Blue Collar Yoga

Instructor aims to improve flexibility, reduce injuries for trade workers

NORMAN — Every other week, manual laborers gather at The Modern Prairie Craftsman woodworking shop on Main Street for Blue Collar Yoga.

Electricians, bar owners, welders, plumbers, mechanics and woodworkers, including The Modern Prairie Craftsman owner Ben Dragoo, are among the participants. Instructor Lindsey Densow, owner of Norman’s Fusion Fitness and Yoga studio, said she started the class in February after hearing Dragoo complain about his aching muscles after a long workweek.

“These guys are usually really strong, but their muscles are tight from repetitive lifting all day, so I’m trying to help improve their core strength and flexibility and open them up to help prevent injuries,” Densow said. “And this is a population that probably wouldn’t go to a class at Fusion Fitness, but they’ll come here.”

The class is more laid-back than traditional yoga sessions with participants practicing in jeans and T-shirts, and Densow even convinced most of the students to remove their boots after a few sessions.

Dragoo said the classes are relaxing after a long week, and he already can feel improvements in his muscle pain.

The classes are free, but participants are encouraged to make donations, which benefit a Norman woman who is fighting breast cancer months after giving birth. So far, the group has raised more than $1,000 for the cause. For information about how to donate to help with the family’s medical bills, go to https://www.gofundme.com/50x8lx4.

For more information about Blue Collar Yoga, go to https://www.facebook. com/events/720464518162000/.

Woodworker Colten Thornton holds a pose during Blue Collar Yoga, a class catered to manual laborers at The Modern Prairie Craftsman woodworking shop in Norman.

Woodworker Ben Dragoo, right, holds a pose during Blue Collar Yoga. It’s not unusual to see participants wearing jeans and T-shirts in the class.

OKLAHOMAN] [PHOTOS BY WHITNEY BRYEN, FOR THE Students hold poses during Blue Collar Yoga, a class catered to manual laborers at The Modern Prairie Craftsman woodworking shop in Norman.

Yoga instructor Lindsey Densow adjusts a student during Blue Collar Yoga, a class catered to manual laborers at The Modern Prairie Craftsman woodworking shop in Norman.

Woodworker Geo Cozad holds a pose during Blue Collar Yoga, a class catered to manual laborers to help improve core strength and flexibility.

Electrician Mariah Densow holds a bridge during Blue Collar Yoga, a class catered to manual laborers at The Modern Prairie Craftsman woodworking shop in Norman.