Go With The “Flow”

March 29, 2016 Biz Q&A No comments

Take time for yourself at Laugh & Breathe Yoga

BY: LESLIE FOSTER

Betsy Kimmel, CYO, Chief Yoga Officer of Laugh& Breathe yoga has been teaching the practice of Flow Yoga to devoted yogis in SPT for five years. The benefits of practicing yoga, stress reduction, relaxation, improved flexibility and a general sense of well-being are attractive reasons to take Betsy’s classes. Add to this an atmosphere that encourages you to “ giggle a little” as you join other yogis on the mat…..are all wonderful reasons to begin the practice of Flow Yoga. In a world where we do so much for others, the practice of yoga is about doing something for good for yourself. Take the time, show up for one of her classes… And well you know, just breathe!

Q: ‘LAUGH & BREATHE YOGA’ IS CATCHY, WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR IT?

A: Thank you! I was struggling to come up with a name for my business and I was speaking with my boyfriend (now husband), and said (feeling so frustrated) I just want people to laugh and breathe. He said, why don’t you name your business Laugh & Breathe Yoga. Hence, Laugh & Breathe Yoga was born.

Q: WHAT IS YOGA?
A: Wow, that’s a hefty question. To me, yoga is taking time away from your busy life, finding your breath, being mindful of the moment you’re in, and then letting everything go just for a little bit. Sometimes it happens on the mat and sometimes it doesn’t, but you always leave a little more stretched out and relaxed.

Q: MYTH OR FACT: YOU HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE TO PRACTICE YOGA?

A: Total myth! I love it when people say to me, I can’t do yoga, I’m not flexible. I love to share the practice of yoga with them. Increased flexibility is one of the many reasons to participate in yoga.

Q: THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF YOGA, CAN BE INTIMIDATING TO A NOVICE, WHAT TYPE DO YOU TEACH?

A: Yes, there are different styles of yoga as with any tradition, which has been around for thousands of years’. Finding the yoga practice in which you’re comfortable with can sometimes be a challenge but well worth it in the long run. I teach Flow Yoga; which is a practice where clients move through yoga poses while focusing on their breath. Classes are Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30pm at Southport Presbyterian Church. Laugh & Breathe Yoga also offers private, semi-private and business sessions.Stay tuned for new classes!

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT LAUGH & BREATHE?

A: I’m the CYO – Chief Yoga Officer. As CYO, my role involves everything from teaching, scheduling, marketing, and yes, paying the bills.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU PRACTICED YOGA AND WHAT IS THE BEST REASON TO START?

A: I’ve been athletic my whole life, which led into my my yoga practice about 5 years ago following a torn rotator cuff while playing tennis. I initially began prac- ticing yoga to keep active while healing from the injury, but soon I realized an innumerable amount of benefits from a contin- ued flow practice. I became more relaxed and felt a relief from my day to day stress. You may wonder what kind of stress a yogi has in her life, but, like many transplants here in Southport, I also moved here to get away from the hecticness of the corporate world. I’m lucky to be able to play tennis again and have noticed my game has improved tremendously since I began practicing yoga. The best reason to practice yoga – Taking time for yoga is like giving yourself a present.

Q: WHAT CAN A BEGINNER EXPECT AT THEIR FIRST LESSON?

A: We love new yogis! When you join us

on the mat, the first thing you’ll notice is a friendly environment. If it’s your first time, remember, everyone has a first yoga practice! You may feel awkward, off balance, sore, and notice muscles that you haven’t talked to in a very long time saying, hello! Once you’ve said hello to your long forgotten muscles you’ll feel awakened, energized, and alive in yourself. Our philos- ophy is to laugh, breathe and maybe even stretch a little! We strive at Laugh & Breathe Yoga for everyone to be comfortable in your own body, and we really don’t take ourselves too seriously. We provide an open and enjoyable environment, where you can laugh at yourself and with others as you work through your new practice.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCES AS A YOGA INSTRUCTOR?

A: That is such a hard question; I have so many favorite moments. To sum it up: I love seeing development in my yogi’s practice, it’s amazing to see each and every one progress in their indi- vidual practice. As each yogi becomes stronger and more confident in their abilities their practice opens up like a beautiful flower blooming.

FUN QUESTIONS:

FAVORITE FOOD: Veggies, with a side of cupcakes

FAVORITE BOOK: I love mysteries, anything by Clive Cussler or Stuart Woods

FAVORITE MUSIC: 80’s glam rock
FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL: Portugal is so romantic

FAVORITE THING ABOUT SOUTHPORT: The people