College Park Yoga — Local services in Winter Park

College Park Yoga is my little slice of heaven on earth. I started going to CPY back in 2012. I have anxiety and it was at its worst while I was planning my wedding. People suggested I try yoga to bring a sense of calm to my life. I cannot be more grateful that I chose College Park Yoga to begin my practice. I've been to class at least once a week ever since, and it is still, hands down, the best studio I've ever been too. They have fueled my love for yoga, even inspiring me to take classes around the globe whenever I travel. This summer I went to Costa Rica and was lucky enough to practice at the Yoga Institute in Nosara. This is where yoga teachers come to learn and get certified by the best. While it was a wonderful experience, there was no comparison to CPY. I am so lucky to have such an amazing studio in my own backyard. One of the reasons CPY is so great, is because of the owners, Calvin and Theresa. They are some of the kindest, most approachable, warm hearted people you will ever meet. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel welcome, at ease and relaxed. They greet every student with an upbeat hello and a genuine appreciation that you are there. Class usually starts about 15 minutes after the posted start time, but I appreciate that. It gives you time to get settled, you are not running in the door, rushing to get on your mat. It allows you to start your practice in the right frame of mind. They do start the class with more sun salutations than anywhere else I've gone, but I enjoy them because again, it gets my mind in a good place and my breathing in rhythm before we really dig into practice. The sun salutations also warm me up so I am at my best for other postures to come. During class, Clavin and Theresa are always there to assist you, and gently guide you. They encourage you to move at your own pace and will show you modifications if needed. Most importantly, they focus on the breath. So many yoga classes skip over this aspect when it is the most important part of any practice. At the end of class, while you lay in Savasana, you are often treated to a neck and head massage. When walking out of the studio, every student is embraced with a hug that really shows they appreciate your presence. I cannot say enough about CPY. They have changed my life. My anxiety is a thing of the past. I apply the breathing techniques they have taught me to my everyday life making me a calmer, more accepting person who is filled with gratitude. Their inspirational words have brought tears to my eyes, smiles to my face, but most importantly, peace to my mind. This is definitely not a place for the faint of heart. You will really get to know yourself and your body. It is not a yoga class filled with fluff. If you are willing to take the journey, Teresa and Calvin will not...

My stuff was stolen while I was in a class.

I stopped at CPY on my way to a cafe to get some work done, so I had my shoulder bag with phone, computer, etc. Being on a bicycle I had to bring my things inside. Not knowing that CPY doesn't lock the front doors during class (and doesn't have anyone watching the front desk), but knowing that there was hot air and a vaporizer pumping away in the studio (both things that technological devices don't pair well with) I put my bag next to the shelf with the sign that said "bags" on it. There was no posted warning that my stuff may not be secure inside the building. When I walked out of the studio my bag was simply gone without a trace. I went to the desk to inform the owner Calvin, who didn't quite understand me at first. As he got the idea he said I should call the police. I told him my phone was in the stolen bag. About that time another woman said her sunglasses were gone, but she didn't stick around to say more. After I spoke with the police, Calvin did guide me to the nearby dumpsters to see if I could find my bag, and he did drive around the neighborhood a bit while I biked around, both in a fruitless search to spot my bag or anyone suspicious (the owner of the neighboring shop had spoken to a guy giving off bad vibes an hour before, but couldn't really describe him). When we called it quits I asked Calvin if the shop had insurance that may help cover my loss, he said to email them. I did about two hours later when I got to a computer I could use. Three days later I had no response, so I called. Calvin said he hadn't seen my email, gave me a micro-lecture on how 7-11 isn't responsible for your stuff if you set it down on a shelf in the minimart, and said he'd let me know about the insurance. A week after all of my stuff was stolen from CPY I got an email telling me it was a misfortune, and reminding me that the waiver I signed to practice yoga absolved them of any responsibility. My question about insurance was completely ignored. I told them they should at least put up signs warning people, rather than just a sign inviting people to store their bags on the shelf. I told them that I still had a week left - already paid for - of my initial three week trial, but that I would never be back because I would always be glancing back at the studio doors to see if anyone was in the lobby on the other side, going through peoples things.

Knowing now that they don't lock their door, I don't know how anyone else practices yoga there without thinking the same thing...

I had just moved here from a Midwest city and I heard this place was supposed to be good...as a professional yogi of 5years I was shocked to see how unprofessional this place was (and I gave this place a try 3 times before I got completely fed up). First problem with this place is that if you show up 7min before another class that's ending, they make you wait outside of the studio which is crazy seeing as they have a waiting area inside...2nd problem is that the staff is not familiar with most yoga terminology so you'll find them make up there own terms. 3rd they're not fans of "holding poses" which is crazy to me- how am I or anyone for that matter supposed to feel a proper stretch if you don't hold a pose for a certain amount of time??? 4th problem is the wait time. Okay imagine yourself showing up for a 8am class (knowing it's an hour class and you have to show up to work at 945 so you know you'll be out by 9 and have enough time to get ready and go to work) but the classes here do not start until 9:15/9:20 EVERY SINGLE TIME. I mean really? It takes 15-20min for a class to start??...so I totally had enough of this place the 3rd time when I had showed up for a class and of course I got there 5min early and the building was closed due to another class inside. So okay it's hot outside and I'm waiting in my car. It's 5min past the start time for the new class and still no one is getting out...10minutes past and again I'm waiting There like an idiot and still no one had opened the door...this place is a waste of time and if you are really looking to improve your stretching and doing yoga in a way where it doesn't hurt your joints- then I highly recommend you try a professional...