New Member Profile - Hart Yoga

Hart Yoga Studio Opens in Shelburne Falls

(6/12/09) “Lindel Hart has opened a new yoga studio, Hart Yoga, in the Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom Building in Shelburne Falls.

Hart Yoga offers a variety of yoga, Pilates, fitness classes and more in a two-level suite on the top floor of the building. Plans are in place to eventually occupy an entire floor of the building later this year.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” says Hart. “My long-term vision is to expand the range of classes, events and amenities I can offer.” Hart says his larger studio space will include approximately 3,600 square feet and will allow for all kinds of events – music, dance, poetry and literary readings, and larger workshops – as well as the yoga and fitness classes. He also intends to provide classes for children and teens. Bodywork suites are slated for inclusion in the new space.

Until renovations are completed, Hart Yoga will occupy suite 8 in the building which provides students with an air-conditioned environment in which to take classes. “If you have ever sweat through a summer class or avoided going to class because of the heat,” Hart says, “you’ll be able to attend classes in comfort through the hottest days of summer.”

The roster of teachers at Hart Yoga includes some of the finest instructors in the Pioneer Valley. Kelly Savitri teaches embodyoga™, a style developed by Patty Townsend of Yoga Center Amherst. Kalavati, whose training is primarily in the Kripalu and Ashtanga lineages, teaches Vinyasa and Hatha yoga classes. Jody Fontaine teaches fitness and Pilates classes and is a certified personal trainer, Pilates and group exercise instructor. Abigail Clarke, a frequent substitute at Hart Yoga, also trained at Yoga Center Amherst and is continuing her studies there.

Hart himself teaches a range of classes, from gentle, beginner and intermediate to vinyasa and restorative yoga classes. His teaching style is in the Iyengar tradition, and he earned his teaching certification with Eileen Muir at Karuna Center for Yoga & Healing Arts in Northampton, MA. He has also studied at the Iyengar Institute in New York City.

Hart intends to make his new studio as environmentally friendly as possible, including many organic and natural accessories for the practice of yoga. These include organic cotton bolsters and blankets, natural cork blocks, and yoga mats that are processed without the harsh chemicals of standard sticky mats. Environmental considerations extend to the renovation of the studio space, as well. “I’m examining sustainable flooring options, such as bamboo,” he says. “Salvaging existing flooring is another ‘green’ route. It is part of the yogic precept of ahimsa, or non-harmful action. Not harming the environment is just as important as not harming others or oneself.”

Hart lives in Greenfield with his husband, Rod Hart, and their 3-year-old son Hugh. He also serves as a Trustee for the Greenfield Public Library and is a member of the Greenfield Local Cultural Council.

Hart Yoga, Lindel Hart, 413-768-9291 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text93248 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.hartyoga.com.