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Outdoor yoga classes across Long Island

BY JOHN HANC | Special to Newsday

July 22, 2008

It's time to get out of the yoga studio and into the fresh air.

"When you practice outside, you become more inwardly aware, says Jacquie Deflorio-Reid, owner of the Om Tara Yoga Studios in Massapequa.

So, to om in the air, you could just lay your sticky mat out in the backyard, or you can take advantage of these local outdoor classes, and salute the sun together with like-minded practitioners.

LONG BEACH YOGA

Instructor Stephanie McAvoy leads all-level classes on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 24, 8-9 a.m. on the beach at New York Avenue. Participants must register for the series, which is $25 for Long Beach residents, $50 for nonresidents. Download an application atlongbeachny.org/parksandrecreation, or call 516-431-3890.

YOGA PADDLES

Paddle from Empire Kayaks in Island Park to Baldwin Park, for an hourlong session of yoga, led by instructor Barry Goodman of Radiant Life Holistic Center in Island Park. Then kayak back for a healthy light breakfast at Empire, at 4 Empire Blvd. Paddles are being held Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 5. Cost is $40 a person. Go to empirekayaks.com or 516-889-8300.

YOGA ON GILGO BEACH

The Town of Babylon is holding hourlong classes on Gilgo Beach Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. and Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Led by instructor Robin Appel of Always-at-Aum Yoga in Babylon, these Vinyasa/ flow classes run through Aug. 23. For 12 classes, the registration fee is $108 for residents, $180 for nonresidents. Single classes are $18 and $22. Go to always-at-aum.com or 631-235-5307.

YOGA AT OLD WESTBURY GARDENS

Instructor Lorili Henry teaches Kripalu yoga on the Gardens' South Terrace Lawn, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., through the end of September. Fee is $15 a class, which includes admission to Old Westbury Gardens. Bring yoga mat, strap and towel. 516-333-0048

YOGA FOR A CAUSE

A backyard fundraising yoga class to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be led by instructor Adam Dobbs, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at 12 Bristol Dr. in Woodbury. Fee is $40. Preregistration required.adamdobbsyoga.com; 516-496-4386

EAST END BEACH YOGA

Instructor Marcia Tumpowsky of One Ocean Yoga Center in Bridgehampton leads a gentle beginner's class Thursday and Sunday, 8-9:10 a.m. at Long Beach in Sag Harbor. $12 a class, no advance registration is necessary. Come with a blanket, Tumpowsky provides blocks and straps. Meet by the lifeguard stand closest to Noyack Road. Classes continue until mid-September. E-mailmightyome@optonline.net

YOGA AT ROBERT MOSES BEACH

The Yoga Center in Babylon holds weekly Tai Chai and beach yoga classes at Robert Moses beach 5 at the Eastern most walkway. Tai Chai is held Sundays at 8:15-9:15 a.m. through September 7. Beach yoga is held Fridays at 7:30 a.m. Both classes cost $18 for a walk-in fee or free to Yoga Center members. For more information, go to longislandyoga.com or call 631-893-5445.

YOGAROCKS! AT OYSTER BAY

The Oyster Bay yoga rocks! studio holds weekly classes at Beekman Beach on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. through August 30. For more information go to yogarocks.us or call 516-624-9642.