LEONARDTOWN, MD — Yoga enthusiasts struck poses such as ‘downward facing dog,’ ‘cobra,’ and other stances at the free Sunrise Yoga session at Leonardtown Wharf Park early Saturday morning.

As the cicadas sang and the fish swam around the wharf, almost 70 attendees gathered on the wharf to follow Evolve Yoga and Wellness instructor Susan Grier as she gently guided them through a beginner’s yoga class. She urged participants to listen to their bodies as they moved easily from pose to pose.

Many people are doing yoga for the first time, while others are members of the many classes available at the yoga studio, said Sue Lyddon-Hayes, instructor.

“We’ve been hosting this event once a month during the summer time and we’ve been able to do this for five or six years now. We have 68 who have signed in for this session. We weren’t expecting this many people to show up in the heat,” said Lyddon-Hayes.

Although the session didn’t charge a fee for admission, attendees were encouraged to donate either human food or pet food for various organizations.

“The pet food is going to Second Hope Rescue and the human food is going to Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Lexington Park,” said Jessica, volunteer.

For more information about available classes and the studio, check out their website, Facebook page, or call 301-862-1236.

Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.