Yoga in the Park, held in the 13th Street District, returns for the fourth season from 8-9 a.m. this Saturday.

Sponsored by the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA and the 13th Street District committee, these summer yoga classes are offered with two goals in mind: provide free fitness activities for the community, and promote the 13th Street District.

Sessions will be offered on select Saturdays: May 19, June 2 and 16, July 14 and 28, and Aug. 11 and 25.

“This is a great example of the ‘I Give a Damn About Marshalltown’ [initiative] — to bring yoga to the area of the ‘Echo’ sculpture, and it’s really been a partnership,” said Yoga in the Park instructor Heidi Draisey, who serves as the Y’s health and wellness coordinator and is a YogaFit certified teacher. “Restore Church provides our sound system, and we wouldn’t have the quality experience without them.”

Draisey also serves as the events and marketing chairwoman for the 13th Street District committee.

“I’ve enjoyed watching the revitalization of that area and see it bloom,” she noted.

Seven Y Certified YogaFit and Group Fitness instructors will trade off in leading the sessions.

“We always like to let people know you don’t need to have great balance and strength to do yoga. It’s a great way to balance mind, body and spirit,” Draisey said. “The classes are beginner-friendly to intermediate level.”

Instructors arrive at each session around 7:45 a.m. to answer any questions before getting started. Modifications are always offered for those who want to try alternative moves, based on comfort and ability.

“Put us on your calendar for the 8-9 a.m. sessions. We know it’s early, but then you got a workout done to start your day,” she said. “We are also planning to offer other yoga events throughout the year in the district.”

While the yoga sessions are free, donations are accepted. Proceeds will go to the 13th Street District to cover the cost of other activities.

The sessions are geared towards those ages 14 and up. Youth ages 10-13 may come accompanied by an adult, whereas younger kids are discouraged from attending.

Attendees are encouraged to bring yoga mats (a limited supply with be available), strap or block and a water bottle. In case of inclement weather, call the YMCA-YWCA at (641) 752-8658 after 7:15 a.m. the day of the event to see if it has been canceled.

For more information, contact Draisey at (641) 752-8658, ext. 222 or heidi.draisey@ymca-ywca.org

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at (641) 753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com