One of the new teachers at Cleveland County Wellness Square (The Well) is Barb Pyle, who teaches yoga for everyone, which incorporates balance, flexibility, agility and strength.
Modifications are taught so that everyone can participate, whether beginner or accomplished yogi.
Pyle is a registered nurse and is also a certified health and wellness coach and educator through the National Institute of Whole Health.
“I believe yoga really is for everyone,” Pyle said. “My intention is for classes to be accessible to all skill levels and circumstances. I offer modifications and strive to create an atmosphere of openness and acceptance through my classes.”
Yoga for All is offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Due to the farmers’ market, Tuesday’s class is held in The Well’s main building, 210 S. James Garner Ave., while Thursday’s class is held in the market building. Both classes are free, but register at thewellok.org/all-classes.
“I have a passion for teaching others, not just about yoga, but about health and wellness,” she said. “Health is not the absence of disease but rather living your best life.
Pyle has taught at the Moore Norman Technology Center at the South Penn and Norman campuses as well as at a local studio in Norman.
“I love the concept of The Well, a community wellness center accessible to everyone,” Pyle said. “One problem I have with the ideal of the health and wellness movement is that it generally excludes certain populations.
“It leaves out those who will never look like the young, lean, able-bodied, typically white individuals who are normally depicted in magazines. Those who cannot afford lessons, coaches or trainers are also left behind.
Pyle said people shouldn’t feel pressured to wear special workout clothes or have yoga experience to attend the class.
She wants it to be accessible to everyone. She chose the name, Yoga for All, precisely for these reasons, and she appreciates the things that make each person unique.
“I love meeting people and listening to their stories,” she said. “I am available before and after class for questions and I encourage it. I don’t want anyone to walk away if they need questions answered, need clarification, or have any needs or concerns.
Pyle enjoys watching others achieve their goals and finding joy in yoga.
“That includes gaining more confidence and empowerment,” she said. “I discovered yoga for the first time during a physical education class in high school.
“Since then, the pursuit of health and well-being for myself and others has been central to my purpose.”
After training at Baxter Bell in California, she earned an instructional certification in Yoga for Healthy Aging.
Joy Hampton is public information officer for Cleveland County.
