Yoga at the VFW Starting Up Again This Month
Yoga at the VFW will run again at Bellingham VFW Post 7272 on Wednesdays, at 6 p.m., starting March 9th.
By Judith Dorato O’Gara
Yoga is generally not a word you associate with the VFW, but that seems to be changing in Bellingham. You can sign up for a yoga class on Wednesdays, starting March 9th, at 6 p.m., you at the Bellingham VFW 7272. Some of the proceeds benefit the post.
“We launched it back in September,” says David Dunbar, who also teaches at the Adirondack Club in Franklin three days a week and at the senior center in Bellingham. “My son is a member of the VFW. Tom Lane, the Commander, asked him if they should offer yoga here at the post.”
And so, the class began.
Dunbar teaches Kripalu Yoga. The instructor, who, before the pandemic, ran corporate yoga classes for CVS, Textron and at Blue Cross, says “I loved it, and I still love it, but I’m not teaching as many classes now.”
Since Dunbar didn’t know who was going to show up, he designed the class to be accommodating to both those who are beginners as well as those with more experience.
“If you knew nothing about yoga, you could still go to this class and not feel left out,” says Dunbar, “Some people will show up for these classes, and they’re really experienced yogis.”
Anyone can take the class, including the vets, and some members of the post have taken part, says Dunbar.
“(These) veterans are soldiers, they fought in foreign wars,” says Dunbar. “The ones that do take it notice a very positive effect on their bodies. They probably suffered some trauma, and we can work on that and stress level, anxiety, all of that can be worked on. It’s not just about touching your toes.”
The idea changes up a stereotype of the traditional veteran who might be hurting and goes to the VFW to drink with buddies, says Dunbar. He points out yoga seems to be accepted lately in the veteran community.
“Nationally, the VFW is offering programs that include yoga, and it’s under well-being or health care,” he says.
To learn more about “Yoga at the VFW,” visit the Facebook page under the same name. Classes begin March 9th, can run with a minimum of 15 participants, and if you sign up for eight classes, the cost is only $7.50 a class. You can also pay at the door. The Bellingham VFW Post 7272 is located at 940 S. Main St., Bellingham.
