2020 may not be going at all how we may have expected, we are all finding ways to adapt and move forward.

Fortunately, we live in a digital age where we can remain connected and maintain our well-being online. The silver lining is, even though we can't actually visit our favorite studios right now, we can access them virtually from the comfort (and safety) of our living rooms! Not only that, but with so many studios offering virtual classes, we can venture out and expose ourselves to ones in different cities we typically would never be able to try! 

We’re here to bring you the inside scoop on some *awesome* studios you might like to try (because there's just so damn many!). So, meet Twist Yoga. We (virtually) sat down with Jennifer Pahl, owner of Twist Yoga in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to find out more about her studio, what sets it apart, and how it’s handling the shift from normalcy right now. 
 

Starting at the top, give us an overview of your business! 

Our “How” – Founded in 2013 around the belief that connection fuels happiness, Twist Yoga is a locally-owned yoga studio deeply rooted in community­—a true hub of happiness. In addition to many different styles of yoga and fitness classes, we also offer Yoga Alliance certified teacher training, private lessons, online classes, and workplace wellness solutions.  
 
Our "Why" – At Twist Yoga, connection is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s connecting mind to body, breath to movement, or individuals to their community, our mission is to fuel happiness through connection. 
 
We aim for each and every person who visits our studio to walk out feeling lighter, stronger and more connected with themselves and the world around them. 

What sets Twist Yoga apart from other studios?  

We are a true HUB of happiness. Connecting our community to each other and to the best teachers in town, we fuel happiness like no other! We are a small business with one location, locally invested and owned since day one.  
 

What makes your business a unique virtual destination?  

We are so fortunate that we launched Twist Yoga Online in 2017. We have over 125 recorded classes that we have had up and running and serving our clients since before the pandemic. Therefore, our students were already experienced with our online classes. Our teachers, as well, were practiced and equipped. Now, we offer two live classes per day streamed via Twist Yoga Online, too. We also had a payment system set up, so we can charge for the online classes and pay our teachers! 

How should someone prepare to take a Twist Yoga virtual class?  What's the most popular one?

Create a little space for yourself, roll out a mat if you have one, and get ready to breathe and move and smile. Our most popular virtual classes are grounding flows.  

What’s the ideal in-home setup and most popular virtual class?  

There isn't one! Pets, kids, limited space... nothing is ideal. If you can carve out a small space, do it. 
Maybe light a candle, play some music, spray some essential oils, or not! Maybe you are still in your pajamas, just ate another cookie, and haven't showered in days. That's ideal, too. Or, maybe you just watch a class and sit there. We want our students to do what is right in that minute. Maybe tomorrow you put on yoga pants and roll out a mat and lay there in savasana for an hour. Awesome!

How do you want people to feel before, during, and after class? 

I'd love them to start class feeling great. But I know in these uncertain times, many feel anxious. 
 
While taking class, they will keep connection, be more grounded, open, and balanced. They will feel a little glimpse of life BC and at the studio. 
 
When they finish, I’d like them to feel compassion for themselves and others. A sense of grounding and peace and accomplishment. Alive. Our goal is to get the body and the mind in the same space at the same time. I want them to feel like THEY CAN DO IT and THEY WILL BE OK. 

How are you attracting people to your classes online and what sets them apart?  

We are offering 3 weeks free if you subscribe by 3/31! Since we have so many recorded and are doing live classes, we really have an edge there compared to people who are just entering the space. 

We also offer 2 months FREE to all first responders, health care workers, and teachers, and we have A LOT of people all over the world taking advantage of this! We also offer our members with class cards to use one punch from their class card to get one month of unlimited online classes. 

During this time of uncertainty, when a community really needs to band together, what is your wellness philosophy? Both personal and across your business?  

Always, always stick to our Core Values to survive and THRIVE!!! 

- Show Respect 
- Inspire Connection 
- Fuel Happiness 
- Be Curiously Authentic 
- Always Be the Student  

How have you been personally practicing wellness during this time? 

Not as much as I should. I am struggling with my home practice because I am so close to it all. 
When I am practicing, I deeply mourn my students and teachers. It’s very emotional right now. I have found that I need more high impact (our Shred Class) so I can get out of my mind for a minute. 

How are you living this out during “stay-at-home" mandates, social distancing, and beyond?  

Lots and lots of virtual meetings, happy hours and games. We have calls with our teachers and staff and are dedicated to staying connected. Personally, I am trying to keep a little normalcy by going into the studio each day to work by myself. It's nice to be in the space and keep the positive energy alive. 

What should Twist Yoga members know about their membership during this time?  

We have personally contacted every one of our monthly and yearly members to let them know what we are doing for them and how they can stay connected. We will add on as much time as needed for our students who were in their intro month when we had to close. All class card expirations will be extended until June 30, 2021. We are committed to their health and wellness, and we will get through this together and open our doors again and be stronger than ever! 

How can consumers support your business during this time?  

YES! They can leave us reviews on Google, Yelp and MB. They can buy mats and other retail at 25% off! They can subscribe to Twist Yoga Online - just $18.99 a month. 

Anything else you’d like to add about the current state of the wellness industry, where we’re headed, our communities, etc.?  

Mindbody ONE is my saving grace in these times. The community created there for business owners is unparalleled and will be one of the main reasons that wellness businesses can and will make it through to the other side. 

If you'd like to find more virtual classes to try, browse our inventory on Mindbody, and explore the world of wellness from wherever you are. 

Want to get the word out about your studio's virtual offerings and how the Mindbody Community can support you? Answer our short survey, and we'll be in touch!