Studio Yogatopia

Finding balance and getting a great workout happens every day at the new Studio Yogatopia in Brunswick. With eight certified teachers and classes that include yoga, Pilates and Zumba, owner Beth Trnka is helping students of all ages reap the benefits of working out—without heading to a gym.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 06/27/2008
Yoga is widely considered to be the perfect form of exercise.

In addition to toning and stretching muscles, it works to balance every system of the body. It also calms the mind and reduces stress. “Yoga as a practice dates back at least 4,000 years,” explains Beth Trnka (pronounced Trun-ka), owner of the new Studio Yogatopia in Brunswick. “It started as a method of meditation, but in our culture, it’s more commonly used as a form of exercise.”

Beth acknowledges that teaching styles vary greatly between studios, with some presenting yoga in its more spiritual form. At Studio Yogatopia, they find that a blend of styles—more closely mirroring the Hatha form of exercise yoga—is what most people are looking for. The eight instructors, including Beth, all have at least 200 hours of training and they each bring a unique flavor to the studio.

“I discovered my love of Yoga about five years ago,” she smiles. “But like a lot of people, I didn’t understand it and was afraid to give it a try. Once I started going with a friend, my comfort level increased and I realized how great it was.”

Studio Yogatopia is Beth’s answer to the question that a lot of us have. Exactly what is yoga?
“We’re here to offer anyone interested in pursuing yoga as a form of exercise to unwrap the mystery and benefits. Every ‘body’ can benefit from yoga. It spans age, physical type and level of skill,” Beth describes.

A class called Yoga 101 is available to anyone interested in exploring the history of the practice. “You’ll learn what it is and isn’t about,” she says. “You’ll also learn basic postures and breathing techniques. The next session starts in July.”

And unlike the judgments, comparisons and competition commonly found at a big box gym, classes at Studio Yogatopia offer the freedom to let go of the baggage and enjoy some really great exercise. “You don’t have to fit into a perfect form to enjoy yoga,” Beth explains. “In addition to developing increased flexibility and strength, it’s great for injury prevention and is extremely beneficial to athletes, expectant mothers, and kids—among others.”

“Beginner’s yoga is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the poses at a slower pace, but still flow through class,” Beth says. As you progress, poses can be modified. “There will be days when you’ll really be able to get into it, and then some days when you won’t be able to handle the same level of intensity as the time before. That’s the great thing about coming without judgments; students are free to excel one day, and then if they need to, pull back another.”

Power yoga is gaining in popularity as an intensely physical, sweat- producing workout that also happens to be low impact. Studio Yogatopia offers this more vigorous form of yoga as well.

Beth is a certified doula and has a particular fondness for helping the moms in her pre-natal yoga class. “It’s great exercise for an expectant mom because it’s no impact and it helps prepare for the breathing and other requirements of labor,” she says. “Moms-to-be can take yoga 12 weeks into the pregnancy and stay involved all the way up until delivery.” All teachers follow the guidelines of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Beth has an advanced certification in pre-natal yoga.

Kids yoga is offered for children ages three and up. “It’s great for controlling weight, improving concentration, increasing flexibility, building strength and instilling confidence in little ones,” she smiles. “It’s a fun-filled class and we move at a kid-friendly pace.”

During the day, babysitting is available for a nominal fee if a parent wishes to take a class, and the kid’s yoga often runs simultaneously with the adult yoga so a sitter isn’t necessary. “We’re also planning to add mommy and me classes in the near future,” Beth announces.

Every good workout is made better when alternated with supplemental forms of exercise. To achieve a more toned body, mat-based Pilates is the way to go. Certified instructors guide you through exercises that work the core muscles and provide toning and strengthening for the glutes, thighs and lower back. “Pilates is another great method of exercising that helps prevent injury,” Beth offers.

Zumba seems to have taken over where basic aerobics has left off. “Zumba has really become popular over the last five years,” she says. “It’s a cardio workout that’s been choreographed to Latin music. The essence of this beautifully rhythmic form of dance has been adapted to a format that Americans can easily enjoy.” In general,
Zumba also works your core muscles and you sweat like crazy.

One thing you won’t find in the beautifully decorated Yogatopia studio—are mirrors. Instead, inspirational words float across the pistachio colored walls and light maple flooring lends a contemporary aesthetic. “This is a place for calm and relaxation, but at the same time, I wanted it to be fun,” Beth shares.

Of course, to augment any great wellness program, massage is a must. Beth practices Thai Yoga Bodywork, which is similar to traditional therapeutic massage as far as benefits, but incorporates some assisted yoga poses, acupressure and meditation as well. “It’s done on a special mat placed on the floor and the recipient is fully clothed,” she says.

“No one else in the area offers what we do all in one place and we’re the only yoga studio in the Brunswick area. In addition to a convenient location and full range of classes and services, our prices are exceptionally competitive,” Beth says.

Check out the box located below for a list of savings packages for Studio Yogatopia.

“More than 20 million Americans practice yoga as a way of life every day. The benefits to both the physical and mental self can be astounding,” she stresses. “From boosting physical stamina and strength to bringing down stress levels, the restorative powers of Yoga can help everyone feel good.”

Find your balance at the new Studio Yogatopia, located at 1828 Pearl Road in Brunswick near True Value Hardware. You can find the complete class schedule on the website which is www.StudioYogatopia.com. The phone number is 330-220-3080.

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