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I’m not sure if it’s the relaxing vibe, the mellow rays of sun left from the day reflecting off of the dark wooden floors. It might be the friendly instructors, who are understanding of the day you’ve been through but encourage you to find your mantra – “I am calm, I am calm” is the one I often focus on it seems since I’ve started class – for the evening and stick with it. Or, for this mom, maybe it’s just simply an hour that I focus on my wellbeing and my goal of gaining more flexibility and toning up more that I appreciate with a few others who are working on the same things.

Since I’ve started trying to make yoga classes 2-3 times a week at Hastings’ new addition of Avani, which is located at 601 W. 2nd St., I’ve realized just how much a slow-paced class can really benefit your body, as well as your mind. When I was trying to lose weight a few years ago to get back to a healthy weight, I often skipped much of the “easier” warm ups, classes and DVDs to get right into the losing-weight part. But as I’m starting to get back into working out post baby No. 3, I have a feeling this is a workout – and a place – that I’ll keep on my schedule as often as I can.

Can I do every pose to it’s full potential?! Not even close with several of them. I cherish the moments that instructors Chelsie and Liz tell us to go into child’s pose, but at the same time appreciate when they encourage us to go into the harder moves. But in the end, I tend to actually feel more calm, collected and adjusted, which I think is a feat in itself.

And one of these days when I do master one of the harder poses, and when I can find a bit of extra time, I’ll be looking to treat myself to one of the massages and treatments that the Avani day spa offers. I’ve heard from a few that have received massages, manicures and pedicures there, and everyone has said it’s well worth it.

For more information on class times, costs and more, you can go to www.avanistudio.com. It’s another place in Hastings that well worth a visit.

 

About the author: Cassie Ivy

Cassie Ivy is a 30-something Hastings resident. She and her husband, Darren, own and produce a local weekly newspaper and she juggles her time working with keeping up with her three daughters, who are ages 9, 6 and 9 months, and with friends and family.