BY LISA BALSCHUNAT
Yoga instructors Justin Wolfer and
Camacha Jones always found suitable
space to rent, over seven years, to host
yoga classes. They shared a passion for
learning more about the benefits of the
mental and spiritual discipline.
Sometimes the husband and wife team
would host a yoga class by renting space in
a school library, church, town recreation
room or fitness center. Wherever people
were interested in yoga, Wolfer and Jones
would go.
But they desired to have their own
space. In, November they opened Rise
Yoga & Movement Arts Center in the
Washington Building at 422 Broadway,
Suite 202, Broadway, Saratoga Springs,
above Northshire Bookstore.
The center offers Vinyasa yoga, beginner
breath and movement classes, alignment,
strength and conditioning classes
and more.
“We are creating a community space
where members an come to enjoy our
beautiful space to take classes, but also to
breathe, meditate, read a book, or simply
take advantage of breathing in our space
that has an active plant wall,” Wolfer said.
He said the plant wall is based on
cutting edge technology. Plants are fed
through a hydroponic system. The plant
soil takes away the dust and dander in
the space and the air is cleansed four
times a day.
“Our space offers natural light, healthy
breathing and specifically focuses on our
vision of what yoga is,” he added. “Our vision
is based on our life philosophy, our
values and our mission of yoga.”
Prior to opening the center, Wolfer
taught yoga in various spaces and years
before played Division I baseball for St.
Joseph’s University, Philadelphia. He
brings not only his sage experience of
yoga to the center, but also his understanding
of conditioning and training that
he learned as an athlete.
Jones is an accomplished professional
dancer. She was born and raised
on Geurnsey Island, England, south of
London. She danced for 18 years at Center
Performing Arts College, specializing in
tap, jazz, ballet, theater and, obviously,
yoga. The duo bring both physicality
and passion to new yoga center, giving
members the sense of being on retreat
without having to drive many miles for
the experience.
“Yoga is a process,” Wolfer said. “It
constantly lends itself to new beginnings.
It is a relationship in both community
and life.”
There are various membership rates
and discounts for students, military, civil
service and senior citizens.
For more information about Rise Yoga
& Movement Center go to www.risemovementarts.com, or Facebook and Instagram,
or call 232-9687.