Princeton, NJ Health Care Guide Announcement

Princeton Center for Yoga & Health Moves to a Serene and Spacious New Home

Princeton Yoga has moved to a 5 acre campus known as Orchard Hill Center just a mile and a half away from its former location,. The location offers possibilities for more classes, and new indoor and outdoor events!  Amenities in the two story space include:

¨ Two large light filled yoga studios with over 2,200 square feet of practice space

¨ A specially fitted hot yoga room

¨ A lounge for tea and conversation

¨An outdoor deck

¨ Free Wi-Fi access

“We are thrilled about this exciting new space, but we are still focused on what people have come to know and love about us for over 15 years. The mission and feel are the same—committed teachers, a wide variety of classes, experienced healers, personalized attention, and a welcoming environment,” says PCYH founder and director Deborah Metzger. “We hope people will feel free to gather on the deck or in the lounge and explore the grounds. That it will feel like a home away from home, a backyard retreat”

The property retains the look of an old farm with a pond, streams, and a somewhat bruised barn.  The site offers more room for walks, outdoor meditation and informal gathering. The indoor space has been renovated and can accommodate large audiences.

The History of PCYH, The First of Its Kind

Deborah Metzger founded The Princeton Center for Yoga & Health in 1996. “We are proud of the fact that it is the first studio of its kind in our area. We note with pride that many local teachers got their start here and we’ve planted the seeds of yoga in our community,” she says.

Metzger holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Before she opened PCYH, she was one of founders of Womanspace, a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families.

Her journey into yoga and holistic health began with a healing crisis. “Like many, I dabbled in yoga in the ‘70’s, but when I was told that I would have lifelong asthma, I decided to explore holistic health.”

 Metzger studied at the Kripalu Center in Lenox, Massachusetts. She greatly improved her asthma, fell in love with yoga, and became inspired to get up and teach. Her first classes were held in state offices and basements.

“I would carry around five huge duffle bags filled with blankets and cushions to support people in their practice. It was pretty obvious I needed to find a yoga home.”

What started as a passion for yoga and the desire to teach has grown into a successful small business that has survived and grown since 1996.

PCYH and Its New Home at Orchard Hill Center

The move to this new location is the culmination of a dream and yes, dreams can come true. “This is our home” says Deborah, “this is the right place.” The center has expanded its offerings over the years into the therapeutic realm. Course offerings now include Yoga for MS, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, Pre-natal Yoga, and Therapeutic/ Restorative Yoga. PCYH also offers teacher training for those who want to become yoga instructors, and hosts various professional training events, such as Hakomi professional psychotherapy training.  Holistic practitioners at the property include Todd Lewis and Sharon Howard, who are massage therapists, and psychotherapist Charles Leighton.

“We want to create a warm and welcoming space where people feel safe to examine new paths to health and happiness, says Metzger. The Center offers this through the variety of yoga traditions taught as well as more social programs such as monthly drum circles, concerts, dance experiences and hosting local and nationally recognized guest teachers.

PCYH welcomes all traditions and does not focus on one type of yoga. With over 50 classes a week, there are many levels, styles and teachers to choose from. A full schedule of yoga classes, holistic programs, training seminars and services are offered mornings, evenings, and weekends.  For more information or directions to the new center call 609-924-7294 or visit www.princetonyoga.com.