SPOTLIGHT ON: Citizen Yoga
Beginning in 2013, Citizen Yoga has been a safe, second-home for people where they can feel a sense of belonging, and leave knowing they are better equipped to handle the stresses of life. Since then, Citizen Yoga has expanded to 4 locations, and has remained as dedicated to their mission as ever before. Their mission? For every student to feel seen.
What that means, according to Shannon Murphy, Co-Captain for Citizen Yoga Michigan, is that “Citizen Yoga strives to make sure each and every student who walks through our doors feels welcome, appreciated, supported, and immediately part of our community.” Anybody who has visited one of the Citizen Yoga studios can echo these statements.
Citizen Yoga differs from a lot of other yoga studios for many reasons. First and foremost is their dedication to mental wellness.
“To fulfill our mission of empowering all people, we are active participants in the movement toward mental wellness,” Murphy said. “Our instructors and wellness practitioners partner with outreach programs to enrich the communities where we exist with educated physical and mental health alternatives.”
In addition to understanding the importance of mental wellness for their students, Citizen Yoga also understands the importance of branding to separate themselves from the many yoga studios in the area. People associate Citizen Yoga and their merchandise with a positive, healthy lifestyle and mental wellness. Generic shirts and accessories may sell, but it doesn't do anything to distinguish Citizen Yoga, nor does it give their students merchandise to be proud of. By customizing their merchandise, Citizen Yoga stays top-of-mind with their target audience all year round.
Citizen Yoga students are very proud of their studio, and can often be seen wearing their original “CY Designs”
Along with their popular classes, such as Slow Burn, Blend, and Vinyasa, Citizen Yoga is always hosting workshops and events. Some upcoming programs include:
Alignment + Inversions
Sunday, February 9th. 1:00-3:00 PM. Citizan Yoga Royal Oak. $30.
Lauren will lead an alignment-based practice that both the new and advanced yogi will enjoy! Try out headstands, handstands, and forearm stands at any level.
Valentine's Day Partner Yoga
Friday, February 14th. 5:45-7:15 PM. Citizen Yoga Royal Oak. $45 reserves two spots.
Grab a partner + join us for a playful and fun way to connect, be silly and be reminded of the beauty of vulnerability. This is open to anyone and you do not need to have a romantic partner to participate. All levels are welcome.
Foundations of Backbends
Sunday, February 23rd. 1:45-3:45 PM. Citizen Yoga Bloomfield. $35
We're back for another round! In Part III of this series, Todd will guide + assist you in working with the energetics of the body + Prana of breath. This will be a full-scale practice with an emphasis on Level 1 + Syllabus 1 backbends.
You do not need to have attended Part I + II in order to attend Part III, though content will be a continuation of what was previously covered.
This is an all levels practice, full-scale practice that is sure to speak to both the new and seasoned yoga practitioner.
If these programs sound interesting to you, but you're hesitant to try yoga because you don't think you're flexible or experienced enough, Murphy wants you to breathe easy and put your mind at ease.
"Many people think they need to already be flexible to practice yoga, which is totally not true! Most students new to yoga can not touch their toes during their first class, which is why we are here. Our goal is to make each new student's experience positive and supported to take away those fears.
