Roll With It: A Myofascial Release Class

A self-maintenance practice that complements your Yoga practice!

“When I practice self care, I intuitively and authoritatively address my needs as they arise. I reduce pain, irritation and suffering in a self compassionate and long-lasting way.” – Jill Miller 

This class was designed to explore our myofascial system. Our bodies have a covering of connective tissue called fascia. This fascia wraps and connects the muscles, organs, nerves, and blood vessels.  Restrictive movement, sedentary lifestyle, injuries/disease and/or stress on the body can be demonstrated in the fascia and underlying muscles.  This empowering therapeutic practice can alleviate chronic pain and help establish better postural balance, release deep muscle tension, aid in lymphatic drainage, raise tissue oxygen levels and release endorphins, increase joint range of motion.

In this 60-minute class, students will learn how to use therapeutic balls, blocks, props and functional movements to release tight fascia, increase blood flow, and circulation to the soft tissues. We will also break up trigger points that individually cause restrictions, and discomfort.  The outcome is similar to the effect of a deep tissue massage. The goal is to soften and lengthen the fascia, and break down scar tissue or adhesions leaving you feeling lighter, energized and more fluid.

The exercises for these sessions are practiced on the floor seated, lying on the back, and the belly. We welcome all Students from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and degrees of flexibility. From beginner level to more experienced, we hope you leave the class inspired to continue the practice on your own!

Things you will need for the online class:

• A set of the Blue Toted Therapy Plus balls OR 2 tennis balls and a knee sock/tube sock
• 2 blankets OR towels
• One pillow
• A strap/necktie for shoulder flossing & stretch check-in/check-out
• If you have the other two balls used in the Roll With It class (big soft inflatable Coregeous ball and the 5 inch Fit Ball) have them handy but we will primarily be using the Blue Therapy Plus/ tennis balls
• Yoga mat or a carpeted floor
• Position yourself near a wall if you might need to hold onto something for balance and/or you might want to try some of the techniques against a wall versus on the floor. Against the wall can be a little less intense. Most exercises can be adapted to the wall.

Jen Mast, L.I.C.S.W., E-RYT 500 (IYT), Integrative Functional Yoga Therapist, ChildLight Teen Yoga®, Lifeforce Yoga®

Stepping onto the mat everyday has allowed me to stay grounded in the things that are truly important. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease over a decade ago, my life took an unpredictable turn. Things that were easy became difficult and I felt as though I had lost part of myself. It was during this time that I deepened my spiritual practice. Yoga helped to heal the aches and pains that came with autoimmunity, it improved my energy, my mood and it allowed me to show up each day for my friends, loved ones and most importantly myself.

Yoga’s transformational abilities led me on a new path to become a yoga instructor combining my past work as a Licensed Social Worker with my new path in yoga therapy, functional movement through yoga and myofascial release. As we bring all levels of a person’s being into balance, true healing occurs. Moving beyond illness and discomfort, we are able to live life to our fullest expression.

Jen completed her 500-hour at Kripalu with Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) in 2016 where she trained under Joseph and Lillian LePage and Maria Mendola (Integrative Functional Yoga Therapy). Jen furthered her study and attended an intensive training with Maria in Tucson, learning various techniques for myofascial release, therapeutic movements and exercises to rebalance alignment and long held patterns.

In 2018, Jen completed a weekend training in The Roll Model Method® and a Ball Rolling Techniques Workshop with David Vendetti – both for myofascial release. Her extensive work with athletes, injuries and chronic illness in both group and private settings inform her teaching style which infuses safety, mindfulness, alignment principals, unique uses of props and functional therapeutic movements, and of course a lot of humor and fun! Through the pandemic, Jen has continued to train and deepen her own practice with Susi Hately, Functional Synergy™ and a Monthly Mentor Workshop with Jill Miller, Roll Model Method™.