The Great Escape: The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem

I can write about “great escapes” for ages. The opportunities for fun and relaxation in the Lehigh Valley are plentiful (thank goodness!). But unless you can escape the constant stream of patter that goes through every mom’s brain – work, dinner, cleaning, education, extracurriculars – your great escape is only a good one. 

That’s why this week, I would like to recommend The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem. Yoga experienced a spike in trendiness in the last few decades, and although people often roll their eyes at its mention, I can tell you it works.

What do I mean by that? Yoga, a meditational art whose origins lie in India, has many aspects that should appeal to the modern day mom. First, there’s the physical component. We all know that the healthier you are and the more you “work out,” the more energy and endorphins you’ll have to increase your stamina and brighten your outlook. 

Don’t let anyone fool you. Yoga is a WORKOUT. Although there are portions of class reserved for stretching and reflection, the typical vinyasa flow and sun salutations that most teachers will guide you through really get the blood pumping and your muscles working. Don’t believe it? Just try lowering into a runner’s lunge, placing one arm on your back leg and the other raised toward the sky. Welcome to reverse warrior. Now hang out for about 30 seconds.

Got your attention? Good. That’s part one. Part two is that meditational aspect I first mentioned. There’s something to be said for being able to completely clear your mind. To “quiet” your inner voice, as your yogi guide will tell you. By focusing on your breathing and positions you’ll find that all those mom worries will start to recede into the background.

Practice yoga even once a week and within a month or two, you’ll start feeling the difference, both in your body and in your mind. 

And the Yoga Loft is a particularly good place to let all this happen. Located on the top floor of an old industrial building on the South Side of Bethlehem, it feels somehow detached from the rest of the city. Above the noise and hassle. Each room is refreshingly barren. Just white walls and wood floors. An uncluttered space conducive to de-cluttering the mind. Plus most classes are 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time to unwind.

The studio offers classes from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and caters to every skill level from the beginner’s beginner to advanced yogis. They offer free intro classes once a month and even will set up a free consultation with a student teacher to discuss what yoga can do for you.

Namaste.

Escape begins: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays;  7:30 a.m. to noon and 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays;   9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays; 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. 

Where: The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem, 521 E. Fourth St., Third Floor, Bethlehem.

Cost: $15 for drop-in; $65 for five classes; $99 for monthly unlimited. Other packages available. Call 610-867-9642 for details.