AUDIO TRANSCRIPT:
Maggie Robinson, reporter: Every Wednesday morning in July, members of the Syracuse community roll out their mats and salute the sun as it rises over downtown Syracuse. For Maddie Marzocchi, Sunrise Yoga is a time to ground herself before a busy day.
Maddie Marzocchi, yoga attendee: It’s really nice to like center yourself, especially before work. Just starting your day off, being intentional about moving your body.
Robinson: For Marzocchi, the free class paired with the downtown location keeps her coming back year after year.
Marzocchi: It’s definitely easier to invite friends and get more people to come just ’cause it’s free, it’s in a nice location, it’s easy to get to.
Robinson: Sunrise Yoga in Clinton Square runs every Wednesday morning from 6:30 to 7:30 through the end of July.
Maggie Robinson, NCC news.
July 17, 2025
By Maggie Robinson
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Every Wednesday in July, members of Onondaga County salute the sun as it rises over Clinton Square.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Sunrise Yoga, a partnership between Metro Fitness and Syracuse Parks and Recreation that offers free weekly yoga classes every July.
© 2025 Maggie Robinson
Yoga instructor Shauna Teelin, who has led the class for over 10 years, says she appreciates the strong community response.
“Every year, you see multi-generation, which I love,” says Teelin. It’s really expanded– some days we get over 75 people here all at 6:30 a.m. in the morning. It’s beautiful energy.”
Teelin attributes the consistent turnout to the growing popularity of yoga following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The awareness of having to settle your nervous system post-COVID has made folks realize that yoga is a centuries-old wellness practice…. so, I think it’s a combination of education and exposure,” she said.
Sunrise Yoga in Clinton Square runs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. through the end of July.