SCRANTON, Pa. — Vinyasa Yoga Flow is creating a new workout initiative with the Greenhouse Project based at Nay Aug Park in Scranton.
Greenhouse Yoga is a free program to help yogis of all levels get in tune with their bodies.
Organizers say these free, in-person, small-group sessions are casual, uplifting, and the perfect setting for people new to yoga. All that participants have to do is bring a mat and show up.
They put this on for the public to encourage people to try yoga for free instead of paying a large amount at other studios for walk-in classes. Plus, they inform all about yoga's potential health benefits.
Instead of the typical yoga studio, Mindy Hill brings her students to the Greenhouse at Nay Aug Park/ She says practicing among the plants can play a part in the healing yoga journey.
"I actually came to yoga about 20 years ago because I was always injured and obviously a lot younger and always injured but I found yoga along the way," Hill said.
Since then, Hill has sprouted as a yoga instructor, sharing her story to help beginner to expert yogis improve their physical and mental health through yoga.
"I just think that the benefits are second to none, and it can help everyone, all walks of life, all ages."
Partnering with the Greenhouse Project provides a change of scenery and allows Hill to make her classes more affordable for newcomers.
Lynne Duncan, one of Hill's students, says she never misses a class.
"She started this before yoga was really a thing. And she has just evolved and has helped me in terms of breathing, centering," Duncan said.
Duncan and Hill say doing yoga together has helped them cross the finish line running races, saying their practice has given them the stamina and strength to train for marathons.
"To reduce the risk of injury as you run," Duncan said. "So, I feel that yoga is something that can be done for your entire lifespan."
Both women want to do yoga for the rest of their lives together.
"Most of my students, they'll say they were reluctant to try it, but now they 100 percent say it's life-changing," Hill said.
Hill hosts classes through the Greenhouse Project at Nay Aug Park throughout the week.
The classes also introduce participants to the Greenhouse Project. The nonprofit's mission is to "grow a sustainable community through education, wholesome food, and healthy active living," according to its website.
The Vinyasa Yoga Flow class meets every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Check their calendar for more events.