–by Jennifer Alexander Ruple
California YOGA by Kimi Rae opened in a new location above Chandler Café, 5648 Main St., on Monday, Aug. 2. “It’s a much bigger and newer space and has a big city loft feel,” said owner Kimi Rae Chapman. “A great part of it is that it’s very private. We always promote that yoga is a come as you are atmosphere,” she added.
The yoga studio is marking its move with a weeklong celebration from Aug. 2 to 8. “Each day at 10 am we’ll have Hot Vinyasa yoga, a DJ, prizes and giveaways to fun places such as Inside the Five, Mancy’s, Whiteford Greenhouse and Chandler Café,” said Chapman.
Now in its third location in downtown Sylvania, California YOGA by Kimi Rae opened in 2016. Former locations include studios next to J & G Pizza Palace and above Fiddle Stix Boutique, both at the corners of Maplewood Avenue and Main Street.
“The space above Chandler Café previously housed offices,” Chapman said. “When that space became available I sat down with Rick Stansley, the building’s owner, and brainstormed ideas to convert the space to a wellness center,” she explained. California Yoga will occupy half of the space, and the other side will be used by a second future business.
Chapman’s studio offers yoga classes for all levels, bodies and ages, starting about age 13. “We offer a broad spectrum of classes, but we are primarily a power Vinyasa studio,” explained Chapman. Some of the studio’s options are Kundalini yoga, which focuses on breath work, and Hot 8, a methodology designed by Chapman focusing on tightening the core. Sound bath sessions are also offered monthly which balance participants’ energies through vibrations created with crystal singing bowls, gongs and high frequency instruments. “Slower paced classes have really come to the forefront since the pandemic. After COVID, we noticed a spike in interest for Yin yoga and meditation classes. It’s shifted from ‘I want to burn calories and sweat’ to the desire for classes that are good for the mind and are very calming and relaxing,” she explained.
Those interested in joining in on the opening week celebration can preregister at californiayogastudio.com. Chapman commented, “It’s a great way for new participants to discover yoga and what works for them.”