A few weeks ago, a colleague of mine happened to notice Studio Share while looking for parking downtown. A little online sleuthing revealed (as the name may imply) that it is a community and donation-based organization whose mission is "accessibility of Yoga to all those who seek it." Well after much talk, we finally got our acts together, picked a date, registered and paid online (via MindBody scheduler), and dropped into a Vinyasa Flow class.
From the outside, the studio looks like any Pueblo storefront, but step inside and you're transported to a place of wellbeing. The colors and art that adorn the walls are calming, and the plants and other decorations add to the ambiance. The entrance room has cubbies to store belongings, shelves holding jewelry and trinkets for sale, and of course the business center. A back studio is set up for a Barre class, though I did not personally observe it. The main studio is off to the right and is pretty spacious, with a second bathroom off in the back. It's ceilings are draped in netting/tulle fabrics which add a sense of whimsy, and the music that fills the air is your standard meditative new-age mix. A sign stating "you are entering a quiet space" serves as a gentle reminder to start centering yourself.
The class I took was pretty full, but we had plenty of space to move about. Vinyasa Flow is my favorite type of posture yoga and I found the class both enjoyable and challenging as it's been a while since I've set foot in a studio. Fortunately the instructor (Katy) gave plenty of suggestions for both the advancement of postures as well as modifications so that all levels could participate. My only critique was that I found the room to be really warm. Not that I want the studio to be chilly, but I also am not one who loves dripping sweat during my practice, hence my aversion to Bikram. According to the website, there are several classes to choose from, including the aforementioned Hot Yoga, prenatal and kids classes, the Barre and other cardio options, and perhaps most importantly, Yoga 101 for the true beginner. And the donation-based payment plan ensures that no matter your means or ability to pay, you will be welcomed. I will certainly be back. read more