Over thirty youth enjoyed a program on yoga presented Tuesday evening by Ashley Smith, a yoga instructor from Ellwood City, as part of the enrichment component added to the youth’s daily arts and crafts projects supervised by Joseph Cioffi.
They were given information on the subject and then eagerly participated in several poses such as the Shavasana pose (pictured).
Ashley emphasized the health related impact that yoga can have, especially for stress relief, that all ages can benefit from.
“Many people have the misconception that yoga is only about strengthening your body, but really it’s also about training your mind and soul to be at peace. Yoga is a lifestyle centered around peace and acceptance of the world around you. I do yoga several times a day, even when I’m driving and stuck in traffic – I practice deep breathing to keep myself clam,” Smith said.
According to WebMD, yoga is one of the oldest and most beneficial workouts known to man.
“Workout fads come and go, but virtually no other exercise program is as enduring as yoga. It’s been around for more than 5,000 years. Yoga does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation,” the medical site states.
Smith fell in love with yoga after she worked in a salon above a yoga studio in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I didn’t think much about yoga at the time, but clients from the yoga class would come up to the salon and they were always so open minded and nice, and at the time I wasn’t in the best state of mind so I decided to try yoga too – I mean what did I have to lose. It gave me a positive release, I had a better outlook on life after doing yoga and I knew I wanted to promote the positive relief it gave me so I decided to become an instructor.”
Fearing public speaking, Smith has also used instructing classes as a way of coming out of her shell, which she says has been another positive benefit of yoga for her.
Smith and her business partner and neighbor, Ashley Jubach, have opened up a spa and yoga center called Revive, in the old Aflac building at 201 Fifth Street. The building is receiving it’s final touches and will soon be an atmosphere completely dedicated to relaxation.
While Smith will be focusing on teaching yoga, Jubach will be providing the spa services. Spa appointments and yoga class passes are now available for purchase.
Complimentary tea from National Grind, water, and yoga equipment will be provided during sessions.
“I’m very hopeful for the business. I think the community needs a place to relax, rejuvenate, and revive – and that’s exactly what our main focus is,” Smith said.
For more information on the business and services offered, call Revive at (724) 730-2812.
The businesses open house will be Saturday July 29th from 4-7 p.m. and will have complimentary food, drinks and giveaways.
Photos submitted
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