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Yoga Crews Court Congressional Posers

Stressed out about not fitting enough relaxation time into your schedule?  

Don’t sweat it. Yoga enthusiasts are preparing to flex some serious muscle on Capitol Hill.  

(Courtesy Congressional Yogi Association)
(Courtesy Congressional Yogi Association)

The LoveYourBrain Foundation plans to help staffers shake off work-related angst Thursday by offering a free yoga class.  

The inaugural stretch fest, which is being put on in conjunction with the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, is scheduled to take place in the park immediately behind Rayburn (sandwiched between C and D streets Southwest) from 1 to 2 p.m., weather permitting. An event organizer told HOH around a half-dozen offices have expressed interest in participating, including the office of New Jersey Democrat Bill Pascrell Jr., who is expected to personally attend. The end goal of the outreach is to convince studios in all 50 states to adopt the fledgling LYB Yoga initiative , a six-month program designed to help rehabilitate those who’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury.  

“With LYB Yoga, the foundation plans to shift the culture around TBI recovery and build communities that support healthier and happier lives,” our source said.  

Sculpt DC instructor Sarah Gourley will lead the debut class, which is projected to feature 45 minutes of restorative yoga followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. Participants are encouraged to wear workout gear and bring a yoga mat, though some mats will be provided.  

A few weeks later, it’ll be the homegrown Congressional Yogi Association’s turn to limber everyone up.  

(Courtesy Congressional Yogi Association)
(Courtesy Congressional Yogi Association)

The staff-led group (just fewer than a dozen Capitol Hill aides are already on board) has arranged a come-one, come-all workout scheduled to take place May 1 from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. on the West Lawn.  

Mindfulness advocate Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, is sponsoring the event, and recovering NFL linebacker Keith Mitchell, whose playing days were brought to an abrupt halt by a devastating collision, is slated to lead the group exercise.  

One organizer said Reps. Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., and Grace F. Napolitano, D-Calif., are scheduled to attend, and held out hope that other health-conscious politicians might soon pile on.  

“Maybe FLOTUS can attend to promote Let’s Move/mental health. … Then we’d get thousands,” the pumped-up promoter posited about first lady Michelle Obama. In addition to extending an open invitation to those toiling away in either chamber, our source suggested the CYA also expects to reach out to those punching a clock at the departments of Health and Human Services and Labor.  

Moving forward, Team CYA might even branch out into off-the-Hill activities — floating plans for yoga and tea activities as well as weekend brunch dates.  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.

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