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EVERY BODY IS ENOUGH

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NEW CHALLENGES ALLOW FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES

IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SUPPORT.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

A LITTLE ABOUT FRANNIE

Aging with Grace

An increasing number of people need strategies to age with dignity and grace. While some can maintain an active lifestyle for several decades through traditional activities such as mat yoga, running, or hiking, others encounter limitations.

Eventually, many experience a decrease in mobility compared to their younger years. In a culture that often prioritizes youthfulness, this can be perceived as a significant setback. However, it is important to remember that this is not the end of the road.

Motion is Lotion

Chair yoga is an excellent addition to other physical activities or practiced on its own. I’ve had the privilege of working with students who continue to walk 2-3 miles daily and even participate in gentle mat yoga classes once or twice a week.

Despite their active lifestyle, they still appreciate the relief and advantages offered by a chair yoga practice. As a proponent of wellness, I am dedicated to assisting people in integrating a regular chair yoga routine into their lives.

MY YOGA PRACTICE

TRANSFORMING. HEALING. STRENGTHENING. CALMING.

During 2022, I received a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in my cervical and lumbar spine. Since then, my daily yoga practice, which varies between mat and chair yoga, has proven to be incredibly beneficial in helping me manage this chronic condition.

When I keep my breath steady as I slowly & gently move, I train my nervous system to remain calm in the face of stressors; avoiding impulsive reactions and accepting the ups and downs of life with greater ease. The peace & serenity from this practice is invaluable to my well-being.

Through yoga, I’ve enhanced my capacity to remain present, quiet the incessant internal negative chatter, and endure discomfort more gracefully. Yoga has taught me how to listen to my body, love it, and forgive it, while genuinely embracing the adage of “progress, not perfection.”

My energy levels remain high, but I am no longer addicted to adrenaline or the chaos that comes with it. I credit much of this transformation to my practice of yoga. It has enabled me to cultivate a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, both physically and mentally.

BACKGROUND

EDUCATION & LIFE EXPERIENCE

B.A., English (UA)

After earning my first degree I backpacked through Europe, married, had two children, became a small business owner, went to grad school, and divorced.

M.A., Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (UA)

I spent years teaching English to adult students who shared different ways of being & living in the world.

M.S., Library & Information Studies (UA)

With this degree I taught undergraduate students strategies for improving their intercultural competence for life as 21st century global citizens.

200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher

I completed my teacher training in Guatemala, with the School Yoga Institute. And added two further 30-hour Chair Yoga Teacher Trainings.

CLIENT SPEAK

WHAT THEY SAY

I feel wonderful taking Frannie’s classes – just looking at her smiling face and knowing that if I have any questions or concerns, she will spend time answering them. After class I feel energized and always leave with a smile on my face! I wholeheartedly recommend Frannie – she is fun to be with and I always look forward to her classes.
TERRI GLASGOW

Resident Birmingham, Alabama

Frannie is an outstanding example of kindness and calm and for two years has offered the residents of Episcopal Place the chance to remove themselves from the worries of old age, the news, and aches & pains for an hour each week. Their time with her is a time of relaxation, reflection, power, and encouragement. To quote some of her students: “Frannie is a joy to be around!” “Patient, outgoing, and kind.” “I’m standing better without my cane and my balance is better.” We’re grateful to have Frannie among us.

JAN HUNTER

Activities Director, Episcopal Place

Frannie provides a yoga environment in which I feel challenged, yet very supported. My mind is able to relax as my body is stretched and my joints are opened. When I leave Frannie’s class I feel peaceful and strong.

LISA HANLON SCHROEDER, M.Ed.

Director, Churchill Academy, Montgomery, United States

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are your private sessions in my home?

Providing sessions in the comfort of your own home enhances accessibility and personalization. All that’s required is a space where we can sit facing each other in chairs. For our first session, I will bring appropriate chairs for both of us and help identify a suitable chair that you can use for your self-practice between our sessions.

What should I expect for our first session?

Our first 5-10 minutes will be spent conversing to understand your expectations and how I can best assist you. We’ll start with a simple joint movement series to refine our focus. From there, each subsequent session will be tailored to meet your specific needs. During our fourth meeting, I will provide you with a personalized handout outlining a 15-45 minute sequence that you can practice on your own between our sessions.

How do we pay for small group sessions? Can we split the cost between our group?

Upon booking, one person will be required to make the payment. Then, you can collect payments from your friends either in cash or through a payment app such as Venmo or Paypal.

How often should I schedule a session?

The frequency of our sessions is entirely up to you. However, I strongly recommend meeting at least once a week for the first few weeks. At the fourth session, I will provide you with a personalized handout outlining a 15-45 minute sequence that you can practice between our sessions. If you are highly motivated, you may choose to continue practicing without my guidance or schedule sessions once or twice a month. I recommend maintaining a weekly session if possible for as long as you can so I can help with changes in your mobility over time.

How can I support the classes you teach that are free to the participating students?
I teach two weekly classes at Birmingham-area HUD-funded independent living facilities for seniors and adults with disabilities. Click here to find out more about these classes and ways to contribute towards them.
How can I schedule you to come teach at a local nursing home / assisted living community / independent living community / business?

Contact me! I am happy to create special sequences tailored to the demographics of your group, so just reach out to have a chat.

DIDN’T FIND AN ANSWER YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?

Please don’t be a stranger. I am available to answer any questions or address any concerns you have.

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