Local Yoga Spots Offer Exercise, Relaxation

Although in the East, yoga is considered a spiritual practice, in the West it has come to be thought of more as a philosophy; and most of its adherents use yoga as a form of exercise.

Yoga has a mind and body connection, and it is this connection that is regarded  as the benefit of using yoga to promote health.

The three main components of a yoga workout are pranayama (breath work), asanas (postures) and meditation.

Pranayama is a series of breathing exercises that while helping one to focus by increasing blood circulation and bringing oxygen to the brain, also helps the body to use oxygen more efficiently.

Asanas are poses, or series' of poses that increase flexibilty and improve balance. There are also asanas designed to give your organs an internal massage.

Meditation, which stills the mind, gives us a much needed break from the interior racket in our own heads and the outer noise of the world at large.

At Yoga Santi, in The Old School House Learning Center, 27 North Country Rd. in Shoreham, instructor Barbara Delledone's directive is to "leave all cell phones and beepers at the door. This is your time to explore the world within."

The studio has warm hardwood floors, walls painted in earth tones, Eastern inspired banners hanging from high ceilings, and mirrors for checking your posture. The ambience is soothing.

"I draw from a lot of traditions," Deledone said. "Anyone who can breathe can practice yoga. Students come in with issues, like injuries and soreness, and are encouraged to honor their unique abilities and limitations."

Donna also instructs an adult education program for beginners at the FJC Elementary School . "This is a great place for anyone who is intimidated or never practiced yoga to learn safe ways to move without getting hurt," she said.

Amy Perri, ERYT (registered yoga teacher), offers small or private classes in an intimate setting in Rocky Point. Spring classes are forming for girls ages 8-12. Amy's classes are a blend of Vinyasa yoga, Hatha yoga, pranayama breathing and meditation.

"I came to yoga when I was seeking a little sanity and I found solace in the practice itself," she said.

Perri also offers classes for the developmentally disabled at group homes in our area. Classes are small and space is limited so call 631-839-0644.

At , 379H, Route 25A in Rocky Point, dance instructor Carol Klien spent time at a yoga ashram studying with Sri Yogi Hari.  Among the classes Klien teaches are a candlelight Hatha yoga and a children's animal shape yoga.

In yoga as in life, some like it hot--and the hottest thing to hit the yoga scene is Bikram, or Hot Yoga; 26 poses developed by Bikram Choudry, done in a very hot room, up to 110 degrees. The muscles are warmed, which increases flexibility and creates a cardiovascular workout, all while sweating out impurities, aiding in overall detoxification. Try a class at Bikram Yoga,764 Rt 25A in Setauket. This yoga is not for the faint of heart.

Starting this month at the North Shore Public Library , bring a yoga mat and sign up for or "flow yoga" with Linda Lindaman of Relaxing Endeavors. Another option is chair yoga designed especially for seniors, a gentle stretching routine all done while sitting in a chair.

Satya Yoga and Pilates Studio in Mount Sinai is literally a breath of fresh air. Upon entering, there is the soft pleasing smell of a currant-scented candle and everyone is friendly and accommodating.

"I opened three years ago, when the economy tanked, but business is good," owner Melissa Boyd said. "This is a place of safety, where people come to heal when things happen to them."

Satya's classes encompass everything from chair yoga, fertility yoga, prenatal yoga, kids yoga, and a restorative practice.

"We embrace complete wellness," she added.  

In a culture where consumerism and immediate gratification don't seem to be able to fill the void, yoga can holistically inform us by calling us to be disciplined in body, mind and spirit. When we learn discipline we learn how to order ourselves first and only then can we move through life with both the physical and spiritual grace that is true beauty.