Wellness Programs

Practice yoga, meditation, and a variety of fitness classes in a beautiful setting! Cheekwood’s wellness programs are devoted to helping you live a balanced lifestyle by strengthening your mind and body connection. Explore a new activity, relieve stress, and experience the serenity of Cheekwood’s natural beauty.

For questions, please contact Arielle Altenburg, adult education and programs manager, at aaltenburg@cheekwood.org

Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing for Beginners

Wednesdays, September 23 – SOLD OUT, 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
The Carell Trail
$15.00 for members, $15.00 + General Admission for non-members
Includes daytime admission to gardens

Explore a unique way to heal your mind, body, and spirit in nature through Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing. These slow, gentle walks feature accessible, sensory activities that encourage participants to deepen their connection to the natural world. Certified ANFT guide and owner of Forest Therapy Nashville Georgia Bromehead will guide participants through mindful prompts and invitations to “bathe” in the present moment, reducing stress and increasing immune functions. No prior experience is necessary, and all abilities are welcome in this introductory class.

Classes will meet on the boardwalk of the Carell Trail, weather permitting. In the event of rain, participants will be notified of cancellation. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing for both walking and sitting and bring your own water bottle. Please note this is not a hike or nature identification walk. In accordance with physical distancing and health precautions, participants will remain six feet apart. Please email aaltenburg@cheekwood.org if you have accommodation needs. Class size is limited to 10 participants.

Restorative Yoga

Wednesdays, September 23 – SOLD OUT, 30 – SOLD OUT; October 7 – SOLD OUT, 14 – SOLD OUT, 21 – SOLD OUT, 28 – SOLD OUT
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Swan Lawn
$15.00 for members, $15.00 + General Admission for non-members
Includes daytime admission to gardens

Join TriLuna Wellness for a deep restorative, intensely relaxing and meditative way to reduce stress and increase flexibility. The class is focused on the release of stress and tension we carry in our bodies. In a restorative yoga class, we hold poses between 3-5 minutes to encourage the body to go deep into the pose to release tension. This class is designed to allow us to rest, breathe, and connect with our truest selves. No prior experience is necessary, and all abilities are welcome.

Classes will be held on Swan Lawn behind the Cheek Mansion, weather permitting. In the event of rain, class will be moved to the Great Hall in the Frist Learning Center. Please dress comfortably and bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and water bottle. In accordance with physical distancing and health precautions, no mats or blankets will be provided, participants will be spaced six feet apart, and instructors will not make any hands-on adjustments. Class size is limited to 15 participants.

Waitlist

Intermediate Yoga

Saturdays, September 19 – SOLD OUT, 26 – SOLD OUT; October 3 – SOLD OUT, 10, 17 – SOLD OUT, 24 – SOLD OUT, 31 – SOLD OUT
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Swan Lawn
Included with general admission or membership

Suited for intermediate practitioners but open to all levels, this class aims to build mental awareness and challenge your flexibility, balance, and strength. Participants will be guided by Small World Yoga instructors through vinyasa sequences and breathing cues.

Classes will be held on Swan Lawn behind the Cheek Mansion, weather permitting. In the event of rain, participants will be notified of cancellation. Please dress comfortably and bring your own yoga mat, towel, and water bottle. In accordance with physical distancing and health precautions, no mats will be provided, participants will be spaced six feet apart, and instructors will not make any hands-on adjustments. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

“I experience the best meditation and yoga classes at Cheekwood. I love how they always pick out the most knowledgeable teacher and the most beautiful spot for each class. Thank you Cheekwood for helping me recharge my mind and body!” — Minh D.

“Yoga at Cheekwood is a welcome reprieve from the stresses of the pandemic. There is plenty of space to spread out under the trees with 6′ or more distance between each person. The setting is beautiful, the grass is soft, and the instruction is gentle and encouraging. It’s a great addition to the day!” — Jo Anne R.

“I truly cannot say enough good things about the yoga program. The instructors from Small World Yoga are fantastic and make a beginner like me feel comfortable and properly instructed while offering more challenging options for the more experienced in the group. There is nothing better than being about to practice yoga in the beautiful, calming environment that Cheekwood offers.” — Bonnie O.

Sound Bath Meditation

Sundays, September 20 – SOLD OUT, 27 – SOLD OUT; October 4 – SOLD OUT, 11, 18, 25; November 1
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Swan Lawn
$15.00 for members, $15.00 + General Admission for non-members
Includes daytime admission to gardens

Join “The Yogi Bassist” Jo-Jo Jackson for a 60-minute sound bath meditation experience. No experience is necessary as this practice is suitable for all. Jo-Jo will guide you through gentle movement and calming breathwork to prepare the body and mind to receive the full benefits of this deeply rejuvenating practice. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of singing bowls, koshi chimes, gongs, crystals, acoustic bass and mantra chanting as Jo-Jo guides you through sound meditation to invite deep inner listening. This practice will offer you the time and space to release deep layers of stress and tension while enjoying the beauty of nature. Dress comfortably for gentle movement and deep relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket or meditation cushion for sitting.

Classes will be held on Swan Lawn behind the Cheek Mansion, weather permitting. In the event of rain, class will be moved to the Great Hall in the Frist Learning Center. Please dress comfortably and bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and water bottle. In accordance with physical distancing and health precautions, no mats or blankets will be provided and participants will be spaced six feet apart. Class size is limited to 15 participants.

“Jo-Jo and her meditation class are amazing! Her breathing exercises, incorporation of sound and guided meditation practice are inspiring and transformative. Thanks to her guidance and compassionate insight, I leave the session in a state of zen!” — Cynthia W.

Image courtesy of The Yogi Bassist