OM yoga® and The Libby Ross Foundation offers three different yoga programs: weekly yoga classes, quarterly yoga workshops and Yoga Retreat Weekends which offers participants an opportunity to take gentle, restorative OM yoga® classes and participate in workshops and retreats to connect with other women who have had or are going through cancer and treatment.

For women after surgery, the entire upper body needs to be strengthened and stretched; yoga postures help to break down scar tissue, build strength, and increase flexibility. Research studies have been done on breast cancer patients, and there are many specific yoga exercises designed to meet the needs of a postoperative or recovering breast cancer survivor. These postures are emphasized in the Foundation's Yoga Program. Deep breathing is another key element in the healing process. Breathing helps to oxygenate the cells and assists the body-mind connection by serving as the link between the two. Studies show that regular practice of breathing exercises increases energy levels creates a more positive attitude and helps to open the body from the inside out.

The weekly classes are held at OM yoga® and are free to breast cancer survivors. The classes provide women in New York City and other surrounding boroughs a chance to attend a regularly scheduled class where they can bond with other women who have experienced the effects of the disease. The classes are taught by OM certified teachers who volunteer their time and efforts to make this program a success.

The quarterly workshops are an extension of the weekly yoga classes. The workshops provide an hour-long yoga class accompanied by guests speakers who present information on nutrition, skin care and yoga techniques. Gift bags are given to each participant at the classes. Supplies for the gift bags are donated or are purchased by the Foundation.

In 2004, the Foundation and OM yoga® began our annual Yoga Retreat Weekends with the first weekend in East Hampton , New York . The weekend was a huge success with ladies from all over the United States traveling to Long Island to experience a weekend of yoga, health and beauty workshops, great food, discounted shopping and accommodations and the hospitality of a supportive town. The retreat provided a unique venue for sharing and learning and an amazing bonding among the women all who have experienced the effects of breast cancer. OM yoga® and The Foundation are proud to have the San Francisco Bay Club in San Francisco join our efforts to bring the retreat to a second city in 2005.

The Foundation has had tremendous success with the yoga program thus far, shown by the return of many of the same women to the workshops and classes. These women comment that the Yoga program gives them an outlet to relieve stress and gain emotional support from other women who are facing the same challenges. Their responses to the classes, workshops and retreats have been overwhelmingly positive.

All Workshops are on Saturdays and are from 2:00 PM - 4:15 PM at OM :
1/21/06
3/25/06
6/24/06

10/21/06

Please contact the Libby Ross Foundation or 212.831.9592 directly to sign-up for these Saturday workshops!