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Ina Visich Baiting Hollow

Ina Visich inside the new Solntse Hot Yoga in Wading River. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Ina Pollifrone-Visich discovered hot yoga while researching treatments for fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder she was diagnosed with more than a year ago. The 27-year-old native of Belarus found that stretching under steamy conditions alleviated her symptoms, including headaches and fatigue.

The only problem? It was tiring to make the trek from Baiting Hollow, where she resides, to her favorite studio, Buddha Beach Yoga in East Moriches.

So Pollifrone-Visich decided to open a hot vinyasa studio closer to home.

Solntse Hot Yoga opened in a 1,000-square-foot storefront at the new Shoppes at East Wind complex in Wading River on Oct. 5. Pollifrone-Visich, who is a yoga enthusiast but not yet a certified instructor, is studying at the West Babylon-based Always-At-Aum yoga school. Her roster of 11 certified instructors are leading classes at Solntse Hot Yoga until she completes her training.

Pollifrone-Visich, a fashion designer who sells her creations at inavisich.com and at Diana’s Unique Boutique in Westhampton, said the practice has made a profound difference in her life.

“I would leave the yoga studio happy,” she said. “If you looked around, everyone was happy. With yoga, you can naturally manage whatever it is you’re going through.”

Customers like Lorraine Houlihan of Shoreham agreed. A mother of three and the leader of the Facebook fitness group Team F.I.T., she admitted that she never thought much of yoga. That is until she attended 28 classes at Solntse in 30 days.

“I fell in love with something that I really didn’t think was anything,” she said adding that the Wading River studio has become a home base for her group. “I couldn’t believe how much of a workout it was. You do push yourself and you learn so much in silence.”

The name of the business (pronounced SOHN-seh) is the Russian word for sun, an appropriate title for the bright yellow studio. Pollifrone-Visich grew up speaking Russian and Belarusian.

“I wanted the inside to be sunny,” she said, adding that the name is also a nod to the solar plexis.

Pollifrone-Visich said she looks to her husband, Robert Pollifrone, co-owner of Buoy One in Riverhead and Westhampton Beach, as inspiration in running the venture.

“He’s an honest businessman who built a community business,” she said.

Solntse was one of the first businesses to open at the Shoppes, the 28-venture complex located next to the East Wind catering hall.

“Solntse Hot Yoga has been a wonderful addition to The Shoppes at East Wind,” said East Wind spokesperson maria DiLeo. “[It] is the perfect fit for everyone’s New Year/New You resolutions to become healthier and fit. We anticipate that they will continue to see growth in their business in the coming weeks.”

Hot yoga classes are held at 99 degrees with 40 percent humidity. The temperature is set for 70 degrees for regular classes.

Participants are asked to hydrate before a hot yoga class and bring a water bottle and towel. Complimentary towels are available and mat rentals are $1. A changing room is available.

Drop-in classes are $18. A month of unlimited classes is $99, or $30 for a newbie’s first month.

For a class schedule, visit solntseyoga.com.

Solyntse Hot Yoga is located at 5768 Route 25A, Unit U, in Wading River. Call (631) 965-8334.

Vera Chinese head shot bio

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