Aerial yoga

studio opens

PUTNAM — The area’s first aerial yoga studio has opened its doors.  Aerial yoga is a popular new trend in the worldwide yoga community that uses silk hammocks that support the body in various yoga positions to encourage the body to release, align and relax. The highlight of an aerial yoga class for many is the freedom experienced within anti-gravity poses, when being safely suspended only a short distance off the floor.  The intention behind blending the support of the hammock and the anti-gravity component with a traditional yoga practice is to encourage the body to release, realign, and relax.  “It’s a great way for people to learn yoga, and a great way to deepen an existing yoga practice,” according to Lori McDermott, a Pomfret resident and Glow’s owner/director.

 “I get the opportunity to see people’s faces light up in every class,” said McDermott. She has been a yoga student for 20 years, and is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Licensed Unnata Aerial Yoga Teacher, Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher, and Integrative Nutrition Coach.  Lori has been teaching yoga in and around the Quiet Corner since 1999, and owned the Yoga Glow studio in Putnam in 2003-2005. 

“The sense of freedom that aerial yoga provides, the ability to fly, to float, to do things you have never done before, and more importantly—to do things you never before believed that you could do—that’s when the shift takes place in people; that’s when I see faces light up.  That’s the gift of yoga, and that’s why the word, ‘glow’ is meaningful to me.” 

In addition to aerial yoga, Glow offers wellness programs that include free essential oils classes and affordable health-coach supported programs that focus on how to use whole foods to uncover your unique blueprint for eating in order to achieve healthy weight/weight loss, increased energy, better sleep, and to boost immunity.    

Aerial yoga classes are offered throughout the week, including introductory series for adults and Teen Power programs for girls ages 11-17.  Glow’s $12 noontime classes are sure to be popular.  Private group instruction for those who want to form their own aerial yoga “party” for special occasions is also available. There are also workshops. Advance registration is required for all classes and events, as hammock space is limited and students have their own hammock for the duration of each class. www.glowaerialyoga.com