ALLENTOWN, Pa. — There's no need to spend a lot for yoga classes this summer at two of the city's scenic parks.
Instructors from West End Yoga Center, Bearded Yoga Life and Sarah Shea Yoga will offer free classes through June at ArtsWalk Pocket Park and Cedar Beach Park, respectively.
- Yoga studios in Allentown will offer free classes at ArtsWalk and Cedar Beach parks
- The classes run through June 18 at Cedar Beach Park and Aug. 30 at ArtsWalk
- Learn Vinyasa moves and how yoga can help with mental health and healing
Vinyasa flow
Suitable for beginners, certified yogis from West End Yoga will help attendees learn Vinyasa yoga (levels one and two) from 6 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday at ArtsWalk Pocket Park, 65 N. Church St.
The classes start on May 31 and run through Aug. 30.
It is recommended to bring a yoga mat, towel and a water bottle.
For info, go to allentownartswalk.com
Heal with yoga
The city — in partnership with Bearded Yoga Life and Sarah Shea Yoga — will host free classes for residents and visitors on Saturdays and Sundays through June 18 at Cedar Beach Park, 2600 Parkway Blvd.
The series will be taught by the studio's teachers, Al Johnson and Sarah Shea, and will stress how yoga can help with mental health and healing.
Shea will introduce the themed yoga classes from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, with a focus on the importance of being in a community. Her goal is to help all feel welcome, seen and safe, according to the city's of Parks and Recreation website.
Johnson will practice breath work and grounding (from standing to sitting) from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 4.
"Humans are a work in progress, but we don't need to wait for a certain point in the future to find self-love. We can accept who we are in the present moment, limitations and all."Al Johnson, yoga instructor
"Humans are a work in progress, but we don't need to wait for a certain point in the future to find self-love. We can accept who we are in the present moment, limitations and all," Johnson wrote of the class on the city's website.
Johnson's work continues on 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, where he will will lead a class based "around the power of healing and embracing the uncomfortable."
"Recovery from anything, whether it's a mental emotional pain or a physical pain, is never straightforward. Sometimes, we have to come to terms with certain situations and feelings. Mindful movements and postures can help unlock these emotions," the class description reads.
Shea continues the healing lessons at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, with a class based around the importance of nourishing the soul. During the class, she will demonstrate uplifting postures for attendees to try both in class and at home.
Celebrating Black leaders
The studio will host a special class from 5 to to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 16, in honor of Juneteenth.
The class is designed for all skill levels and will be based around quotes from iconic Black leaders with an emphasis on Martin Luther King Jr. 's famous line: "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
Continuing 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, is a class centered around Toni Morrison's quote, "Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another."
The series concludes at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18, with poses that mirror Nelson Mandela's famous words, "I never lose, I either win or learn."
It is suggested that participants bring a yoga mat, towel, water bottle and sunscreen.
To register, click here.
