Classes in Middletown

Deep in a lush corner of the Catskill Mountains, there’s a silence that’s almost palpable. After your ears adjust to the lack of city life, you can hear the sounds of nature creeping in: rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the slow breathing of retreat-goers guiding their limbs into therapeutic poses as a yoga instructor looks on. This is a common scene at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch, an Ayurvedic escape founded in 1974 on 77 acres of countryside. Surrounded by organic vegetable patches, flower gardens, and trees,visitors find it easy to immerse themselves into the healing studies of the ranch’s multiday programs.

As the sun peeks over the mountains and each day begins, practitioners gather at the Krishna temple to meditate, chant, and listen to a lecture. What follows—depending on the retreat—is a combination of a two hour yoga class, guest lectures and workshops, and meditation sessions. Some retreats are weekend getaways for yoga civilians, and others focus on yoga-teacher training, permaculture, and Native American spirituality. Throughout all programs, hiking opportunities abound.

Visitors stay in dorm, private double rooms (without private bathrooms), or apartment-style accommodations, (with bathroom and shower), and join fellow guests at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for vegetarian meals based on yogic and Ayurvedic nutrition. Ingredients are organic, as local and seasonal as possible, and free from chemical preservatives. To soothe their minds and muscles after a day of strenuous work, visitors can also take in a view of the mountains from inside the ranch’s wood-burning banya-style sauna.

Open 24/7, the 35,000-sqaure-foot facility at 365 Premier Fitness & Wellness is set up to eradicate workout excuses. Here, clients can find everything they need to burn fat and build lean muscle, from an indoor lap pool to strength and cardio machines to a separate spinning studio. Certified instructors teach a host of group fitness classes, including Zumba, yoga, and interval training, and martial-arts classes are supplemented by speed and heavy bags for those looking to punch and kick their way to fitness. The spacious gym also offers complimentary towel service and childcare, making working out hassle-free and putting an end to diaper-bag bench-press competitions.

Although plenty of people wear makeup, not everyone has mastered the art of creating a smoky eye or applying false lashes. Luckily, 4 The Love of Lipstick comes to the rescue with intensive group workshops on the art of makeup application, led by a team of professional makeup artists who have worked with modeling agencies and TV networks. They teach basic, but crucial makeup techniques, such as how to create the perfect base foundation for a natural look, a cover-girl style, or a clown-college interview. Classes and workshops vary, depending on the makeup artist, but always include brushes and products.

Established: 2012
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Staff Size: 1 person
Parking: Parking lot
Reservations/Appointments: Required
Most popular offering: Irish step dancing classes in NEPA
Pro Tip: We provide a family friendly, focused, fun, and athletic experience to dancers of all ages and abilities