Yoga Tour

Yoga Studio Tour : Yoga at Renew

Today I started thinking, how many amazing yoga studios are there really in our area. Maybe I should start touring them, and checking out all the different types of yoga and classes offered around here.

The NEW Blogger mind I am trying to embrace, started thinking about how it could be fun to visit different studios and then write a blog post about it. I think sometimes the hardest part about trying a new studio is just simply walking in the door. Maybe if we had a preview or a little insight into what type of studio it is there, we may be willing to give them a try. Maybe we could even arrange a few MEET-UPS with The Yoga with Carrie Rice Followers. 

I am a firm believer that yoga is not one-size-fits-all. You have to find the style that resonates with you, and that may change daily. You have to find the instructor or instructors who really motivate you, or reach that part of your soul that needs a little extra attention. I know that when I teach a class I am not going to appeal to everyone. It could be something as simple as they don't like the sound of my voice, or the music I choose, or just they think my sequences are weird. You know sometimes people just have a different picture of what they think yoga "should be". 

I'm here to say, that is all fine! I don't have a problem with people feeling like my classes aren't the right fit for them. I do have a problem though ,with people thinking all yoga  is the same and if they don't enjoy taking from me and they won't enjoy yoga at all!

So here I am I'm taking a tour, I'm deciding to try different styles, different instructors, not only to visit for you - my readers, but to grow myself as an instructor!

First stop on the tour, Yoga at Renew. Located in Newburgh, next to Showplace Cinema and Turonis Pizza. 

Here are my thoughts.  

  • Parking is a breeze. This studio is an easy one to just walk right in the door, take a slight right, and you are in the studio.
  • The studio feels very inviting, everybody here seems to know each other, or is very welcoming to you when you walk in the door.
  • The space was bright with lots of natural light, carpeted surface on the floors, and full of friendly faces.
  • There are adequate places to store your gear, right in the room with you - I like that! No worries about your bag, shoes, or phone being stolen or taken by mistake while in class. 
  • This studio has enough blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, and mats for you to borrow so you don't necessarily have to bring your own.
  • The rates for the classes at the studio seem very reasonable. I paid $7 for a drop in class. I believe it is $30 a month for unlimited classes (though I don't believe classes are offered more than Tuesday/Thursday AM/PM)  
  • The class I chose to take was at 9 AM on a Thursday morning. The usual instructor, Rosemary was out of town, so today I took a class from Rebecca Ramsey Douglas. Full disclosure: this is not the first class I've taken from Rebecca. She and her style is always something that is perfect for what I need! She has the "yoga voice" you know the one I am talking about. (Rebecca teaches at SEVERAL area studios).
  • The classes at Renew are labeled as Gentle Yoga classes. The practice was very welcoming to beginners as well as those who had been practicing for a long time.
  • The room on this particular morning was full of women, most were probably mid 30s, 40s, 50s and older.

I would highly recommend attending a class here, if you have yet to try one. Especially if you're nervous about the studio setting, or yoga going too fast... with too much getting up and getting down. This particular style of yoga is very gentle, so even those of us who usually like a faster style, can greatly benefit from taking a few moments to simply breathe. Moving with slow intention, and really being connected to the practice, does the soul good. Today's practice with Rebecca was focused mostly on the upper back and shoulders and after the back to school anxiety, I have had -- it was JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

I had a great first experience at Yoga at Renew and I plan to come back!

Where should the tour take me next week? Comment here, email me, or send me a message.