The ancient Indian practice of yoga can enhance health and reduce stress among modern Americans. Two certified yoga instructors -- Cathy Kumor and Cortney Kennick -- have volunteered their time to bring a free program to Yough River Park.

Yoga on the Yough takes place at 9 a.m. every Saturday near the Sixth Street entrance of the park. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water to remain hydrated. Classes last for about 90 minutes.

The classes and gorgeous river views are free.

"It's for people who haven't done yoga or who are experienced," Kumor said. "It's noncompetitive, and you do it at your own pace. One of the main parts is learning to breathe deeply. We start with a warm up, including poses called sun salutations. It's all gentle. You won't see anyone twisted into a pretzel."

Between 10 and 12 people stretch out on their mats in the park, and they range from very young to seniors.

"People with bad knees, fibromyalgia and other health problems benefit from yoga. It improves circulation and digestion. Yoga teaches you to relax, settle down, clear your head. It keeps you flexible," Kumor said.

Except for a notice on the Connellsville website, Kumor has not advertised the program.

"It's word of mouth and people seeing us in the park," she said.

She wants to promote health, but also promote Connellsville.

"I'm involved with the Healthy Lifestyle Task Force," which has sponsored weekly walks at interesting sites throughout the county for four years.

"I wanted to get people to discover there's a lot going on in Connellsville. We have this beautiful park, the wonderful trail. People come to the classes from Uniontown and say, 'I didn't know this was here.' Others have said, 'I didn't know the park was so nice.' We get to watch people enjoying the river during class. We will do it as long as weather permits. The Connellsville website gives Sept. 3 as our last class, but we'll continue until it becomes too cold," Kumor said.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)