Get Your Zen: New Yoga Studio is Taking Away Intimidation Factor

When Empower Yoga Studio opens it’s doors on June 14, students will find no “guru” dictating classes. Instead, this unique studio will be sporting a “community” approach, freeing its team of talented teachers -- each with yoga specialties – to lead classes in their own preferred style. The result: a breadth of options for matching teachers to tastes, interests and abilities, all in a judgment-free environment.

“In our technology-filled lives, sky-high stress is an epidemic in our society. We don’t get the chance to reboot and heal. Yoga can reduce stress levels greatly and improve health and quality of life,” says Empower Yoga founder Julie Cook, a certified yoga instructor and creator of Endurance Yoga. “At Empower Yoga we meet the student where they are with a variety of class styles and levels that meet our students’ unique needs and interests.”

For example, in addition to classic Vinyasa classes (hot and otherwise), there’s the ongoing “Yoga for Beginners,” a 30-day program that gently guides those who are new to yoga. “Healthy Backs” is a restorative yoga that is ideal for anyone seeking healing and relaxation. For competitive athletes, there’s Cook’s popular “Endurance Yoga ” Julie has been implementing this popular program with Novi High School’s athletic teams. Endurance Yoga caters directly to the needs of competitive athletes, and has built local renown for its ability to improve athletic performance while reducing risk of training- related injuries.

“Yoga for athletes is usually taught in a gym and participants miss out on a quiet, peaceful experience,” says Cook. “The Empower Yoga setting is serene, providing a Zen-like, relaxed feeling the moment you walk in the door. It’s yoga the way it’s meant to be experienced.”

The experience is an essential element to generate the full power of yoga.

“The meaning of yoga is to ‘Yoke.’ It creates a oneness with both the body and mind, balancing the brain and easing stress and depression,” says Cook. “The physical postures help us to work out all of the stress and tension that we hold deep in our tissues.”

Indeed, yoga’s physical postures (called Asanas) are designed to keep the body strong, fit and flexible, while breathing techniques aim to focus the mind. “Together they work beautifully to change the biochemistry of the brain and help restore balance to both body and mind,” says Cook.

Cook’s passion and enthusiasm for the power of yoga to change lives is evident in the studio’s philosophy of “Karma Yoga” -- the act of giving without any expectation of receiving. The studio has a full plan for giving back to the community, included are some karma-building fundraisers for Pontiac’s Light House Mission.