ABOUT US
Things are a little different here at-
Elements Movement.
Uh oh...right!?! What could that possibly mean?
It means many things, but most importantly, it means we are Authentic. We aren't here trying to be something we are not. We are more focused on self-care and the importance of movement. We are a small boutique studio, which allows us to offer a personalized experience. We like to use the terms cozy (10 participants), cozier, (12 participants) and coziest (14 participants) to describe the space available in the practice room. We want you to feel at home here. We are also a "teaching studio" and explain that further on our teacher training page.
We are in no way saying everyone else is doing it wrong. We are simply saying...we are doing "US"! .... and, want you to do "YOU"!
Our owner, Ellen, has been trained in both yoga and pilates and believes there is something special about marrying those two modalities of movement. Yes, you may be looking specifically for one style, but you may actually need the principles of the other. If we actually listen to our bodies and work towards a practice we need, instead of the practice we want, we find growth. Case in point- a flexible body loves a yoga practice because flexibility is easy-(In all fairness, who wouldn't love something they excel at easily!?!) but, what that body actually needs is to build more strength through resistance to avoid causing injury.
Although we all have been trained and teach what are considered to be traditional yoga poses, some of us add some not so traditional "stuff" to class. Currently none of us teach strictly in Sanskrit.
Sure, you will hear us call the postures by their Sanskrit names (sometimes), but think more of an alignment based instruction. We will tell you where your feet, and knees, and arms should aim to be.
Here we focus more on the movements and health benefits of developing a self-care practice. We don't deny that most of us offer a very westernized version of a yoga practice. Truthfully, most of us guide you through mindful movement and leave the rest up to you. And pilates- well, that's it's own magical dance. If you think you have a strong core- we promise a mat pilates class will challenge that thought....in a good way! You don't have to be a professional here- you just have to be willing to move. Our focus isn't on what social media thinks your practice should be- our focus is on making you more confident in your own body and the way you move.
If you love or are seeking a more traditional style yoga class, with a deep spiritual focus, we more than likely won't be a good fit for you. Not to say that your practice can't be spiritual in this space, it's just that we leave that part up to you. We believe that every time you step on your mat, you are stepping into a highly personal space. Your beliefs are yours and how they relate to your practice is for you to decide. We do have instructors who incorporate the study of the chakras into the practice. We also do our very best to communicate and share important cultural significance into our teachings. You may or may not hear "Namaste" in our room. After much reflection and consideration for others, Our owner Ellen, believes the use of this word is very personal and is a reflection of ones own practice.
If you are seeking a reformer pilates class- we also aren't for you, but could be! A mat practice is the base of a reformer class. It is actually more challenging because your body is responsible for all of the work, We have plenty of props and fun stuff to keep it interesting. But again- we understand the love for a reformer can be strong. I would point you in the direction of Bovee Pilates in East Grand Rapids- you won't be disappointed.
We don't believe in competition. We are here to guide you on your mat as you find your own journey into your own practice. If we feel another teacher or class style may be better suited in helping you find your way, we will suggest it to you. Just know that is all we are doing though...your practice is always your choice to make. We all are passionate about different styles of movement, have different interpretations, and our strengths lie in different areas. Challenge yourself to spend some time with all of us, even though you may have a favorite class. (that's allowed, we aren't talking about children here.) Again- and you will hear Ellen say this often, "We all get too caught up in what we want, instead of what we need. Most of us are good at avoiding what we need." Life is so crazy busy for many of us and we are over scheduled and over tired. Try every once and awhile to go to a class, not because it's your routine, but because it's what you need. You may be surprised in what you find if you just stop and listen.
Oh and one more thing, Ellen thinks she is funny. And she talks a lot. Around here- we like to call that passion.
Have the best day-
See you soon!
Things are a little different here at-
Elements Movement.
Uh oh...right!?! What could that possibly mean?
It means many things, but most importantly, it means we are Authentic. We aren't here trying to be something we are not. We are more focused on self-care and the importance of movement. We are a small boutique studio, which allows us to offer a personalized experience. We like to use the terms cozy (10 participants), cozier, (12 participants) and coziest (14 participants) to describe the space available in the practice room. We want you to feel at home here. We are also a "teaching studio" and explain that further on our teacher training page.
We are in no way saying everyone else is doing it wrong. We are simply saying...we are doing "US"! .... and, want you to do "YOU"!
Our owner, Ellen, has been trained in both yoga and pilates and believes there is something special about marrying those two modalities of movement. Yes, you may be looking specifically for one style, but you may actually need the principles of the other. If we actually listen to our bodies and work towards a practice we need, instead of the practice we want, we find growth. Case in point- a flexible body loves a yoga practice because flexibility is easy-(In all fairness, who wouldn't love something they excel at easily!?!) but, what that body actually needs is to build more strength through resistance to avoid causing injury.
Although we all have been trained and teach what are considered to be traditional yoga poses, some of us add some not so traditional "stuff" to class. Currently none of us teach strictly in Sanskrit.
Sure, you will hear us call the postures by their Sanskrit names (sometimes), but think more of an alignment based instruction. We will tell you where your feet, and knees, and arms should aim to be.
Here we focus more on the movements and health benefits of developing a self-care practice. We don't deny that most of us offer a very westernized version of a yoga practice. Truthfully, most of us guide you through mindful movement and leave the rest up to you. And pilates- well, that's it's own magical dance. If you think you have a strong core- we promise a mat pilates class will challenge that thought....in a good way! You don't have to be a professional here- you just have to be willing to move. Our focus isn't on what social media thinks your practice should be- our focus is on making you more confident in your own body and the way you move.
If you love or are seeking a more traditional style yoga class, with a deep spiritual focus, we more than likely won't be a good fit for you. Not to say that your practice can't be spiritual in this space, it's just that we leave that part up to you. We believe that every time you step on your mat, you are stepping into a highly personal space. Your beliefs are yours and how they relate to your practice is for you to decide. We do have instructors who incorporate the study of the chakras into the practice. We also do our very best to communicate and share important cultural significance into our teachings. You may or may not hear "Namaste" in our room. After much reflection and consideration for others, Our owner Ellen, believes the use of this word is very personal and is a reflection of ones own practice.
If you are seeking a reformer pilates class- we also aren't for you, but could be! A mat practice is the base of a reformer class. It is actually more challenging because your body is responsible for all of the work, We have plenty of props and fun stuff to keep it interesting. But again- we understand the love for a reformer can be strong. I would point you in the direction of Bovee Pilates in East Grand Rapids- you won't be disappointed.
We don't believe in competition. We are here to guide you on your mat as you find your own journey into your own practice. If we feel another teacher or class style may be better suited in helping you find your way, we will suggest it to you. Just know that is all we are doing though...your practice is always your choice to make. We all are passionate about different styles of movement, have different interpretations, and our strengths lie in different areas. Challenge yourself to spend some time with all of us, even though you may have a favorite class. (that's allowed, we aren't talking about children here.) Again- and you will hear Ellen say this often, "We all get too caught up in what we want, instead of what we need. Most of us are good at avoiding what we need." Life is so crazy busy for many of us and we are over scheduled and over tired. Try every once and awhile to go to a class, not because it's your routine, but because it's what you need. You may be surprised in what you find if you just stop and listen.
Oh and one more thing, Ellen thinks she is funny. And she talks a lot. Around here- we like to call that passion.
Have the best day-
See you soon!