Top: Yoga at Starlite Beach; Courtesy Amy Schultz Middle: Yoga at Rockport for Meteors-N -Smores Event; Courtesy Steve Jakubcin Below: Winter Yoga; Courtesy Sam Samson Miller
than 100 miles of groomed
hiking and biking trails, kayak
exploration of more than 1,000
miles of shoreline, and fishing
in over 300,000 acres of open
water, the best-kept secret about
the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
are the tucked away corners that
beckon with quiet moments for
practice. The serenity and peace
of the area are perfect for one of
the greatest stress reduction practices
known to wellness - yoga.
The word yoga means “to yoke.”
It is the joining of physical
movement with mindfulness,
our breath with our body. Yoga
isn’t about how bendy or stretchy
someone is. It is about moving
your body in ways that support
and improve physical wellness
while calming the brain to focus
on what is in front of you in the
present moment. It can lower the
stress hormone cortisol, which in
turn improves overall wellbeing.
When visiting the Alpena area
you will most likely notice groups
of people outdoors enjoying yoga
classes as a group, or individually.
You will find yoga on the beaches,
in parks, and even specialized
outdoor yoga sessions like stand
up paddleboard yoga, or twilight
yoga under the stars.
Whether you’re a seasoned student
of yoga or new to the idea,
you’ll find helpful studios across
the region that will welcome you
for a visit. Also, keep an eye out
for special outdoor classes where
you can mingle with other outdoor
enthusiasts and enjoy the
full healing power of the Sanctuary
of the Great Lakes. Check
for classes during your visit at
VisitAlpena.com/Events.
Where to
practice Yoga
in and around
the Sanctuary
of the Great Lakes:
Island Park for an
afternoon nature break
Thompson’s Harbor
State Park sand dunes
Starlight and
Mich-e-ke-wis beaches
Besser Natural Area
Beach at sunrise
Rockport State Recreation
Area under the stars
Presque Isle Range
Light Park at sunrise
Negwegon State Park trails
as the leaves change
in Autumn
Ocqueoc Falls on a
summer afternoon
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