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Rivertowns Yoga Studio Hosts Grand Re-Opening with Free Classes

YogaWorks studio in Irvington to host Grand Re-Opening Saturday, June 19 and Yoga with a View Wednesday, June 23.

YogaWorks Westchester studio in Irvington is hosting two upcoming community events: a Grand Re-Opening today, June 19, and an outdoor yoga event, Yoga with a View, Wednesday June 23. 

The Grand Re-Opening of YogaWorks will be held in the studio at 50 South Buckhout Street today in Irvington.  The studio was closed for several days last month for remodeling.  New wood floors, large ceiling fans and an updated changing area were added, among other items.  Today's event will feature three celebratory classes and a variety of unique attractions, including a retail trunk show from Our Love Yoga, chair massages by Riverspa, raffles, healthy treats provided by Sattava of Ossining and yogatinis.  From 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., instructor Mary-Ann Mastreani will teach Family Yoga, a class for children and adults of all ages.  Instructor Carol Silverman will teach Rock Yoga from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.  Special guest Sadie Nardini will be teaching her nationally recognized Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga Class from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m.  Anyone wishing to attend the 5:00 p.m. class is encouraged to pre-register and there is a suggested $25 donation to benefit the local non-profit organization, Scenic Hudson.  Everyone is invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening and all guests will be registered to win a free membership to the studio and a private yoga session. 

The third annual Yoga with a View event will be held at Scenic Hudson Park in Irvington June 23 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.  Senior instructors from the studio will teach three free classes and all equipment will be provided.  Active yoga with asana (posture poses) will begin at 9:10 a.m. and also at 10:15 a.m.  From 11:30 a.m. until noon teachers will lead a Kirtan session, consisting of singing and chanting. 

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YogaWorks Westchester is one of 24 national studios, including six in New York.  YogaWorks was founded in 1987 by world renowned instructors Mazy Ezraty, Chuck Miller and Alan Finger.  Maggie Kinnealey of the YogaWorks public relations team had this to say when asked about the studio's unique philosophy: "YogaWorks is the country's leading authority on providing quality yoga education and complete wellness programs for every mind and every body. Since its inception, YogaWorks has been dedicated to offering a wide range of yoga programs that reach all aspects of the community. YogaWorks also offers a renowned Teacher Training Program and has mentored some of the world's leading yogis." The styles of yoga currently offered at the Westchester studio cater to all levels of students and include Ishta, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, YogaBasics, Gentle Yoga, Ashtanga Prep and Yin Yang. 

Ever wondered what all those different styles meant?  Here's a guide:

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  • Ishta is a specialty class developed by YogaWorks founder Alan Finger.  "Ishta" is an acronym (Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda).  This method incorporates active postures, focused breathing and meditation for a complete mind/body experience. 
  • Vinyasa Flow is an active, challenging style of yoga combining movement and breath through a vigorous series of postures.  This class is recommended for students with previous yoga experience. 
  • Iyengar classes teach traditional yogic postures with an emphasis on precision and proper alignment.  This restorative technique is designed to bring calm and focus to the mind of the student. 
  • YogaBasics, as the name implies, is designed to introduce new students to the fundamentals of yoga practice. 
  • Gentle Yoga is ideal for beginning students, seniors and anyone wishing to move at a slower pace than the other classes offered at YogaWorks. 
  • Ashtanga yoga is based on an ancient system consisting of precise, vigorous sequences.  The Prep class is a shortened version designed to accommodate students who are new to Ashtanga practice. 
  • Yin Yang is an ideal blend of yoga styles for a comprehensive experience, combining active Vinyasa flow sequences with restorative postures, meditation and relaxation. 

Maria Edwards, manager of YogaWorks Westchester since September of 2009, is hoping for a big turnout at the Grand Re-Opening this Saturday and at Yoga with a View on Wednesday.  She found her own connection to yoga practice through a public, outdoor event.  "I was introduced to Yoga on the Beach on Martha's Vineyard one morning," Edwards said.  "A dear friend of mine recommended I check it out.  Ever since then I realized the challenging and calming experience it can have on both your mind and body.  Yoga makes you work for your reward which is sometimes happening at the precise same moment.  And since I was introduced to yoga, I always say yoga is best when shared!

YogaWorks Westchester offers classes seven days a week, morning through evening, from 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The studio is currently offering two weeks of unlimited classes for $30, through June 30.  Inquiries about regular membership can be made by calling the studio at (914) 591-9642. 

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