Studio owner Melissa Schoeller started Hola Yoga as a way for those to have a sense of community. “I really wanted a studio in the community where I live and a place where people can come and have a strong sense of community,” says Melissa. “That is really what the vibe is at the studio.” Melissa herself has been teaching yoga and leading yoga retreats for more than 20 years and wanted to create a studio that would be an inclusive place. “Everyone is welcome, whether they are new or not. We want everybody to feel comfortable being in this space,” says Melissa. “It’s a very welcoming and nurturing place.”
The Twin Cities is fortunate enough to have a wide variety of fitness studios and gyms, but Hola Yoga sets themselves apart, offering a range of classes from calming and soothing (classes such as sound healing) to higher intensity, such as deep core Pilates and Strong in 45, their most popular class. It is unique to have a space that offers not only yoga but also Pilates, Barre, and HIIT. Truly a class for everyone and teachers who are committed to making a difference.
“The classes are amazing, but our teachers go above and beyond in connecting with the students,” shares Melissa. “This is why students keep coming back.” Melissa is also committed to making it easy for students to take classes as little or as often as they would like. Memberships are available, as well as class pack options and drop-in classes. For new students, the intro pass is seven days of classes for $28. At the studio, convenient parking, mat rentals, and water are available. Additionally, a small number of classes are offered on demand. Hola Yoga meets students wherever they are in their yoga or health and wellness journey.
And in a month that focuses on matters of the heart, this may be the perfect time to start your yoga practice, as the benefits of yoga on heart health are finally being recognized. According to an article from Johns Hopkins, simply put, the ability of yoga to calm the mind and reduce stress offers many heart benefits. Reducing high blood pressure, lowering blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol can be chalked up to taking regular yoga classes. Hola Yoga takes it a step further with their commitment to community and connection. Finding a strong sense of community is also beneficial to mental and physical health — something especially important to Melissa.
“Students are making connections and spending time together. They’re hanging out together, having social time outside the studio, and chatting about yoga retreats.” Particularly in a post-COVID world where loneliness is at an all-time high, this kind of space is essential in communities all across the country. “Knowing that heart health thrives on the human connection, Hola Yoga is beyond physical,” says Melissa.
One of the best ways to create connection and a key part of the yoga experience that Melissa is passionate about is the yoga retreats. “Right now, there are 13 yoga retreats scheduled between now and 2026,” says Melissa. Melissa has been organizing and leading these global retreats for years, most recently through Ritual Union (RU) Yoga Retreats. There is a yearly retreat to Costa Rica, and upcoming retreats include Italy, Joshua Tree, Hawaii, Spain, and sailing in Croatia & Greece. “The retreats are a great way to reset. It’s about connection, community, and adventure with the yoga classes,” says Melissa. “People come from all over the United States.” Depending on the size and scale of the trip, Melissa will bring co-teachers with her to ensure that students get a wide variety of class offerings during the trip and have time to enjoy the destination. “These retreats are super popular, and they do fill up,” says Melissa.
There is something special about the practice of yoga that sets it apart from other fitness offerings, and why so many people often stick with the practice for decades. For Melissa, it is the sense of calm that is so often needed in today’s society. “Yoga creates space. You can step on the mat and take time for yourself that is separate from the day-to-day and just be with your body and connect with your heart and mind,” reflects Melissa. “It is nice to take a pause and just let it be.” Hola Yoga hopes to inspire students to be well in both mind and body while cultivating the sense of community that is necessary for our well-being.
To learn more about Hola Yoga’s classes and schedule, visit holayogamn.com and follow @holayogamn on Instagram.
For information about the yoga retreats, visit ruyogaretreats.com and follow them on Instagram @ruyogaretreats