CHAR YOGA FITNESS & WELLNESS
Movement, Sound Healing & Mindful Outdoor Adventure
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WELCOME
Char is a versatile Interdisciplinary Movement & Sound Healing Professional who wears multiple hats as a Facilitator, Coach, Student, Instructor, Teacher, and Educator. Her approach to health and well-being is centered around a holistic perspective, integrating each individual's mind, body, spiritual (non-physical), and emotional aspects to create a comprehensive approach to wellness. Drawing from her diverse background in dance and movement and her knowledge and experience in sports and fitness, Char incorporates her extensive training in Yoga, Movement Science, Mindfulness, Meditation, Pranayama, Reiki, Bodywork, and Sound Healing. By blending these practices, she guides her clients towards profound transformative experiences and long-term lifestyle improvements. Whether through group classes or private sessions, Char offers her expertise to help clients discover a whole-body approach to health and well-being, enabling them to embrace a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
About Char's Movement Classes & Workshops
Char's group classes and workshops cater to individuals of all levels, making them accessible and welcoming to everyone. For those seeking a more personalized experience, she also offers a select number of private sessions, providing an intimate setting for practice or training. Char adopts an inclusive, nurturing, and down-to-earth style as a teacher, prioritizing the success and growth of her clients and students. When guiding movement classes, she employs simple choreography and motivating music to help participants connect with their bodies and break free from overthinking. Her fitness classes focus on safety and achieving tangible results, while her yoga sessions combine breath-centered alignment with fluid posture sequencing and mindfulness of movement. This unique blend offers practical physical benefits, mental empowerment, and a compassionate journey inward. Char's teaching philosophy emphasizes that movement is not only about physical exercise but also a vital part of a holistic journey that nurtures the heart, mind, and body. Her classes encourage self-discovery, self-acceptance, self-expression, and a path to enlightenment. Participants can expect a relaxing, light-hearted, enjoyable experience fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Offerings:
Corporate Wellness
Yoga, Hiking & Outdoor Adventure
CLASS OFFERINGS
Mindful Movement & Graceful Flow
Aerial Yoga & AntiGravity® Fitness, Yin Yoga, Taoist Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, SPA Yoga®,Yoga Flow, Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal & Pelvic Floor, Sacred Women's Circle & The divine feminine, Sacred Drum Circle, Dance & Movement, Functional Fitness Fusion, Roll Model® Method, Pranayama, Meditation & Mindfulness Instruction, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Sound Healing, Vibrational Sound, Gong Bath, Himalayan, Tibetan & Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Baths, Holistic Nutrition Workshops, Group Classes & Private Sessions,Home Flows, Live Streaming Yoga, Online Yoga Classes, Online Yoga Videos,
FOREST & NATURE MEDITATION
Forest bathing, also known as "Shinrin-yoku," represents the Japanese tradition of embracing the natural world at a slower pace, fully immersing oneself in its soothing embrace. This eco-friendly remedy serves as an antidote to the stress and burnout of modern life, encouraging individuals to meditate while experiencing nature's wonders. Practitioners connect deeply with the environment by engaging all senses – sight, sound, touch, smell, and perhaps even taste. When combined with formal meditation, which refines and strengthens the mind, forest bathing further enhances our ability to concentrate and center our thoughts. It serves as a mindful awakening to the present moment, fostering a sense of clarity and stability within us. Numerous scientifically-backed benefits have been associated with regular meditation. The amalgamation of formal meditation and forest bathing gives rise to what is often referred to as Nature Meditation or Eco-therapy. An experienced practitioner, Char seamlessly incorporates time-honored methods into her group and private sessions. Whether you attend a class or opt for personalized sessions, the transformative benefits of this combination await those who seek solace and rejuvenation amidst the beauty of nature.
