By Jason KUROSU

TheraYoga Studio at 4105 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose, CA 91020 is a brand new addition to Montrose, offering yoga and Pilates classes with an emphasis on yoga as a restorative and therapeutic form of exercise. Classes began Sunday, June 3 and TheraYoga offers 24 classes a week, ranging from large classes to 30 minute personal screenings to 60-90 minute private lessons. Iyengar, kids yoga and pre-natal yoga will be added to the schedule before July.

TheraYoga owner Samantha Lawrence stresses that her classes are open for everyone, even those who don’t believe themselves capable of performing yoga.

“If you practice awareness of your breath, you’re practicing yoga,” says Lawrence. “The majority of the students generally don’t walk in being able to touch the floor, but within several weeks they’ve gotten to a place where they can get closer and closer. One of the things I love is watching people’s progression and watching them be excited about this newfound interest and intelligence toward their body.”

Lawrence advocates the use of props, a staple of Iyengar yoga, to aid people in properly executing particular yoga poses. Props can include blocks, pillows, chairs – anything a person can use to attain balance and alignment.

“We want people to be 100% comfortable,” says Lawrence.

TheraYoga’s comfort factor does not just apply to those who think “yoga isn’t for me” but also people with disabilities.

Lawrence endorses yoga’s therapeutic benefits based on her personal health experiences.

“I came to yoga because I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia at 23. I came into yoga looking for a way to heal and I really found my way through a Restorative practice,” said Lawrence. “You let props like blocks, bolsters and blankets hold you up. It sends this message to your nervous system saying you can relax, that it’s okay. I always tell people that it was a blessing that I was so sick because it allowed me to find a way to heal and then share that with other people because I know that it works.”

Starting in July, Lawrence will teach a special conditions class for anyone who “has been more structurally compromised,” (i.e. suffering from scoliosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, among others). Pre-natal and Baby & Me classes will also start in July.

To kick off the opening of the TheraYoga Studio, a Community Open House celebration will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring live music, food, fun giveaways and more. Furthermore, everyone’s first yoga class at TheraYoga is free.

“One of the things I love about teaching yoga is that we’re arming you with tools that you can take with you forever,” says Lawrence. “Sometimes you’ll go to see someone for health advice and they might just give you information which goes right in and out of your head. With yoga, you’re in your body, breathing, practicing. This is how the information really sticks. It’s important for your longevity and your health.”

Please visit their beautiful website for more information at www.therayogastudio.com.

  Jason Kurosu