(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 2, 2020) – September is National Yoga Month and all month long Live Healthy Gwinnett will offer free Yoga in the Park. The events are for residents of all ages and skill levels to enjoy nature and to celebrate the health benefits of yoga and meditation with certified instructors. Every session is free and all skill levels are welcome. Participants should bring a mat, towel and water bottle.

Sessions will be held throughout the month at several Gwinnett County park locations:

• Sundays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Vines Park in Loganville
• Tuesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Duncan Creek Park in Dacula
• Tuesdays, Sept. 15 and 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at E.E. Robinson Park in Sugar Hill
• Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at George Pierce Park in Suwanee
• Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Club Drive Park in Lawrenceville
• Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Lenora Park Community Garden in Snellville
• Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula
• Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Isaac Adair House in Lawrenceville

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month to bring awareness to the community about the health benefits of yoga and meditation. Carion Marcelin, coordinator for Live Healthy Gwinnett, said simple techniques incorporated into yoga have been found to offer many benefits for body and mind.

“The physical benefits of yoga include reduced chronic pain, lower heart rate and blood pressure, improved flexibility, better body alignment and increased breathing capacity,” said Marcelin, citing information from the American Osteopathic Association. “The mental benefits of yoga and meditation are mental clarity and calmness, decreased stress, relaxation of the mind and improved concentration.”

To comply with CDC guidelines for COVID-19, participants must bring their own yoga equipment and should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others during the class. Water fountains in parks are out of service, so participants should also bring their own bottled water. Anyone who wishes to communicate with the instructor before or after class should follow social distance guidelines and/or wear a cloth face cover if possible.

Live Healthy Gwinnett is holding the sessions in partnership with certified instructors from Ebb & Flow Yoga Surf Studio, The Spirit Mamma, Yoga In Daily Life-Buford, Performance Power Yoga, Flip Your Dog Yoga Center and Just Fitness 4U 24/7 Lilburn. For more information, call 770-822-3197 or visit www.LiveHealthyGwinnett.com.