Posts tagged melbourne fl
Yoga Studio During Covid

Rewind back to March 17 when we decided to close our doors for what we thought would be until the end of the month due to Covid. Growing up in Florida, it felt like we were preparing for a hurricane. Toilet paper was the new currency in March.

Three days later, we received a letter from the state mandating that all health studios must close until May 8th, unless the Executive Order was extended. Now this is a hurricane that simply will not leave. I personally do not remember those months at all. The studio was closed, questions were being asked that I didn't have the answer to or I was asking myself. Everything felt like a dream, and still does. To think that the whole world is affected by Covid-19 in some form or another. We are all feeling the uncertainty, the fear, the confusion, the sadness, the anger, the anxiety, even indifference at one point or another. The keyword there is "WE". WE as a whole are going through this and WE as a whole will get through this time together.

Alright, we are closed .... Now what? One of the goals of the studio for the last FIVE years was to create online content. On one of the last days the studio was open, one of our amazing students approached us about recording some classes to post online. This was the start to creating our online studio. Huge shoutout to Jessica Taylor for recording our first three classes. Another one of our students mentioned we should try ZOOM to host live classes from home in the meantime. On March 26, we launched our online studio. With the help of our amazing Yogi Perogi teachers, they were teaching from home via zoom and we were busy recording classes as well. Koah, Brittney and myself recorded videos using our PHONES. We edited the videos using our PHONES. I cannot mention to you how many times we would record and realize the phone ran out of memory, or someone called and it stopped recording. Then we had to learn how to convert it so we could upload it. Frustration is an understatement. I decided to invest in a video camera and then learned how to edit videos via trial and error.

During this time, we became heavily relient on ZOOM as we hosted classes and teacher trainings. One of our teacher trainings took place during the week and was a perfect distraction to current events. Koah and I were able to share something that we are both passionate about and that is educating others about the philosophy of yoga, the practice, the history, the anatomy, etc.

Too add to that, there was/is something about teaching at home and taking classes via a screen. I know an adjustment for myself and our teachers was that we went from teaching, to teaching and practicing while teaching. We found we had to practice so you could see what we were doing. Not only that, we are trying to look at a screen to see if you are facing the right way, how is your alignment, can you hear us, are you laughing at our corny jokes? We also got to know you a little better as we were able to talk with each of you a little more before and even after classes. We got to know your pets, your children, your families, and even get some home decor ideas ;) We also are able to practice with people around the world! During a time that we were confined to our homes, we were still able to feel deeply connected. We really do have a great community and personally I am so grateful for the friends I have made in this community.

Fast forward to May 8, the executive order mandating health studios closure was extended until an undisclosed date. That day was June 12.

Now that we were opening, that didn't mean things were going back to "normal". We made sure that we were and are following CDC guidelines of 50% in studio capacity, spacing 6 feet apart, pre-registration required and of course cleaning in between classes even more diligently than before. We are also requiring masks anytime you are not on your mat. Once we opened, we had to figure out how to live stream our classes while teaching to students in studio. We have headphones so that we can have music while teaching for those in studio and so that those online can hear us better. We also are pretty much stationary on the mat so that those online can see us and I even wear contacts now so that I can see the two inch squares on the ipad from my mat ;)

We are now just over 5 months since the studio first closed and we are still slowly introducing classes in the studio and continue to add online pre-recorded classes. I cannot believe we have over 85 classes that have been recorded from 10 of our amazing instructors so far. There have been ups and downs with anything, but one thing is for sure; the power of community is more prevalent than ever. There is no reason to focus on what "normal" used to be, there is no reason to focus on the what ifs to come, we must be there for one another NOW. When you find yourself getting overwhelmed, stop, pause and reflect.

I never thought that I would have said the following in regards to the studio:

  • We were zoom bombed

  • Miss Daisy (Koah's pup) used the bathroom behind her in a live meditation class- Good thing everyone's eyes were closed

  • Going to classes where we used to say please place your mat one finger apart to now being stationed 6 feet apart

  • You can hop on a class virtually from home or practice with us on one of our recordings

  • Host an ONLINE YOGA Retreat

These current events more than ever reminds us that the only thing constant in life is change itself. I truly am thankful for my family, friends, students that have become friends as it makes difficult times that much easier. See you online or in studio :)

Yogi Perogi Timeline
Yogi Perogi 7 Doors Down!

