New Year's Resolution: Yoga!

Want to try yoga as part of your New Year’s resolution?  So, what’s stopping you?   Here at the Yoga Loft, our goal is to help you succeed, flourish, and grow.

Here are a few tips for beginners of yoga. 

I’m not flexible:  That’s OK.  You come to class to work on your flexibility.  It’s something that takes time.  You’ll be amazed how regular practice will have benefits for your body.  Yoga also is about building new strength, not just being stretchy.

I'm too self-conscious:  The most difficult part of first getting into yoga is talking yourself into the studio.  You’ve pulled off a win once you get there.  Once inside, tell our teachers it’s your first class.  Make sure to first check with the class schedule and pick one that’s an appropriate level.  Remember, everyone in the studio once was a beginner.  Yoga is a non-competitive environment.  You focus on yourself.  Our Yoga Loft teachers demonstrate the poses and expertly get you into and out of the poses. 

Leave your self-judgment at the door:   We can be highly critical of ourselves.  Our ‘inner-critic’ can go into hyper-drive, especially when we start something new.  When you arrive for a class at the Yoga Loft, there are no expectations for you to know everything. Your desire is all you need!  Yoga practice has a great benefit of reducing stress…so it doesn’t make sense to add to your concerns. 

Be your own teacher, first:   Everybody has an ache, pain, and ouch.  When you begin a yoga practice, tell your teacher about your injury before class begins. Then call on your expertise of you.  Nobody knows your body better than you.  Follow your body’s cues and listen to them.  Nothing should ever hurt. Yoga teachers encourage students to pull out of a pose and rest when ever it’s appropriate for you.

Try it, and try it again:  Attend a class and then return.   Practicing yoga is a journey, not a race.  Time on your mat has amazing results.  Commit yourself to a regular routine to reap the benefits.

By Doug Adamson

Solstice Practice ALL Day at YOGA Loft

Noon -   Flow with Kristen
4pm -    Gentle Back Yoga with Mo (solstice at 4:08pm)
5:30pm-Yoga I with Robyn
7:10pm-Pay What You Can with Doug


From our Facebook page:

Scottie Ortiz commented on YOGALoft's status.

Scottie wrote: "Wish I were there to share this with you. I have had my best Yoga experiences at Yoga Loft."

At The Capitol City Marathon

Jen leads Half Marathoners in pre-race yoga stretch. Well done!

At the Marathon

Come see The Yoga Loft at the Capital City Marathon!

Running and yoga go hand-in-hand.  Many runners find the practice of yoga has a multitude of benefits for those who hit the pavement.  There’s the full-body workout, increased flexibility and stamina. Running and yoga also require you to focus on the present moment.  We invite everyone to come by and visit our booth in Sylvester Park in downtown Olympia.  We’ll be there on Saturday from 12-5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by and meet our teachers at The Yoga Loft, which is located just a few blocks to the west of the park.  Come learn more about who we are and what The Yoga Loft has to offer for you. Also, look for our own Jennifer Croley who will be leading runners during a pre-marathon warm-up!

By Doug Adamson

Yoga 4 Men!

Yoga isn’t just for women. There are plenty of guys who would love to try it after hearing about the benefits.  Others are becoming interested in this ancient art as it’s being taken up my more professional athletes.  But, they still aren’t sure about stepping into a yoga studio. That's why we've created something that's just for the guys.  Forget about the idea of being turned into a pretzel.  You’re taken through a program to help you become more flexible.  It’s not just about that.  There’s also focus on strength building and adding new balance.   Frequent practice also the added benefit of being a stress buster.  Interested? That’s why we’re now planning our first offering just for men.  It’s led by certified yoga instructor Doug Adamson. The Yoga Loft plans to offer a weekly class that’s just for the guys.  It begins Thursday, April 12.  The classes runs from 7:10 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  It's suitable for beginners.  Just wear your gym clothes. We can handle the rest.

By - Doug Adamson

On Wed, Mar 14, 2012 at 9:33 PM wrote:

Hello dear Yoga Loft,

I am a regular in Douglas's "pay as you can" classes.

 I want to convey my appreciation for offering such a class by donation. I don't take it for granted that such an opportunity is offered, and recognize this as a true gift to the community.
Indeed, my practice is maintained on a regular basis, and I can afford the continuation and deepening of my inner exploration.

the guidance of Doug in these classes is so graceful. He is so full of integrity and love for the practice, a passion which is conveyed in his clear articulation of the postures and movements, as well as the philosophy and inspirations that accompany the somatic practice.

The studio itself is so beautiful and well maintained. it is very clear that lots of love and attention is given to both the handling of the studio as a space, and for choosing classes, workshops and teachers in alignment with the overall trajectory of the purpose and ideals of Yoga Loft.

In short, I am a grateful drop of water :)

Namaskar,

Yoav Melamed

Early Bird Special

Bring a Friend

Now Happening at Yoga Loft

Month of March Bring A friend

 "Bring a friend who has not discovered the Yoga Loft and your name will go in to be selected for either a $40 class card or $40 off an unlimited pass.  We will put names in for the month of March and a recipient will be chosen."  Bring lots of friends to sweeten your chances.

