Experience the benefits of yoga

The ancient art of yoga is revered as one of the best natural ways to improve your physical and emotional health.This ascetic practice combines simple meditation with breathing control and the adoption of specific bodily postures. "When yoga entered my life, I began to notice the breath and how it related to my overall energy and well-being. My posture improved, my anxiety decreased and my relationships became more meaningful," local yoga instructor Keelie Webb said. She's the owner of the recently founded Mindful Asana studio."The world of yoga is full of potentialities and traditions where you heal, strengthen, stretch in a variety of ways," Webb said. "Yoga offers an opportunity to connect with yourself, your people and universal consciousness."Luckily for locals, the Firelands region is home to many businesses and organizations that host a variety of classes for those with all levels of yoga experience.Whether you're seasoned veteran or are wanting to try your hand at yoga for the very first time, check out these upcoming opportunities to exercise your mind, body and soul:Dregenfly Art, 150 Columbus Ave., SanduskyEvery Friday from 6:30-7:45 p.m., everyone is welcome to drop by the quaint art gallery, located in the heart of downtown Sandusky. The cost is $10 per class or $5 for your first session there.These classes are geared toward those of all yoga experience level. Additionally, you can try "Laughter Yoga" on the first Friday of every month for donation fee. Dregenfly Art also offers yoga session packages, details for which can be found online at the gallery's Facebook page, or by calling 419-656-8445.Divine Awakenings, 1006 Tiffin Ave., SanduskyOn Tuesday evenings, Divine Awakenings hosts a class for those of all levels of yoga experience from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $8 and anyone is welcome to drop in.Starting a sun salutation, yoga instructor Mallory Saunders leads a small class at Divine Awakenings' new location in Sandusky on Friday morning. Harmony and Health, 2215 Cleveland Road, Sandusky The all-encompassing fitness center hosts several classes every week, great for yogis of all levels. These drop-in classes take place at 4:30 p.m, Mondays; 9 a.m, Tuesdays; 5:15 p.m., Wednesdays; and 8:45 a.m., Saturdays. The cost is $9.50 per class.Restorative Yoga and More in SanduskyYoga Life Coach Sharon Lichtcsien hosts a special type of yoga twice a week:• At Sandusky Artisans Recovery Community Center, 138 E. Market St., at 6 p.m. on Mondays• Bayshore Counseling Services at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays Coined "Sobriety with a Twist," these classes are free weekly sessions for people affected by addiction. They are open to those of all yoga experience.Additionally, Lichtcsien offers private home studio restorative yoga sessions. The 75-minute group practices cost $9. For more information, visit restorativeyogaandmore.com.Tim Dorsey Fitness, 1140 Cleveland Road, SanduskyTim Dorsey Fitness will be hosting two separate yoga workshops:• Basic Beginners 101 will take place Feb. 19• Freedom Flow will take place March 19.Both require reservations and a pre-paid cost of $35. To reserve your spot, call instructor Lisa Hasenmeier Gianvito 419-656-4945. More information on yoga events led by Gianvito can be found at lisagianvito.com.About 40 people participate in a rooftop yoga session this past fall at the Lake View Condominiums on East Water Street in downtown Sandusky. Certified yoga instructor Lisa Hasenmeier Gianvito, far right, provides instruction to attendees during the hourlong class. Vibe Salon and Hot Yoga, 277 North St., FremontOut in Fremont, you can get a different type of yoga experience. Vibe Salon and Hot Yoga hosts 27 different hot yoga classes at various times Tuesdays through Sundays. As the name implies, these classes are done in a room with elevated temperatures in order to help participants detox their bodies and see quicker results.These classes are for salon members, but Vibe Salon and Hot Yoga offers first timers the chance to try them out for just $5. For class schedules, you can visit comevibe.com and to purchase a membership, visit clients.mindbodyonline.com.Open Way Yoga, 607 Main St., HuronAnother studio that offers an abundance of yoga options is Open Way Yoga in Huron. Open seven days a week, the studio has classes for people of all ages and experience levels. Some of these unique classes include "Sunrise Yoga," "Story Time Yoga for Kids," "Senior Stretch," and even "Body Sculpt Yoga."A full description of these classes, as well as pricing and information on private yoga sessions and workshops can be found online at openwayyoga.com.Register photo/LUKE WARK A group of yoga participants assume a side angle pose during a class at Huron's Lake Front Park. It's Your Journey, 4750 Cleveland Road E., HuronHuron's metaphysical shop, It's Your Journey, hosts a all-levels yoga class every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The one-hour events invites all levels of experience, and anyone is welcome. The cost is $8.The Gym, 300 Cleveland Road E., HuronAlso in Huron, The Gym hosts a weekly yoga class every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The class is open to members and non-members alike for a drop-in price of $5. This class is for people of all levels of experienceBodi N Balance, 3936 E Harbor Road, Port Clinton At 10 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. on Saturdays, participants can enjoy a relaxation yoga class. They are free to gym members or $5 for non-members.Mindful Asana, 1 W. Main St., NorwalkNew to Norwalk is Mindful Asana, another encompassing yoga studio that offers yoga classes for all experience levels throughout the week. A full class schedule can be found on the studio's official Facebook page or by emailing mindfulasana@gmail.comBlissFull Yoga If you're a business looking to host a yoga class, or if classes aren't your thing but you still want to give yoga a try, BlissFull Yoga has you covered.Owner Jamie Bishop, who leads many of the area classes, is an independent instructor who will head classes at your establishment, yoga parties and even private lessons. Rates are dependent on services. For more information, Bishop can be reached by calling 419-975-2515 or emailing blissfullyogaemail@gmail.com.There are several places around the Firelands region where people can participate in yoga.About 40 people participate in a rooftop yoga session this past fall at the Lake View Condominiums on East Water Street in downtown Sandusky.