Verona Yoga & Wellness Center Opens on Bloomfield Avenue

Doreen Arminio, the owner of the newly unveiled Verona Yoga & Wellness Center on Bloomfield Avenue, has just completed her yoga session with her instructor.

Wait a minute? She IS an instructor. What gives?

“You always have to stay involved,” she responds. “Teachers take classes all the time. You have to stay fresh. Call it practice. I joke with my students, ‘practice, not pretty,” she says with a laugh. “We all are teachers as well as students.”

Arminio, originally from New York City, now calls Verona home, and for a good reason. Her husband Joe was born and raised in Verona, left briefly, and has returned home.

“All is great here,” says Doreen regarding the tiny town.

“It was my dream,” says Joe, taking a break during construction of Verona Yoga, “to open a business in Verona. And I want this (the wellness center) to be the biggest thing Verona has ever seen.”

Definitive, yes, but let’s backtrack a bit. Verona Yoga is located in the same spot that housed a former dance studio, and that dance studio has now moved its quarters to the rear of the building.

“Sound proof walls?” I ask Doreen Arminio.

“Oh yes,” she affirms, “sound proof walls.”

In a sense, the Arminios have lit a fire under the wellness center facility with the facelift and add of their studio. And with regard to the studio, it’s an education for most. “For most of the people coming in here and inquiring, most have never done yoga,” claims Doreen. “Yoga is for every single person, from the not fit to the stressed out.”

“It’s a personal quest,” Joe chimes in.

“A journey,” adds Doreen.

Yoga is, according to Doreen Arminio, is a combination of stress relief, exercise (strength and flexibility) and proper breathing. “It is,” she continues, “beneficial to all, from people with hip problems to people in great shape.” Also, yoga experiences vary per individual.

The Arminios are no strangers to helping people feel good. Both are the members of Joey Arminio & The Family, a retro band of musicians, singers and dancers formed in 1999.A lounge act that at that time was looking to hit bigger stages,  Joe and fellow founder Nick Vala traveled with the band to the Hilton Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City top audition 21 female vocalists.

Doreen was number 21. Joe loved her voice, but warned her. “I told she’d have to wear gowns and gloves, and told her she’d be singing retro songs from the 40s to the 60s.”

Her response? “You mean, even wear feather boas?” she asked excitedly. Her closet contained them, and he had the rest. The band had their new singer, and was set for stage.

The Arminios also coin Verona Yoga the “Om Depot,” for Joe sells healthy products including Vibrant Health, Naked Juice, essential oils, and soon will carry organic yogurt.

Overall, the main aim of Verona Yoga & Wellness Center is comfort.

“We,” says Joe, “wanted to create an oasis, where once you get into it, there’s a high level of consciousness, and introduction into a better mind, body and spirit.”

And this personal practice, which is rooted in Hinduism, is yours Verona. “We’d like to have a loyalty,” says Doreen. “Give yoga practice some time. We’re going to all sorts of different events here. Be involved.” Speaking of events, all are invited on June 21 for a special Wineyasa event, featuring wine tastings, live music, and mini “whine” sessions with Verona-based Personal Coach and Licensed Psychotherapist, Sue Waldman.

Verona Yoga & Wellness center is also giving back to the community Sunday, 7 pm Candle Restorative classes, where classes can be by donation, the proceeds going to a different worthwhile organization. The June 5 recipient is the Valerie Fund. More information about the Wineyasa event, as well as all the weekly classes, can be found by calling the studio, or visiting the website.

 “We want people to come here, meet, and have a good time,” says Joe.

“We’ve hired soft, compassionate teachers,” claims Doreen.”

And of their partnership, which they sealed in marriage three years ago? “We’re partners,” says Joe, “in everything. If not, we have nothing.”

 Verona Wellness & Yoga Center, 546 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, (973) 551-YOGA, www.veronayoga.com