Mama Nirvana's New Yoga

The mama of Mama Nirvana's New Yoga—co-owner Ruth Anne Lundeberg— draws on her experience as a dancer and a devoted student of Theravadin Buddhism to helm a staff of seasoned instructors along with her partner and husband, Joshua Schumer. Together, they impart yogic skills in students with a focus on safety that earned the studio the Best Place for Yoga title in the _Valley Advocate_’s 2010 readers' poll. The Amherst and Easthampton schedules brim with daily classes for all skill levels, including calming Hatha sessions ideal for brand-new yogis and fast-paced Ultra Vinyasa routines that summon more sweat than a sauna heated by burning romance novels. Deep, focused breathing knits Flow classes’ poses into a graceful, choreographed sequence that cultivates strength and flexibility. Filled with moves that isolate and fortify the core muscles, mat-based Pilates workouts can bolster balance and posture without aggravating injuries.