Wellness
#WomeninWellness: Sarah Larson Levey, Y7 Founder
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Y7 Studio is a community on a mission to make yoga more accessible and inclusive to all. “One family formed by sweat,” they welcome anyone and everyone willing to give it their all. We love this idea of embracing yoga, sweat, and each other with open arms, so we reached out to Sarah Larson Levey, founder of Y7, to share her story.
You started Y7 from a pop-up in New York, and it now has over 14 locations and is still growing. What inspired you to start Y7?
I was inspired by what I thought was missing in the yoga space. I couldn't find the things I was craving in an experience. It was my now husband Mason who really got things moving when it came to making my frustrations into a reality.
What started as a workout has blossomed into a full-blown movement made up of people focused on inclusivity and empowerment. How has Y7 shaped what success in fitness means?
I never felt like I belonged in any yoga class that I went to before we started Y7. In fact, I felt that way in a lot of fitness classes—I would put myself in the back or make myself as scarce as possible. I never want anyone to feel that way in a Y7 class—we work really hard to use inclusive language, to offer a ton of modifications and give people a chance to make the practice their own by having the opportunity to flow on your own. The darkness and lack of mirrors are also critical to creating a space where you don't feel like you have to perform for anyone, especially yourself.
If someone has never been to a Y7 class, what should they expect?
First and foremost—don't stress about it! Everyone has been to a first class. You will sweat, you will be confused at first! Flow on your own gets a lot of people in the beginning—but it’s an opportunity to let go of expectations of what your practice should look like. The room is hot, so definitely hydrate!
You’ve been featured on Inc., Forbes, and our Mindbody BOLD events, and you regularly speak on entrepreneurship and starting your own business. What’s next for you?
I’m super focused on growing the business and making Y7 the leader within the yoga space—not just physically but as a lifestyle brand.
With all the demands of running a company (and being a soon-to-be mom!), how do you have time to practice self-care and wellness yourself? What’s your go-to wellness routine while pregnant?
It's definitely hard! I have always put myself on the back burner when it comes to self-care—now that I'm pregnant, it has really forced me to slow down and be more mindful. Our bodies are so incredible, and we only get one—we have to make it a priority to take care of ourselves. I try to do something active every day. I walk to and from work, try to get to classes, and make sure I’m getting enough rest—which traditionally has been the toughest for me.
What does wellness mean to you? How can we (the public) start on our own wellness journeys?
To me, wellness means doing the things that make me feel good. Feeding myself good food and treating my body right. I truly believe the only way to start a wellness journey is to do just that...start. Once you do, you'll be able to figure out what works best for you.
Wanna try it for yourself? If you're in New York, LA, or Chicago, find Y7 classes near you!
