Yoga Group leader Jyothy Praveen practices a pose at Blakely Hall. The group officially meets for the first time this Sunday, March 3.
Have you ever wanted to give yoga a try, but don’t know where or how to start? Join Yoga Group at Blakely Hall every Sunday morning to figure out what works best for you!
Group leader Jyothy Praveen has used yoga to stay healthy mentally and physically throughout her life, and she is looking forward to sharing that practice with neighbors and friends.
“I know a lot of people who would love to explore and see if yoga is right for them,” she said. “A lot of us feel intimidated and don’t know when or where to start. My aim is to provide a very casual environment for people to come and try yoga.”
Jyothy says yoga can be a low intensity or high intensity workout depending on what you want it to be. Everyone can participate; there is no limitation of any kind.
She has wanted to start a Yoga Group in Issaquah Highlands since the closure of Pure 8, which stood out to her as a studio that embraced community, no matter your skillset. It’s her goal to create a similar space for neighbors to practice yoga and “strengthen our body and mind,” she notes.
“Pure 8 helped me build some wonderful friendships and memories that I will carry on in my heart for a lifetime,” she says. “[The studio] made realize not only how important Yoga is, but also how important it is to have that right environment and community that learns and grows together.”
Each week, Yoga Group will follow different instructors through online videos and tutorials on the big screen in Blakely Hall. Jyothy plans to explore varying types of yoga such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga and Yim as well as breathing techniques to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
“My aim is to provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone who has been meaning to try yoga,” she says. “At the same time, I am hoping that people who have been [practicing yoga] for some time will also join. It will be a good refresher course to build endurance, and most of all, to encourage and motivate a friend or neighbor.”
Jyothy encourages neighbors to bring their own mat, towel, water bottle and any props like blocks or straps. Ultimately, she hopes the group will provide a healthy atmosphere to practice consistently while reducing stress, improving balance and flexibility, and relaxing the mind.
Find the Yoga Group on the community web calendar.
Jyothy Praveen is a Central Park resident.
