SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Yoga in the Spa State Park program has returned this summer, offering a chance to participate in yoga classes, workshops, trainings, and more, all in the serene setting of the Saratoga Spa State Park.
Classes are held outdoors under the brick arches at the end of the administration building. In case of weather, indoor classes take place in the Roosevelt II Building. Outdoor summer classes will be held from June through August, while fall classes begin after Labor Day.
Amy DeLuca, a co-founder and co-coordinator of the program, said it is ultimately “a healing art in a healing location.”
“The Spa Park was built for healing,” DeLuca said. “It makes sense that we should be doing this.”
Classes cover a variety of yoga styles, and are led by DeLuca and fellow program co-coordinator Judy Pawlick, who are both 500-hour registered teachers, as well as other instructors including Anna Muench-Witt, Joe Dopp, Julie Coluccio, and Sara Martin.
DeLuca said that Yoga in the Spa State Park is “a studio without walls,” allowing participants to relax and decompress while accompanied by the sounds of nature.
“I love that idea, because I wasn’t doing yoga outside until I did this,” said DeLuca. “And there is a big difference.”
DeLuca said participants “really embrace” the outdoor setting, and said she enjoys seeing what it does for students.
“I say to beginners, ‘This will be like nothing you do, taking a yoga class,’” DeLuca said. “There’s a different vibe. … Yoga’s just an aspect of my life that I’m just really happy I have.”
Classes began in June, and are offered each day of the week, according to the released schedule. They are free to attend, with no registration required.
While donations are accepted, the group does not solicit or ask for specific amounts, DeLuca said.
“It is donation-based, and that has served us,” said DeLuca. “Our mission is simply to offer donation-based yoga classes both outside and inside in this iconic setting.”
The group also offers teaching opportunities, with three instructors certified to teach 200- and 300-hour teacher training, said DeLuca.
All classes are offered in the morning, with DeLuca adding that yoga can be an early activity for both local residents and visitors.
“So many people come to Saratoga year-round, especially in the summer,” DeLuca said. “If you want to go to the track at 1:00, you can take a class with us at 8:30 or 9:00.”
The program also has mats and blocks available for participants who do not have their own. DeLuca said classes typically range between six to ten people.
“I might show up and there will be one person there. I’ll still teach that class,” said DeLuca. “That’s just how I see yoga. … It is something I love.”
For more information and a full class schedule, visit 'Yoga in Spa State Park' on Facebook.
