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.
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.
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
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.
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!