ROME — The Rome branch of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley welcomes yoga instructor Amy Otero to its health and fitness team. Otero will teach Hatha Yoga every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. beginning May 17.

Classes are free for everyone with a YMCA membership. Hatha Yoga is a non-impact guided class focusing on flexibility, strength, and relaxation techniques. Participants move through asanas (poses) utilizing breathing techniques while increasing strength and flexibility.

Often called a gentle yoga, the class is beneficial to all participants, from beginners to those with more experience. “Yoga is a great addition to any fitness routine,” Otero said. “It is a tool to release stress as well as improve balance, strength, and flexibility.”

She has been teaching yoga throughout the community for 18 years, including classes at Just Breathe Yoga Studio, the Rome Art and Community Center, Forestport Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, Copper City Community Connection, CNY Sweat, Met Life, and the Coliseum, where she volunteered many hours of yoga instruction.

“Yoga successfully saw me through many of life’s challenges,” Otero said. “I was able to teach in between extensive chemotherapy sessions for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018. Through teaching and my personal yoga journey, I have learned that yoga can benefit everyone.”

For more information about membership, this class, and other classes offered at the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, visit our website at www.ymcatrivalley.org or talk to Welcome Desk staff at 315-336-3500 in Rome or 315-363-7788 in Oneida.

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley participates in Nationwide Membership. Active, full-time members have access to other YMCA facilities, while traveling or on vacation, with a valid membership card and ID.

The YMCA welcomes everyone who wishes to participate, regardless of ability to pay. Financial assistance is available through the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s Changing Lives Financial Assistance program, the announcement added.

The program provides assistance to youths, adults, and families based on individual needs and circumstances.