‘Come as you are’: Riverfront Moves offers free exercise for all

While some may have cowered in front of their air conditioning units on Saturday, that was not the case for those participating in the Riverfront Moves events. Hot yoga fans and many others gathered to dance or stretch and enjoy the Saturday sunshine.

The City of Spokane has partnered with Providence Health Care and local fitness studios to create a series of free summer exercise classes called Riverfront Moves in Riverfront Park.

Fitness classes can be expensive, and the program has been able to eliminate that cost to provide the whole community with opportunities to get outside and move around.

The classes attract dedicated followers, as well as many newcomers to the scene.

“I love that Spokane’s doing this,” said Tom Rodgers, one of the participants.

On Saturday , they doubled the fun with yoga in the tribal gathering place and Bollywood dancing in the Red Wagon meadow.

This is the first year that Devica Gates of Natanam dance studio has taught at Riverfront Moves. Her studio used to only offer traditional South Indian dance, but they have expanded their offerings to Bollywood dance fitness classes .

“It’s like Zumba, but better,” Gates said.

For Gates, “The main goal is not only to share our culture, but to learn about other people’s culture.”

Manager of Eclipse Power Yoga Melina Palomba said that this is the studio’s third year participating in the program.

“Come as you are. Anybody can practice yoga, any body can practice yoga; you don’t have to look a certain way, be a certain way.”

Beth Oltman, one of the participants said, “It’s so refreshing, I love idea, I don’t do yoga enough to really be in the zone, so I know I discover new muscles every time.”

Classes take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and will continue through September with offerings such as yoga, Pilates, dance and barre. Time and location within the park may vary. Check the city’s website for more information.