxiety relief. In 2008, Martie completed her 200 hour level Teacher Training certification with Donna Winters in the Balanced Yoga University program in Columbus, Ohio. She continued to study and expand her understanding of the practice, and attended Erich Schiffmann’s annual 3-day workshop in Yellow Springs, Ohio from 2008-2015, until he retired. Also influential to her teaching and movement style, are the works of Katy Bowman (Nutritious Movement), Brea Johnson (Heart and Bones Yoga), Jill Miller (Yoga Tune Up), and Kira Sloan (Yoga Anytime/Ojai Yoga Crib). With the use of slowly flowing postures, Martie teaches a gentle, Sustainable Yoga style, blended with Functional Mobility and Somatic Movement. Martie’s classes permit the student to explore their natural mobility and freedom of movement, and regain some of their lost “range of motion.” This style also works with the neuro-plasticity of the brain, as well as calming the nervous system. Through the use of intentional slow movement, along with the help of modifications and props, students will be encouraged to express their “bio-individuality” and to enjoy the sensory experiment of movement best for their specific body! Martie enjoys working with all levels of students, and teaches adaptive and chair yoga for the physically challenged. Yoga is truly an expression of the heart. Relocated from Columbus, OH to Weaverville, NC in 2017.
