By Margaret Clark, The Miami Student
Oxford residents can now kick off their shoes and unwind at the new yoga studio Uptown. Root Yoga is a studio offering yoga-lovers and new yogis of all ages a place to find relaxation, exercise and community.
"We really believe that this [Root] can be a safe place for everyone," said Katie Noble, studio manager and instructor at Root.
Root Yoga is located at 22 West Park Place, which Miami upperclassmen may know as the previous location of Seaview Outfitters (now at 32 E. High St.). Noble, along with store owners Steve Thomas and Cody Costonzo of Seaview Outfitters, have already received great support from the Oxford community at Root's opening on Aug. 15.
"We feel really encouraged, supported and excited to see where it goes," Noble said.
Root offers more than 11 different classes, ranging from the Basics Of Yoga class for beginners to the Men's Only class for those who are a little shy to learn in front of their female peers. Root is meant to put everyone who visits at ease, something Miami senior Ali Hoskins experienced when she walked in the door.
"The environment was so relaxed," Hoskins said. "The studio itself is beautiful inside, neutral colors and fabrics. It was inviting and calming."
The store is planning to add more instructors and class offerings in the near future. Noble is also looking forward to expanding their retail selection.
Other classes include Family Yoga, Chair Yoga for those with injuries or mobility issues, and Restorative Yoga for those who seek rejuvenation amid their hectic daily lives. Noble teaches Power Flow and Vinyasa, yoga with more calisthenics and cardio that focuses on matching breath and movement. She also teaches Holy Yoga, which has a Christian based and gospel-centered message.
Miami sophomore Emily Yates is interested in fitting yoga into her life on campus.
"I've been to yoga classes before, but I've never been to a real yoga studio, so I am excited to try it out and hopefully make going a part of my weekly routine," Yates said.
Root encourages all of its students, even long-time yoga enthusiasts, to take one Basics of Yoga or Gentle Flow class first, so that everyone can get to know the instructors. If someone wishes to try yoga but doesn't have a mat or supplies, they can easily be rented at Root.
"We really want the entire community of Oxford to feel welcome," Noble said. "We want this to feel like a home for people."
Root's welcoming mindset is already being enjoyed by Hoskins, who took her first class under Noble's instruction.
"The class was wonderful. As a beginner I felt welcomed and encouraged. It was an all around great experience and I'll definitely be returning," Hoskins said.
Returning to Root classes is intended to be convenient for Miami students, who can download the Root Yoga app for their smart phones, register online or walk right in.
Customers can go online for bundle packages (five classes for $60, 10 for $110, 20 for $190), monthly or semester-long passes ($100 unlimited month), memberships ($90 a month, $340 a semester) or individual classes ($14, or $12 with a student ID). For updates, upcoming events and class schedules, check the Root yoga website or Facebook page.