CRYSTAL SINGING BOWL MEDITATION
Also referred to as Vibrational Sound, or Sound Baths is a form of Sound Also referred to as Vibrational Sound, Sound Medicine, or Sound Baths, it is a form of Sound Healing used as one of many holistic approaches to balancing the whole body. These oscillations in energy stimulate the spinal cord and send waves through the nervous system, cells, tissues, and organs; while simultaneously balancing the subtle energy body, which contains the chakras and aura field. The beautiful tones produced by the singing bowls create heightened consciousness due to their effects on the interneuronal connections. They invoke a deep state of relaxation as observers are guided into a mindful state similar to meditating. Thus, making singing bowls the perfect and quintessential aid to any meditation practice. In this relaxed, balanced, and serene state induced by vibration, the mind guides the consciousness on an inner journey, allowing the listener to see themselves and the world around them from a refreshed, peaceful and enlightened perspective.
GONG BATH
Dive deep into the therapeutic embrace of a gong bath, a rejuvenating escape from the everyday hustle —a sound therapy experience designed to harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Let the resonating tones of expertly played gongs envelop you in a tranquil setting. From the first gentle stirrings of sound to the crescendo of its healing vibrations, find yourself transported to a place of profound relaxation. Enjoy physical revitalization, emotional release, and mental clarity as the sound vibrations relax your nervous system, and the tones touch hidden emotional corners, clearing blockages and releasing pent-up feelings while guiding your mind to a clear and meditative state. Whether you are new to sound therapy or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience will nurture and uplift you.
DRUMMING MEDITATION
Drumming meditation is a unique form of sound therapy that combines the rhythmic beats of a drum with mindfulness techniques to create an immersive, meditative experience. Unlike traditional forms of silent meditation, drumming meditation engages both the auditory senses and bodily movements to facilitate a deep state of relaxation and heightened awareness. Enjoy benefits such as relaxation, mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, community connection, and improved coordination and rhythm. Whether experienced individually or in a group, drumming meditation offers a multisensory journey that taps into various layers of consciousness, potentially leading to profound insights and emotional balance.
SACRED WOMEN'S CACAO CIRCLE
A facilitated ceremonial gathering, where participants come together to share the experience of drinking cacao - a beverage made from raw cacao beans. This ritual is deeply rooted in Mesoamerican traditions. Participants then drink the cacao meditatively to open their hearts and ground their energies. The Cacao Circle is a safe and sacred space for individuals to connect with themselves and others on a deeper level. It allows for self-exploration and emotional release, often accompanied by various activities. The Circle isn’t just about the consumption of cacao. It’s about the shared experience, the sense of unity, and the profound introspection it encourages. The cacao is a tool or vehicle for spiritual and emotional exploration and connection. Join us, come, connect, and discover!
YIN YOGA & MEDITATION
An easeful non-heated, non-flow, spacious practice that helps you to slow down, open and release by utilizing simple to access passive floor postures, stillness and holds of two to six minutes. This beautiful practice not only helps to regulate the flow of “Qi” energy by stimulating the meridians, channels, or pathways, but also helps to strengthen, lengthen, and hydrate the deeper connective tissues that are responsible for mobility and flexibility; such as the fascia, ligaments, tendons, joints and bones. This Yin Yoga class helps to improve flexibility, while building inner stamina and mental endurance with a complementary meditation and intertwined mindfulness practice. Yin Yoga is a wonderful stand alone practice, or the perfect complement to your “yang” yoga practice and exercise. Give the gift of “Yin” to yourself today, your mind & body will thank you! No prior experience needed. Open to all levels.
SLOW FLOW & RESTORATIVE (FLOW & RESTORE)
Restorative yoga can help you to feel better, calmer and happier in your body, your mind and your life. This receptive and fully accessible practice, utilizes passive shapes supported by props and a deep sense of comfort and relaxation; bringing the mind, physical body and emotional being into balance. Poses are held from 5+ minutes giving the body ample time to transition into rest mode, while the mind is nurtured through a complimentary meditative practice. Smoothly progressing to an extended savasana with guided relaxation. Indulge in this wonderful opportunity to withdraw from the over stimuli of everyday busyness and flow into ebullience, blissful healing and total body harmony. Classes are either 60 min, 75 min, or 90 min depending upon location. Open to all levels. No prior experience necessary to enjoy the many wonderful benefits of a Restorative Yoga practice.
