Good Intentions: Find Your Center with Mind/Body Fitness at Windy Hill Athletic Club
What mind/body programs does Windy Hill Athletic Club offer?
We currently offer Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Inversion/Handstand Class, Hatha Yoga, Beginner Yoga, Restorative classes, Yin Yoga, and 15-minute guided meditation classes. One-on-one yoga sessions are also available for those who want to learn more. Many of the teachers that work here have been recognized by the yoga community. We also have a beautiful Pilates studio and offer small group classes and one-on-one sessions. This department is a favorite among members.
We have some of the best teachers in Atlanta! Our teachers have done extensive research and training to give our members the very best experience. We offer mat classes along with Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, barrel, MOTR® classes, and one-on-one sessions. Also, be on the lookout for workshops and weekly classes on how to improve better range of motion.
What benefits can be gained through mind/body fitness?
A healthy body needs both strength and flexibility. Just as bones crave space, muscles crave contraction. Working Pilates and yoga into your weekly routine can give you strength and also allow your bones and joints to thrive. With strength and flexibility comes protection against the breakdown of cartilage and bones, increased blood flow, immunity, lung health, and more. Plus, the release of dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin in the brain, leaves us happy and relaxed. This helps to reduce stress, which also benefits overall health and disease prevention.
Susan Walker, Mind/Body Program Director Susan has worked in the fitness industry since 2006 and has certifications and continuing education in personal coaching, group exercise, cycling, strength training, water aerobics, Pilates, and yoga. She is certified with Yoga Alliance RYT-300 and certified with Tim Miller of the Ashtanga Yoga Center, and holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
She was a teacher at Kennesaw State University in the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education for six years. Her coursework covered wellness and health, functional movement, yoga, and Pilates. Susan found yoga and Pilates around 11 years ago. She noticed what a profound feeling and sense of calm she received after class. Susan eventually went through yoga and Pilates training and went deeper into her yoga practice. After dealing with a chronic back injury, she went on a quest for answers on anatomy and how to not only do yoga safely, but to also make it accessible for everyone. During this time, she worked with some of the most knowledgeable teachers of our time. Susan believes that yoga is accessible to all of us and can be a healing modality if we use it in that capacity.
Windy Hill Athletic Club • www.windyhillclub.com • 770-953-1100