7-01-2023 1:31pm

Community Yoga at Roscoe Community Center with Ashley Rasmussen

Ashley Rasmussen of Roscoe, IL, has always enjoyed yoga, but it was in 2020 that she decided to take a deep dive into the practice.

Ashley used yoga as an outlet to combat anxiety and stress while working and mothering her two children through the COVID 19 pandemic.

“The more I learned about yoga through practice and research, the deeper I wanted to dive.”

She found a studio in Woodstock, IL, that was Yoga Alliance certified and applied for teacher training. After completing 200 hours of training at Woodstock Yoga Lounge in April 2021, she has been freelancing wherever she can since.

She is currently teaching at the Roscoe Township Community Center, originally July 1-August 10 but now continuing through the end of 2023, on Saturdays at 8 a.m. and on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in Founders Park, located at 4562 Hononegah Road. Classes are one hour long and $10 per class. She has a punch card system that allows a free class after paying for five classes.

Ashley understands that there are some people that would like to try yoga but may feel reluctant for many reasons. “Unfortunately, social media has created this false narrative around yoga; that you must have the body of a dancer and be extremely flexible in order to excel at the practice. It can be intimidating. The key for those who feel like they can't do it, whether it’s due to injury, body type or immobility, is to know that is all the more reason to try. Yoga is meant to bring awareness to the mind-body connection and to acknowledge the areas of the body that are strong and strengthen the parts that need attention.”

The classes are adaptable for all ages, body types, and skills. She says you can bring your own yoga mat and props if you have them, but props are provided if needed. Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and mature enough to attend.

During the Saturday morning class on July 1, 2023, soft and soothing music played in the open space surrounded by windows that offered the natural light to stream in, while Ashley instructed us through some basic yoga techniques and poses. She offered help and guidance whenever needed. At times during the session, she would use chimes or recite a quote.

She also offers restorative classes at Synergy Collective in Roscoe. Classes were paused through July but resumed in August.

You can email Ashley at KindhumansYoga@gmail.com, or message her on Facebook or Instagram to sign up for classes. But drop-ins are always welcome.

Ashley says while these are the early stages of testing out the community center for yoga classes, people can expect to see monthly donation-based practices to fundraise for various groups and organizations within our community and neighboring communities as well.

“I really do believe there is something in yoga for everyone. It's about finding a style and practice that works for you. There is an endless variety of styles, and every teacher has a unique personality that is able to make it their own. Be curious, stay open, and you're bound to find one that works for you.”