Root Yoga Studio (formerly of Old Lyme) has recently reopened its doors in the old E.E.Dickinson factory in Centerbrook (right next to the Essex Steam Train). Lucky for us and anyone who’s been apprehensive to attempt a yoga class due to physical limitations – back issues or otherwise, owner Mimi Brainard has brought a game-changing tradition to the shoreline. In this fresh and lofty space, she’s installed a wall of ropes and slings to provide a safe and creative way to practice fully supported classical poses with countless modifications. Don’t let the ropes fool you – in no way do they suggest aerial or acrobatic yoga.  After extensive training in Backcare and Herniation with the best in this discipline, Alison West (at Yoga Union & Yoga Union Back Care and Scoliosis Center in NYC), Mimi is armed with tools of the highest standards to build confidence and help with stability in a practice that may seem to some only for the young, uninjured and agile.

The Ropes Wall classes include:

Basic Backcare is appropriate for All Levels and for anyone seeking an understanding of their back or relief of back pain.

Yoga for Herniations + Posture Basics is for All Levels especially if you have herniations and disc issues, seeking relief and understanding of the habitual patterns that cause your herniations and back pain.

Posture and Alignment is an All Levels class suitable for those seeking an understanding of their back and how to work more deeply in their practice with alignment at the wall, with clarity, precision, and freedom.

But Root Yoga Studio does not stop there. They still offer some of our all-time top favorite classes like Liza Dousson’s expert Yin teachings deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, Grace Osara’s tried, true, and soothing Kripalu sessions as well as Kundalini, meditation, Pranayama classes and more.  Mimi continues to teach her signature Root Flow classes where alignment is paramount, but prepare to break a sweat during a flow of linked postures and expect to spend a little time at the ropes wall, too.

rootyogastudio.com

Witch Hazel Works
6 Main Street, Bldg 3, Suite 315 in Centerbrook

By Laura Williams