Yoga along the river a ‘chance to be in nature’

WILKES-BARRE — Yogis from around the area appreciated the cooler temperatures during Saturday’s class along the Susquehanna River.

For the ninth year in a row, the Riverfront Parks Committee and local yoga centers have partnered to offer a free weekly yoga class every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Katie Foose, of Warrior Run, and Anna Elkin-Wren, of Kingston, try to attend as often as they can with their friends after discovering the event online. Neither is experienced at yoga, but they still find the class enjoyable.

“(Yoga) is a positive way to spend my Saturday morning,” said Foose. “Not to mention, the weather is nice and it gives me a chance to spend time with friends.”

The class takes place at the Millennium Circle Portal on River Street. Attendees are asked to bring their own mats, water, and a friend. The classes will run until Sept. 1.

The tradition began with Jennifer Ciarimboli and Balance Yoga in 2009, but quickly evolved into different yoga instructors from around the area taking turns teaching classes.

This week’s instructor was Dana Sherman, of Balance Yoga in Forty Fort.

“(Ciarimboli) brought in teachers from all these different studios in the area which is amazing because then it brings in all of the students from all of the different studios and kind of brings us together as one community,” explained Sherman.

She said the class size quickly expanded from 10 in the beginning to close to 100.

“I think there’s really a difference in doing yoga inside from outside. It’s nice to really experience a little bit of nature and really what our area has to offer within the yoga community, too.”

The class caters to all experience levels, Sherman noted.

“I came because it’s a free community event, but also because of the chance to be in nature,” said Donna Nelson, a first-time attendee from Mountain Top.

The event is one of the many free experiences the Riverfront Parks Committee has to offer throughout the summer, including an upcoming Shakespeare on the River performance of “Taming of the Shrew” this Wednesday, July 11.

People walk with their yoga mats to the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre before Saturday’s session begins. It was held at the Millennium Circle Portal on River Street.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga7.jpgPeople walk with their yoga mats to the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre before Saturday’s session begins. It was held at the Millennium Circle Portal on River Street. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

People lie on mats during Saturday’s yoga exercises.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga6.jpgPeople lie on mats during Saturday’s yoga exercises. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Practitioners do a yoga exercise during Saturday’s free session. The classes by the Susquehanna River continue through Sept. 1.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga5.jpgPractitioners do a yoga exercise during Saturday’s free session. The classes by the Susquehanna River continue through Sept. 1. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

People lie on mats during Saturday’s yoga session along the river.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga4.jpgPeople lie on mats during Saturday’s yoga session along the river. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Yogis reach for the sky during a free community yoga session along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga3.jpgYogis reach for the sky during a free community yoga session along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

People stretch during Saturday’s yoga session along the river led by Dana Sherman, of Balance Yoga in Forty Fort.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga2.jpgPeople stretch during Saturday’s yoga session along the river led by Dana Sherman, of Balance Yoga in Forty Fort. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

People do yoga along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. For the ninth year in a row, the Riverfront Parks Committee and yoga centers have partnered to offer a free weekly class.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_TTL070818Yoga1.jpgPeople do yoga along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. For the ninth year in a row, the Riverfront Parks Committee and yoga centers have partnered to offer a free weekly class. Sean McKeag | Times Leader