LONG ISLAND CITY — Gantry Plaza and Astoria Park — with their sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and river breezes — are among favorite spots for Queens residents to get away.
Now, locals can also reach another level of relaxation there, with downward facing dogs and sun salutations during free weekend yoga and Pilates classes offered on the waterfront by The Yoga Room.
"This is a fun and free opportunity to bring your yoga practice into the outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the city,” organizers said in a brochure for the classes.
The studio has offered yoga at Pier 1 at Gantry Plaza State Park for the last five years, but this year for the first time it is also holding classes on the observation deck of the Astoria Park Pool.
The sessions have been very popular, with the Long Island City classes attracting as many as 160 people, mostly from Queens, but also from Brooklyn and Manhattan, Jenn Sussman, director of operations for The Yoga Room said.
Classes are designed for people of all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
“It’s a great way for us to bring people to practice that have never practiced before,” Sussman added.
All you need is a mat and comfortable clothing, organizers say.
A complete schedule of free classes can be found here.
