New Yoga Studio Opens Serving Geist & Fishers Residents
Photographer / Belinda Russell
The idea to have a neighborhood yoga studio was a concept that Melissa Webb cherished for several years before it became a reality. In late November, she opened The Yoga Spot a Geist, located at 10608 East 96th Street. It fulfills her goal of providing a place for area residents of all ages and abilities to feel supported as they explore varieties of yoga and different avenues of wellness.
“I started thinking a long time ago that I wanted to have a studio in the Geist area neighborhood,” Webb says. “I have built a kind of clientele and I wanted to be in the community so I could hear what’s going on. We have such incredible neighbors, and people in the community are doing amazing things.
“One day last August, I went to get my nails done and I noticed the spot next door was available to rent. I sent a quick email and things just snowballed. It happened really fast. I’m a big believer in alignment — when things come together that quick, it’s a good sign.”
The studio, painted in tones of soft blues and grays, has a soothing atmosphere. Even though Webb has added some décor, it doesn’t compete with the overall peaceful and uncluttered interior. Cool lighting complete with dimmer switches adds to the ambiance.
Webb began taking and teaching yoga classes 18 years ago. In 2008, she left the field of banking to devote herself to teaching yoga. Over the years, she has taught in various studios such as Geist Fitness and also has been an instructor for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township’s adult education program in Indianapolis. During her years as a yoga teacher, she also developed an interest in holistic health.
“I wanted to create a space where people feel safe to be who they are and can explore wellness in general,” she says. “They can feel supported and ask questions on where to start with a path right for them with yoga, meditation techniques, breathing techniques, essential oils or crystals. They can achieve more ease in body and mind and perhaps do it without medications.”
The yoga classes at the studio are varied from Yoga Basis to PiYo, a combination of pilates, and yoga. Each type is offered at easy, moderate and challenging levels. One variation is Hatha Yoga which features flowing movements and poses. It is available at different times for all stages of an individual’s yoga practice, including seniors, so learning all the yoga positions can be really beneficial for them as well.
Another option is chanting Maha Myrityunjaya which is a calming session that brings participants together to put good vibrations out into the world and thus has the intention of both self and world healing. Also included in the studio’s offerings are classes that feature asanas (postures), vinyasa (flow), pranayama (focused breathing).
“Since we have several teachers, we have lots of different styles of yoga available,” Webb says. “In the future, we hope to offer classes and workshops for children. Our easy sessions can be modified for participation while sitting in a chair. This is great for people who can’t get on the floor if they have had recent knee or hip replacements as well as for seniors.”
A unique feature of The Yoga Spot is private Soul Sessions which educate individuals on different techniques. Designed to ease people’s souls, there are many to choose from. Options include reiki, which is energy movement to heal body and mind, breath training, to relieve anxiety and stress and essential oils and crystals, to enhance well-being.
“The Soul Sessions instruct people on practices outside of yoga but within holistic health,” Webb adds. “The goal is to feel grounded, open your heart and change your attitude. Individual health coaching is offered as well and includes nutrition counseling and even advice for grocery shopping for people who might be pre-diabetic.”
From time to time, The Yoga Spot at Geist provides workshops to explore a topic in greater detail. Themes for these sessions are subjects such as meditation, breathing techniques and maintaining energy levels. Past workshops have included gratitude practices and an afternoon of restorative poses.
Class pricing is $18 for each class, $60 for a four-class pass good for three months or $150 for a 10-class pass which expires in six months. For $108, an individual can attend unlimited classes each month. There is also an introductory special for anyone new to the studio. Three classes can be purchased for $25 and must be taken within 21 days.
“The momentum of The Yoga Spot at Geist is slowly building,” Webb says. “We want to stand out by not having a cookie-cutter approach for each person. Our emphasis is on what we can do for each individual. We offer a lot of different yoga styles so someone can find the best options that work for them.”
Visit The Yoga Spot at Geist at 10608 East 96th Street in Fishers or find more information on classes at YogaSpotGeist.com.