About Us.

Mission:

To improve the mental, physical, and social-emotional health and wellbeing of individuals from marginalized communities through the use of mind-body based education and Therapeutic yoga intervention.

Upward Inertia is a verified 501c3 organization based in Boise, ID.

Vision:

Upward Inertia provides an interactive, in depth curriculum to individuals from underserved and vulnerable populations. We currently serve or have plans to begin serving the following populations:

• Inmates in Idaho Correctional Facilities

• Individuals on parole and probation or reentering society

• Children in low income and at risk communities

• individuals managing mental illness

• Individuals in recovery from addiction and eating disorders

• Preventative education for college aged individuals

Upward Inertia has been providing services for more than 5 years and has reached more than 2500 students. Our programming grows every year. In 2024 we served more than 850 students, across 6 prison facilities, ranging from minimum to maximum security.

In addition to our prison programming, Upward Inertia is committed to providing affordable and inclusive wellness education in the community. We currently offer 4 recurring, donation based classes per month, at our partner studios, in addition to monthly mini-retreats, community building activities, and special events. Each September, we hold our Thrive: Community Wellness Festival, a free, one day festival that showcased a variety of classes and vendors, all focused on wellness and wellbeing. Please visit our events page to learn more.

Moving Forward: What’s in Our Future

Instructor Training: In late 2025, Upward Inertia will launch a trauma informed instructor training, aimed to provide an in depth look at why we do all we do, and how to ensure that we are best meeting our students needs . The training will include education on trauma informed principles, mental health conditions and care, mindfulness and pranayama techniques, advanced sequencing and assisting, motivational interviewing, and life coaching principles.

Program Expansion: Upward Inertia has multiple areas where we would like to expand our programming.

1. Youth and Teens: Upward Inertia aims to launch programs, in conjunctions with local schools and after-school programs, to provide kids and teens with our curriculum in a preventative capacity. We believe that through early education, we can aid youth in learning to regulate their nervous systems, understand their emotions, and care for their bodies so they are ready for the stresses and challenges ahead.

2. Community Based Outreach: We aim to expand our programs to provide classes for those reintegrating into society, managing addiction and mental illness, and in recovery from eating disorders. Following this, we will expand to serve refugees, victims of domestic violence, the homeless, and various other underserved populations.

Research: Upward Inertia is currently collaborating with Dr. Jacoba Rock and Dr. Linsey Belisle, of Boise State University, to examine the quantitative and qualitative benefits of our programming, with the approval of IDOC. Following completion of these studies, we will present at local, national, and international conferences to improve awareness of best practices and benefits.

Empowerment Retreats: Beginning in 2026, Upward Inertia will begin to host empowerment retreats, focused on providing participants with a reset, and the tools needed to move forward in life with confidence, joy, resilience, and self-assurance.

We are always on the lookout for partner organizations and collaborations. If you believe that Upward Inertia’s programs would be a benefit to the individuals you serve, please reach out!

We want to express a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and ambassador studios.