Yoga studio celebrates anniversary with free classes

Date: 1/17/2014

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Looking to get limber this new year? Come, strike a pose and see if yoga could be your method of choice.

Karoun Yoga, 235 Memorial Ave., will celebrate its one-year anniversary with free yoga classes, followed by a beer sampling on Jan. 23 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The event will also feature free yoga fitness consultations and deejays from The Hush Collective.

“We offer classes for all abilities – we’re not catering to a specific population. People of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome. We have a diverse clientele and tons of beginners,” owner Karoun Charkoudian said.

She recommended that beginners take the Level 1 or 2 classes. Charkoudian explained that these Iyengar-style inspired classes focus on alignment and utilize props for body support

The classes move more slowly than the Vinyasa-style classes and focus on achieving the correct position. Poses range from standing to seated to lying down on the floor. She suggested that students dress in layers to ensure do not become too hot or too cold.

Charkoudian has taught yoga for the past five years and has studied it for 10.

“I was in a really vulnerable time in my life when I began my practice. I felt a lot more grounded and at peace in yoga classes,” she said. “I noticed that things in life became easier such as tying my shoes or picking up the soap if I dropped it. I was a better person [in all aspects] of my life.”

The studio shares her name because it means “springtime” and Charkoudian offers yoga as a way to people to renew and center themselves despite their busy schedules.

“We have a welcoming front desk staff that shows you where to go and how to set up,” Charkoudian added. “The purpose of this studio is to wake people up in their lives and provide them with more passion and vitality.”

She cited the goal of classes to help people “lead a more heart-centered life,” rather than becoming mere cogs in the wheel, adhering to the same routine day after day.

To learn more about the studio and its offerings, visit http://karounyoga.com. To register for the free Anniversary Classes, log on to http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=40739&stype=-7&sView=day&sDate=1/23/2014.