Kingsville yoga class

Jaymee Farinacci, right, and others do a stretch at the Kingsville Recreation Council's yoga class at the Mt. Vista Regional Park. (Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun / September 5, 2012)

Meet retired kingergarten teacher Jaymee Farinacci and the yoga group offered by the Kingsville Recreation & Parks Council and the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. The downward-doggers aren't just concerned with their own holistic well-being — every month, they also work on a charity project. Among other accomplishments, the group has sponsored children for summer camp and raised funds for local libraries and a food pantry. "Yoga isn't just a physical workout, it's a spiritual workout, too," says Farinacci.

Who's in the group: Approximately 12 members, women and men ages 6 to mid-70s.

Why it's a workout: The group practices hatha yoga, which is one of the more meditative forms of yoga, focusing on breathing techniques and stretching. Yoga increases energy, helps participants rest better and promotes muscle tone. Group member Beverly Raymond said she's lost some weight since she started practicing yoga with the group, and her blood pressure is down.

Why they do it: Although Farinacci, whose favorite position is the pigeon, practiced yoga at other locations, she said she loves the supportive environment in this group. Raymond, who had shoulder surgery, credits yoga and physical therapy with getting her back on the road to health. "I had issues with flexibility," she says. "Now that's improved. I learned to be kind to myself."

Details: The class is held on Tuesdays and Thursday at Mt. Vista Regional Park (formerly Gunpowder Falls Golf Course), 11101 Raphel Road, Kingsville, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. The cost is $10 per class. Registration begins 15 minutes before each class. For more information, call the White Marsh Recreation Office, 410-887-5194.
