Before the tick of the iPhone or the drum of the keyboard, a different sound could be heard. Rather, it wasn’t a sound at all. It was a voice—an inner voice. Yoga studios and fitness centers across Woodbury are raising that voice loud and clear through a variety of class offerings.
YogaFresh
9020 Hudson Road, Suite 402; 651.436.5906.
YogaFresh opened in Woodbury in 2007, and owner Jen Vail’s mission quickly became to help people reconnect and reconsider yoga…a simpler, more organic form. She wanted a studio that pushed mindfulness and presence, rather than showiness. And now, with a new, larger studio in Woodbury Lakes next to Trader Joe’s, she’s able to do just that. “We want to help our clients connect in mind, body and spirit,” Vail says. “You’ll never be in a class with 60 people. We believe in quality rather than quantity.”
With more than 50 classes offered each week, including hot yoga, practiced in a near-100-degree room, and restorative yoga, which helps release deep-rooted muscular tension, Vail is focusing on offering quality classes taught by top-notch instructors. And new in 2013: programming just for kids. These pint-sized yoga classes teach mini yogis how to calm their minds and stretch their bodies.
CorePower
8160 Coller Way; 651.459.9642.
With 12 studios dotted across the Twin Cities, CorePower Yoga really does have something for everyone. “With more than 100 classes offered per week and 60 instructors, we strive to find something to fit in everyone’s schedule and everyone’s ability,” Jamie Nelson, studio manager, says. Craving a more intense workout? Yoga Sculpt is a total body workout with added free weights complimenting regular yoga practice. Need some time to clear your head? Candlelight Flow Yoga emphasizes movement, balance and intention, all surrounded by glowing candles.
“Another great aspect of the Woodbury studio is our spa,” says marketing manager Missi Rossi. “We truly believe in promoting whole body wellness. Our fabulous spa technicians can help achieve that through massages and facials.”
UpLift Guided Fitness
257 Rivertown Drive; 651.209.6778.
The goal at UpLift, co-founded by Jill Strand and Chris Radke, is to offer a center for women only, focused on all aspects of fitness and health. The club provides personal guidance in resistance training, cardio and group fitness, nutritional advice and top-shelf yoga classes.
Yoga is headed by Tatjana Zemcuznikov, who has led classes worldwide. She teaches an integrated blend of yoga, Chigong moves, and meditation techniques. “This is the path,” says Zemcuznikov, “that gets your body into proper posture, improves flexibility, and returns your body, mind, spirit and emotions to a state of deep and connected peace.” Zemcuznikov is enjoying leading yoga in UpLift’s newly-expanded group fitness room, home to more than 50 additional class options.
YMCA
2175 Radio Drive; 651.731.9507.
Yoga classes offered at the Woodbury YMCA prove that age isn’t a barrier when it comes to staying healthy. “We offer Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch, Active Older Adult Fitness Yoga and Gentle Yoga,” says program manager JoJo Goulding. “These classes are aimed at participants who want to move at a slower pace with poses that aren’t overly challenging.”
Also available are Fitness Yoga and BodyFlow, classes for folks who love yoga and want a real challenge. “BodyFlow is considered a strength-based class,” Goulding says. “It’s a fast-moving class that uses yoga, tai chi and pilates.”
Energy Pilates and Fitness
2170 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite 200; 651.249.7114.
Blending Pilates and yoga together makes Energy Pilates and Fitness (EPF) a one-stop-shop that moved into their new home in January, offering classes in two studios along with their on-site childcare. By offering classes like yoga, which helps strengthen and tone the body, and Zen Strength Yoga, a full-body, cross-training class, EPF strengthens both the body and mind, and a bond between yogis and instructors.
“Every instructor knows what it’s like to walk in the door for the first time,” says assistant executive director Wayne Mateski. “We are here to welcome you, take your hand and help you on your wellness journey.”
Other places to find yoga and Pilates in Woodbury include HealthEast Ways to Wellness, Life Time Fitness and Xperience Fitness and Gym.
