The Work In Workout:
Better Bones and Breathing
Strength, stability, and spaciousness for midlife women—supporting you in creating a body you feel great in.
with Leslie Ellis
HeartSong Yoga, Wellness, & Coaching
Midlife asks for a new kind of strength.
One rooted in wisdom, alignment, breath, and presence.
This 6-week series blends science-backed resistance training with mindful embodiment to help you build stronger bones, stronger muscles, and a more regulated nervous system—all while moving at a pace that honors the realities of your changing midlife body.
This is the Work In Workout:
Mindfulness and body care balanced with effective, intelligent strength training that truly works.
Why This Class Is Different
So many fitness classes push intensity over integrity.
Music blares, the pace outruns presence, and bodies do their best to keep up without real guidance—or real understanding of how to move well.
But your body deserves something more thoughtful.
It deserves respect, support, and skilled instruction that helps you not only work harder—
but work better.
Midlife brings shifting hormones, fluctuating energy, changing bone density, and a deeper desire for movement that feels purposeful and kind. You don’t just want exercise.
You want movement that:
builds strength intelligently, not haphazardly
supports your bones, joints, and posture
improves alignment and form so every rep is effective
helps you feel clear, calm, powerful, and mobile
leaves you in a body you feel great in - not depleted or overworked
There’s no thumping music here.
No pushing through pain or rushing past the body’s wisdom.
Instead, we tune into the sound of breath, the rhythm of your body, and the subtle cues that make strength training both safe and deeply effective.
You will get stronger.
You will work.
You will challenge your muscles and bones -
with full presence, purpose, and care.
Schedule & Details
Duration: 6 weeks
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 8:30–9:45 am Pacific
Starts: February 3rd, 2026
Where: HeartSong Yoga Virtual Studio (live via Zoom)
Replays: Lifetime access to all recordings (for missed classes or extra practice)
Each class includes a balanced sequence of:
🔸 Resistance & Strength Training
Bone-building, science-based exercises for midlife women, done mindfully and with proper form.
🔸 Posture, Alignment & Form Cues
Precise, supportive instruction so you always know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how to move safely and effectively.
🔸 Breathwork & Nervous System Support
Breath woven throughout to regulate your energy, reduce tension, and restore clarity.
🔸 Mobility & Stretching (not an afterthought!)
Integrated movement that supports joints, increases agility, and leaves your body balanced—not tight or stressed.
🔸 Integration & Rest
Space to absorb the work so you end each session feeling strong, spacious, and grounded.
Who This Is For?
This series is ideal for you if…
You’re a midlife woman (40s, 50s, 60s+) who wants strength training that actually honors your body.
You’ve been told you need to build bone density or support your joints and want to do it safely.
You want to get stronger—but not in a gym environment that feels overwhelming, loud, or rushed.
You love mindful movement and want your workouts to feel present, embodied, and calming.
You want someone to teach you how to move well, not just tell you to follow along.
You’re craving a supportive, nourishing movement space where you can build strength, resilience, and confidence at a sustainable pace.
If your body wants strength and spaciousness…
If you want a practice that supports your bones, your breath, and your whole being…
You belong here.
Space is limited to 15 women to allow Leslie to view the entire class.
$300*
Early bird (before January 20) $233*
On registration, you’ll receive a welcome via email. It includes the location information/Zoom link, and everything else you need, to support you in showing up for the classes, and for yourself, ready to go.
*Some additional expense will be incurred for supplies including hand weights, resistance bands, and yoga props. You will receive a list of suggested supplies with alternatives you can find around your home, on registration.
Meet Your Guide
Leslie Ellis, C-IAYT, ERYT500
Spiritual Mentor, Certified Yoga Therapist,
Soul-based Coach
Hi! I’m Leslie, and I’m delighted to support you in stepping fully into this sacred time of pause, reflection, and renewal. My work is grounded in over 30 years of teaching and practice, weaving together yoga therapy, soul-based coaching, and a deep love for the sacredness of everyday life.
I hold space for you to rest, play, and reconnect with your body, your heart, and your inner wisdom. In Solstice Sanctuary, you’ll be invited to slow down, release tension, and remember the joy, curiosity, and delight that live within you.
Yoga and embodied practices are more than stretches or poses - they’re a way to come home to yourself, honor your soul, and open to the rich possibilities of the year ahead. In this retreat, I’ll guide you through restorative movement, soulful reflection, and playful exploration, helping you receive the promise of the returning light and carry it forward into your life.
"I loved my training and the retreat with Leslie. Her gentle spirit, experience and wisdom come through and you know that there is much to learn from her."
Veronica G., Beaverton, OR
Teacher Training Graduate and Retreat Participant
"Without these practices,
I don't think I would weather what is going on in the world nearly as well as I do. Anxiety no longer has the impact it once did.”
Melani B., Arvada, CO
Sanctuary Member and Retreat Participant
"Leslie has a depth of training, experience, and understanding that have been of great benefit to me as a student and teacher of yoga. I highly recommend her as a mentor.”
Maddie Adams, Portland, OR
Teacher Training Mentee
"The sense of sacred togetherness was so valuable for me."
Erin S., Portland, OR
Past Retreat Participant