- Jamie Killian
Yoga, Massage and More — Your guide to wellness in Gaston County
Breathe in, Breathe out. Finding your balance and maintaining your inner peace during a busy season may not always come easily. If you're looking for a wellness community, virtually and distanced in-person, there’s no need to cross the county border to find your zen with friends. Many studios are well-established, while others are in the fledgling stage, ready to take flight like a yogi in Bird of Paradise.
New to the Gaston County yoga scene, Belmont Yoga will host classes from local instructors right in the heart of downtown Belmont. Currently under construction in the newly-constructed homage to the historic train depot once occupying the space behind Station and across the tracks from The Everyday Market, Belmont Yoga plans to open in January.
"We are beyond excited to open our doors soon and be part of the thriving downtown Belmont scene. Our studio and storefront will have something for everyone, and we look forward to providing a fun, welcoming space to the community," LoSardo says. Beyond yoga, Belmont Yoga's storefront will feature yoga mats and Belmont Yoga apparel, among other yoga accessories and props.
LoSardo has chosen this space because, she says, "it felt like the heart of downtown. The new building provides a modern feel while staying true to the history of Belmont while in close proximity to the best small business neighbors."
In the warmer months, Gastonia's Warlick YMCA offers yoga lakeside beneath the open-air chapel structure. During these colder months, the YMCA has offered pointers on how to make mask-wearing more comfortable during indoor workouts at any of their locations countywide.
At Gastonia's The Esquire Hotel, special yoga events pop up from time to time, like their Create Your Own Yoga Flow workshop. Here participants will meet with Ayurvedic Practitioner, Lisa Myers, who will guide guests through a class on postures, a one-hour yoga class along with a kitchari meal.
Whether you're looking for relaxation by way of massage, a more strenuous workout through a vinyasa flow or to wind down with a deep stretch class, these studios make it easy to meet your goals and get your zen on.
Belmont Yoga
37 Glenway St., Belmont
Classes offered virtually — Monday 6 p.m., Friday 12 p.m.
Offers: Vinyasa, Power Flow, Yin, Deep Stretch, Restorative, Runners Yoga, Prop-Focused, Kids Yoga.
Emanate Balance
211 S. Chestnut St., Gastonia, NC 28054
Offers: Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Acupuncture, Tai-chi, Qigong, Nutritional Consultation and Telemedicine.
Gaston County YMCA
Various Locations
Class Schedule — In-person and virtual
Offers: Beginners Yoga, Bodyflow, Deep Stretching, Chair Yoga, and Holy Yoga.
Jenny's Yoga Fitness
3031 Union Rd., Gastonia, NC
Class Schedule — In-person and virtual
Offers: beginners yoga, power yoga, meditation, aerial yoga, and deep stretching.
On Track Yoga
121 S. Main St., Mt Holly, NC
Class Schedule — In-person and virtual
Offers: slow flow yoga, Vinyasa, Stretch + Restore, aerial yoga, Ashtanga, Ayurveda health counseling, and a free community walking club.
Simply.yoga+wellness+massage
6425 Wilkinson Blvd. Suite G, Belmont
Class Schedule — In-person and virtual
Offers: deep stretch, gentle yoga, hot yoga, slow flow yoga, mediation, Christ-centered yoga, aerial arts, nutritional counseling, and massage.