Originally published in the Winter + Spring 2019 issue. 

Yoga is a practice of identifying the obstacles in our hearts that disconnect us, then resolving those so we can join a higher state of self, says Jeff Bailey, founder and owner of Yoga Loft.

Bailey opened his Boulder studio in August 2012, eager to create a place of healing and peace where yoga is welcoming and accessible to anyone. Regardless of your age or stage in the fitness world, Yoga Loft meets students as they are, so they too can connect to a deeper place inside.

According to Bailey, the multibillion-dollar yoga industry is moving through the world like a speedboat. But some people are left in the wake, either injured or disenchanted from images on the “type” of person who can practice yoga. The aesthetic of asana postures swarming social media require flexibility not achievable to everyone and can appear intimidating. While the growth of this industry is promising, it is important to consider the essence of yoga.

Inspired by the intelligence and healing power of the body on the mind, Bailey birthed “Avita Yoga,” which has become the signature style practiced at Yoga Loft. Avita Yoga slows the water down, deconstructing the practice to bring it to a level with predictable results.

“Yoga has always been about the mind,” shares Bailey. “When people walk through our doors, they feel a sense of community and peace knowing they will be taken care of.”

“When people walk through our doors, they feel a sense of community and peace knowing they will be taken care of.”

By working with the mind and listening to all systems of the body — not plowing ahead to access certain shapes — a harmonious union is created within the self. Flowing with intention and awareness plants oneself in the present moment, calming the fluctuations of the mind.

“Yoga is removing the physical, mental and emotional restrictions that limit us and moving towards our peaceful and whole selves,” he explains.

The nurturing atmosphere of Yoga Loft allows students to delve into the roots of yoga, letting go of outward fears on what yoga is supposed to look like and who is supposed to practice it.

“Anything can be yoga, as long as peace and wholeness are the goal behind it,” he says.

“Anything can be yoga, as long as peace and wholeness are the goal behind it.”

Surrounded by panoramic views of the Flatirons in a studio filled with props and high-end flooring, the Yoga Loft experience is one of nurture, growth and beauty.

Offering a space to anyone interested in the practice — veterans and newbies alike — has been successful, as a second Yoga Loft location opened in Gunbarrel in April 2018. Yoga Loft also offers teacher trainings in Avita Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

Yoga can be a sustainable practice when fit properly to one’s needs. Finding the space where you feel safe to honor your body and mind is where the true power of yoga shines.

yogaloftboulder.com