The Shaw JCC of Akron is providing fresh, winter fitness programming with Snowga – yoga in the snow.
Snow yoga, also known as Snowga, is hosted in the Shaw JCC of Akron’s outdoor pavilion in Akron, Ohio. Staff utilize tarps to block the wind and a roaring fire to provide winter fitness programming to a fiercely dedicated yoga community.
JCC instructor Kevin Karas combines breathing techniques and yoga poses for members in a socially-distant, winter wonderland members continue to enjoy and show up for. “It’s amazing to see this dedicated group bundle up in layers of wool socks, snow pants, jackets, gloves and hats to continue their practice,” said Karas.
Offering Snowga has allowed staff to continue providing fitness programming with fresh air and ample spacing to help reduce exposure to airborne contaminants, including COVID-19. Additionally, it allows staff to help address the need for exercise among members to maintain physical and mental health throughout the pandemic.
“During this uncertain time, many people are realizing there have been added layers of stress in their lives,” said Lynn Satow, the fitness director at the Shaw JCC. “More people are finding that yoga speaks to not just the physical self, but to the emotional self as well.”
Snowga classes are free to members and offered twice a week, in-person, as well as virtually. Members are encouraged to share their outdoor yoga experience and actively participate through social media using the hashtags #SnowgaAtTheJ and #OmOutsideAtTheJ.
