Stretching and positivity

The Del Web Fitness Center is now offering a new class called PSE Stretch. It is being offered at both Fountain View and Meadow View Lodges. PSE stands for Positive Serene Experience created by its instructor, Jeanne Silvis.

There is a backstory connected to Silvis’s initial interest in PSE. She has had two hip replacements. Her first surgery was successful, requiring little aftercare. She then had a second hip replacement in 2015 after an unfortunate accident. Eight months post surgery Silvis was living in constant pain. Her doctor wanted to operate again. She refused.

Instead, she took recovery into her own hands by learning about Yin Yoga. After reviewing the benefits received by practicing stretch yoga Silvis began doing it five times per week. Today she is pain free and thriving.

Silvis’s passion is Yin Yoga. This passion led her on a new path as she began a deeper study of the practice.

She completed a 200-hour Lifetime Yoga Training Program in December 2018.

Then, Silvis took her passion to the next level.

Silvis approached Kathy Kent, Fitness Manager for Sun City Huntley hoping to offer her newly developed program to the community. This program is primarily, but not exclusively, based on senior needs. Silva believes strongly in PSE because it is not the kind of yoga some might envision. Its goal is to improve movement achieved by doing gentle stretching perfect for seniors. In addition, class starts on the floor and ends on the floor. This is not a pretzel twist class, nor does it involve having to do a lot of standing and sitting.

Silvis stated, “I do yoga three to five times per week. I teach yoga by giving direction and observing my students.”

What is her teaching philosophy?

Something Silvis stresses to her groups is a belief that they didn’t get here overnight and they aren’t going to change overnight. She wants them to be mindful that yoga is a process, not an event. Having patience, self-acceptance, and an understanding of physical limitations is the optimal mindset when starting her class. It’s all about the individual and their needs.

“Listen to your body when it whispers so you don’t have to hear it scream,” Silvis explains.

Much of what Silvis teaches is breathing technique dovetailed with movement. She talks about how breath can slow down and relax the body. She provides her class with relaxation methods to be used before sleep and is a firm believer that breathing techniques can help manage us out of stressful situations.

When asked what someone should know before attending her classes, Silvis responded that people need to know what physical issues they have before coming to class. Most people that come to Silvis’s class attend because they need help to alleviate pain brought on by surgery, injury or other kinds of trauma.

In general, Silvis’ philosophy is simple:

“Imagine if you could stretch your hamstrings and other muscles to improve your walking gait which in turn prevents falls. Imagine being able to walk better.”

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