If you’re a Cranford resident, or familiar with Cranford at all, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the picturesque Droescher’s Mill, known pretty much around these parts as “The Mill.” Located at 347 Lincoln Avenue East, this one time working mill has been around since before the American Revolution, and is a vital part of our local history. It is the oldest continuously operated commercial building in New Jersey. Its cast-iron water turbine from its milling days is still in place. Sitting directly upon the banks of the Rahway River, the building is featured on virtually every postcard, book cover, and piece of artwork showcasing the town of Cranford. It could be called the historical heart of the town. It is in a quiet, wooded setting, with the soft sounds of the river running past as its musical backdrop. Could you think of a better place to practice yoga and relaxation?
And that’s why, on pretty much any given day at any given time during the past few years, you can see people of all ages, in their most comfortable looking clothes, carrying water bottle, mats, and a smile, happily heading into Alleum Yoga to shed their stresses of the day and enjoy some physical and spiritual rebuilding.
Owner, manager, and teacher Gina Pachkowski is a Cranford Mom who has made it her mission to share her love of yoga and its physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits with others of her community. With a background in dance and aerobic training, and later becoming certified through the National Yoga Alliance, she now teaches a combination of bikram, ashtanga, vinyasa flow, and power yoga in a non-threatening, supportive class environment, catering to both yoga veterans and rookies. For Gina, yoga is not just a business or a workout. It is an entire way of life . . . . as it seems to be for all of the teachers at Alleum Yoga. Virtually the entire staff is comprised of locals who enjoy working and sharing their love of the yoga way of life with their community and neighbors.
Without a shadow of a doubt, there is truly something for everyone here, whether you’ve been practicing yoga for years, of can’t get up from the sofa without groaning. All ages, all physical fitness levels, and all tastes can find something on the class menu to suit them. Beginner, Pre-Natal, Baby and Me, Family, Kids and Teens, Yoga for Kids, Teens, Tweens, Storytime Yoga, Slow Flow, Restorative, Chair Yoga, and even Rock Yoga! And so much more. How great is it that family members can try this out together?
If you’ve ever considered giving yoga a try, but are afraid to get into some pretzelized position you can’t get out of, the vast menu for all levels of fitness offered here may be just the ticket for you. Besides, what a great excuse to just enjoy some quiet time in an absolutely beautiful, peaceful setting! You may not become pretzelized, but you may just become respiritualized. Check out their website at http://alluemyoga.com/alluem-yoga.php . Or, better yet, stop by to enjoy the charming surroundings and a little piece of Cranford history.