On March 14, Total Being Yoga celebrated three years in the Mint Hill Community. They marked the occasion with a weekend of free yoga and a celebration for current instructors and yogis at neighboring Char Bar No. 7 featuring appetizers, live music, giveaways, and, of course, the fellowship that has become a hallmark of the tight-knit yoga studio over the past three years.
With over 1600 active members, TBY has more online bookings, higher attendance and more class offerings than ever before. One way that owner Mian Rex has set her studio apart is by offering SilverSneakers at 12:00 Wednesdays and Renew Active at 12:00 Tuesdays. “We’re the only yoga studio in all of Charlotte that offers those two,” says Rex of the insurance-based programs offered to adults 65 and older. “Renew Active has never worked outside of a gym before. We’re the first one in all of the United States!”
As in past years, TBY continued to fundraise for various deserving organizations in the community. “We partnered with the Union County Shelter and raised over $400,” says Rex. “One of our instructors is donating her time teaching out there,” she continues. “We partnered up with Friendship Trays, raised over $260 and completely filled that barrel with food that they needed. So a lot of successful fundraisers!”
One of the biggest event’s on TBY’s calendar this year is their first yoga retreat. Set for the end of May, the five-day, four-night retreat at a captain’s mansion-turned-yoga-retreat in Saco, Maine, will feature not only yoga but also whale watching, a tour of a famous lighthouse and chef-prepared meals. The retreat is open to anyone – you don’t have to be a current TBY client to attend – and they do offer payment plans. Rex hopes that in the future they’ll be able to offer spring and fall retreats.
Over the past year, TBY has expanded their class selection to include Tai Chi, Meditation, Slow Mobility with tune-up balls, and Holy Yoga featuring Christian music and scripture. “It’s very new, not a lot of yoga studios offer it,” says Rex of Holy Yoga. “Some people may be a little reluctant to come in here based on their religion. What we’re hoping for is that we can help bridge that gap and show we’re not pushing any religion, it’s really just about being in the moment and self-care.” They also offer a class offsite at Cresswind (for residents only) at a reduced price.
“It’s been fun,” says Rex, reflecting on the past three years. “I’ve really really enjoyed meeting so many new people and the team that we have here.”
Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, Total Being Yoga’s studio is closed until April 30. Keep up with what’s going on – including “Virtual Studio” – on their Facebook page @totalbeingyoga.
