TROY, N.Y.>> Every summer lots of locals start their Sundays with a stretch on the Troy riverfront for Fitness in the Park.

This popular program, now in its fourth year, is put on by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District and sponsored by CDPHP.

Depending on weather, the free weekly outdoor event typically draws about 250 people at 9 a.m. each Sunday to Riverfront Park.

This year the program is exclusively offering yoga sessions, which proved to be a favorite with attendees previous summers. Classes are taught by instructors from three downtown yoga studios: Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts, The Balance Loft and Lotus Wellness Studio.

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Regulars like Nina T. Stark and Shirley Buel, both Troy residents, aim to make it out every weekend.

I think this is such a wonderful opportunity for people, said Buel, noting that likes trying out different styles of yoga with different instructors. It reallys gives you a good opportunity to see all different kinds of yoga, she said.

I think that yoga is one of the best things that people of any age can do, just in terms of good health, Buel continued.

Especially as people age, the women said, yoga is a good way to maintain flexibility, core strength, balance and mindfulness.

There are so many health reasons, medical reasons, that yoga is really good, said Stark, who didnt start practicing yoga until she was older. Now, she regularly attends the downtown Heartspace Yoga studio. I think its helping, she said.

Buel also noted that there were children in the crowd at Sundays class. For those youngsters, Its kind of a nice introduction to yoga, she said.

These Troy yogis and many others are happy to have the classes offered for free in their community.

Likewise, residents from around the region flock to Riverfront Park on Sunday mornings to participate as well.

I love that it brings people into the city, said Erica Rock of Troy.

Rock also loves being part of it, herself. I think its a great way to start your day, she said after class on Sunday. I love that were outdoors. You can feel the sun on you. I think that its very relaxing and its just a nice, quiet time.

Katie Hammon, executive director of the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, said Fitness in the Park shows off a different side of Troy. As part of our mission, were working to improve the lifestyle of downtown. So this is kind of a come down, enjoy your surroundings and experience what Troy has to offer - in a different way, she said. We obviously run lots of larger events, but this is a different style event.

Fitness in the Park will continue from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays in Riverfront Park through the end of August. The next three sessions are scheduled to be taught by instructors from new downtown business Lotus Wellness Studio.

More information about Fitness in the Park and other Downtown Troy Business Improvement District events is available online at DowntownTroy.org.

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Fitness in the Park brings yoga to Riverfront - Troy Record