Yoga studio celebrates milestone
Fort Myers' Health & Harmony Center's been in business 17 years
BY PETE SKIBA Florida Weekly Correspondent
Sitting in the traditional cross-legged poses associated with Yoga, the three women place their hands open facing up on their knees and chant, "Ah-Ooommmmmmm."

PHOTO PETE SKIBA FLORIDA WEEKLY Christine Banks, foreground, and Diane Seiderstein practice abdominal yoga forms under the watchful eye of instructor Maggie Tanzer, left, at the Fort Myers' Health & Harmony Center.

Their voices resonate like a choir's hymn through the yoga room in Fort Myers' Health & Harmony Center.

Could this be the mystical music of the spheres?

"Ah-Ooommmmmmm."

Diane Seiderstein, 61, and Christine Banks, 70, started classes for health, balance and strength at the center's McGregor Blvd. location several years ago. Their instructor, Maggie Tanzer, has been practicing Yoga since 1989 and teaching since 1997.

Far from beginners, the students have 16 years of Yoga practice between them. This is not a beginner's class.

The women will be twisting, turning and performing other poses not for the less limber during the next hour.

PHOTO PETE SKIBA FLORIDA WEEKLY Instructor Maggie Tanzer corrects a pose by Diane Seiderstein.

"I started Yoga seven years ago to keep myself walking and moving in a healthy way. I have arthritis," Banks, a snowbird, said. "It makes my joints more flexible, my muscles stronger and me feel younger."

There remains more to the practice of Yoga, said Seiderstein a full-time Fort Myers resident.

"It builds strength physically and balance psychologically," Seiderstein said. "The poses are metaphors for what we face in life. The headstand reminds me of when your life is upside down."

The two women attended a Friday morning multi-level class. Classes at the center typically have eight to 12 students, but Friday's class is sometimes light.

"Once the season starts we have more people attending," said Kandy Love, the center's owner and director. "The center has grown over the years."

The center occupies the entire first building of the old Iona Schoolhouse. Celebrating its 17th year, the center has continued to increase in size since it started in 1990.

COURTESY PHOTO Center owner Kandy Love demonstrates stretching techniques.

"We opened in two rooms," Love said. "In our fifth year we added a room. Fifteen years later we took over the whole building."

Teaching the Iyengar method of Hatha Yoga allows instructors at the center carry on a 5,000-year-old art, science and philosophy. Yoga seeks to integrate the mind and body through postures, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques.

Iyengar allows students to use props such as belts, straps and wood blocks to complete poses. It makes the practice more accessible to students.

"Yoga offers a complete package of lifestyle," Love said. "It encourages healthy food choices and activities. It opens up our choices on how we want to be and live."

Besides a schedule of beginner, basic and multi-level Yoga classes there are other choices at the center for people interested in health and harmony.

Meditation classes, therapeutic massages and other activities meant to soothe the harried are offered. The newest addition to the schedule is a belly-dancing class.

The center has a complete gift and supply shop stocked with Yoga clothes, mats, massage oils, books, DVDs, jewelry, and organic facial products.

The center's web site: healthandharmonyonline. com. Phone: 239-433-5995.