Trade in your yoga blocks for a wand, and get ready to transport yourself into the world of Harry Potter. No portkey or floo powder necessary.
Walk into the brightly lit classroom of the Lewis and Clark Branch Library to find instructor Michael Tzinberg handing out colored mats in a hooded robe. This magical yogi loves transforming an ordinary class into storytime by mixing basic yoga, stretching, and guided relaxation with snippets from the beloved books. Harry Potter Yoga is for all ages, but it’s especially suited for those who find it difficult to concentrate through an intense workout session.
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“It’s a fun way to get exposed to yoga, especially for Harry Potter lovers,” says Tzinberg, a Potter fan himself. “It’s also great if your mind wanders during a yoga class.”
When Tzinberg isn’t casting spells at the library, he teaches yoga at New Era Fitness in St. Louis. Tzinberg works closely with Fit and Food Connection, a nonprofit that works to bring fitness and nutrition guidance to families in lower-income areas around St. Louis. (The organization also co-sponsors Harry Potter Yoga with the libraries.) He also volunteers at Easter Seals Midwest, working with adults who have developmental disabilities. His playful and friendly demeanor suggests that this yogi is great with the kids, too.
The class begins with some stretching, warming up the body for the wizard-inspired workout. Students are taken through Harry’s journey during his first year at Hogwarts. They are instructed to arch their backs into McGonagall Pose, slowly extending into downward facing three-headed dog. All the while, Potter tunes play softly in the background, creating a magical vibe and bringing back some serious childhood nostalgia. Tzinberg guides the class through each book, highlighting pivotal moments from the life of the Boy Who Lived. Later on, the first-years lie in savasana while listening intently to Tzinberg’s explanation of how to discover one’s Patronus.
For those looking to try their hand at Harry Potter Yoga, St. Louis County Library is offering classes this month at several different locations. Check out the city’s calendar of upcoming events for more information on registration.
Board the Hogwarts Express, get out your Marauder’s Map, and make your way to the library to join in.
Sign up to join the magic at slcl.org/events. Upcoming classes are scheduled for Saturday, March 4 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Jamestown Bluffs and Saturday, March 25 from 10–11 a.m. at the Weber Road branch libraries.
