Stony Creek to Offer Beach Yoga Throughout Summer

Picture an early summer morning yoga session at the beach.

The sun warms your skin while you stretch, pose as a bridge, or even work on your warrior stance.

That calm vision will be a reality for yogis every Saturday beginning June 9 through August 25 at ’s Eastwood beach during Registered Yoga Teacher Kathy Vesprini’s sessions. Classes, geared for adults and teens, are open to new participants and cost $7 per session or $30 for seven classes. 

“Most of us have (stress) in our lives with the economy, work, or all types of things in your life. Yoga is one of the best ways to let that go,” Vesprini told Patch.

Vesprini rakes the sand to clear a flat surface for participants, who show up with their own yoga mats and beach towels. Then, she asks if anyone has concerns with their bodies, as all fitness levels are welcome to attend. Modifications to make poses either more challenging or easier are offered throughout. 

She reminds participants to do only what they’re capable of and to keep focus on their breathing and the way they feel. 

“Anytime you feel you are losing your breath or things are too much ... anybody that does yoga a lot knows its the experienced yogains that know when to slow down,” Vesprini said. “All of the type-A personalities that want to keep going miss the benefits of yoga.” 

Each session has a different theme (or intention), which will lead to some varied poses; however, Vesprini tries to keep the flow of the classes the same so people know what to expect.

The sounds of the birds and the slow flow of the waves offered tranquil background noise. 

Sessions start with focused breathing and centering, move on to a gentle warmup, then to poses that require energy: including balancing poses, like Mountain, and those that build core strength. There were also inversion poses (where the legs are higher than the heart), and a yin pose to loosen connective tissue before a cool down and stretch. The session ends with the Savasana pose.

For more information contact Vesprini at theyogapath.kdv@gmail.com or call 586-918-8407. A vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors, or $5 daily. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS.