BY DONNA CHAMBERLAIN
HEWITT — Andrea Powers yoga studio has long been the place to go to get the strength-building and stress-relieving benefits of yoga. Now, Powers offers many variations on yoga, including restorative yoga, yoga with weight lifting and aerial yoga. And since June, Powers' studio is in a new location, 355 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt.
Michelle Morando is one of the instructors at Andrea Powers studio. Her passion has always been fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. She moved to West Milford 23 years ago to what she felt was the perfect setting in nature, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and got her certification as a massage therapist, spin instructor and group fitness instructor.
Powers saw the talent in Morando and hired her five years ago. Now, Morando manages Powers Yoga Center of West Milford and teaches many of the classes, including Powers Sculpt, a combination of yoga and weights, Powers Fit which combines cardio and yoga, and Powers Fusion which brings together yoga and pilates.
Yoga is offered at various levels, from gently to advanced practices. There is a pilates room with a natural spring-fed pool to practice balance skills during SUP season. What's SUP? It's Stand-Up Paddleboarding!
Susan Byrnes teaches yoga at a slower pace, with detailed instruction and ample modifications, including blocks, blankets, bolsters and straps to properly align their bodies in poses. Byrnes' classes are great for starters. She believes everyone can benefit from a yoga practice to help reduce stress, increase flexibility and stamina, regardless of physical limitations.
Aerial yoga helps the participant "let go." Essentially, your body is supported by a hammock, which enables a sense of fearlessness in letting go of limitations. Aerial yoga helps to progress your yoga journey beyond the mat and strengthen your body by constantly engaging your core.
There are many classes to fit most schedules.
Try them for free, this last week of November. After that, classes are $15 for walk-ins to yoga or $20 for aerial, and $49 for a month of unlimited classes. Or get 10 classes for $100.
For more information and a complete list of classes, go to www.powersyoga.com.