Great Escape: Susan Doyle's 'Mom' Yoga Offers Peace Of Mind

Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier.

When you're a mom, efficiency is key.  So wouldn't it be great if you could somehow exercise and relax at the same time?

Well, you can.

Local mom and yoga instructor Susan Doyle offers regular classes at Nativity Lutheran Church and St. Luke's Church.  She says that these days, more than 20 people regularly show up to to each of her yoga classes.

They come for the workout, which Doyle describes as "hatha power yoga."  That means that although the poses are vigorous, they flow in a smooth sequence, encouraging deep breathing and stretching.  Through hatha yoga, the body learns to reach new forms and find balance.  These are skills which can translate into a stronger and more peaceful everyday life experience.

The students in these classes are "mostly moms," says one of Doyle's regulars, Lori Collins, resident of Oakbrooke.  Collins attends Doyle's classes at St. Luke's on Friday mornings at 9:15 a.m.  "It's easier than going to Old Town," she says.  "My [three-year-old] son only goes to school 9-12 so I don't have to rush back to pick him up."

Belleview resident Stacie Leathem says that not only are the classes convenient, "I love them. I wish I'd started yoga ten years ago." Leathem comes to the classes on Friday mornings at St. Luke's after dropping off her five-year-old daughter at the pre-school there.  She also has a six-year-old son at Fort Hunt Elementary School.

Morning yoga, says Doyle, "helps set the tone for the rest of the day.  It can be a scramble to get [to class], but it allows everybody to get a deep breath and helps people focus more for the rest of the day."

"It's a vigorous class, but it's calming and centering," says Nancy Barkume of Beverly Hills, near Del Ray. "We're very lucky to have [these yoga classes] close by," says Barkume.  "It's good for the body and the spirit."

You can sign up for Doyle's classes by simply showing up to one of the sessions, or visit http://zenergyyoga.vpweb.com/Current-Schedule.html for details and contact information.  Classes cost $10 for one, or $80 for a 10-class pass.  Bring water and a yoga mat.  The flier indicates that yoga mats are available for purchase for $10 each.