Just because you’re on vacation, your fitness regime doesn’t have to suffer.
That’s the message Peninsula residents Sally Hauca and MaryAnne Galey are trying to get out with the release of their “take-along” fitness program, Yoga RVing, a one-hour yoga routine designed specifically for smaller spaces.
“We’re targeting a niche market, but this is something that could be used in RVs, hotel rooms, guest bedrooms – anywhere where there isn’t a lot of extra space,” said Galey, who came up with the idea for a DVD last February, while on an RV trip to Nevada with her husband.
“I wanted to do my yoga before I went for a walk, and I just thought, ‘I need Sally’s program on a DVD.’”
After returning from her trip, Galey brought the idea to Hauca – Galey’s yoga instructor – and soon the pair had formed a partnership.
“At first, I thought ‘Well, there are already thousands of yoga DVDs out there,’ but then when she explained it to me, I just thought, ‘that is freaking brilliant!” Hauca said.
By the end of April, a DVD had been filmed, and it was released July 1.
“We were very serious about it right from the start, and we felt it was important to get it out as soon as we could,” said Galey, who’s been RVing for more than 30 years.
For the new endeavour, Hauca didn’t have to adjust her yoga routines much for space reasons – “A yoga mat is the same width as an RV (aisle way),” she said – but she was sure to incorporate RV “props” such as nearby seats and tables into the routine.
As well, they targeted the program – which is split into three 20-minute segments – for the baby-boomer and snowbird crowd, because they’re the most likely to be spending the most time travelling by RV.
So far, the DVD has been met with positive reviews from buyers, and sales – done through the company’s website and a few local retail outlets – have been strong.
“It’s been great so far, and it’s been fun,” said Hauca.
The pair will be doing a demonstration at noon, Sept. 30 – National Yoga Day – at Saje Natural Wellness, 14837 Marine Drive.
Yoga RVing is currently available online (www.yogarving.com) or at Shibui Skin Care (103 1440 George St.), Campbell River Store (790 176 St.) and Whitby’s Books and Gifts (14833 Marine Dr.).