In their own words, over time.
In July 2021 I fractured two spinal vertebrae as a result of a combination of osteoporosis and an impact accident. I was looking for exercise that would encourage flexibility in a way that felt safe with my injury, work on balance to reduce the likelihood of falls, and offer some resistance work to strengthen my bones. I had attended some of Jesse's in-person classes over the years and found them challenging yet gentle.
I was very anxious that I could make things worse. Jesse does the session with us and most of the time talks throughout — sharing the intention of the movement, how to adapt it if needed, or how to challenge oneself further. The sessions tend to have a specific thread woven through the warmup with a clear focus during the hour.
I remember an early session doing down dog, ready to move on, when we were encouraged to keep our hands where they were but change the arms as if rotating them outwards. I experienced the muscles around the back of my spine stretching. I began to grasp how I could safely work on my vulnerable area. In subsequent sessions we worked on cat and cow — changing the lower back to open both the back body and the front body in a conscious way.
Following this practice over five years I am significantly stronger and my balance is more secure. I am now less at risk of falls. Each class is subtly different. I am never bored. I marvel at Jesse's inventiveness. He continually varies and extends his classes in creative ways.
I really love it — and my body really likes it.
Becky on the practice in her own words. The class meets you where you are: "You can all do it, because you're just doing your limitations. He's really good at helping you do whatever you can do."
If this practice has meant something to you, sharing that in your own words is one of the most generous things you can do. It helps others find their way in.
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