Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lamansky.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started Balanced Yoga because I truly feel that yoga has the power to change your life for the better.
I’ve seen it in my own life, and I wanted to be able to share that with as many people as possible. I have practiced yoga for 20 years and recently decided to open my practice. As I considered what I wanted the focus of my practice to be, I pondered why I enjoyed Yoga so much. It was HANDS DOWN the stress reduction aspect. I love the feeling of peace and calm that I can carry with me throughout the day after a good yoga class.
I began to research the other benefits of yoga – who is it good for? Who can it help the most? As it turns out, there has been significant research done on the benefits of yoga for Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I think that a lot of people are looking for natural alternatives or supplemental care options, and yoga can provide that to anyone who needs it.
I decided to make all of my classes Mental Health Aware. Every class is Trauma Aware, but that does not mean that you have to be suffering from a mental health condition to benefit. We all have stressors or difficult situations at various points in our lives, and yoga can be a valuable and healthy coping mechanism. If I’m doing my part properly, you won’t notice that the classes are trauma, anxiety, or depression aware, you will just feel calm and peaceful.
I hope that everyone who comes through the door experiences a moment of peace amidst the craziness of life and maybe even learns some techniques that they can use both on and off the mat to regain that peace, however brief, at any time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles – like many small business owners, I try to do a lot of the work myself. I have learned the hard way that while I am a competent yoga instructor, website design is NOT my strong point. It is so much harder than I imagined!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I chose to focus on Mental Health Aware Yoga. That includes Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I offer in-person classes, private sessions (in-person and online), and onsite events. In each class or session, clients can expect to start with a breathing exercise, then move through a series of yoga poses before lying down and resting (in Savasana) towards the end of class.
We then close each session with a 5-minute meditation. Clients can expect a safe space, free of judgment – where they are encouraged to accept themselves and their body where they are and gently “ask” if their body can do just a bit more, and if their mind can focus on the present for just a bit longer.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I have to thank my husband and my kids here – they have been so supportive all along the way. My husband quietly said, as I was considering starting this business, “This yoga business thing suits you well.” Those may seem like small words, but his support and approval meant a lot – he knows me better than anyone.
And my sweet kids who want to learn the poses and help me promote them. If you happen to see a post full of emojis on my social media feed, know that we are having a “yoga marketing” lesson and I probably gave too much leeway to an 8-year-old. But I am happy to have them involved and happy to give them these learning opportunities along the way.
Pricing:
- $15 per class
- $65 per 1-hour private session
- Special Events start at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.balancedyogatn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedyogatn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balancedyogaTN/
