Linda Patterson of Integrative Yoga Therapy is bringing the Certified Curvy Yoga classes to the Upstate.

Yoga is often represented as something that is only for thin, flexible people, Patterson said. Curvy Yoga is here to make yoga available to people with bigger bodies as well as those less flexible and those who would like to practice in a non-competitive environment.

Curvy Yoga is an international organization founded by Anna Guest-Jelley. Patterson is a certified therapeutic yoga teacher who has trained with Guest-Jelley. “I lived with a poor body image for many years. I know how that feels and I also know how yoga can change that. I understand the link between our body image and our weight. A body-positive yoga class is beneficial to anyone but especially those of us that have never learned to love our body. I feel that the Upstate can benefit from more yoga classes that accommodate body shape diversity and celebrate the beauty of the body we have today. I want to share the gift of movement and mindfulness with my students.”

Patterson said her certifications in therapeutic yoga and Curvy yoga, combined with my life experience, have prepared her to share the benefits of yoga with others.

Curvy Yoga classes promote body acceptance and practicing yoga with the body you have today. “It is a wonderful class for brand new beginners as well as people who have been practicing for a while but haven’t yet found the community they’re looking for,” Patterson said. She is teaching a Beginners/Curvy Yoga class in Powdersville on Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Powdersville Presbyterian Church on Hwy 153 and an all-levels class on Tuesdays at 7:15 pm at the same location. She also teaches Curvy Yoga Thursdays 5:45 p.m. at Dharma Yoga Studios located at 2131 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. Those wishing to find out more or have any questions maycontact linda@lindapattersonyoga.com or visit http://www.lindapattersonyoga.com. Those interested in private Curvy Yoga sessions or having Linda teach a Curvy Yoga class or series you may contact her at 864-444-5523.