Today's Business: Richmond Beach Yoga

A Friday noon time class enjoying the sun
at Saltwater Park
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Text and Photography by Marc Weinberg

Richmond Beach Yoga opened in July 2011 and is located at  621 Northwest Richmond Beach Road, just east of Rite Aid Pharmacy and across the street from the QFC. Business partners Angeline and Glenn own the studio where you will also find Dylan and Molly. All four are exceptional instructors and mentors to a very loyal client base. You’ll find details about the studio on their website.

My initial inquiry into yoga was inspired by wanting to know ‘What’s it all about?’ And what I discovered isn’t what I had in mind when I started. We all have our preconceived notions about what things are before we start an inquiry and even though I try to avoid this … it’s impossible.  Here are a few things that I was sure of.

Street view of the studio in the evening light
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

The pace of everyday life for most people doesn’t often provide much time to pursue activities that can add to our health and wellbeing without a strong commitment. For example, we often get inspired with a New Year Resolution to exercise more and eat less. Oh great … sure ... after having feasted for a month or more we can get excited about getting in better shape. Gyms and fitness centers have a big influx of new memberships in January and February and many don’t last until June. This isn’t true for all, but many. I decided to explore how it is that followers of Yoga come in all sizes, shapes and ages; even beyond 90 and seem to really stick with it in some form for a long time. 

What I discovered is that Yoga is not so easy to explain because it can be different things to many people. To some it is sort of an exercise, to others it’s about stretching. For many it may be about self-awareness and yet to others it is simply feeling good and relaxed. I see it as a ‘full body workout’ from head to toe and from inside out. According to Angeline and Glenn, owners of Richmond Beach Yoga, it can calm the nervous system, reduce blood pressure and lower pulse rate.  Sounds good to me!

Another view of the Friday class at Saltwater Park
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Angeline says this gives you more energy and should allow you to accomplish more in less time.  That would certainly help me get my list of projects accomplished. I’m also told that a little bit goes a long way …. meaning I wouldn’t have to do a routine every day for example. I’m sure that feeling good would encourage me to stick with it. Who doesn’t like feeling well?

Don’t expect to be able to get in all the positions that you see others doing when you start. As you progress you will always be learning and challenging yourself and your body. Workouts include positions and movements for your head, neck, shoulders, back, chest, arms, legs, feet, ankles and more. I like the focus on flexibility and balance as well as strength. These are things I notice I’m not as good at as I used to be when I was 20 or 30. Properly guided movements can help heal old injuries and strengthen the body to prevent others.

As with other discretionary activities, yoga brings like-minded people together to explore, experience and learn. But unlike some choices yoga can enrich and enhance the life you choose and support your ability to pursue your dreams.

The studio interior is spacious and bright
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

My sense is that the instructors and management at Richmond Beach Yoga provide a profound commitment to nurturing individual progress and focused approach to their client’s well-being and success.

Does this sound too good to be true? You can give it a try for practically nothing. Consult the website, select a class and show up! If you are uncertain, simply call 206-533-9642 and inquire about which class might be good for you. Your first class is FREE if you tell them you read this article. And better than that, you can attend any or all 20 consecutive days for only $20 dollars after your initial visit. 

Life might be viewed as a race and finishing well is very important. Yoga could make a difference.