The physical and spiritual benefits of the ancient oriental practice of yoga have been known for many years but, for many Americans, it remains a kind of mystery. Cinthya V. (Alvarez) Baron is a believer, and she hopes to make you one, too.

Cinthya Baron and her “yogis” help each other master their bodies and bring balance to their lives. (submitted photo)[/caption]

Cinthya came to LaBelle from Mexico in 1992 and graduated from LHS in 2000. She and her husband have three free-spirited daughters who have already made yoga part of their personal practice and help their mother practice daily. Cinthya works full time and shares her love for yoga with her community in the evenings.

Cinthya found her way to a better life through yoga after suffering a back injury that added to the normal stress that comes from life. Faced with only surgery or taking narcotics for the rest of her life to alleviate her pain, Cinthya found yoga at the suggestion of local chiropractor Dr. Joshua Parrish. In just two weeks, she said she found the relief that had eluded her.

With no local source of information, she checked out books from the library to find appropriate poses for her problem and practiced them.

Eventually she found a class, but had to go to Fort Myers to learn the in-depth techniques she sought. The drive and the cost of trips to Fort Myers made learning more difficult, but she needed more than the books and videos she could manage at home.

At that time, her cousin Zaiden Shannon was earning her yoga instructor certification and that opened her mind to bringing a yoga class to her hometown. She trained in Hatha Yoga through the Yoga Institute and became an instructor herself. She is grateful to her mother for helping her embark on her yoga certification journey, and also her husband Urbin’s support.

Hatha Yoga focuses on basic poses at a comfortable pace for all levels and that is Cinthya’s gift to LaBelle residents. She and her cousin Zaiden’s yoga instruction, Cinbar Yoga, found a home at Physique Fitness, 13 S. Missouri Street.

The studio is a “no judgment zone,” Cinthya said, where you can come as you are. Their mission is to provide yoga at an affordable cost to bring health, happiness and well being to her community. Just come and connect with others

Classes begin with centering and breathing exercises, followed by a flow of asanas (poses). Every class ends with relaxation. The school is open Monday 7 p.m., Wednesday, 6 p.m. and Thursday 7 p.m. Cinthya also holds private classes.

Cinthya said she thinks of herself as a yoga guide - not a teacher - because she said she is not an expert or master. Her goal is to guide others through the poses.

“It is important to me to share with my yogis (as she calls her students) that each time we step onto our mats we should come with a beginner’s mind, ready to learn the lesson our practice has for us that day. If your mind is cluttered then we don’t leave room for growth. Also, we leave ego at the door. I like to say “your ego is not your amigo” We don’t aim to mimic the pose on the magazine cover, we don’t aim to look like the person practicing beside us. Your yoga is your yoga and as long as you are careful with your positioning and alignment, you listen to your body and allow yourself to experience your practice, you are doing it right. If you can breathe, you can yoga!”

Some of Cinthya’s student yogis have wonderful experiences:

“I had never tried yoga and was so excited when Cinbar Yoga opened. I was hooked at the first practice! I have gained flexibility and love the mind, body and spiritual awareness that I experience with each class. Cinthya shows such support for all of us, she is a wonderful instructor with such a soothing voice. I sleep so much better after our practice! Sad it took me over 50 years to try, but thankful I found such a wonderful class to grow with”. ~Sherill Overberg

“Yoga has helped me with flexibility and balance. However, the greatest benefit is the relaxation aspect of yoga” ~Cindi Beer

“I started yoga with Cinbar Yoga in February of 2015. I suffered a head injury years ago and since then I have suffered from chronic pain, migraines, depression, and dizzy spells. I overheard someone talking about yoga and I attended a class. It was hard but I enjoyed it. I hardly ever miss a class. There are positions I will never be able to do due to my injuries but I have grown in my practice significantly since my first class. We are all different shapes, ages, and sizes but there is no judgment, only encouragement. I have greatly benefited from Cinthya’s classes. I only wish I could practice yoga every single day and that I had joined sooner”. ~Charlotte

Check out a Cinbar Yoga class or call Cinthya at 239-634-0837.

Cinthya is also putting on a special Affirm Love Workshop November 7 noon-4 with Cinthya Baron and Zaiden with two yoga classes, guided meditation and special events. Register at www.treehouse.cm/events or call the number above for more information.