Woman credits yoga for recovery, opens studio

Beth Meier first discovered yoga in the aftermath of a personal tragedy.

Four years ago, she was involved in a bad car accident. But it wasn’t the crash that put her on the mat. It was a botched surgery on her jaw. A surgeon accidently cut into her inner ear, causing her to lose her sense of balance and experience bouts of vertigo.

Yoga, Meier realized, not only helped ease her emotional pain, it also enabled her to get her core strength back. It was difficult at first, particularly the poses that require being upside down. However, the overall workout, including relaxing breathing exercises, allowed her to regain her active lifestyle.

The new way of life was so powerful that it inspired Meier to open her own yoga studio. iThrive Yoga opened May 1 southwest of South Parker Road and Lincoln Avenue and is already changing students’ way of thinking.

Meier originally planned to open a studio geared toward children after learning about the tremendous benefits to young people, including breathing techniques that reduce stress during test taking and general empowerment to control their emotions. It also instills a confidence in children that few other physical activities can.

Meier, a Parker resident since 1995, trained with an international organization known as YogaKids; the national director of the group will be on hand during an in-studio training session later this month that invites holistic and medical professionals, like physical and occupational therapists, to learn about the advantages of incorporating yoga into their practices.

The many upsides of yoga for adults led Meier to open her studio up to all ages. Some classes will be mixed, while others will be age-restricted. Parents and kids could further solidify their bond by joining the same class, said Meier, a mother of two.

“We can have students from 8 years old to 60 and everything in between,” she said.

Meier, a financial planner by day, says yoga is a “great workout for the mind and body,” and the stretching and balancing aspects complement athletic hobbies. Yoga, for example, has improved her tennis and golf game. iThrive Yoga takes a well-rounded approach to health, with a massage therapist and wellness coaches in the studio to guide the way.

Of course, an important part of yoga is a calming ambience. Meier hired a European mural artist to paint a life-like seascape. She also incorporated an infrared sauna and reading and meditation room. A spacious deck that provides spectacular mountain views rounds out a refreshing atmosphere.

iThrive Yoga, which is planning a July 11 ribbon-cutting ceremony, is offering one free week of yoga to all new members. For more information, visit www.ithriveyoga.com.