Beach Yoga
• WHEN: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mon., Fri. & Sat.; June 6-Sept. 3
• WHERE: Firefly Beach Resort, 4903 Cleveland Road E. (Rt. 6), Huron
• COST: $6/class (walk-in resort guests), $10/class (non-resort walk-in), $200/summer class pass (26 classes total), $80/10-class pass
• INFO: 330-289-7026 or dailydownwarddog.com

Sun salutations in the sun? Now that’s Nirvana.

Find your peace this summer during beach yoga sessions at the Firefly Resort in Huron. The one hour Hatha-style classes, which focus on specific postures and controlled breathing, will overlook Lake Erie and are led by yoga instructor Maria Santoferraro.

“There’s something about doing yoga outdoors on the beach that’s really special,” she said.

Santoferraro, who has been practicing yoga for six years, said all levels of students are welcome. The sessions will start with warm-ups and continue to step-by-step asana (yoga postures) instruction. The sessions will focus on breath work, strengthening of the core and back, stretching, toning and relaxation. Most importantly, Santoferraro said, she wants to make yoga more accessible.

“In the beginning I tell people that yoga is not a competition,” she said. “It’s all about honoring your body. Eventually you start moving your body in ways you never thought you would.”

Santoferraro should know. Diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager, Santoferraro once dubbed herself “one of the most inflexible people in the world.”

Since then, though, the 48-year-old has overcome her chronic back pain and an overabundance of corporate-world-induced stress with her passion for yoga. In fact, Santoferraro made what she calls “a yoga victory” not long ago when she mastered the difficult tripod headstand.

“If you begin to practice, your body begins to be more flexible and you’re amazed at how your body starts to change,” she said.

In order to start along that path to change, Santoferraro suggests that new students arrive 5-15 minutes early to prepare for class.

Participants should bring sunscreen and a yoga mat, although Santoferraro said she will have mats available for use and for sale. Students should also bring an old sheet or beach towel to place under the yoga mat to keep sand off of the mat. Sunglasses or a hat for sunny days and water are also a good idea.
Class will be cancelled when the temperature is below 45, and if rain is in the forecast, class will be held under the resort’s covered pavilion.

Under cover or under the sun, Santoferraro said teaching yoga on a beach is a dream come true and hopes her students get as much out of her sessions as she has out of the practice.

“I feel so strong when I’m in it,” she said of her favorite pose, Warrior 2. “Looking over your hand gazing out over the water, hearing the sound of the surf while doing yoga moves. It’s like pure Nirvana.”

More yoga
Looking for more zen options? We looked far and wide to find options that hopefully fit everyone’s busy schedule. 

WHAT: Yoga Class
WHEN: 5:30-7 p.m. every Monday
WHERE: House of Yin, 607 Main St. (third floor), Huron
COST: $15/class, $65/monthly membership
INFO: 419-357-9974
The House of Yin will have a yoga class every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. with Kathy. Walk-ins are always welcome. They ask that you arrive 10 minutes before class and bring your own mat. It is advisable that you not eat a full meal for at least two hours prior to class.

WHAT: Yoga Class
WHEN: 9:30-11 a.m. every Saturday
WHERE: House of Yin, 607 Main Street (third floor), Huron
COST: $15/class, $65/monthly membership
INFO: 419-357-9974
The House of Yin will have a yoga class every Saturday morning from 9:30-11 a.m. with Patrick. Walk-ins are always welcome. They ask that you arrive 10 minutes before class and bring your own mat. It is advisable that you not eat a full meal for at least two hours prior to class.

WHAT: Yoga Class
WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday & Thursday
WHERE: House of Yin, 607 Main Street (third floor), Huron
COST: $15/class, $65/monthly membership
INFO: 419-357-9974
The House of Yin will have a yoga class every Tuesday night from 6-7:30 p.m. with Patrick. Walk-ins are always welcome. They ask that you arrive 10 minutes before class and bring your own mat. It is advisable that you not eat a full meal for at least two hours prior to class.

WHAT: Gentle Yoga Class
WHEN: 6-7 p.m. every Monday & Wednesday
WHERE: Erie County Senior Center, 620 E. Water St., Sandusky
COST: First session is free; $4/ session after that
INFO: 419-625-2217
The Erie County Senior Center will have a Gentle Yoga Class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. This is a class for all ages and fitness levels with no prior yoga experience required. Bring a mat or a blanket and do not eat for at least one to two hours before class. The cost is $4 per class, and the first class is free.

WHAT: Yoga Class
WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday & Thursday
WHERE: St. Francis Community Campus, 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin
COST: $6/class
INFO: 419-443-1485
There is a drop-in yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday at the St. Francis Community Campus in Tiffin from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This class is for all levels. Pay $6 to the instructor when you arrive.