Char offers two types of Restorative Yoga Classes. Read more...
Flow & Restore taught Friday Mornings 10:45-12:00pm
YOGA NIDRA
The term Yoga Nidra is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘yoga’ meaning union, or one pointed awareness and ‘nidra’ meaning sleep. Also known as “The Sleep of the Yogi” Since Yoga Nidra and Sleep are closely intertwined. Yoga Nidra is a meditative, regenerative practice that offers similar benefits as those resulting from sleep, which helps our wounds to heal, improves memory, boosts the immune system, manages pain, and lowers stress. When practicing Yoga Nidra, the body relaxes, while the mind stays awake and one-pointed as it is in meditation. Read more...
PRENATAL-POSTNATAL YOGA
Join Char Willingham for weekly online prenatal yoga classes designed to support Mom-to-be at every stage of her pregnancy journey. Each Asana practice offers skilled instruction, stretching, strengthening, stabilizing and flowing movements that help prepare Mom for birth and motherhood by connecting her to her body, baby and a community of fellow Moms. Movements are considered for every trimester, with the help of props and attention to alignment suitable to her growing baby and changing body. Integrated practices such as meditation, guided visualization and pranayama, give Mom the opportunity to tune into the incredible wisdom of her body, take comfort in her breath and relax into the physical, emotional and mental demands of pregnancy. Postnatal yoga classes are a great way for Mom to ease back into movement, stretching, strength-building and core integration appropriately designed for her postpartum journey. Both classes provide ample opportunity for Mom to savor every moment of her perinatal self care.
PRANAYAMA
Pranayama is one of the many methods that we use to elicit deep relaxation and quiet, giving us the opportunity to recover and heal from stress. The practice reveals and refines the details of our energetic patterns, as it compliments our Asana practice, which reveals our physical habits and patterns, while strengthening our physical body. Pranayama also compliments our meditation practice, which keeps us connected to ourselves and helps us to cultivate inner awareness. Char incorporates Pranayama into her group classes, meditation sessions and private sessions. She also offers Pranayama workshops. Visit her livestream and in person schedule to join her group classes and if you’re interested in scheduling a private session, click on the link below.
AERIAL YOGA + ANTIGRAVITY® FITNESS
Aerial Yoga also known as “Floating Yoga” is an effective combination of Aerial Arts, traditional yoga and pilates. A typical class combines elements of a traditional yoga practice, such as breathing, stretching and mindful movement with Aerial Yoga adaptations of mat yoga poses and pilates movements. Along with bending, twisting, reaching, gripping, flipping, swinging and hanging with the help of the aerial hammock. Aerial yoga offers the same wonderful benefits of mat yoga; such as lengthening of the muscles and connective tissues and increased flexibility, while also building both core and upper body strength. Group Aerial Yoga classes are offered for various levels to meet yogis & aerialists at every stage of their Aerial Yoga journey, from true beginners to advanced practitioners.
AntiGravity® Fitness
Is a fun fitness workout that connects the body and mind. It’s also a technique that allows one to stretch further and hold challenging poses longer by utilizing the AntiGravity Hammock. AntiGravity Fitness was created by Christopher Harrison in 1991, making it the originator of the Aerial Yoga Suspension Fitness Genre.
TAOIST YOGA
Taoist yoga embodies the elements and rhythm of nature in this dynamic and regenerative practice; combining a synergistic blend of Taoist breathing, gentle yoga stretching and flowing martial arts movements. Designed to awaken the body's energy pathways, nurture the joints, and center the mind. As a branch of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), this ancient healing art has been practiced for thousands of years as a way to keep the body's life force energy (Qi) circulating and flowing. Encouraging a heightened state of awareness of one's own internal energy, which helps to facilitate health, happiness, and inner peace; leaving the practitioner feeling tranquil and revitalized.
