Health is at the forefront of our minds during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re loading up on sanitizer and soap to fight the germs, stocking up on food or ordering-in while self-quarantining and doubling up on superfoods. That’s all good for your physical well-being, but as we Southwest Floridians know from living in one of the happiest, healthiest places in America, mental health is just as important.
Fortunately, yoga helps tackle the issue on both fronts. Not only does the practice provide a good workout and deliver on stretching—an essential for keeping joints limber and bones healthy—but studies have also shown yoga helps ease the mind. We rounded up 11 local yoga studios and cultural centers offering virtual om sessions (some of which are free!), so you can take this time to focus on your 360-degree wellness at a safe distance from others.
COLLIER COUNTY
A Class for Everyone at Honor Yoga: One of the most dynamic studios in town, with a varied mix of workout-driven yoga classes, Honor Yoga Naples took to the web, live-streaming more than 100 class times, including Yoga HIIT, which blends interval-training and yoga flows into one results-driven session, YogaBarre, for a challenge that sculpts those tiny muscles, and meditation on some nights to help you wind down. If you sign up now, you get a 30-day trial with unlimited classes for $30 (the regular rate is $148).
At-Home Self Care with Love Yoga Center: As one of the longest-running studios in Naples, Lova Yoga is super focused on fostering community. After stopping their in-studio classes this week, the instructors have started hosting some sessions via Love Yoga’s Facebook Group.
Get Bendy with a Naples Players’ Star: Naples Players’ actress and teacher Katie Cross steps off the stage and in front of the webcam for free and easy 20-minute sessions on Facebook every Thursday at 5 p.m. Open to all skill levels, these moves don’t even require a mat.
Pilates Fix from Revival Yoga Fitness Studio: Beyond the poolside gentle yoga sessions, Revival also streams pilates from the studio. Check the Facebook page for the full schedule and recordings of past classes.
Read Between the Matts with Practice Yoga Naples: This studio offers live group and private classes through Zoom, as well as a book club with instructor Heather Viniar (to keep you busy between flows). Practice Yoga also have an online collection of recorded classes and meditations for members.
Yoga for the Immune System with Wendy Campbell Yoga: Cancer survivor and yoga instructor Wendy Campbell always offers live-stream yoga classes through her website, Intrepid Breath. Now, in light of our current situation, she also added a Survive & Thrive series to her main site for free. The series is broken into eight modules with sequences that target the immune system.
LEE COUNTY
Money Saving Sessions from Yoga Bird: In addition to suspending payment from all members while the studio is closed, Yoga Bird is hosting free online classes and guided meditations for anyone who would like to join (non-members included). Please consider leaving a virtual tip to support the instructors as they support the community.
SoniYoga-Florida Shares Sage Advice: The yogis at SoniYoga, known to give ayurvedic counseling, offer daily mantras and positive habits to help us get through the pandemic in their “Living in Novel Times” series. The teachings are based on ayurvedic philosopher Patanjali’s eight limbs. Catch the wise insight on the Facebook page, where you can also stream live yoga classes.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Complimentary Classes at Palm Power Yoga: Online classes from the instructors from Palm Power Yoga are free until March 27. Pick from gentle yoga, vinyasa (breathing-focused) or power yoga. Classes will be $10 each going forward.
Seeing Stars with North Port Yoga + Wellness: North Port Yoga + Wellness takes its classes to the web, with offerings including chair and beginners’ yoga. The team is also streaming a monthly New Moon Astrology Club workshop. Packages range from $12 for one class to $75 for unlimited access.
Find Balance at The Yoga Sanctuary: Instructor Jennifer French streams her “Strength and Balance” chair yoga class this Wednesday, March 25. Check The Yoga Sanctuary website for the upcoming schedule.
