Peace, yoga and sand: Working out in nature's studio

Yoga classes often use soothing music as a backdrop for the stretching and poses. On a recent Friday morning, instructor Laurie Kasperbauer had a small wireless speaker streaming tunes from her phone. But it was barely audible over the rhythmic whoosh of the gentle waves repeatedly sweeping the sand.

Every day, Marco Island Yoga holds a session of yoga on the beach, either morning or evening. For a suggested donation, the classes are open to all, and the leaders emphasize that everyone can and should work at their own comfort level.

On this Friday morning, nine women (including Kasperbauer) along with one nine-year-old boy laid out their yoga mats on the beach near Cape Marco, by the sea oats and well-removed from the water. This was deliberate, with the group lined up in a long swathe of shade of a beachside condominium. Initially, it extended well out into the Gulf, but during the class, the band of shadow shrank toward the women. When the sun peeked over the rooftop, class was finished and the mats were being rolled up.

Kasperbauer began by reciting a quote from Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Starting with the child pose, she led the group through a series of stretches, including the wheel, the shoulder stand, and the plow, repeatedly reminding her hearers to “honor your body” and only do what is “in your practice.”

“We get a new group every day,” Kasperbauer said after the class. “We have regulars, but people hear about the class, or just see us on the beach and come over and join in.” She keeps a group of extra mats handy for drop-ins.

“There is no judgment in yoga,” she told the group, but watching the students, it was apparent who had developed their “practice,” easily moving into position and striking graceful poses, and who was trying something new.

One of these was Charlie Vogel, the young boy, although his mother Katy had the routines down pat. After working with the group a while, he headed down the beach, with mom keeping a watchful gaze on him.

Beach walkers and joggers passed, sailboats glided along offshore, and the first of the sun worshippers showed up pulling carts full of umbrellas, towels and coolers. The yoga group stretched their bodies and centered their minds.

“I need to exercise every day – otherwise I get crazy,” said Swedish native Karin Benson, who in Stockholm works as a judge. “This is a nice way to relax, and get strength. I bike down here from the Tigertail area, so it’s a good combination.”

Debby Amicucci, another of the three partners in Marco Island Yoga, said doing yoga on the beach provides a benefit you can’t find while exercising indoors.

“For me personally, it’s more spiritual. It’s a workout, but it’s about being in the moment, mindful, and respecting all creatures. There is definitely a place for studio yoga, but it’s a completely different experience on the beach.”

Amicucci and Kasperbauer took over Marco Island Yoga three years ago from Diane Saywell, who began it, and brought a third partner, Megan Mikulsky, making it easier to cover classes every day. They don’t do studio yoga – their studio is the beach.

With that in mind, the partners hold benefit yoga classes periodically, with the proceeds donated to the Marco Island Beach Advisory Committee, earmarked for education on beach etiquette and related topics. Once a month, they hold a sunrise/moonset class when the full moon dips into the Gulf of Mexico as the sun comes up.

Kim Escarra has been doing yoga with the group “since they started,” and loves the open surroundings. “It’s very freeing and relaxing,” she said. “I can’t do a studio. And they’re very good instructors.”

All the Marco Island Yoga instructors have completed over 200 hours of training, and are certified through the Yoga Alliance. The practice is basically vinyasa yoga, with their own individual wrinkles.

At class’s end, Kasperbauer closed with another quote: “Some day your life will flash in front of your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” Then she opened her cooler, and passed out chilled, rosemary-infused towelettes for each participant, helping them cool and wipe away any sweat, sand or suntan lotion.

The group bowed, and applauded after the final benediction: “Take this peaceful yoga feeling into the rest of your day.”

IF YOU GO 

Marco Island Yoga

South Beach opposite Gene Sarazen Park and beach access

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 5:30

And Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8:30

Everyone welcome – suggested donation $10

More information:

Search for Marco-Island-Yoga on Facebook or call

201-214-1360 or 712-210-3853