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Virtual Yoga Class
Fitness
Published Monday Mar 30, 2020 by Mindbody Team

A Lesson in Connection: This is Twist Yoga in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Yoga
Fitness
Virtual Classes

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. 
 

Jen Twist Yoga Headshot

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.  
 

Virtual Yoga Side Arm


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. 

 

Twist Yoga Virtual Savasana


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. 

Twist Yoga Iphone

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!

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Written by
Mindbody Team
Editors & Educators
About the author
We're here to provide you with the latest and greatest, tried and true wellness experiences and advice to help you live life to the fullest. From nourishing recipes and travel tips to finding the perfect sweat routine or wellness regimen—we cover it all. And if we haven't yet, it's definitely on the way.
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Fitness
Published Wednesday Jul 28, 2021 by Bree Lewis

Sweat Redemption: 5 Tips for Getting Back Into Your Hot Yoga Practice

Yoga
Fitness
Expert Advice

If you’ve ever taken a hot yoga class, you know it’s always going to be one thing—outrageously hot. Not the “let’s hang by the pool and get that sun-kissed glow” kind of hot either. I’m talking that “I can't believe I have this much sweat in my body” and “I may or may not pass out” kind of hot. It’s nothing to mess around with, and after a year or so of not being able to go, it’s easy to forget just how serious that heat can be.

To get the maximum enjoyment and benefits out of your heated yoga classes, you need to prepare yourself before and take care of yourself afterward. Luckily, I’ve been taking some classes (sweating enough for the both of us) and I’ve listed my five favorite must-dos to help you readjust to your heated classes and get back to the hot yoga summer that we all want.

1. Go at your own pace

Heated classes are difficult in nature. The normal difficulty of regular poses is mixed in with the added challenges of sweating and dealing with the humidity and the heat (at times, I’ve seen the thermostat climb to 108 degrees—yikes!). Depending on what type of yoga class you’re taking (sculpt, Bikram, power vinyasa), the difficulty level and temperature are going to vary. It’s also important to remember that each person in the room is going to practice in a way that’s unique to them. Hours slept, hydration levels, food intake, and different lifestyles are all contributing factors that make our practices different. What you practice on your mat is your own––trust your body and only do what feels right to you.  And remember, it’s okay to take breaks!

2. Hydrate like your life depends on it (honestly, it might)

The rise in temperature mixed in with the humidity that we all know and love creates the perfect recipe for sweating—like A LOT. You go into a heated class dry and come out feeling like you just took a dip in the pool. Before heated classes, I had no idea it was physically possible to sweat that much. If you’re going to a heated class, especially after a long break, it’s easy to forget just how much you might sweat. Is it possible to lose that much water if you haven’t consumed it first? Trust me, going into your heated class super hydrated is going to make a world of difference and help you feel good throughout your practice. And don’t forget to take some sips of H2O while you’re practicing!  

3. Nourish your body

Heated classes are challenging, but I can’t stop going. Nothing quite compares to overcoming the challenge— and experiencing the cleanse my body feels after I’m done. It’s the perfect blend of hard and rewarding, but I couldn’t do it if my body wasn’t properly nourished. On the days I know I have a heated class booked; I like to make sure I am eating right. I make sure to take my vitamins and fuel my body with fruits, vegetables, and my favorite superfood shake. I hold off on food about an hour before my practice, so I feel comfortable. After the class, I like to replenish with a big protein shake (boosted with collagen to aid with muscle recovery and skin elasticity). There is no one-way path for properly nourishing your body but making sure you’re fueled for the challenge of a heated class is essential for getting the most out of your practice and feeling good on and off your mat.

4. Replenish those electrolytes

Increasing and maintaining your water intake on the days you take a heated class is important, but sometimes you need something a little extra. If you’re sweating that much, you’re basically an athlete (at least in my book) and if you’re performing like a rockstar yogi, you need to hydrate like one as well. That means replenishing those lost electrolytes. Reward yourself and your body for the hard work and treat yourself to your favorite drink. I switch off between electrolyte-boosting drinks and coconut water depending on what I’m in the mood for that day. Adding these to my post-practice self-care routine has helped me feel more hydrated after and ready to take on the world again after especially sweaty classes.

5. Bring the right equipment

Usually, a yoga mat is all you need for your practice––but heated classes are a different ballgame. I’ve gone with just a mat, and I’ve slipped all over the place. Let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than having sweat drip all over the place while you’re trying to hold a pose that makes you grip your mat for dear life (never again). Make sure you bring a towel to place over your mat, this will help with support and grip. Bringing a smaller towel is also a good idea. You can use the smaller towel to dry yourself off during water breaks or whenever you’re feeling just a bit too sweaty. This is a small step that makes a world of difference during those super-hot classes.

So, there you have it. Five of my favorite tips (more like lifesavers) that have helped me readjust to those heated classes I love so much. Getting back into it is a challenge for us all, so know you’re not alone. No matter where you’re at in your practice, remember to be kind and gentle to yourself––celebrating your health and your body’s ability to do what you love. We’re all just getting back out there, together.

Ready to jump back into your hot yoga routine? Browse Mindbody to find the perfect class for you. 

While you’re at it, check out some Intro Offers near you that can help you get back to your cadence of hot yoga classes.

bree lewis headshot
Written by
Bree Lewis
Marketing Content Associate
About the author
Born and raised in a small mountain town just south of Yosemite National Park, Bree is an avid lover of health, wellness, and connecting to the outside world around us. As a Cal Poly English major alumn, she has a knack for books, writing, and all things words. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, drinking craft beers, and keeping life jazzy!