Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi in Lynbrook run by mom and daughter, who stepped in at time of need

When Rose Fontaine-Brun, owner of Lynbrook Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi, suffered a stroke last year,  she knew exactly who to turn to for help keeping her business afloat: her daughter. 

After running the yoga franchise for 15 years, "she wasn't able to physically do the movements" anymore, Beatricia Brun, 37, says of her 70-year-old mom. 

“We’ve been with this practice for a substantial amount of time, so helping her with managing the business hasn’t really been out of my experience or comfort zone,” says Brun, who managed a yoga center in the Bronx and occasionally assisted her mom with classes before her stroke. “As soon as she had to leave, I just kind of stepped right in.”

Brun, who now leads eight classes a week and manages the business, says her mom’s presence is still felt throughout the studio. Fontaine-Brun now comes in twice a week to take classes and stay connected with members, making sure they’re coming to class and progressing in their practice.

“I still try to exercise her visions and her dreams in the center,” Brun says. “And the members love her so much. Some of them have been with her since the center opened.”

Describing their relationship as best friends, Brun says the two have participated in many yoga and self-development retreats and trainings together.

“My mom and I are really close — like spiritual partners,” says Brun. “She’s supported me so much my entire life and I think I’ve spent the majority of my adult life repaying her and supporting her as much as she needs.”

Fontaine-Brun says she’s grateful for her daughter’s support.

“It’s a great relief,” she says. “I don’t have to worry about the classes. She’s helping me a lot.”

The center offers a few staple yoga classes, most running 70 minutes or longer, and all include stretching, breath work and meditation. Qigong, an ancient martial art that optimizes the mind and body’s energy, and tai chi classes focus on conditioning, while free movement vibration classes combine cardio with meditation.

For new students, Brun recommends taking an introductory class to assess flexibility, balance and coordination. Often, she says, people work on their breathing during classes, which gets impaired by stress.

Introductory classes start at $30 and unlimited for a year is $1,490. Body & Brain is located at 29 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook. The studio is open Monday to Wednesday, and Friday to Saturday. Classes are 10 a.m., 4:30 and 6 p.m. Check website for schedule; 516-612-3737, bodynbrain.com.