Looks like October strikes again. For anyone that knows me, it appears I like to make big decisions in October. It must have something to do with the fact that I love FALL. I moved back to Melbourne, Fl six years ago in October, I opened an aerial studio in EGAD in October 3 years ago, I signed a lease on my beautiful yoga studio in Midtown Melbourne 2 years ago, was proposed to my now husband in October last year and NOW signed a lease on an additional ROOM (really it is a space) 7 doors down this October!!

I have been teaching yoga in the Space Coast for the last 6 years and I am very fortunate for a community that allows me to hold a space that I feel is extremely welcoming, encouraging and fun. I hold my personal practice seriously but it doesn't mean I can't smile, laugh and connect along the way.

Now to answer a few questions that may come to your mind:

Why didn't you open a space right next door? -Trust me...that was the goal, the universe wasn't having it.

Where exactly is it? -The current studio is 281 N Babcock St. When facing the studio, it is in the adjacent plaza to the left literally seven doors down.

Why not open up another location further away from your current space? -My goal is to offer more of a balance of classes at staggering times to give individuals more choices to practice and the ability to practice based on their schedules. I also do not like to cancel classes when we have teacher trainings, so by having two spaces we can simply walk down to the other if class is in session. I also want to create a space where I can help new yoga teachers who complete their training an opportunity to practice teach more and help mentor if they want. You become a better teacher by TEACHING and to never stop learning. I am very fortunate that when I completed my initial training, I was able to teach a large amount of classes. I taught at many studios, gyms, workforces, hotels, parks, STILL & ALWAYS WILL at Intracoastal, but I started at Downtown Yoga and I still have much respect for them. I want to be a studio that helps teachers grow and helps students grow.

Won't people get confused with the new space being in the adjacent plaza? -Probably. I will try to minimize that confusion as much as possible. Change is not comfortable...but the only thing that is constant is change itself. During our busy classes, you are most likely parking seven doors down already. Look at it as the glass is half full as opposed to half empty.

When will you open the second space? -I have a much more relaxed attitude with this space. I burned myself out when building out 281 Babcock. I fail to mention, I was also starting a home renovation that went on pause because of me opening 281 Babcock. I'm focusing on one thing at a time, painting is done, electrical is almost done and the CORK floors are next. I have four walls, a soon to be installed floor, and then slowly introduce the addition/change of classes. I can say without a doubt the doors will be open by December 1, which is our 2nd year anniversary. Is my goal sooner?...have you met me? Yes. Ideally, I would like to be open by November 1.

How will we know which class is where? -We try to encourage everyone to sign in online already. When signing in online or via the Mindbody App you will will see the time and the class name with the location. For example: 5:45 Power UP Vinyasa Flow (281 Babcock) or 4:30pm Gentle Flow (323 Babcock) The location will be listed in paranthesesis.

I am beyond excited as we continue to grow thanks to you all!

323 Babcock Seven Doors down in the making

323 Babcock Seven Doors down in the making

Butt Down Beat Ben Plank Challenge

This month we decided to do a social media challenge #Buttdownbeatben. Now a few things may pop into your head like...Who is Ben? Ben has been practicing yoga with us for quite some time and is always encouraging others that he comes into contact with. When we first started with Endurance Conditioning at the studio, we would occasionally have plank off competitions. I would lose and give the excuse that Ben's butt was up and not in an even plank...which in my defense IT WAS UP.😂 This is where the idea of #buttdownbeatben came into play.

We want everyone to work on our planks. Planks are a great way to improve core strength, glute strength, helps improve our posture and is accessible to do anywhere. Now it may be fun to beat Ben in our plank challenge but the real challenge is to beat your initial time in your plank.

Record/time how long you can hold a plank on your forearms or hands and tag The Yogi Perogi, a friend and with the hashtags #getcorkedup and #buttdownbeatben on Instagram or Facebook. We figured to add a little more flavor to this social media challenge we would offer a drawing. For every five posts you make you will be entered for a drawing for a chance to win one month of unlimited aerial/yoga.

So get to planking and share your progress. Follow the hashtags and cheer each other on!

#buttdownbeatben