Yoga isn’t just downward dog and child pose. While many participate for the physical benefits, yoga also has the ability to open the mind to a higher awareness and a deeper sense of consciousness. Don’t have extra cash for a class? We’ve got you covered. Check out these instructors offering free classes.
In fall 2019, Amanda Fisher, a sophomore and self-described exercise enthusiast, tried an intermediate yoga class at UM’s Herbert Wellness Center. “It felt really nice to do something that was active, but peaceful for my mind. I’m a very anxious person, so to do yoga and be in a room where everyone’s just trying to center themselves is relaxing,” Fisher said. “It almost took me outside of my body.”
Yoga, meaning “union,” is a Hindu spiritual quest to experience the Brahman, or divine, by balancing the mind. Hinduism recognizes that there are various paths to the Divine, but many of them aren’t as accessible to college students. Thanks to local government sponsors, yoga studios and instructors are able to offer free classes to those curious about the benefits of the discipline without the financial commitment of a membership.
SYNERGY YOGA
A pioneer in bringing yoga masters to Miami, Synergy Yoga offers complimentary classes at Española Way every Saturday at 9 a.m. Instructor Victoria Brunacci describes the practice as the oldest preventative health care system, with advantages that include boosting the immune system and releasing stress. “It is treating a different layer of yourself: body, mind and soul,” Brunacci said. “It’s a complete therapy for healing.” synergyyoga.org
NOBE YOGA
Nobe Yoga offers classes in Collins Park on Mondays and Wednesdays and at South Pointe Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. These classes are vinyasa-based and characterized by stringing poses together and focusing on breathing to “calm and balance the mind and heal both physically and emotionally,” said instructor Nicola Brisuela. nobeyoga.com
PAULA LONDONO
Paula Londono, an instructor who teaches a free class every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the North Miami Public Library, explained that many people aren’t aware that yoga can improve your life. No registration is needed to attend the class and all are welcome. northmiamifl.gov/207/Library
DHARMA STUDIOS
Coconut Grove Business Improvement District and Dharma Studios partner every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Peacock Park to bring free yoga to all ages. Instructor Natalie Morales explains how she has transformed her business model during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our mission statement is to make yoga as accessible to as many people as possible,” said Morales. “Yoga promotes the idea of looking inward. Self-study prevents us from forgetting our innate goodness.” These classes are now offered on Zoom. dharmastudio.com
Free Yoga In The 305
Lakeside Village is offering free yoga classes this semester to help UM students lower stress levels, improve memory and strengthen their immune systems.
- Gentle Yoga: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Power Yoga: Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Vinyasa Flow Yoga: Fridays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration is available through the UM wellness app or online at wellness.miami.edu.
words_alexis mascariella. photo_sydney burnett. design_lauren mokhtarzadeh.
This article was published in Distraction’s fall 2020 print issue.