Midtown Mafia

Matthew Fritz & Rebecca Fritz (LMT)
Owners Rebecca & Matthew Fritz, along with their 4 young children and 2 dogs, have resided in the downtown Historic Coronado Neighborhood since early 2003. In late 2007 they fostered the concept for Sutra Midtown as a neighborhood retreat that could cater to the needs of a healthy lifestyle within their community. Since then, they have single handedly, and quite literally, built Sutra from the ground up and converted an abandoned, blighted factory building along 7th St. to host their dream.

Rebecca, a Portland native and a licensed massage therapist, developed a lasting relationship with massage, yoga, and nutrition during her first pregnancy in 2004. After 4 natural childbirths, delivered in the comforts of home, along with a firm grasp of the body’s modalities, she quickly became a proficient authority on women’s health, pregnancy, and prenatal fitness and understands the value of each student’s individual needs. After spending many years in the fashion industry, with frequent travels between New York, Paris, and Milan, Rebecca has developed a rich appreciation for creativity and originality, which is clearly reflected in Sutra’s style.

Matthew, a Chicago native and an architectural designer, discovered his passion for yoga in 1995 when, as an ex-baseball player, he used forms of acupuncture and yoga to assist with sport injuries. Building off his existing passion for juicing and diet, he was able to incorporate his diverse background into a knowledge center of health, fitness, and nutrition. As an architectural designer, urban planner, painter, photographer, and graphic designer, Matthew’s sharp eye and appreciation of design can be witnessed throughout Sutra, where rarely a detail goes unnoticed.

"Honestly, the whole business concept is almost a selfish venture", joke the owners of SuTRA Midtown, Matthew and Rebecca Fritz, who have incorporated their passions for healthy nutrition, massage therapy, coffee, yoga, pilates, prenatal health, local art and live music into a 4000sf creative compound.  "Sutra translates to 'the thread that binds", the Fritzes explain, "We simply wanted to act as that thread and help build community in our own neighborhood to  remind people that it can be hip to be healthy."

Midtown Mafia Instructors:

Danielle Campagna (E-RYT / Sutra Lead Instructor)
Danielle is reminded daily of the important role that yoga plays in her life. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Scoliosis as a child Danielle's inspirational yoga journey has allowed her to straighten and align the curvature of her spine without the need of western medicine or severe corrective surgery. Highlighting the true power and potential derived from this ancient practice. Having yoga instilled in her childhood upbringing is reflected in the security and guidance so powerfully radiating from Danielle's class style. The combination of her firm yet gentle presence provides her students the perfect balance of challenging the body with the harmony of her practice.
 
Mari Carli (E-RYT / Sutra Lead Instructor)
With too little precious time, every moment of life should be enjoyable.  Yoga, with its unlimited benefits, should be fun!  Mari considers this light hearted approach the way of the modern yogi. In order to make the most of every day we're given, we should offer the very best of ourselves to the world, and Mari sees yoga as a key component to a harmonious lifestyle.  With over 1,000 hours of study and experience, she blends multi-level vinyasa sequences with a playlist of upbeat tunes, and leads a well rounded class that will challenge you while helping your practice blossom. Aside from studying under incredible teachers, Mari continues to learn from and be inspired by the many amazing yogis she practices with daily.  Every day and every practice is another opportunity to raise your vibration.
 
Jessica Freedman (RYT)
bio coming soon!
 
Angie Hall (RYT)
Angie’s yoga journey began 12 years ago after she realized, after too many injuries, that her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina were not going to come true. That was the end of her dance career but the beginning of her amazing yoga journey- which has changed her life. Yoga incorporates the breath, the music, and the movement which flow together like a dance which is what gives her classes such a challenging & powerful, yet fluid feeling. Along the way, she realized yoga is so much more than movement. It is a way of life. A way to maneuver through life. Her vision is to bring that awareness to as many people as possible so that they too can experience the life-changing beautiful transformation yoga has to offer.

