NOTE: This article appeared first in the summer issue of FCP Visions, the quarterly newspaper of the Fighter County Partnership, which supports the people and programs of Luke Air Force Base.

Brian Thomas (kneeling) with yogis from the the Arizona Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing.

“Combat stretching” is the nickname Brian Thomas uses for the style of yoga he teaches twice a week for the Arizona Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Officially known as Baptiste Power Yoga, it is a practice that helps students develop the focus, training and insight needed to achieve consistent results in life. Physically as well as mentally challenging, it works well alongside the military’s routine physical training.

“I was immediately hooked by the intense physical challenge,” Thomas says, “along with so many other benefits, such as reducing stress.”

Despite that, Thomas says, yoga carries a stigma that sometimes discourages people from giving it a try.

“Yoga is for everyone; everyone can do it,” he says. “Sometimes I call it combat stretching just to get guys into my class and have them break down the bricks in the wall, really open themselves up and find themselves on the mat, have a good time and see the benefits of it.”

It was at a 2013 workshop on teaching Baptiste-style practice that Thomas learned about Joined Forces Yoga, a 501(c) nonprofit organization that brings free yoga to U.S. military personnel wherever they are. The group provides a qualified instructor, yoga mats and additional equipment; all students need to do is show up and participate.

Already serving with Arizona’s 161st, Thomas brought Joined Forces’ mission to Arizona and his Phoenix-based guard unit. But he doesn’t want to stop there.

“JFY has not taught any classes at Luke Air Force Base … yet,” says the Air Force veteran, but doing so would extend its mission of going to any military installation in order to reach service personnel where they are.

“JFY can offer free classes because our teachers donate their time,” Thomas explains.

The organization also accepts donations via its website and raises money by conducting donation-based events, such as a power vinyasa workshop hosted in May by The Yoga Hangout in north Phoenix – where Thomas also teaches. That event drew 26 people and raised $550.

“The Yoga Hangout supports JFY as part of our ‘Yoga Hangout Give Back Project,’” says Rosa Rendon, founder of the studio on West Pinnacle Peak Road at 39th Drive. “Since our start, we’ve viewed this as our way to lead, participate and promote worthy causes that are close to our hearts.”

Connie Simmons, a military wife and certified yoga instructor in Nashville, Tenn., started Joined Forces Yoga in 2013. Its mission is to SERVE: increase Strength, build Endurance, prevent injuries through Restoration, enhance Vitality and be for Everyone. Beyond Arizona, the group works with Army personnel at Fort Campbell, Ky., and Navy ROTC students in Nashville.

“JFY is committed to our military and building community with them through our yoga classes,” according to its website. “We hope to expose them to a positive yoga experience that will continue through their entire military career and personal lives.”

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Stu Robinson practices writing, editing, media relations and social media through his business, Phoenix-based Lightbulb Communications.

For more information:

• Joined Forces Yoga
  Nashville, Tenn.
  http://www.joinedforcesyoga.com
• The Yoga Hangout
  3830 W. Pinnacle Peak Road #101, Phoenix
  http://www.theyogahangout.com
• Baptiste Institute
  Park City, Utah
  http://www.baptisteyoga.com

Tags: Baptiste Power Yoga, Joined Forces Yoga, The Yoga Hangout, Yoga