Alex H
This is a wonderful yoga studio and I highly recommend! This past January, I wanted to try yoga classes. I’d taken maybe three yoga classes my whole life (the last being at least a decade before), didn’t particularly enjoy any sort of “group fitness” culture, and wasn’t particularly flexible or fit. I tried two studios in Durham before YOE - both of which were fine - but once I took my first class here, it stuck. The team is welcoming without being intrusive and it is truly an inclusive, zero judgment studio - people of all ages, sizes, races, genders and abilities are practicing alongside one another and taking what they need from the practice. The space itself is beautiful and peaceful and has such special touches: the herbal tea served in pottery, the comfy slippers by the door, the extra mats on the wall, the plants on the windowsill…it feels more like walking into a spa retreat than a fitness studio. I’ve enjoyed each class and instructor I’ve tried (I encourage newcomers to seek out their own vibe!) but am personally partial to Olivia’s Tuesday Mellow Flow and Colleen’s Sunday Balanced Flow. Both are the epitome of calm and chill and manage to “get me out of my head” and into my body. Olivia’s class is more restful - it offers me slow and gentle movement, breath work and listening to my body. It feels as if regulating my nervous system - I leave feeling restored and supported. Colleen’s is more invigorating - the physical movement challenges and focuses and grounds me. I leave feeling stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. I’m also a big fan of Melissa’s “myofascial release” pop up classes…better than any massage I’ve ever had. I’ve done a couple class packages and a month unlimited, but have settled into the “mini-membership” which is perfect for me. YOE has become a valuable and regular part of my self-care this year and I recommend to everyone!
