When Colette Pobe found herself waking up in the middle of the night because she was stressed out over work, she knew it was time to make a career change.
Now, the Oxford resident has dedicated her life to help people become stress-free through her business, An Essential Knead, which offers experienced professional massage therapy and personalized Yoga instruction.
Pobe has been a massage therapist for 13 years now who also works with the handicapped and senior citizens. She works out of her home and makes house calls.
An Essential Knead offers deep tissue and Swedish masssage, reflexology and even chair massages for special events, like a bridal shower.
The benefits of massage therapy are innumerable, according to Pobe.
‘It helps regulate all of the different systems fo the body,? she said. ‘You can use different strokes to relax or increase muscles.?
Senior citizens recieve a 20 percent discount on all massage services.
Her Yoga instruction began four years ago. She currently has classes at the General Motors facility in Pontiac and at the Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills.
She also teaches Ashtanga Yoga classes through Oxford Township Parks and Recreation.
The Ashtanga method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures ? a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
‘It’s amazing how it makes you feel and it balances you and makes you feel good,? Pobe said.
Becoming physically active in Yoga, or any other activity, can help anyone manage stress, according to Pobe.
‘Instead of working out to gain or to lose or just stay in shape, we need to start working out to get in touch with what’s going on in the body and be at peace with our ever-changing bodies,? she said.
If you’re interested in attending a FREE Yoga class with Pobe, try Restorative Yoga on Aug. 15 (Wed.) at 6:30 p.m., Power Yoga on Sept. 10 (Mon.) at 6:30 p.m. and Sunrise Yoga on Sept. 11 (Tues.) at 7 a.m. All classes are at the Parks and Rec. office (20 W. Burdick). Please bring a mat, necktie or a strap of some sort to the class.
The first and last classes during her Parks and Rec. sessions are always a free trial class.
For more information on An Essential Knead, call Colette Pobe at (248) 969-8500. To sign up for one of her regular Yoga classes, contact Parks and Recreation at (248) 628-1720.