Lesley Fairbanks

Open Doors Yoga - North Attleboro

After many years as a fitness instructor, Lesley found yoga after a running injury. “I, like many, thought yoga was just about stretching and meditating, and I was a hard core sweat and muscle burn junkie. I was very misinformed. I believe yoga saved my body from furthering the injury to my knee and ankle. I have always been interested in the science of exercise and anatomy, and yoga training has allowed me to deepen this study.” As she delved deeper into anatomy study, physiology, and natural healing, she was drawn to intricate workings of the human brain, and the mind body connection so philosophized in yoga teachings. An interest in brain and movement disorders has led her to focus on yoga therapy to help people improve their quality of life. She recently successfully completed, and showed proficiency in Yoga for Parkinson's Teacher Training with the APDA. Lesley is a lifelong equestrian and has been a licensed horseback riding instructor for nearly 30 years. She now incorporates her knowledge of balanced equitation with the core strength development of yoga and Pilates to give riders a competitive edge, or just to help them find a meditative practice that benefits both horse and rider.Lesley has also added Figure Skaters to her client base. Figure skating requires a tremendous amount of balance and strength. It is necessary to start finding this strength and balance using the deepest core muscles to create stability in the body. I have carefully chosen poses and exercises based on my experience as a competitive skater. They are designed to increase flexibility, strengthen the whole body, and find balance, focus, endurance, and calmness with breathing techniques. My class is first and foremost tailored to the individual needs of my students with emphasis always on proper body alignment, mechanics, and safety.