Funds were presented recently to continue a program providing yoga classes to the Independence Fire District staff.
Greg Corwin, president of the Independence Business Association, attended the Independence city council meeting to donate $500 for the program that Madison Pike Yoga provides.
Stefanie Miller is the owner of the business, and she explained that before the pandemic she and two other businesses were doing fitness sessions with the firefighters.
“Early this year they invited me back,” Miller said. “I was aware the whole time that this job that the firefighters do is both physical and mental. It all ties together.”
Corwin, who practices yoga, believes in the restorative powers of the practice.
“I thought we needed to put money into helping provide the special restorative type of yoga that helps to counterbalance the stresses the firefighters, and the police, go through in their jobs,” he said.
Approximately 30 members are in the IBA at this time, and they do what they can to help the community whenever they can, Corwin said.
Miller said that the money will go to buying a mat, a strap and a block — all yoga essentials — for each person taking the courses. They already have a bolster and blanket. It will also allow her to keep up her twice a month classes for the students.
Her goal is to provide once-a-week classes.
“They have been super receptive,” Miller said. “I know they appreciate any help we can give them. Our classes promote gentle mindfulness. It kind of resets their nerves.”
