YOGAtta Go to Coba Yoga

Yoga is associated with peace, calmness and focus. Many times we associate these qualities with water as well, so it makes perfect sense that the two work in harmony with one another. This is great news for brand new yoga studio owner and teacher Lili Avery, whose new studio in Little Silver, Coba Yoga, beholds the serene Shrewsbury River as its backdrop.

 “I want this to be a place of refuge,” Avery says, smiling. “This is a place to raise your consciousness.”

Born in Mexico City, Lili Avery is excited about seeing her passionate vision come to life. Avery discovered yoga for the time in 1996 while living and studying in New York City. She was 19 when she decided to try her first Bikram Yoga class.  The heat, intensity and introspectiveness peaked Avery’s interest, and after her first class, she never looked back.

“I went into a Bikram Yoga class, not knowing what to expect,” she says “Little did I know I’d become so addicted!”

She practiced for ten years in various styles in different studios throughout NYC, including Dharma Mittra. Yoga became her passion, and she knew she wanted to share it with the world.  After moving to New Jersey, she enrolled in her first 200 hour teacher training program in 2007 at Brahma Yoga in Sea Bright. 

Avery has taught at various studios throughout Monmouth County, including Brahma Yoga, and Elevate Yoga in Hazlet. She has also dedicated her time to help make yoga available to everyone in the community by teaching at the YMCA and offering a chair yoga class at Sunrise Assisted Living.

She has also continuously followed the path of learning even after completing her teacher training. In 2009 she completed a pre-natal and Radiant Child teaching training. She has also completed levels 1-3 of Thai yoga body work, and level 1 of Phoenix rising yoga therapy. She recently completed an additional 200 hour teacher training at Atmananda Yoga Series in NYC this May. 

“Yoga is a lot like life,” Avery smiles, “There can never be a point where you say ‘that’s it, I know everything,’ it’s not like that. It’s a constant quest for learning.”

She started Coba Yoga as a way to combine her passion for yoga and her love of helping others.

“It’s an amazing feeling I have after a class,” Avery beams. “I love seeing the happiness on people’s faces, I love knowing that I had the opportunity to help them feel good about themselves.”

She also wanted to help make yoga more available to everyone, so Coba Yoga will offer daycare and a reduced rate class on Friday.  The daycare is an especially important element to busy mothers who often don’t have time or a babysitter to allow them to attend a yoga class.  No other studio in the area offers this unique perk.

“I know what it’s like to be a busy mother,” Avery says. “So I’m just trying to make it easier for them.”

Avery will also offer a Friday yoga class that is by donation only in order to make yoga accessible to everyone in the community.”

“There is no set rate,” Avery says, smiling. “No one is going to look at what you put in; you just donate what you can. Some days it might be $10, other days $1. It doesn’t matter, I just want people to know that this class is there for them, and no one will judge.”

For her studio, Avery wishes to offer people a place of learning and non-judgment.  She is most looking forward to helping those who have never practiced yoga.

“Coba Yoga is going to be a place where you leave your egos at the door,” Avery says. “Everyone is welcome, especially those with no experience!”

For those who are nervous to try yoga because they feel they aren’t flexible or won’t be able to do it, Avery offers some advice.

“None of us are born super flexible, but that is something yoga can help you change.”

Her classes will be fun and helpful, and she will never force someone to do a pose that they are having trouble with.

“It’s all about listening to your body and doing what you can,” Avery says.

Coba Yoga officially opens for business on Wednesday, October 5^th, 2011. They are located at 115 Oceanport Avenue, across the street from the Mercedes dealership. Check out their schedule at http://www.cobayoga.com