Longtime Bridgewater Native Opens New Yoga Studio In Her Hometown

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — For Martinsville native Melissa Szwarc, yoga is much more than a fitness adventure. The balanced practice helps center her mind and emotions and keeps her present in life and at home with her kids.

That is something she is looking to share with others at her new studio called Mana Power Yoga at 1958 Washington Valley Road in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater.

"It is always so satisfying seeing life long residents invest in themselves and their community by opening a business in Bridgewater," said Mayor Matthew Moench of the grand opening on Feb. 4. "I wish Melissa and her family nothing but success and prosperity."

While Szwarc held a grand opening earlier this month, she has been running her business with Mana Power Yoga since 2011 which offered retreats across the world.

Finding the location for her first yoga studio space happened "really organically." Szwarc was walking in town with her daughter when she saw the "for rent" sign.

Szwarc woke up that night at 3 a.m. and had already designed the entire studio space in her head and the schedule for classes.

She tapped her handy husband Steve, who is the owner of LMS Serves You, and he completely renovated the exterior and interior of the studio.

"My husband built my vision from the bottom to the top," said Szwarc.

Szwarc's career as a personal trainer and yoga instructor roots back to her extensive experience as a gymnast and collegiate cheerleader.

"I grew up a gymnast and started yoga because they were teaching headstands. That transitioned to the spiritual part of it what it does for the mind and emotions. The physical aspect is a secondary part of it," said Szwarc.

She started doing private yoga sessions and eventually taught group classes at gyms such as Eclipse.

This transitioned to her retreats to places such as Jamaica, the Poconos, Florida Keys, and more.

Now with her studio space, Szwarc can expand her practice to those 12 and up with plans to offer children's classes such as "Mommy and Me" in the future.

While the fitness aspect of yoga is important, Szwarc said the main purpose of yoga is to be present.

"Since having kids time goes so fast. Yoga helps me understand the importance of being present," said Szwarc who follows the saying "Practice yoga on your mat. And off your mat."

Mana Power Yoga offers group classes, private sessions, and workshops. Classes are offered daily except Fridays and are available for all levels.

For more information on Mana Power Yoga, classes and retreats visit manapoweryoga.com or facebook.com/MPYpowerfromwithin or instagram.com/manapoweryoga.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.