MIDLOTHIAN–Yoga will benefit pets at the Ellis County SPCA.

Waxahachie resident and ECSPCA volunteer Allee Brand will conduct eight weeks of free yoga classes at Crescent Yoga Studio in Midlothian with donations from class participants to be donated to the Ellis County SPCA.

“Yoga is a benefit to everyone’s body and mind, and in this introductory class, the benefits will reach even to the dogs and cats at the Ellis County SPCA shelter through the donations that we raise,” Brand said.

The classes are offered as an introduction to yoga for all who have been curious about how yoga’s low-impact, physical fitness techniques may improve their balance, muscle tone and overall health.

Brand said the classes are open to the public and are free of charge. No registration is required. Those who wish to participate in the free classes may simply show up at the studio on Friday mornings as often as they wish during the eight-week offer.

The free classes will be available on Fridays, June 4 through July 23, 2010 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the studio’s location: 810 B Alex Lane in Midlothian. Those interested in the offer may call 469-285-3559 or visit CrescentYogaStudio.com.

The studio’s co-owners Chris Engebretsen and Dawn Harris devised the class to extend the appeal of yoga to Ellis County residents and to provide another means of support to the non-profit animal shelter.

“The Ellis County SPCA is a special organization to us,” Engebretsen said. “We want to give Ellis County residents a way to try out yoga and learn what its benefits are with no obligation and help out the shelter at the same time. The shelter needs all the help it can get, and we’re happy to do what we can.”

Although not mandatory for participation, donations to the Ellis County SPCA will be accepted after each class.

“Even if it’s just pocket change, all the donations will add up for the shelter,” Harris said. “We will have a jar to collect donations at the front desk. Participants are free to donate as much as they wish as often as they wish.”