Therapeutic Yoga.

Upward Inertia has worked to build an innovative and transformative curriculum, based on trauma informed and evidence based principles.

All courses are a combination of introspective discussion, mindfulness education, breathwork, guided meditation, and basic movement. We provide education on Ayurveda, self-care practices, goal setting, mindful and intentional communication, and relationship building techniques. Our offerings are adapted to meet the student’s needs in order to ensure safety and comfort. Modifications may include completing poses in a seated or lying position, adding or reducing movement, using a chair or support, or participating only in the portions of class that the student feels comfortable with. Because of this, all courses are available to all individuals regardless of age, physical ability, or fitness levels. We have, historically, had a large representation of individuals with disabilities who find significant benefit from our classes.

Goals of the intervention include:

• Improved understanding of anger management, stress management, and emotional regulation strategies
• Improved understanding of body systems and functions
• Increased interoception
• Improved understanding of effective preventative practices to benefit physical health
• Increased awareness of emotional and mental health triggers
• Improved awareness of health choices and practices related to food, exercise, relationships, etc.
• Self-reported improvements in relationships and social interactions
• Increased self-efficacy, effective goal setting, and prioritization
• Increased self confidence and a sense of self-worth
• Improved maintenance of sobriety
• Decreased recidivism and criminal offenses

Cost: All of Upward Inertia's prison based classes are offered free of cost to participating students. Community based offerings are provided on a sliding scale, allowing for access to those financial hardships.

+ Prison Outreach

The majority of Upward Inertia’s programming takes place within the Idaho prisons; bringing education on nervous system regulation, emotional regulation, self-awareness, self-care, and introspection to those who may otherwise have never had access. At present, Upward Inertia is providing services in 6 IDOC (Idaho Dept. of Corrections) facilities, offering more than 9 classes per week. Our classes are offered in both men's and women's facilities, for all custody levels. Through participation in these classes, students have reported decreased anxiety and depression, improved self-awareness, improved ability to communicate with their families and children, decreased pain, improved sleep, an improved sense of self and confidence in their ability to stay sober. We anticipate that our program will lead to improved maintanence of sobriety and employability, and decreased recidivism.

+ Community Outreach

In addition to our prisoon classes, we are working to expand our offerings to provide courses for those navigating commmunity reentry, managing mental illnes, addiction, and eating disorders, These classes will be offered on a sliding scale, to ensure financial accessiblity, and will be available for all levels, ages, and genders. If you're interested in being a part of one of these classes, please contact us so you can be added to our waitlist.

+ Youth and Teen

This year, Upward Inertia aims to launch programs for kids and teens in the community, in order to provide our education in a preventative capacity. We believe that providing youth with the knowledge neccessary to regulate their nervous system, understand and manage their emotions, care for their physical body, and advocate for themselves, will set them up for a lifetime of success.

We are currently working to build partnerships with local school and afterschool programs and are seeking program sponsors for these programs. If you'd like to be a part of this venture please reach out to let us know!

+ Community offerings

Upward Inertia is committed to providing community courses that increase the accessibility of yoga to our community. In addition to our structured courses, we also offer monthly donation based community classes at 4 of our partner studios. We offer monthyl mini-retreats or special events, the annual** Thrive: Community Wellness Festival**. These classess and workshops are focused on skill building and community strengthening. These classes are offered on a drop in basis and vary in style and length. Community members of all ages, sizes, and ability levels are welcome to attend. Be sure to visit our events tab to learn more about what is being offered.

+ Puppy Yoga

We're so grateful to be able to partner with, both local ethical breeders, and local rescues to provide the community with Puppy Yoga. The goal of our puppy yoga classes is simply - JOY. We love to see our students laugh, smile, and radiate positive energy after participating in one of these classes.

Our puppy yoga classes are offered intermittently, depending on the availability of puppies, and all proceeds from puppy yoga supports our outreach programming.

+ Research

In collaboration with professors from Boise State University, Upward Inertia is working to collect data that will outline the benefits, strengths and weaknesses of our program, and allow us to provide the most effective intervention possible. It is our goal to present this research across the US, in order to allow the expansion of mind-body based education in carceral settings and recovery centers.

+ Private Offerings

Private and small group yoga therapy sessions are avaiable by appointment, as scheduling allows.

All offerings will be adapted to meet the client’s needs in order to ensure safety and comfort. This may include completing poses in a seated or lying position, adding or reducing movement. Education of breathing and meditation techniques, basic ayurvedic practices and health coaching, mindfulness strategies, and home practices will be taught.