For many newcomers, yoga can seem like an intimidating undertaking, but not at Alma Yoga. The Orange County-based studios are all about inclusivity, inviting any and all who are interested to come and give the practice a try in a comfortable atmosphere. In May, Alma will turn 10 years old at its original location in Newburgh and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the second studio in Cornwall.
Alyssa Scalora, the owner and operator of Alma, has been a Hudson Valley native since she was six years old. Prior to opening Alma in Newburgh, Scalora worked in a corporate office in New Jersey. During that time, she furthered her practice and became a certified yoga instructor in 2011. For Scalora, this was a pivotal moment in her life, effectively changing the way she felt about everything. “I quickly realized that yoga was the missing piece to my puzzle, and it was through this practice that I was able to find joy and contentment,” she admits.
In addition to teaching at a number of gyms and studios, including Alma, Scalora decided that she was going to open her own studio. In 2013, the opportunity to follow her dream finally arose due to the loss of her job, which she describes as “divinely timed.” Getting straight to work, Scalora almost settled on a spot in Blooming Grove before she was contacted by the original owner of Alma, who asked if she was interested in taking over the operation. Sure enough, Scalora became the proud owner of Alma Yoga in May 2014.
Less than a year after Scalora took over Alma, the studio outgrew its physical space on Front Street and needed to relocate to a spot more conducive to the practice. Alma moved to the Town of Newburgh in May 2015, which happened to be the same year Scalora and her husband moved to Cornwall. Ultimately, both moves inspired the Cornwall studio that Scalora would open years later in 2023.
At Alma Yoga, a variety of yoga styles are offered, including vinyasa, yin, and Bikram in heated, warm, and non-heated environments. Hot classes average around 105 degrees, warm classes around 90, and non-heated classes are standard room temperature, around 70 degrees. There is something for everyone to try, and most classes welcome all levels to come and join in on the experience.
Over its decade of yoga, Alma has evolved in as many ways as it has remained the same. Most of the staff have been with Scalora for the entire 10 years, and some of the students have been practicing yoga at Alma since day one. “No matter who comes and goes, Alma will always have that welcoming, loving atmosphere. Our students mean the world to us,” Scalora enthuses.
In Newburgh, the Alma community has remained very consistent over the years. As for Cornwall, the town is thrilled to finally have a yoga studio in the area, and the students are grateful for Alma’s classes, teachers, and welcoming space. As a celebration of its two milestone anniversaries, Alma is offering discounts, doing giveaways, hosting $10 morning classes, and launching new branded merchandise.
Although she’s not set on anything yet, Scalora hinted at the possibility of opening another studio in the Beacon area. “One day as I was chatting about Alma, instead of saying Cornwall, I said Beacon. I don’t know how or why it came out of my mouth, so maybe Beacon is next,” says Scalora. “I would love to continue to spread our Alma light and introduce more people to this practice through our love and authenticity.”
Alma Yoga is located at 190 South Plank Road in Newburgh and at 55 Quaker Avenue in Cornwall.
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