Local yoga studio-breathe, bend, be…humanitarian

Moved by the recent devastation in Haiti, its increasing death toll and the widespread suffering. In an effort to aid the victims of this tragedy, It’s Yoga held a Haiti Earthquake Relief/ Red Cross Fundraiser on Jan. 23 through four yoga workshop classes.

The studio, located in the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, requested a minimum $20 donation, 100 percent of which was contributed to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

“People should contribute by starting with themselves, so they are nicer to be around and more interconnected,” said Gabe Williams, co-owner with wife Amy Williams.

Those who made donations were welcome to attend any of the four offered classes including a Rocket Workshop taught by owner Amy Williams; a Long, Slow and Deep class taught by UVU yoga instructor Russell Lee; a Heart of Healing class taught by Supreet Gill and a fundamentals class co-taught by Monica Nardone and Wendy Cope.

As part of their regular weekly schedule, the studio offers a free Community Action Yoga Class every Saturday from Jan. 2 through March 27 for which any voluntary cash or food donations will be given to the Utah Food Bank. The class is beginner-friendly so it serves as a great first exposure to the studio.

“It’s Yoga is for everyone, from experts to pregnant women to 3-year-olds. We have classes that cater to every level,” said Amy Williams.

Although she was exposed to yoga during childhood, as an adult Williams believed yoga would give her an edge in her professional mountain biking career, which it did in the form of flexibility, strength, breath regulation and mental discipline.

“Once I started practicing again, I knew I wanted to open a studio; it was that powerful,” Williams said. “A studio offers  a different atmosphere and mentality. The training gives individuals much more experience.”

UVU yoga instructor Russell Lee has been attending classes at It’s Yoga for around seven years and now teaches there every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

“I talked to Amy about this workshop a while ago and after the earthquake they decided to raise donation funds,” Lee said. “The classes were really well-attended.”

Lee also recommends attending the UVU yoga club which is held every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in PE 225, which he considers a free opportunity to experience quality yoga.

“I recommend yoga studios because the more yoga you do the better you’ll feel and the better you’ll be at yoga,” Lee said.

For further information and to check out the studio rates and schedule, visit

www.ItsYogaUtah.com, and keep in mind, students get a 10 percent discount with a valid school ID.