Sara Leonhardt (CPI)
bio coming soon!
Meagan Marcotte (RYT - CPI)
Born and raised in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, Meagan began her yoga journey in 2003. Initially introduced to Hatha yoga, her practice evolved as she discovered a variety of styles, techniques, and music as well as world-renowned instructors that nourished and fueled her desire. After a short transition to Hot yoga Meagan’s craving turned to Vinyasa where she could generate the same inner heat while introducing her students to a more energetic fluidity of movements.Naturally energetic, Meagan channels her liveliness into her sequencing and vocalization; keeping things upbeat and pulsing with vigor. Meagan loves to have fun and when she is teaching that truly shows.
 
Wendy Neville (RYT)
Wendy was initially attracted to yoga's different poses and the beautiful language she heard during class. After many years, she began witnessing her mind becoming quieter, allowing her heart to embrace the spiritual aspects of yoga. Wendy felt revived, and realized promoting health and happiness was to be her life's path. Her classes strive to create a welcoming and fun environment through her lightheartedness, music and energy as she infuse her students with the same passion, wisdom, and energy she has received during her yoga journey.
 
Lori Schnelker (RYT)
From a very young age Lori showed an interest in physical exercise while enjoying the flexibility, strength, and fitness of gymnastics. Seeking new forms of exercise, she began experimenting with yoga only to discover something completely different and quickly developed her passion with yoga and all that it had to offer. Immediately knowing that yoga would forever be part of her life she began her journey to share her new found passion with others. Lori’s inspiration is a collection of her love for music, graceful movement, and her fellow teachers.  She incorporates the breath, music, and energy of the class to build a challenging yet fun flow which creates an openness and balance to the mind, body, and soul.
 
Roz Kamp Shemer (RYT)
Roz great passionate about yoga in 2000 while attending NAU in Flagstaff. She found the physical practice of yoga to be an amazing, beautiful, yet challenging journey, and fell in love with the flow and grace of Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga. Roz’s flowing sequences, blended with inspirational messages and great tunes, synch the body, mind and Spirit during her light-hearted, invigorating classes. Roz enjoys creating opportunities for students to explore, play and grow through music, movement, and breath.
 
Chelsea Smith (CPI)
Chelsea began dance at a young age, studying and performing classical ballet & contemporary dance with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and Point Park University.  Throughout her training, she benefited from the athletic conditioning and balance that yoga and pilates provided her.  During college, Chelsea became a certified pilates mat instructor and graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in dance and kinesiology.  Her passion for health and wellness has motivated her to teach dance and pilates around the Valley to help others also find the same enjoyment and daily balance.
Steven Sorr (E-RYT / Sutra Lead Instructor)
Steven has been practicing Yoga since 2000, going deeper and deeper into his practice of mental, physical and spiritual growth day by day. In 2008, Steven became a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance after studying Iyengar, Anusara and Vinyasa styles of Yoga. Steven’s class unites these styles, which emphasize anatomical alignment of the body, coordination and control of the breath in order to better still the consciousness in the present moment.

Midtown Mafia Therapists:

Rebecca Fritz (LMT)
Aggie Karpuk (LMT)
Tara LeMarie (LMT)
Melinda Mylet (LMT)
Jean Clare Sarmiento (LMT)
Nicole Williams (LMT)

Contact Info

SuTRA Midtown
2317 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85006
602.253.9525
info@sutramidtown.com

Location / Directions / Hours

Location
SuTRA is located in the heart of Phoenix's Midtown Artist District on the fringe of the Historic Coronado Neighborhood. Located north of McDowell Rd, south of Thomas Rd, on the east side of 7th Street.

Directions
From I-10: Take I-10 towards Central Phoenix, take exit 145A for 7th St, follow signs for 7th St North. Sutra will be 0.6 miles north of McDowell on your right.

From SR-51: Take SR-51 towards Central Phoenix, take exit 2 for Thomas Rd / 20th St, go west on Thomas Rd, turn left on 7th St. Sutra will be 0.4 miles south of Thomas on your left.

Metro Light Rail: Encanto Light Rail stop on N Central Ave, walk or cycle east on E Hoover Ave to N 3rd St, walk or cycle east on E Oak St to N 7th St. Sutra is 0.6 miles east from Encanto Light Rail Stop.

