Carrie Jacobson
Since childhood, I've been active, starting with swimming at age five and continuing through college. Although I wasn’t the best swimmer, I valued being part of a team. After college, I discovered yoga. In 2003, I returned to Buffalo and began practicing yoga regularly at East Meets West. I completed my 200-hour Teacher Training in 2010 through the Himalayan Institute. Over the next few years, I taught and practiced Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga. By 2013, after a decade of practice, I experienced wrist, shoulder, low back, and hip pain from repetitive movements in my yoga routine. Initially, I didn't connect these issues with yoga, believing it was inherently healing.
In 2015, I met Kathryn Bruni-Young of Mindful Strength, who transformed my approach to yoga and movement. She introduced me to Cecily Milne of Yoga Detour™, where I completed a second 200-hour Teacher Training in 2018. These practices highlighted the importance of movement variety. I began weight training at Prescribed Motion, with guidance from Amanda Bevilacqua and now with April Earsing of AE Fit 716.
In 2023, I completed a 300-hour teacher training with Jules Mitchell and I was introduced to Todd Hargrove and the Feldenkrais method, which significantly influenced my class structure.
In 2024, I earned my Personal Training Certification through NASM.
CLASSES
TUESDAY
Morning - Chair Based Soft Strength: 9:30a to 10:45a
Evening - Mat Based Soft Strength: 4:30p to 5:45p
Chair-Based Soft Strength
designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility using the support of a chair. Other props like dowels, blocks, blankets, Therabands, balls, and bolsters enhance the practice to make it accessible.
Class begins seated, focusing on the breath with easy-to-explore movements. We layer in more movement complexity to improve pelvic and hip strength. Progressive strength and mobility work will lead to chair squats and, in turn, our ability to sit and stand. We also use props to target the wrists (grip strength), arms, and shoulders.
Students should come prepared to work hard as they learn about how their bodies are designed to move.
This class is suitable for all levels—even the seasoned practitioner will pick up a few tips and tricks. It is appropriate for people who want to learn more about their bodies but may have limitations due to knee, hip, or back pain.
Mat-Based Soft Strength
designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility from the floor. Other props such as dowels, blocks, blankets, therabands, balls, and bolsters will add load to build strength and increase movement complexity.
Class often begins on the floor, either on the back or belly. We use the breath to focus our attention and develop intra-abdominal pressure (to help with back pain). We isolate and activate larger muscle groups to build some heat and prepare for more complex movements in kneeling and standing.
The class is suitable for practitioners of all levels. It is the perfect support and supplement to any activity you participate in off your mat.
What is "Soft Strength"?
Soft Strength prioritizes fluidity, ease, and inner resilience with a no-judgment approach to movement. The Soft Strength approach emphasizes internal body awareness, breath, and mindfulness.
This practice will help you listen to your body and understand its strengths and limitations. Rather than avoid discomfort, you’ll learn to confidently test the edges of your comfort zone. Venture beyond restriction to discover freedom and joy in movement.
What can you expect in a Soft Strength class?
This unique group fitness class blends functional strength and mobility training with the mindful practices of yoga, Pilates, and somatic movement (Feldenkrais). It focuses on building strength, coordination, and balance through purposeful, controlled movements.
Whether you're a fitness beginner or a seasoned athlete, these classes offer a supportive environment to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. You will use what we do in class to feel better when you’re not in class.
Chair-based, mat-based, and somatic rolling classes are offered.
