Instructor offers yoga just hanging around

Yoga instructor Holly Johnson was hanging effortlessly from a light, colorful sling as she meditated Tuesday in Paulus Park in Lake Zurich.

The Village of Lake Zurich Park & Recreation Department is working with Aviana Yoga to offer aerial yoga classes in the park this summer.

Johnson, an international aerial yoga instructor from Hoffman Estates, will instruct participants in yoga as they are suspended in beautiful soft fabrics from the sturdy support of the oak trees in the park. Aviana Yoga offers a safe and therapeutic experience that will leave individuals feeling lighter, taller, and rejuvenated, organizers said in a news release.

"It really helps with different ways of stretching and also being able to explore hanging upside down," she said. "While a lot of people are intimidated by aerial yoga, they think they have to be some circus performer or an athlete, they see that it is a really good restorative tool, a therapeutic tool, and also more readily available for people to practice yoga."

The four-week sessions are scheduled to begin June 16, with classes available for adults, teens and children in Paulus Park under the oak trees next to the main office. Prior yoga or aerial experience is not required.

For more information on Aviana Yoga's classes and teacher training tour, including those offered at the village of Lake Zurich, visit www.avianayoga.com or contact Aviana Yoga at (970) 988-6168 or avianayoga@gmail.com.