Rock n’ Roll Yoga at the Verb Hotel in Fenway

by Marianne Salza

Poolside at The Verb Hotel, a group of women stretched in a low lunge pose, reaching up towards the green wall of Fenway Park during the first Rock n’ Roll Yoga class of the summer on May 18.

Instructor Chrissy Voccaro combined her love of music and yoga to create a unique class in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

“You don’t need to be flexible. Everything comes with practice,” said Voccaro. “True yoga is a combination between strong postures and flexibility in the body. I feel like music encapsulates that.”

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, Voccaro encourages all levels to participate in her yoga class, and will modify techniques for each individual’s abilities and comfort.

“I try to switch up the flow and challenge your body, depending on what people are feeling that day,” Voccaro said. “If everyone is tired, we’ll do a mellow flow. If everyone is raring to go we will amp it up.”

In this Vinyasa yoga class, Voccaro focuses on calming your mind and aligning your body while concentrating on moving with your breath. She eases into the class with warm ups that raise the body’s temperature, and once participants reach the peak, she cools the body down with serene postures.

“I might put a Fleetwood Mac song on or something a little more chill as you get down to the final resting pose,” said Voccaro, who enjoys organizing a playlist to reflect the mood of the movements.

Voccaro believes that The Verb Hotel — a two-story 1950s modernist building — is the ideal location for her Rock n’ Roll Yoga class with its electrifying colors, artwork, and historical photographs of musicians.

“I love teaching, and I’m very thankful to be able to facilitate it here. It’s awesome to do it in a place that’s so fun,” said Voccaro beneath a string of patio lights. “If you come to class, you can use the pool or get a snack and drink at the bar. They have great food and cocktails at Hojoko. It’s a nice blend of everything.”

What she said is also a positive about hosting a class at The Verb is having the opportunity to work with her friend and bandmate for 10 years, Lauren Recchia, marketing director of the Fenway Hotel. Voccaro is a guitarist and Recchia is a drummer for the band, Petty Morals, an all-girls synth rock band.

“She was the first person I hired because it is a rock n’ roll hotel, she is a rock n’ roll person, and we’re pals,” said Recchia.

Voccaro and Recchia hope to host evening Rock n’ Roll Yoga classes every other week, planning around Red Sox games. Discounts are offered for hotel guests. To register or learn more about the Rock n’ Roll Yoga class, in collaboration with fitness partner, Move With Boston, visit www.MoveWith.com.

“I hope people feel good and that they got a workout. I hope their mind and body are balanced,” said Voccaro. “Be mindful and move with purpose.”

Lauren Recchia (front), marketing director of The Verb Hotel, taking a Rock n’ Roll Yoga class poolside last week. The Verb in the Fenway is hosting the classes all summer long with Instructor Chrissy Voccaro.

Lauren Recchia (front), marketing director of The Verb Hotel, taking a Rock n’ Roll Yoga class poolside last week. The Verb in the Fenway is hosting the classes all summer long with Instructor Chrissy Voccaro.

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