Getting in the groove with Yoga in Motion

Studio: Yoga in Motion

Location: 751 Baronne St.

Overview: This combination yoga and pilates studio is a great place to practice in the up-and-coming Warehouse District of New Orleans. It is near the CBD, a great location for those seeking a quick break on their lunch hour. Owner Nina Boasso has created a mindful studio with a focus on healing oneself both mentally and physically. Nina says,“In order to regain a strong mind, you need to have a strong body,” and she and her instructors teach with that mantra in mind.

Ambiance: This studio is another of the second-floor yoga studios in the city, which I love because the elevated view brings an instant enlightenment to my practice. The second-floor studio also allows for more light to enter the already clean and streamlined room. During the practice I focused my drishti, or gaze, on the tips of the palm trees I could see through the windows, bringing a mindfulness of nature to my practice at Yoga in Motion.

Community: The community is a bit of a mix because of the combination of yoga and pilates taught at the studio. Because this is a smaller studio, there is limited space. This results in small classes, providing a sense of intimacy between student and teacher and among the students. One Saturday morning I was even fortunate enough to be the only yogi in class, enabling me to have a more engaging experience with my teacher and the studio and to deepen my own practice.

Yoga in Motion’s light-filled second floor studio offers prime gazing space for balance poses

Classes/My Picks: Haley teaches a fabulous class on Saturday mornings. For those of us who work full time, her class is an invigorating way to start the weekend. She blends fabulous verbal cues with physical adjustments as well as a positive mental energy. She has her certification from White Lotus Yoga Institute, led by Ganga White, one of the leading Western practitioners and teachers of yoga.

Price: Drop in: $12; 10 class card: $100; Student/Military 5 Class Card: $40; Private Class: $75;

NOLA Yoga Journey recaps one yogi’s journey through the yoga studios in New Orleans. It explores the unique yoga community of New Orleans, one that reflects the life, culture, and mindset of the city and its people.

Brianna Smyk has an M.A in Art History from San Diego State University. She lives and works in New Orleans and writes about arts and culture for NolaVie. Read more of Brianna’s articles at www.beingbreezie.tumblr.com. For more information on NolaVie, visit NolaVie.com.