The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Carthage, Jasper County

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June 1, 2008

Jo Ellis: Artist creates chance to teach yoga

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Helen Kunze believes that when you’re stuck, you can get unstuck by turning in a new direction.

A year or so ago, Helen felt stuck. After graduation from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and 16 years as a graphic illustrator for Hallmark, as well as freelance work in Kansas City, Des Moines, St. Louis, Albuquerque and Carthage, the demand for her time was changing.

She was now the wife of Dr. Randall Kunze, a Carthage podiatrist. She also became the mother of two adopted children, and she could no longer spend the hours required on her detailed designs.

When her children were babies, Helen began yoga lessons at the Carthage Family Y to relieve shoulder aches and back twinges that most mothers experience from lifting and carrying their young ones.

“I really like doing yoga,” Helen said, trying to describe its seemingly oxymoron-like benefits of relaxation and energy. “It puts you in a state of homeostasis; you’re not in that cortisol (stressed) state anymore.”

When the Family Y lost its yoga instructor, Helen decided it was time to take a directional turn that could help her and potentially many others.

She turned to the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville and became a 200 RYT, a Registered Yoga Teacher with 200 hours certification in Virayoga, a blend of three traditional yoga methods (Anusara, Lyengar and Viniyoga).

She took 20 hours of anatomy and physiology from a massage therapist nurse who trained in using a mix of yoga and massage techniques to help cancer patients. She also attended workshops by nationally recognized teachers such as Lilias Folan, “The Yoga Lady,” who appeared on PBS television in the 1970s.

In September, Helen began her own teaching program. She offers morning classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Family Y; Sunday and Monday afternoon classes at 413 Grant St.; and an 11 a.m. “Gentle Yoga” class on Mondays at her home, 10223 County Road 130. The afternoon hours accommodate people with regular business schedules. Each class lasts about an hour and 15 minutes.

“Yoga is a lot more than stretching,” Helen said. “In addition to gaining flexibility, it’s toning your muscles when you hold a pose. It relieves everyday aches and pains. It’s really good for back problems because it is one of the best things for strengthening the muscles that support your core.”

Helen said those who are interested need not be concerned about their physical limitations or other issues.

People may give her a call at (417) 388-1812 and explore the possibilities a new turn can offer.

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Carthage, Jasper County
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