International Day of Yoga is Friday, and it’s a perfect chance to stretch with friends

More daylight means more time for fun, fitness and yoga.

Summer solstice is Friday, June 21 — the longest day of 2019 for anyone living north of the equator. June 21 also happens to be the International Day of Yoga, and local yoga enthusiasts will have plenty of ways to celebrate the pairing.

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The International Day of Yoga was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 as a way to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India but is now practiced around the globe. Benefits include increased flexibility, balance and strength as well as decreased stress and anxiety.

“Yoga is about being healthy and taking care of yourself and this day celebrates that,” said Devon Schmidt, an instructor and the owner of Day Yoga Studio.

Day Yoga is one of several local yoga studios celebrating the day with special events. Courthouse Square will be site of their annual Summer Solstice Yoga event. Leggings and T-shirts — not suits and ties — will be the attire of choice for this free, open-level beginner-friendly practice.

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This year’s event will start at 6 p.m. — rather than the midday events of years past — so yogis can enjoy cooler temperatures. As many as five instructors will take turns leading the open-level practice.

“It will be seamless, with nice smooth transitions,” Schmidt said. “And we have lots of space so everyone is welcome.”

All that’s needed is a positive attitude, a yoga mat and a water bottle.

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Table 33 is hosting a Sweat Social on its patio and Dayton Isha Yoga is offering a free class at the Dayton-Metro Library’s Kettering-Moraine branch Friday as well.

If you get hooked, there are several more free summer yoga events, including Yoga in the Park at RiverScape MetroPark on July 6 and July 20 and Yoga on the Square with Indigo Yoga at The Greene on Aug. 17 and Sept. 7.


CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Summer Solstice Yoga at Courthouse Square

What: Day Yoga Studio will celebrate the day with a free, open-level community yoga class appropriate for all skill levels. Just bring a water bottle and yoga mat.

When: Friday, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Courthouse Square, Downtown Dayton

Sweat Social

What: Take over the patio for a collaborative event with Speakeasy Yoga + Table 33, which includes an all-level yoga practice, followed by drinks, appetizers, desserts, and time to socialize.

When: Friday, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Table 33, 130 W. 2nd St.

Cost: $30 includes yoga, food and a drink ticket

Yoga for Success

What: Learn simple but powerful yoga postures to balance and stabilize your system. No prior yoga experience is necessary for this free class sponsored by the Isha Foundation, an international non-profit organization designed to increase well-being through yoga and meditation.

When: Friday, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Kettering-Moraine Library, 3496 Far Hills Ave.

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