Cortlandt Manor residents will soon have a new space to step away from daily demands and reconnect with themselves. Lila Within, opening in Pike Plaza in early 2026, will offer a wide range of classes, from heated power and Hot 26 practices to nonheated slow flow and restorative yoga, along with community workshops and wellness programs that support physical and emotional well-being for people of all ages.
The studio is designed to serve as what founder Heather Dana calls a “third place,” a welcoming space outside of home and work where community members can gather, move, breathe and feel supported. The vision for Lila Within centers on creating an environment where both kids and adults can access grounding practices, build community and find relief from stress.
Community Roots and Purpose
Heather Dana is a Hendrick Hudson graduate and a tenured middle school teacher in the Hudson Valley with more than a dozen years in the classroom. She has taught in the Hendrick Hudson district and completed her student teaching in the Lakeland district, giving her deep ties to families across Cortlandt Manor, Peekskill, Yorktown and the surrounding school communities.
After years of watching students and adults struggle with stress, overwhelm and challenges with focus and confidence, Dana saw the need for a consistent, accessible space where people could find support. Her background in education, paired with training in yoga and wellness, shaped the creation of Lila Within as a community-centered sanctuary for movement, breath and connection.
Studio Offerings
Heated and Non-Heated Yoga:
Hot power vinyasa for strength, Hot 26 for structure and discipline, hot grounded sequences for slow intentional movement, restorative classes for deep release, warm slow flow for accessible movement and yoga sculpt for strength and cardio.
Youth and Teen Programs:
A Free Teen Yoga Winter Series launching in 2026, kids and teen yoga offerings, afterschool mindfulness and movement programs and school holiday camps designed to support confidence, focus and emotional regulation.
Community Workshops and Events:
Beginner-friendly series, seasonal workshops, parent and teen sessions, specialty classes and free community wellness events offered throughout the year so residents can experience the studio regardless of membership status.
Thoughtfully Designed Studio Space:
Infrared heating for steady and comfortable warmth, high ceilings, soft calming lighting and a warm aesthetic created to support nervous system regulation and encourage a sense of peace.
Quote from the Founder
“We all need places where we can step away and just breathe. I want Lila Within to be that place for our community, where neighbors can gather, support each other and leave feeling more grounded than when they walked in.”
Opening Timeline and Community Access
Lila Within is on track to open in early 2026. The studio will host a series of free community pop-up classes and an open house prior to opening so residents can experience the space. Founding memberships are being offered at a reduced early rate to make the studio accessible to as many community members as possible from day one.
The community is invited to be part of Lila Within’s roots from the beginning. Residents can receive construction updates, early access and event invitations by joining the Insider List at www.lilawithin.com/insider.
About Lila Within
Lila Within is a new community-centered hot yoga and wellness studio opening in Pike Plaza in Cortlandt Manor, NY. Founded by local educator and yoga teacher Heather Dana, the studio offers heated and non-heated yoga classes, teen and youth programs, mindfulness workshops and community events. Lila Within is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where individuals and families can grow in strength, presence and connection.
