The Mornington Peninsula’s popular New Year’s Eve Yoga On The Beach program celebrates 10 years as a much loved wellbeing activity to farewell the old year, and welcome in the new. Respected peninsula yoga consultant and author Jan Winslade is saluting 10 years of hosting summer yoga on the beach at Mt Martha, with her 9am New Years Eve session last year attracting over 120 people.
The hosted outdoor yoga sessions have become a much-loved summer fixture for locals and tourists from 27th December 2017 until 13th January 2018 on the North end beach at Mt Martha. The unique wellbeing experience continues every Saturday and Sunday in January and February 2018.
Since 2000, the popular Beach Yoga program has welcomed locals and holiday makers of all abilities to be inspired by sand and water as they connect with themselves and the coastal environment. A loyal and large community has welcomed the chance to start their day with stillness and a sense of peace.
At $20pp per session, it’s also a very affordable mindfulness and physically strengthening activity. Children under 12 are free.
The 9am New Year’s Eve program has achieved a significant following with participants incorporating the event as an annual intention setting activity.
“The New Year’s Eve yoga is such a heart-warming gathering. It’s lovely to see young adults, older people, even little kids prop next to each other, breathing deeply, and stretching their bodies and minds through yoga, while enjoying the sounds of the sea and the warmth of the sun together,” said Jan, owner of Yoga by the Bay.
“More and more people are looking for an alternative to recognising the end of the year. New Years Eve Yoga on the Beach is a more gentle and reflective activity to release a busy year, and envision what is to come.”
Following the Satyananda discipline, Jan hosts the outdoor yoga program on the sand throughout summer, with participants facing the beach from their towels. The 1-hour outdoor beach yoga class begins at 9am and with her microphone head-set Jan guides attendees through meditation, poses and breathing, to start their day with mindfulness, balance and energy.
“Yoga in the sand is very gentle on your body – under your towel the sand cushions your body and you can go at your own pace. It’s anything goes at my yoga classes – I have people of all abilities who tell me they love the connection it brings and their sense of release.”
“Facing the Port Phillip Bay is such a special way to start your day, you feel mindfully present while getting sand between our toes – yoga really is for everybody and it’s a perfect way to release your pressure points, “said Jan.
“Yoga has a great many benefits including increasing focus, balance, strength and flexibility – both physically and mentally.”
Regular yoga devotees, those with injuries and newcomers to yoga and meditation are encouraged to join, and Jan stresses that while many will be very familiar with the poses, no experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Experienced students are shown how to find more challenging version of poses.
Jan also offers the program at no cost to children under 12, making it easier for parents with kids in tow and for curious teens interested in learning more about the activity.
Yoga on the Beach Location: North beach in Mt Martha
When: 9am 27th December 2017 every day to 13th January 2018, then 9am every Saturday and Sunday during January and February.
Bring: Towel, sunscreen, hat & water bottle
Cost: $20 per person per session U/12 yo FREE
Contact: Jan Winslade, Yoga by the Bay Mobile: 0438 743 087 Email: jan@janwinslade.com Website: www.yogabythebay.com.au