HEALTHY HEARTS Give back from your yoga mat! BYS Yoga offers donation-based classes every Friday, each one benefiting local charities. “Since the beginning, 10 years ago, we wanted to provide classes that anyone could come to, regardless of their financial situations,” explains Kristi Rogers, owner/director of BYS Yoga. Students pay what they’re able to for these 90-minute classes, then 50 to 100 percent of the collection is donated to a different charity, chosen by the students or the instructor. On Thanksgiving Day, the South Side studio will host a special class to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Rogers feels the timing is perfect, especially since the need for donations has risen. “‘Seva’ is a yoga term that means ‘service to others,’” Rogers explains. “This is our chance to put that yoga philosophy into action.”
moving forward
+ Take a donation-based class this month! November 7 6:30-8 p.m. taught by Levana Melamed, benefiting La Escuelita Arcoiris November 14 6:30-8 p.m. taught by Ashley O’Hara, benefiting Jameson’s Army November 21 6:30-8 p.m. YogaRhythmics taught by Nicole Zellie Lann, beneficiary TBD November 27 9-10:30 a.m. taught by Julie Menge, benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank BYS Yoga, 1113 E. Carson St., South Side. 412.481.9642. bys-yoga.com.
Fun fact: More than 80 percent of the U.S.’s family health care decisions are made by women. To lead the national movement in women’s health, Dr. Vonda Wright will host Women’s Health Conversations on November 6. Join 1,000 women and 50 health savvy speakers at The Westin Convention Center Ballroom from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seminars and workshops will educate and empower women, helping them make the ideal decisions for their health and the health of those closest to them. “We’ll give women access to tools and resources to move them to their best lives,” says Dr. Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and author of several health help books. “Women will learn the skills they need to transform from surviving to thriving.” Tickets are $140. To purchase, visit Women’s Health Conversations, 412.406.8117. WomensHealthConversations.com. Dr. Vonda Wright, drvondawright. com. The Westin Convention Center Ballroom, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown. 412.281.3700. WestinPittsburgh.com.
YOGI ON BOARD If you’re going through withdrawal from this summer’s Pool Paddle Fitness classes at the Dormont Pool, you’re in luck! Owner and Yoga Works Certified Teacher Jodi Doyle will be taking her Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga (SUP Yoga) classes indoors this month. Starting November 5, students can get on board with SUP Yoga classes at Chartiers Valley High School and the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. Combining the poses of a yoga class with the instability of a paddleboard session, the fun fusion is making a splash in the ever-growing world of yoga. “SUP Yoga is known for its emphasis on technique, core strength, and balance,” Doyle explains. “If you love water and yoga, and have a playful mindset, you have to try SUP Yoga!” Pool Paddle Fitness, 412.576.4769. poolpaddlefitness.com. Chartiers Valley High School, 50 Thomas Run Road, Bridgeville. Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, 240 Wellness Way, Washington.
Classes at Chartiers Valley High School: Wednesdays 7-8:15 p.m.
Classes at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center: Thursdays and Sundays time TBD
+ Photographs by michael fornataro, from carmon rinehart, jodi doyle
PLUS Keep an eye out for a six-week Intro to Paddleboard Workshop in January! wh i r lm a g a z i n e . c o m / W h irl
139