began practicing yoga to deal with the stress of being a mother, military spouse and business owner, but often found Birmingham yoga studios unwelcoming.
In 2023, Richardson began working with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Arts in Medicine program where she also connected with other hospitals and groups includingWhile a normal yoga class can sometimes make some participants feel left out, therapeutic yoga offers more intimate classes that target the needs of individual participants.
“I’m really listening to hear what that person’s concerns are, what their conditions are, what their goals and desires are for their care and then designing a plan around that need,” Richardson said.Gloria Elcock, 68, served in the Army for nine years. Growing up with seven siblings, Elcock’s mother could not afford to send all of her children to college, so Elcock enlisted in the Army to pursue higher education.
Elcock said she often takes what she learns from Richardson’s yoga classes and uses them in her everyday life such as using breathing exercises to reduce anxiety before bed.