For several months, Ryan Heiser experienced limited range of motion and loss of strength from a shoulder impingement issue.
After trying several treatments, he noticed that No Limit Fitness offered yoga classes through Mahomet native Kristina Reese.
“I made arrangements with Kristina to try a few yoga lessons and I noticed an improvement within a couple of weeks,” Heiser said. “I also noticed flexibility and a release of tension in other areas like my back and legs.”
Reese, who holds both private and group lessons at No Limit Fitness, Amara in Lincoln Square Mall and at the Refinery, along with at-home lessons throughout the Champaign-Urbana area, was introduced to yoga after a cheerleading accident in college. A gymnast and a cheerleader, Reese was first drawn to yoga for its athletic qualities, but she said she’s stayed with yoga because it’s added so much more to her life.
“My first teacher, her name was Sue, and she was this older woman,” Reese said. “There was just something about her. The way that she carried herself. I got into yoga for the athletic element, but I’ve stayed with it for so many reasons. You can do all sorts of yoga moves, but unless you’re doing it consciously and working with the breath, then it’s just exercise. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but yoga is being more aware of mind and body.”
“I think so often in workout culture, it’s just go,” she continued. “You’re doing so much to remove yourself from the experience. But yoga is asking you to really be present when things get hard. That translates into life off my mat. As I go into the rest of my life, I can take a deep breath and do hard things and I can take the time to get myself balanced.”
Now, as Reese works with patients of all ages and genders, she can also teach them about the physical strength, flexibility and mobility that translates into mental and emotional balance.
“The Champaign-Urbana community is a big enough community where yoga is not taboo, but a small enough community where I really get to make a difference,” she said.
Reese said she enjoys working in her hometown and being a part of the No Limit Fitness team where she gets to work with former classmate Adam Kesler.
When Reese heard that Kesler was opening No Limit Fitness on Prairieview Road, she approached him about bringing some local clients into the space. Now, with classes on Mondays and Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m., Reese feels like she’s filling a local void.
Kesler plans to expand No Limit Fitness when the new building located just east of Casey General Store is finished later this fall. Reese said at that time, she may be able to offer an evening class in Mahomet.
Reese said many clients, like Heiser, enjoy private lessons.
“Yoga is supposed to be a place where you are relaxed and notice your breath,” she said. “When you’re in a group session, sometimes it can add anxiety if you’re just trying to follow along. Sometimes I’ll work with private clients to break down the main poses so they have the confidence to go into a class and believe they’ve got this.”
Reese said she also encourages clients to give yoga a fair shot, even if they’ve had a bad experience before.
“I always encourage people to try it again because there are as many different types of yoga as there are people,” she said. “Because it is an opportunity to connect and be with yourself, you’re going to experience that in so many different ways.”
To schedule an appointment with Reese, email midwestyogagirl@gmail.com or call 217.493.2267.
