It’s probably safe to say that many people have resolved to be healthier at this time of year. But when it comes down to it, we just want someone to care for us. Luckily, at The Yoga Post, one can combine their yoga practice with the comfort of a day spa and have both.
“We pride ourselves on saucha (that’s Sanskrit for cleanliness), as well as the overall experience from the moment you step into our space,” says co-owner Lacey Calvert Shelton.
Indeed, a newcomer to the expansive yoga studio is well cared for from start to finish. The reception at the front desk is welcoming, and it’s easy to sign up either ahead of time online or in person when one arrives.
Once inside, the spacious, high-ceilinged space is pleasing and spotless. Broad sliding doors on the studio’s far end overlook the Petaluma River and are often open for a welcome breeze. It’s recommended to bring one’s own mat. But if one forgets, don’t worry because free loaners are available. The space is well-stocked with clean blankets, bolsters, blocks and everything else needed for a good practice.
With a wide variety of knowledgeable and kind instructors, The Yoga Post offers four to five classes a day, every day of the week. These include flow (vinyasa style), yin yoga, yoga basics (great for beginners or those who want a refresher), restorative yoga and more.
“Our community is constantly growing,” Calvert Shelton says. “It truly was an idea that took off, and we can’t wait to see where else it can grow.”
The studio is a dynamic space. “We introduced the concept of ‘yoga strength’ to Petaluma,” Calvert Shelton explains. “It combines yoga postures with strength training and short cardiovascular movement.” Also, this year, the studio offerings even include aerial yoga classes, where students move through yoga postures while suspended in the air from hammocks.
While the studio doesn’t shy away from expanding yoga practice into the air, they also take it outside the studio. During the summer season, one will find The Yoga Post classes at Wickersham Park, stand-up paddle yoga classes on the Petaluma River alongside The FloatHouse, and various other workshops and experiences. And with the donation-based yoga in the park, limited finances don’t have to hold anyone back.
The Yoga Post is co-owned by Amy Wolff, Kathleen Barnette, Bob Conover and Lacey Calvert Shelton, who, between them, have more than 50 years of yoga experience and a genuine love for the town of Petaluma. The studio opened to more than 100 students in the first week, just a year after the pandemic began.
“The four of us came together in the midst of the pandemic lockdown, looking to build a home for our communities that was safe, inclusive, clean and abundant with love,” Calvert Shelton says. “It was a quick turnaround from a lunch together to the seeds of opening a studio to actually opening our space in January 2021. We wanted to be a strong standing pillar for our community during a time that felt unsteady.”
The co-owners’ varied backgrounds include yin, power and restorative yoga; reiki; acupuncture; strength training and more. The variety brings something for everyone.
“Our community thrives off its diversity,” notes Calvert Shelton. “We want to be a true space of inclusivity and a home for those who are looking for one. We all truly believe that yoga is for every body, and we see that in our classes firsthand.”
When is the best time to start? “There is no better time than the present,” she says with a smile.
For more information, visit theyogapostpetaluma.com.