VINYASA FLOW NEUTRAL OR HEATED
Also known as Vinyasa Yoga, this class integrates elements from various yoga styles such as Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, and Pranayama for breathwork. Designed like a finely choreographed dance, the class sequences Asanas (yoga poses) to enhance strength, boost endurance, improve balance, and increase flexibility, all while effectively reducing stress. The focus is on harmonizing breath with movement. Vinyasa Flow is offered in both heated environments (at 105 degrees Fahrenheit) and room-temperature settings (around 72 degrees), making it accessible for practitioners of all levels.
YOGA FOR BREAST CANCER & RECOVERY
A personalized and nurturing yoga practice for individuals at all stages of detection and care. Including those with lymphedema and metastatic breast cancer. Sessions include adaptive yoga poses that are appropriate for each person's stage of treatment, combined with meditation a sound healing for breast cancer, and other optional relief practices. These are private sessions for cancer patients, but require pre-scheduling. Please email, or complete the contact form for additional information.
SELF MYOFASCIAL MOVEMENT & RELEASE
Join Char Willingham for Roll Model® Method classes & workshops that help release and nurture fascia, erase pain, improve posture and enhance athletic performance. This class incorporates self-myofascial deep and gentle tissue releasing techniques, gentle yoga stretching and corrective exercises to release trigger points, lengthen tight muscles, lubricate joints, hydrate connective tissue, soften scar tissue and unwind knots and adhesions that occur from overuse, underuse, misuse, or abuse. The techniques used in this practice increase blood flow to the treated area and improve circulation, mobility, flexibility and body awareness. Leading to improved muscle memory and a stronger sense of self-movement and body position, which in turn helps to minimize chances of injury and reinjury while improving physical performance. Each “hands-off” self-treatment and down-regulating class restores fluidity and warmth in the tissues, while encouraging tranquility, rest and repair.
THAI YOGA BODYWORK
Thai Yoga Bodywork, also known as nuat thai, nuat phaen boran, or nuad boran, is considered an extension of your yoga practice. Thai Massage, or Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient healing art originating in Asia and used since approximately 500 b.c. This ancient Ayurvedic-based body science is performed on a floor mat as the recipient is guided through a series of assisted yoga postures and gentle stretches; while palming and thumbing is applied along the body’s “sen” (energy lines) and “marmas” (pressure points) creating a harmonious and rehabilitative dance. This full-body practice relieves muscular tension, increases circulation and restores balance in the body by unblocking and dispersing impeded energy. No lotions or oils are applied and participant remains fully clothed for the session.
REIKI TREATMENTS & GUIDED RELAXATION
Reiki is a Complementary practice also known as Energy Medicine, or Energy Healing. Sessions offered are mindfully integrated and tailored to fit the needs of each person, with a unique combination of Reiki, Sound Healing, Aromatherapy, Crystal Healing, Meditation, or simply Guided Relaxation to calm the mind and facilitate a state of peacefulness; while sessions work to reignite the body’s natural healing processes. Each session helps to restore physical, mental and emotional balance for whole body wellness. Reiki treatments & tonings are performed by a Practitioner & Master Teacher of several Reiki styles and lineages, who utilizes the style of Reiki that best suits the needs of her clients. All sessions are done fully clothed and requires no physical contact. Chair Sessions & Distance Reiki treatments are also available.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
One-to-one, or small group sessions are ideal for those new to yoga, or the world of fitness and anyone wanting a more individualized experience. Private sessions can combine Yoga and breathing techniques, with relief practices such as Meditation, Reiki, Sound Healing and Aromatherapy, or fitness disciplines and exercises such as Pilates & TRX. Small group and 1-2-1 sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, or small group in an effort to maximize rehabilitative benefits. Char offers a supportive and encouraging practice, or training environment, while embracing a holistic approach to assisting clients in achieving a sense of wholeness and balance.
Offerings: