Have you ever tried yoga outdoors? It can be a very peaceful and serene experience. Moonlight Yoga in Detroit offers outdoor yoga classes on the Detroit RiverFront. I had the pleasure of attending the Moonlight Yoga class on Wednesday, July 19th. It is a unique yoga experience you definitely don’t want to miss!

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy presents Moonlight Yoga on the West RiverFront. The Moonlight classes are held in Detroit as part of the 4th annual Live the Riverfront program. The fitness program offers Michigan residents free and low-cost fitness opportunities throughout the summer.

Michelle Moten of Detroit’s Urban Solace leads the Moonlight Yoga classes, teaching participants new and traditional yoga poses. At Wednesday’s (7/19/17) yoga session, Moten opened the class by introducing herself to the yoga students and sharing a little history about Detroit. She then encouraged the yoga participants to take some time and introduce themselves to other students sitting around them. Once the sun started setting, the yoga students turned on their glow batons and the class began.

 

Michelle Molten of Detroit’s Urban Solace teaches the Moonlight Yoga classes.
Yoga participants take the time to introduce themselves to other students in the class.

What is Moonlight Yoga?

Moonlight Yoga is a unique twist on traditional yoga. Participants meet in the evening at 8 o’clock on the West Riverfront (1801 W. Jefferson at Rosa Park Boulevard). At check-in, Moonlight participants are given a glow necklace, glow bracelet, and a 16-inch glow baton to wear and use during the yoga session. The glow batons are used in the fitness session for various yoga poses.

 

Moonlight Yoga
Glow batons are used in the unique Moonlight Yoga classes.
Moonlight Yoga
Moonlight Yoga has two more yoga sessions in August so signup today! See the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy website for more details.

 

Encouraging Michigan Residents to Stay Active

The overall goal of the fitness program is to encourage routine exercise and healthy living. “It’s about getting people out and active on the riverfront,” Jessica Iloff told me. Iloff is the manager of Community Responsibility at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She also participated in the Moonlight Yoga class Wednesday evening.

“Whether in the car, at a desk, or on the couch, the majority of adults spend more time sitting than sleeping, putting them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other health issues. Live the Riverfront is a multi-year partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy to help Michigan residents and employees stay active.” —Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

 

Michelle Moten taught yoga participants traditional yoga poses and new poses at the July 19th Moonlight Yoga class.
Moonlight Yoga
Michelle Molten leads yoga students in the Moonlight Yoga class sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

Other Fitness Classes Offered 

BCBSM and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy also offer other types of fitness classes along the Detroit RiverFront. Tai Chi and other yoga classes, for example, have been a big hit with patrons. Some of the classes had even sold out, meeting their full capacity.

Participants enjoy the scenic view of the river while exercising outside at the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. It’s a great way to encourage Michigan residents to get outside and get moving, all while enjoying beautiful Downtown Detroit.

 

The overall goal of BCBM and the Detroit RiverFront Conversancy’s summer fitness program is to encourage routine exercise and healthy living.
Glow Batons lit up the night sky as Moonlight Yoga participants practiced yoga poses on the Detroit RiverFront.

Register for the August Moonlight Yoga Classes

If you would like to attend the Moonlight Yoga classes, there are two more sessions scheduled for August: Wednesday, August 9th and Wednesday, August 23rd. Both classes will begin at 8 P.M. For more information about Moonlight Yoga and to register for the next class, visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s official website.

For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, please visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com. 

 

Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for inviting Good Life Detroit to attend Moonlight Yoga! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].