A unique league in Buffalo’s fitness scene offers new ways to stay in shape
By Amanda Jowsey
A healthy and positive sense of community plays a crucial role in the fitness world and in helping individuals meet their fitness goals.
The support and encouragement of a shared workout offers several mind, body and spirit benefits. Plus, it’s just fun.
But instead of joining a typical studio fitness class or the standard volleyball or bowling league (not that they aren’t great), kick your community exercise experience up a notch by signing up for one of Buffalo’s most unique fitness experiences: Bar League Yoga.
“BLY is eight weeks of classes from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. During this time, we will flow together and take a class from a different [top tier] instructor from our community each week. Afterwards, we cheers at the bar, break bread and socialize-network with people just like you,” Strauss said.
The co-founders of HEAL BFLO, Cheryl Strauss and Jocelyn Merlo, believe in the physical, mental and spiritual health benefits of trying new things and exposing yourself to new environments, including trying different styles of yoga (and all exercise). BLY is the perfect way to do this in a unique and creative way, Strauss said.
Different professions and different lifestyles all require certain repetitive motions in our bodies (sitting at a chair, hunching over, driving, standing all day, etc….). Certain styles of yoga are specifically used to reverse the adverse effects this can have on our physical health.
“Yoga is the opposite of what they do every day,” Strauss said. “It helps to undo all the damage we do to ourselves daily and over time.”
Strauss and Merlo note how this eight-week session exposes different people to a variety of styles of yoga so that they can find the best fit for them.
Strauss enjoys that “There’s a different teacher every week teaching a different style class.” There is a different lineup every season.
They describe the league as “welcoming and inviting,” seeing friendships made and lasting connections formed. It is a safe and warm place to take time for your physical, mental and emotional health with others who wish to do the same.
The league is for all skill levels, even those who have never done yoga before.
“It is for everybody and every level,” Strauss said.
The original idea came from Merlo, who was struggling to find the fun in the Bar League Volleyball that she and her husband signed up for. Strauss jumped on board to launch the idea. The starting number of 50 participants grew to 180 and they expect to have 200 this session.
This is HEAL BFLO’s 20th season offering this experience. People seem to enjoy it so much that it sells out every year. Sessions are for participants 21 and up, but it is a very family-oriented community and participants are welcome to bring kids who may want to join in.
“This experience also goes hand in hand with small businesses to elevate community awareness of food, drinks and space small buffalo business offers,” Merlo said.
Merlo mentioned the additional benefit of a mid-week night out. “This is a fun and healthy way to take advantage of a mid-weeknight out without feeling any hangovers the next day,” she said.
The upcoming session is scheduled from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 and takes place inside Forbes Theatre at 500 Pearl St. in downtown Buffalo.
To register, visit HEALBFLO.com. The fee is $95 a person and includes a jersey.