Map Us

Hours
Mon - Fri     9am - 2pm  //  4pm - 9pm
                   (closed from 2pm - 4pm)
Saturday     9am - 4pm
Sunday       9am - 2pm

Join Our Team

Join the Midtown Mafia

At Sutra we take great pride in hand selecting the absolute best in the industry to make up our cherished Midtown Mafia. Sutra fosters an environment where professional, creative, health minded individuals can excel at their trade and are given the opportunity to make a difference in our community. 

"Attitude, over aptitude, determines your altitude at Sutra Midtown"

To be considered for a personal demo please submit your resume and qualifications: info@sutramidtown.com 


Current Openings: 
Certified Pilates Instructors (some training will be required)
RYT - Registered Yoga Instructors (sub list expansion)

Press & Awards

Winner - Best of the Valley
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Phoenix Magazine – 2009

 


Winner - Best of Our Valley
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Arizona Foothills Magazine – 2009



Winner - Best of the Valley
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Phoenix Magazine – 2010






Voted #1 in the Valley
MOST REFINED & CHIC STUDIO
944 Magazine – 2011

 


 

Excellence in Massage Therapy
Phoenix Award - 2011

 

 


Winner - Best of Our Valley
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Arizona Foothills Magazine – 2012

 
 
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20 Most Inspiring Arizona Women of 2011
Arizona Magazine - Dec 2011

Rebecca Fritz: Business Woman, Community Minded Mom

On a typical day, Rebecca Fritz goes from changing diapers to opening the doors to her studio to launching a community yoga class to picking up her kids from school.

It's a day that may sound sporadic and stressful, but Fritz, a mother of four, seems to do it with the om that only a yoga instructor could do.

Fritz, 31, and her husband, Matthew, started Sutra Midtown in 2009 as a massage and yoga studio and have seen substantial growth since, especially in the past year.

"I find that balance comes from strength of union," Fritz says. "The inspiring partnership between me and my husband has set the stage for our accomplishments."

What was once an abandoned factory building on Seventh Street is now a healthy-living mecca: The studio incorporates yoga, massage, Pilates, an art gallery and a boutique into one vibrant business. Fritz also takes part in organizing community-based yoga events, including Sutra's karma class, which helps raise proceeds in support of local organizations and non-profits looking to shape the Phoenix community.

And in the past year alone, Fritz has expanded not just the studio, but her family. In March, Sutra Midtown opened Chop Shop, a raw-juice and espresso bar that also offers locally made goods. A month later, Fritz had her fourth child.

Running the business and balancing family isn't easy, but she won't compromise on either. She wants to inspire her children to live healthfully and get involved in the community, and she wants to create a business that makes a difference in her community.

"My drive for everything I do stems from the love I have for my children," she says. "It is important to me that they experience firsthand the significance of compassion, community involvement and a love of humanity."

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SuTRA Midtown
The Coronado Dispatch - Sep 2011

During the lunar eclipse in February 2008, Rebecca and Matthew Fritz sat outside watching the moon go dark, and decided to change their lives. In March 2009 Sutra Midtown, a yoga studio, opened for business.
 
The space is remarkable. The Fritz's took a long-defunct factory and reconstructed it into an elegant arrangement that draws students into an elegant arrangement that draws students into an open studio space complete with a coffee bar and reception desk. Corridors filled with local art lead to practice rooms for Pilates, Barre, Ballitude, Flow, pre-natal MuM and yin. Matt, an architect, has created a style he calls "deco-punk", but the name does not begin to describe the calm energy that pervades the rooms. That comes from the instructors and their students.
 
Sutra Midtown is not just a yoga studio. Rebecca, a licensed massage therapist, offers Swedish deep-tissue massage with trigger point isolation. Five to six additional therapists are also on staff.

The Chop Shop coffee bar offers eclectic choices of raw juice, juice coolers, smoothies and blends. Espresso and coffee are brewed from the custom Sutra Roast coffee purchased locally. Premium hot and iced tea is available in loose leaf. Plans are underway to add local baked goods.
 
