Warrior Yoga owner Lorie Wilson knows just how taxing a first responder’s job can be, having helped numerous who have walked through the doors of her yoga studio in Turlock find ways to destress and stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Wilson hopes to help other first responders in the area discover the benefits of yoga and give back to some of the community’s bravest by inviting them and their families to a free Saturday practice at the studio’s First Responders Appreciation event.
Wilson said that she was inspired to host the event by some of her own yoga students who work as first responders.
“I have a couple of people practicing that are first responders who have had a lot of stress in their job and found yoga to be extremely beneficial in helping them to destress and take care of themselves,” said Wilson. “I thought this would be the best thing to do to get people in that field through the doors.”
A typical class at Warrior Yoga offers a unique, Baptiste-inspired heated power yoga experience. Temperatures inside the building reach up to 90 degrees during sessions, providing yogis with a challenging and strengthening yoga session. The warm workout has proven to be therapeutic for first responders that regularly train with Wilson, she said.
“The reality is that type of work and environment can take a toll on people, both emotionally and physically, whether they’re seeing trauma or carrying someone down a flight of stairs,” said Wilson.
All first responders in the area, from firefighters and police officers to 911 dispatchers and those in the medical field, are invited to attend the free event, and may also bring their families. Both seasoned yogis and beginners are encouraged to attend. Wilson hopes to show those in attendance that yoga can be an outlet where they can recover from and prepare for the rigors of their jobs.
“The idea behind it is to get them through the door, see the space, feel the space and make them feel comfortable enough to come back,” she said. “But, it’s also a way to say thank you and acknowledge what they do.”
Warrior Yoga’s First Responders Appreciation event will take place March 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the yoga studio, 2801 Geer Rd.
“I think its important to acknowledge people in our community who stand for us and offer services for them to stay healthy and strong so they can do their job,” said Wilson. “It’s an opportunity to do something fun and healthy together.”