Breast Cancer Battle Inspired Mokena Yoga Studio

, located at 19612 LaGrange Road, is a yoga-based fitness studio in Mokena, owned and operated by Julie Danno. Classes are available Monday through Saturday, with classes in the morning and evening. All of the classes are instructed by Danno and two certified instructors, Elyssa Buthuis and Angela Meltzer. The schedule, payment options and class descriptions are all available on the studio's website.

Mindful Movement's Facebook page provides up-to-date information, such as class schedule updates and specials. The November special is an unlimited class package for new members and members that have been absent for five or more months.

For more insight into Mindful Movements, here is what Danno had to say.

How and when did you first become involved with yoga?

I’ve always been into fitness and have been teaching fitness classes for the last 12 years. However, it was always more hardcore stuff, like kickboxing, boot camps and such, until I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30. It was then that I started getting more into yoga and Pilates, which was not as aggressive as the classes I was used to teaching. I used yoga and meditation to get me through my treatments and it really stemmed from there. I couldn’t learn enough about meditation and mind/body fitness!

When did Mindful Movements open and why’d you choose Mokena as its location?

I opened Mindful Movements in 2003. I chose Mokena because I have lived and worked in the area for years.

What seems to be your most popular class?

My most popular class is probably the 20-20-20 class because you get 20 minutes of strength training, 20 minutes of Pilates core work and 20 minutes of yoga in one 60-minute workout.

How often does your class schedule change?

The schedule stays pretty consistent with yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays and core work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. However, every Saturday, we alternate the classes with Zumba, strength training, intervals and piloxing.

What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?

What I enjoy most about owning my own biz is that I get to do for a living what I’m passionate about: staying fit and healthy and helping others to do the same!

Why would you recommend people check out Mindful Movements?

I would tell people, you never know until you try. I constantly hear people state that they could never do yoga, or that they wouldn’t like it, that sort of thing. Then they try it and love it! Anyone can do yoga, you just have to find the right class for you. I would encourage anyone to come to Mindful Movements because we strive to make each class different, safe and fun. One class and you’ll be hooked!