Bexley Yoga

I attended a barre class last weekend at the brand-​new Bexley Yoga. I had been visiting from out of town, and my boyfriend dropped me off at the studio so I could take a class while he did his own thing for the morning. I normally don’t get to hit the barre when I’m traveling, so this was a very exciting bonus to my Columbus visit! On top of the thrill I get in general from the anticipation of a tush-​kicking workout, I learned that the studio had just opened and their classes were all free for the first week (could the situation get any better?!) But wait, I almost didn’t get to shake it out…
The owner and instructor were both incredibly sweet to me. When I walked in, I was asked whether I’d registered for the class ahead of time. I had not… and was told the class was at capacity. I felt the panic rising, and calmly explained that I did not live in Columbus and had just been dropped off with nothing to do for the next few hours. Before I even finished (admittedly, the next sentence I was preparing to speak was a begging-​type proposition), they offered to fit me in. I was relieved and am writing this review in part because I am appreciative of them and want to see the studio succeed. The instant kindness and welcoming atmosphere were clearly genuine, as they had zero reason beyond empathizing with my poor barre-​hungry self to let me join (especially an out-​of-​towner who they knew wouldn’t be purchasing a membership).
I’ve been doing barre for about two years now, and have taken classes in various cities, both chain-​style (Barre Code, Pure Barre) and independent studios. So I have a wide array of experience to compare this to. I also practice yoga, but cannot speak to the yoga offered at Bexley Yoga yet (believe me, though, I will be back to try it and will report accordingly!) The class was made up of the full range of experience levels, from first-​timers to those who had been practicing for some time. The instructor, Allison, did a wonderful job of providing cues and modifications to fit every ability level, and was attentive to everyone’s form throughout the class. My beef with certain barre classes is usually due to lack of attention to form, and she definitely passed the test.
I really liked how she mixed up the moves, rather than doing a chunk of toning moves for one part of the body at a time, because it kept the pace lively. I do wish there had been more focus on abdominal work, or at least incorporation of more moves that were core-​focused (in most barre classes I’ve taken, there are like 5232 planks throughout the hour). That being said, I still got a fantastic full-​body workout! The arm section was particularly killer. Two days later, shoulders still oh-​so-​sore, and I love it! I also noticed there was no discussion of the breath or linking breath to movement, which I think would have been helpful for first-​timers, but like I mentioned, I’ve seen it taught with various methodologies, and the classes I enjoy most are more yoga-​inspired, so maybe that’s just a personal preference. I do feel that cues related to breathing are helpful in barre though, so might as well offer that feedback.
Overall, the space is beautiful and peaceful, the community is welcoming, and the class was excellent! I plan to visit Bexley Yoga again next time I’m in town and look forward to watching them thrive in what apparently was a much-​needed niche in the fitness market in this part of town! Good luck!

I am so pumped to have Bexley Yoga join the growing list of fantastic businesses in my community! Bexley has never had a yoga studio, and these pioneers have hit the mark!
I attended the first class on the first day of business (which, by the way, is free the whole first week) and loved everything about it and everything they are about. My friend (a Bexley resident and mom) co-​owns the space, so I am not without a bias, but still, I am a knowledgable and critical consumer of all things health and fitness. The space itself if gorge! They’ve installed beautiful hickory hardwood floors opposite a bright punched tin ceiling. A wall of mirrors allows some instructors to use that as the room’s front for feedback, or the class may face a row of pretty light blue curtains which separate the studio from the comfortable checkin area. The curtains do not provide much noise cancellation between studio and lobby, but it is a clever solution to let in the natural light from the transoms and windows in the front. Beyond the studio and its fresh well-​selected stack of equipment, is an area with complementary water and hot tea, a spacious and stylish restroom, and a small room to be used for private sessions or body work. That’s not all cool enough? Well… they also have a rotating art gallery, featuring each artist for 2 months at a time. Your eyes will never get bored and maybe you’ll fall in love with a piece of art you just have to take home!
Bexley Yoga promises to provide «yoga your way,» which to me means classes that include anyone who comes to practice. As an intermediate/​advanced student, I felt very at home in Vinyasa 1 – 2 and loved exploring new poses and being inspired by Natalie’s imagery, music, and poetry. Also, it’s 2 days later and I am still a bit sore. So yay! As a geriatric physical therapist, I love seeing a class for participants to take from a seated position; there are so many benefits for individuals with mobility challenges to practice yoga! There’s also a few classes for beginners (I’m looking at you, husband), a variety of styles, barre, and pilates. If you’ve had enough, schedule yourself a massage!
I am beyond excited for my neighborhood to welcome in this special place.