Outdoor yoga is back at Soergel Orchards in Wexford

There are lots of interesting options for practicing yoga outdoors this summer in and around Western Pennsylvania, but one of the more unique locations is at Soergel Orchards in Wexford on July 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For the second summer in a row, the farm is offering yogis, both with experience and without, the chance to move in and out of postures while taking in the atmosphere and environment of the apple orchards.

“Being outside, it's fun being able to feel the earth and see the sky and feel the wind,” said instructor Kendell Romanelli, who teaches at various locations around the area and whose husband, Rick, plays guitar to accompany the class. “It's very peaceful.”

Romanelli and Amy Soergel came up with the idea last year and held several classes throughout the summer. They were very well attended, Soergel said.

“We'd been trying to think of a way to make something like this happen,” Soergel said. “We found the perfect spot for it and between (Romanelli) and her husband it's been a really lovely partnership.”

It's a mixed level class, although Romanelli said she's a more traditional teacher than a power yoga teacher. There will be movement, including sun salutations, and the class is taught on a bit of a hill, so it won't completely mimic yoga in a studio (think downward facing dogs facing uphill and forward folds facing downhill) but even beginners should feel comfortable.

“People can expect to have a nice time and not get hung up on the yoga,” Romanelli said. “It's more the experience of moving their body outside. … It's not very intimidating. The only thing that's important is that they can get up and down (off the ground). Otherwise, I try to keep it at a level where almost all people can get something out of it. Even if you just want to sit and listen to music and be outside. If that's your yoga and that's what you want to do, that's OK.”

The class begins as participants hitch a ride to the orchard on one of the farm's tractors. The actual yoga will last approximately and hour and 15 minutes. Participants should bring their own mats. The fee is $20 and participants can register either by visiting the website at soergels.com, clicking on events and then the calendar. Or for more information or assistance, contact Maria Elliott at Soergel Orchards at 724-935-1743.

Karen Price is a Tribune-Review contributor.