As a meditative technique that allows you to develop flexibility, strength and balance, there is no doubt that yoga is the perfect summertime activity. And there are more options than just purchasing a gym or yoga studio membership. Plenty of local hubs offer weekly or monthly yoga routines so you can experience the physical activity at your own leisure.
theYOGAPROJECT
The Riverhead Project restaurant hosts a full-day yoga workshop on the fourth Sunday of each month, appropriately called the Yoga Project. The restaurant kicked off its summer session last month on Sunday, June 23.
The Yoga Project takes place from 12 to 6 p.m. at the restaurant. For July, it will take place on Sunday, July 27.
The day begins with an opening to the class featuring some chanting and Pranayama (a breathing technique). After, there is a two hour vigorous Dharma Flow class, followed by a short break for fresh squeezed juice. Next there is an hour and a half restorative class. The day ends with a home-cooked, family-style vegetarian dinner in the restaurant.
The day costs $85 per person. It is limited to 12 students, so be sure to RSVP to (631) 284-9300 soon.
LIEB CELLARS YOGA IN THE VINES
Every Thursday at 4 p.m. through July, August and September there is a one hour yoga class at Lieb Cellars at their Oregon Road Tasting Room.
The classes are led by Kripalu-certified teacher Emily Puccio. Afterwards there are healthy snacks made by epicurean Alicia Valle and a free glass of Lieb Cellars wine.
Guests can register for all ten sessions for $150, eight for $140, six for $120, four for $100, or just drop in for $30 per session. Sessions can be purchased online or on the day of the event itself.
The dates of the classes are as follows: July 11, 18, 25, August 8, 15, 22, 29, and September 5, 12, and 19. There is no class on August 1.
Lieb Cellars is located at 13050 Oregon Road in Cutchogue. Call (631) 734-1100 for more information or if you have any questions.
YOGA IN THE VINEYARD
Clovis Point Vineyard in Jamesport hosts a Yoga in the Vineyard session once a month on Saturdays.
So far they have had two sessions on June 22 and July 6. The last one will take place from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 24 and it is called ‘Enjoy life’.
Long-time yoga instructors Sheryl Oleksak and Brian Bradley come to the vineyard to teach a class for all levels, followed by a free wine tasting in the tasting room. The class costs $22 per person, $15 for Wine Club members.
Clovis Point is located at 1935 Main Road in Jamesport. For more information call (631) 722-4222 or visit the website.
YOGA IN THE VINES
Palmer Vineyards in Riverhead also hosts a winery-style yoga class, but this one takes place once a week instead of once a month.
Each Sunday at 11 a.m., rain or shine, Beth from Yoga by the Bay in Eastport comes to Palmer to teach a one hour class that costs $25 per person. After guests have completed the session, they are rewarded with a complimentary Mimosa and are invited to enjoy live music on the deck.
For a first person view on the class, check out the previous Northforker article, Yoga meets the grapevines at Palmer.
YOGA ON THE FARM
If you’d like an earlier start on Thursdays, Sang Lee Farms is hosting summer yoga sessions every Thursday morning from 7:45 to 9 a.m.
The first session is Thursday, July 11. Each class costs $18 and includes an organic vegetable juice of the week plus a walk through the herb garden. You can also purchase classes in a package for the whole summer: $120 for eight weeks or $90 for six weeks.
Sessions are with yoga expert Carolyn Poncato. Pay at the first class you attend or reserve a spot ahead by visiting the farm stand on County Road 48 in Peconic. For more info. call (631) 734- 7001.
