Fitness From The Field: Yoga On The Mountaintop

The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian (right), a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI's fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area. She begins this week with the practice that’s near and dear to her — yoga. But this class has something special going for it: the view. Having practiced yoga for almost 30 years and taught for 14, I’m always interested in new approaches to the ancient practice. While some may offer the yoga flavor du jour, others are inspiring and creative. Yoga on Mount Greylock in Adams (presented by Yoga Depot in Pittsfield) definitely fits the latter category. Of course the view is breathtaking, but the feel of the earth under your feet and the sun on your skin is invigorating and carried me back to those carefree days playing barefoot in the grass. Keep in mind, though, that practicing outside can challenge your balance and Mother Nature’s tenants (i.e., mosquitoes) can compete for your attention. Fortunately, there is yoga instructor, Rachael Plaine, who makes it all work. She is an ideal teacher for this site, providing clear instruction appropriate for beginners and encouraging experienced yogis to take the fuller expression of the posture.

What is it?Traditional Hatha Yoga taught outside. Bring your own mat or towel, but it’s this yogi’s opinion that you could practice right on the grass. You may want to apply bug spray or sunscreen before class. I also brought an eye pillow, although I did keep my eyes open a bit at the start of the relaxation since the sky was so beautiful. The class is taught rain or shine; in case of rain, the class is held in Bascom Lodge. Although the indoor space is smaller than the great outdoors, the view is still spectacular. BenefitsIn addition to the traditional benefits of yoga (stretching and strengthening your body, developing coordination and calming your mind), I walked away with a new appreciation of the Berkshires’ beauty and a deepened feeling of community as I connected with students who linger after class, taking in the amazing view and a renewed joie de vivre. Activity levelBeginner, although Rachael does lead those familiar to yoga to take asanas (poses) to a more intermediate level.

InstructorRachael (right) received her yoga certification from Kripalu and is also a licensed Zumba instructor. She began dancing and exercising as a child in the Berkshires at Cantarella School of Dance, Terpsichore Dance Center and Jacob’s Pillow. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Dance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she took her first yoga class. Rachael has also been active in the Berkshire theater scene as a performer, teacher and choreographer for the Town Players of Pittsfield, the Berkshire Bateria and Berkshire Theatre Festival. Her love of the Berkshires inspired her to develop the outdoor classes and she encourages everyone to practice yoga. Her genuine smile and enthusiasm make you feel immediately welcomed and happy you wound your way up the long mountain road to class. Ambience There’s no other way to describe it but stunning! This is one of four outdoor sites where yoga or Zumba is being taught through The Yoga Depot (which will soon be changing its name to Berkshire Yoga, Dance & Fitness). Cost and schedule$10. The hour-long class is held the first Sunday of every month at 4:30 p.m. (through September). Like outdoor classes? There are Zumba and yoga classes at Springside Park and Onota Lake, plus a free outdoor Zumba class in Park Square (both in Pittsfield). See website for details.Yoga Depot (soon to be Berkshire Yoga, Dance & Fitness) 55 North St., Suite 201 (above the Beacon Cinema) Pittsfield, MA (413) 822-2034