When it comes to staying active, everyone has a preference. Some choose to sweat it out in a gym. Others are devout swimmers or faithful cyclists. Maybe you play golf on the weekend or serve up a regular game of pickleball.

I’m of the opinion that as long as you do “something” to stay active, to keep your mind sharp and to go outside, then that’s a positive in my book.

For Monica Case-Harman of Kingsport, her “something” is yoga and for the past 18 months she’s offered her yoga classes to the residents of the Model City in fun and unique ways.

“We started out with yoga hikes and classes that take place at Bays Mountain Park, then we added the Mommy and Me class for moms and young kids,” Case-Harman explained. “I’m running three classes a month typically and we’re trying to get the word out, grow our participation and just have fun.”

Yoga is an ancient practice that brings the mind and body together through stretching, breathing and meditation. Yoga can improve your mental health and balance, reduce stress and anxiety and is beneficial to your overall well-being.

Originally from the Washington D.C. area, Case-Harman has lived in the Tri-Cities region for the past 20 years. She relocated with her husband and then nine-month-old son after her husband got a position at Eastman.

She has an undergraduate degree in music, a master’s degree in musical theater and is certified by the National Yoga Alliance – the largest non-profit organization representing the yoga community.

“I used to operate Harmony Studios and taught yoga, piano and musical theater, but the economy and COVID made it difficult to continue that,” Case-Harman said. “So, I just streamlined everything to teach for the city and some private organizations.”

Case-Harman’s yoga classes are designed for any skill level and typically last 60 to 70 minutes depending on the time of the year. The cost is only $5 per class since the goal is to provide quality at an affordable price. Just bring a yoga mat and a desire to try something different.

“A yoga class can improve your flexibility, balance and strength. It really is good for your body,” Case-Harman said. “If you’re not getting all types of muscle contractions, then your muscles aren’t as healthy as they could be and you’re at a greater risk for injury as you age.”

Case-Harman is partnering with Kingsport Parks and Recreation to expand yoga offerings within the city. Upcoming programs later this year include Yoga for Moms, Mommy & Me Yoga, Yoga for Kids, Yoga walks on the greenbelt, Yoga at Allandale, Jazz Fusion Dance, Line Dance and Jazz-Latin Dance.

To learn more about any of these classes, be sure to check the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link. Then search for any of these classes in the search bar.