By Josh Lyford

Zest Yoga and Fitness is a brand new yoga facility that opened in January of this year just over the Worcester line in neighboring Auburn; a quick trip down Southbridge Street off of 290 leads you to the inviting Red Loft Plaza ~ and thus to Zest.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at Zest Yoga and Fitness is the unbelievable atmosphere. Every square inch is seamlessly integrated into a unifying and comforting whole that welcomes you inside with open arms. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a positive energy that guides you into the open and pleasing studio area. Zest is a wonder to all of your senses; the warm and positive colors, the subtly exotic smell, the ambient and atmospheric music and the positive feeling of the studio’s aura all blend together to create incredible harmony.

It becomes clear very quickly upon entering Zest, owned and operated by husband and wife team Wendy Haggerty and Randy Laak, that a sense of community and personal well-being are paramount. This positive outlook and love-of-life attitude fuel Wendy’s mantra, “Know who you are,” and yoga is a great way to learn just that. Wendy and Randi have many years of personal experience in the individual styles they teach. Wendy has studied a full spectrum of yoga styles, learning under local and international teachers. Randi has nine years experience studying Yang style Tai Chi as well as a variety of other forms of Tai Chi.

Both use their years of experience to sow the seeds of health and well-being in an effort to see betterment-of-self thrive in Central MA. All levels of students can find something to enjoy at Zest ~ Healthy Backs Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Tai Chi, Nia, TriYoga and more.

Zest actually features the only Nia class in the area; Nia is a fun style of yoga that mixes dance and martial arts with yoga and a world-music soundtrack. Zest is also the only studio in Central MA with a certified TriYoga instructor. TriYoga is a rare-in-the-United-States style of Hotha Yoga that involves core strength, breathing techniques, and wave-like movements of the spine. Both owners of course promote well-being and health and they always focus having their students work within their individual range of ability. As Randi says, “You can’t run a marathon if you don’t get out and jog,” so the friendly instructors at Zest always work with you to build on your skills and strength in a constructive and positive manner.

Whether you are a yoga novice with an interest in a fun way to stay healthy and proactive, or a seasoned veteran looking for a great studio with a positive atmosphere, Zest Yoga and Fitness is exactly what you are looking for ~ so check them out at 65 Southbridge Street or online at ZestYogaandFitness.com.

Pictured (above): two instructors from Zest Yoga