Yoga By Design, One Soul at a Time

A lifelong dancer and athlete, Lynn Medow always considered herself fit. But the word took on new meaning for her both physically and spiritually when she set foot on a yoga mat at age 40.

"I always knew I wanted to do something that I could do physically for the rest of my life" said Medow, of Bloomfield Township. "I got on the mat and felt like I was home."

Nearly 20 years later, she's still sharing her expertise in the ancient Indian practice of yoga through workshops, one-on-one therapy sessions and an instructional video. They're all offered by her company, , which she founded nine years ago.

After working in the non-profit sector for more than two decades, the Michigan State University graduate went into business as part of her continued exploration of yoga and a desire to share the profound impact it's had on her. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2001 and a certified yoga therapist in 2007. She said she started small with two to three dedicated regulars, but has worked with hundreds throughout the metro area since.

Eight years into her training, Medow said she felt happier and healthier through yoga. But she didn't fully discover her purpose until she seriously injured her back while trying to master its techniques. The physical setback was really more of a personal and professional blessing, Medow said. Through it she discovered an alignment issue within her own body and she slowly nursed herself to health and by tweaking her yoga regiment.

The process unveiled a new calling: using yoga to enrich the lives of baby boomers and others through a heightened awareness of safe practices and balanced body alignment.

She began studying Anusara Yoga, which focuses on alignment and is grounded in the Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness. It led to further, in-depth study of yoga therapy at the Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.

"She's an expert at being able to look at how you stand and understands how it impacts everything you want your body to do in unique way," said former client Paul Kaye of Huntington Woods.

He worked with Medow for roughly six months after unexplained pain slowed his recovery from back surgery.

Kaye, a clinical psychologist, said he still uses the stretches and yoga poses Medow taught him. He said that what he appreciates more now is the positive influence she had on his spirit.

"She helped me regain confidence. I had a sense that my body betrayed me and couldn't produce a lot movement without pain taking hold," he explained. "Also, like any healer, she's a uniquely compassionate person and you very quickly feel safe working with her."

She now offers classes, workshops and speaking engagements to help use the techniques she learned that helped her live a fuller life, she said.

"I just believe so strongly in what I do and I've witnessed such amazing transformations," she said. "I can see the shift in my life and many people's lives."

In 2009 she released a DVD, Graceful Aging, which offers a gentle, gradual approach to starting a yoga practice that each individual can tailor to meet his or her goals. Following a short introduction, Medow instructs viewers in three separate segments that range from chair practice to full exercise routines that are accessible to both yoga novices and regular practitioners alike.

The DVD and other information about Medow's practice are available on her website.