Breathe, Bend, Be: Bringing yoga to the masses

She was looking for an edge in her professional mountain biking career, and he was hoping to heal people through practicing oriental medicine.

These desires led Amy and Gabe Williams to the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, which emphasizes breath and flow between postures.

Amy Williams was most grateful for the mental advantages she gained through the practice, although physical benefits accompanied them.

“It was an amazing feeling I couldn’t shake. It was a return to self,” Amy said.

Gabe Williams left his practice and advocated yoga as a way to be proactive regarding health rather than expecting a miracle from the medical establishment.

They set out to give other people the tools to change their lives, as theirs both had been, and they have done so for over 9 years.

Their former studio “It’s Yoga” gave people within and surrounding Provo the opportunity to practice quality yoga. Recently, however, they have been able to fulfill a dream of theirs by opening a larger, more comprehensive studio called “3B Yoga”.

“Sometimes it happens overnight, and sometimes it’s a process. Now it’s like we’re home,” Amy Williams said.

Having secured the space they originally wanted, the Williams have created a health-inclusive, environmentally conscious studio for their practitioners.

The walls are made of clay, which absorbs moisture and releases it when necessary, cleaning the air as you breathe. The floors are made of cork, which does not contribute to the felling of trees. Additionally, they now have two rooms for yoga practice, so classes can be held simultaneously.

“It emits this air of wholeness and peace,” Amy Williams said. “It’s the right fit.”

Furthermore, the space accommodates a yoga product boutique, as well as an extension of Ginger’s Cafe, originally located in Springville.

The boutique carries items that support yoga practice and lifestyle, including mats, candles, and jewelry, as well as gear from ALO, prAna, Lululemon and Sanuk.

The organic juice bar and cafe offer many healthy yet delicious vegan options, including a variety of soups, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, smoothies and teas to name a few.

“It was a matter of finding everybody’s strengths and coming together and doing what we love,” Amy Williams said. “Now we are able to take care of all parts of the body.”

There is a class for everyone at 3B. Along with the beginning (B1), intermediate (B2), and advanced level (B3) classes, they offer a kids yoga class, a Prenatal Yoga class, and a Structural Yoga class for those with disabilities. They will also be offering a Community Action Yoga class beginning in mid-April or May, wherein donations will be accepted and all proceeds will be given to the Utah Food Bank.

The concept behind their 3B system, “Breathe, Bend, Be,” allows the yoga experience they offer to be appropriately progressive.

Their B1, or “Breathe” classes, teach yoga fundamentals, incorporating asanas (poses), but with major focus on the breath. Assuming the breath has been mastered, their B2 or “Bend” classes center around the asanas and proper form. Once the asanas have been mastered, their B3 or “Be” classes allow practitioners to deeply experience themselves on a philosophical level. At this point, yoga is a natural part of the self.

“People will see themselves as stronger, more capable and more beautiful,” Amy Williams said. “They are changing their lives.”

With the longest running Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher training school in Utah, they also offer a 200-hour, 4-week yoga immersion course for those looking to become yoga instructors themselves.

All of their yoga passes and memberships will be on sale through Feb. 12, and they are currently offering an introductory special of 2 weeks unlimited yoga for $20. Additionally appealing, students always receive a 10 percent discount.

“We felt like we were missing yoga for the masses,” Amy Williams said. “We are trying to make yoga accessible to everyone.”

Visit their website at www.3BYoga.com for further details and to view their class schedule.

Drop-in: $12
8-pass: $75
6-month: $49 per month
Year-pass: $39 per month

Contact:
Phone: 801-434-7541
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 4801 N. University Ave., Provo, Utah, 84604