From TurstonTalk.com:

Yoga: What’s It All About At The Yoga Loft In Olympia

February 27, 2012                                  Submitted By: Doug Adamson

There’s been a lot of attention recently about yoga.  What’s it all about?  Why do people just love it?  Why should I give it a try?  Here are some answers from the people at the Yoga Loft in Olympia:


Q:  Why should I do yoga?

A:  Many people find it’s an opportunity to refocus and remove stress from their lives.  Others love how regular practice builds strength and flexibility. Yoga practice helps allow their bodies more freedom of movement through life. There’s also the mind-body connection.  Many people live life just from the neck up and forget about the body.  It helps teach you to have a sense of calm during life’s stressful situations.  The challenges of classes can help prepare you for the challenges of life.


Q:  I’m not flexible, overweight, and fear everyone will be looking at me…

A:  One of the hardest things for beginners is to just set foot inside a studio.  Yoga is a non-competitive environment.  Students turn internally and are reminded to pay attention to nobody but them.  When it comes to flexibility or body size, students are told to be ‘where they are’ and not judge themselves.  Yoga practice encourages the student to step into the present moment.  It’s difficult to do that when you’re thinking about the size of your hips.  Yoga practice also is equally built for strength training, not just simple stretching.  Yoga really helps bring balance to your body.  At the Yoga Loft, we have many different levels of classes.  There are classes for beginners, gentle classes, and classes for those with low-back concerns.

Free Thanksgiving Day Class

Q:  What’s it like to take a class?

A:  Students wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.  Students sign in, spread out a mat (one is provide for those who don’t have one), and settle in.  The instructor prepares the student through a centering exercise.  It’s followed by a warm-up, builds to an apex, and then cool down.  Classes finish with a relaxation called Savasana.  Many people leave classes with a profound sense of ease, peacefulness, and tranquility.

Q:  What’s it like at the Yoga Loft?

A:  The Yoga Loft is a welcoming and relaxing environment.  There are well-grounded teachers who have your best interest at heart.  With views of Capitol Lake, there’s an ambiance of peace, and well being. We routinely serve people who’ve never stepped foot in a yoga studio.  Classes are held 7 days a week.  Some go an hour while others extend and hour and 20 minutes.  There’s no commitment or contacts.  Students can drop-in at anytime.  Classes are $7 to $12, depending on the length of the class.  There are also savings options through monthly class cards or an unlimited pass.  Learn more at Yogaloft.biz

Founders Patti Moore And Maureen Oar

The Yoga Loft is located at 219 Legion Way SW in Olympia. It’s owned and operated by Registered Yoga Teachers Patti Moore and Maureen Oar. There are ten different instructors who lead classes at the Yoga Loft including Patti and Maureen.  The desire is a safe and supported practice with an emphasis on individual needs so students and experience yoga with ease and support.

Our Instructors

Come see why we're "Best in Olympia"

We’re sincerely grateful for the “Best in Olympia” for 2012, as voted by readers of the Weekly Volcano. So, what sets the Yoga Loft apart?  The wonderfully open and warm studio with views of Capitol Lake sure doesn’t hurt.  There are also multiple class offerings.  There’s something for beginners to those who’ve spent years on the mat. We have an offering for true yoga-junkies where they can get an unlimited pass.  There are plenty of mats and props offered at no cost. There are special Sunday focus classes and workshops. We happily present a class that’s “pay what you can.”  We’re also locally owned.  While those are all wonderful aspects, it’s the teachers who are the heart of the Yoga Loft.  It’s our hope you can begin or deepen your yoga practice in a safe and supported environment to help you flourish. We invite you to come see what others already know.  Again, a gracious thank you and much appreciation for supporting us.

Doug Adamson
Yoga Loft Instructor

Weekly Volcano readers name the best retail in Thurston County

By Volcano Staff on February 20, 2012

The Weekly Volcano would like to thank all those who took the time to vote in the best of Olympia 2012 Readers' Poll. You are the best.
Best Shoe Store: Yolli Shoes
Best Record Store: Rainy Day Records
Best Grocery Store: Olympia Food Co-op (Eastside and Westside)
Best Tattoo Shop: Lit Fuse
Best Hair Salon: Jaimie Lee & Company

Best Yoga: Yoga Loft

Best Adult Novelties: Lover's Package
Best Head Shop / Smoking Accessories: Fire & Earth
Best Bike Shop: The Bike Stand
Best Auto Repair: Pete Lea's Automotive Medical Center
Best Bookstore: Orca Books
Best Clothing Store: Dumpster Values
Best Vintage Clothing: Dumpster Values
Best Thrift Store: Dumpster Values
Best Consignment Store: Mandelin's Consignment Shop
Best Customer Service: Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. and Native New Yorker
Best Local Business: Olympia Food Co-op (Eastside and Westside)
Best Music Gear: Music 6000
Best Thing to Buy at the Olympia Food Co-op: Salad Bar and Magic Kombucha (tie)
Best Outdoor Gear: The Alpine Experience

Join Shanon for her workshop this Sunday.

Welcome to Yoga Loft blog launched today. We are excited to bring yoga loft related topics to you and welcome your feedback.

A forest of trees......