Rebecca and Matt have been in Coronado for nine years and are working to keep the neighborhood beautiful. In an effort to give local artists (many of them Sutra students) a forum, Sutra Midtown exhibits their work. Sutra takes no commission from the sales. Rebecca and Matthew have recently started a Karma class held monthly for the benefit of a local cause. The first Karma class raised money for Pitch 4 Kidz. The first Karma class raised money for Pitch 4 Kidz. The next Karma class will benefit Bergamot, which provides art supplies and instruction for children. Future plans include assisting Rockstar Rescue and other neighborhood projects that may need help.
 
Become part of this energy for creative growth and vigorous development in the union of body and mind that is yoga. The instructors are well-trained and encouraging and Rebecca and Matt are there making it all work. By Nola Wrecker

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SuTRA Midtown - Living up to its name
Downtown Phoenix Journal – Jun 2011
 
Sanskrit word of the day: Sutra. It means the thread that binds. And it’s a word that one Downtown yoga studio is taking literally. SuTRA Midtown, which opened its doors and innovative business practices in March 2009, fuses contemporary takes on traditional fitness techniques with a touch of Coronado culture in its efforts to remind the masses “it can be hip to be healthy.”
 
Set in what once was an abandoned factory along Seventh Street between Thomas and McDowell roads, SuTRA Midtown offers an array of exercise classes from yoga, Pilates and ballet barre to a number of sessions for kiddies and moms-to-be.

The studio also hosts a range of neighborhood events, rotating art exhibits, and is home to the Chop Shop Café, offering servings of locally roasted coffee, a cornucopia of world teas and an assortment of appetizing treats.
A fully family-owned-and-operated facility – co-owners Matt and Rebecca Fritz have four children together – SuTRA Midtown represents the unyielding will and resolve of two eager entrepreneurs and a community that turns out in droves to support them.
 
With backgrounds in the creative arts and real estate development, the couple said they waged everything in the midst of the worst economy in generations to open up their neighborhood business.
While the Great Recession proved challenging for an upstart undertaking, the Fritz family passion for healthy bodies, healthy minds and a healthy community kept them going.
 
“We’ve been living in this neighborhood for nine years and it got to the point where we wanted to do something in our own ’hood. We wanted to be that thread that binds and lets people be healthy,” Matt said. “Unfortunately, we opened our doors right before the rug of the economy got pulled out from beneath all of Phoenix. That was difficult.” But with a mixture of affordable classes, a positive spirit, and a unique and upbeat business approach, the couple’s endeavor appears to be paying off.“I think a lot of people were hurting, but we offered a lot of classes [30-40 a week] to help people get by,” Matt said.“We’ve been very fortunate and have been fully embraced by Central Phoenix, the residents of our neighborhood and the residents of Downtown,” he said. “It’s been a baby-step process, but we’ve definitely been doing wonderfully.”

That baby-step process has earned the studio not only the support of the community, but multiple awards, as well. SuTRA Midtown been named best in the Valley on more than one occasion. And from a purely selfish viewpoint, the couple’s venture has completely been worth it, they said. “Everything we love we put into this building; that’s the whole reason we went into this. It’s really just our own lifestyle that we put into this space,” Matt said. “Even after maternity leave, Rebecca comes back to work and on the first day back says, ‘Oh, God, I love this place.’ And it’s a place the Fritzes are hoping more and more will love, too.

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SuTRA Midtown Art Intersect
The Phoenix Egotist – Dec 2010
 
Yoga. Coffee. Massage. Music. Art. That’s a lot of intersections. At SuTRA Midtown Yoga, body-mind awareness includes giving that third eye some new meditation options. Every month, the studio hosts an art opening for a local artist, complete with music and wine tasting. Even the studio prides itself on a fusion approach to its yoga instruction.
 
The business side is totally solid. Yoga “tastings” are a clever and fun way to get people involved, giving potential students an opportunity to take unlimited classes. The studios are artfully designed, with a definite urban hipster vibe (in this case, not a bad thing). The quality of the art displayed fluctuates, but it’s cool that a local business is completely focused on getting out the talent of local artists—synergy, folks.
 
SuTRA’s art openings are coordinated with First Fridays. You can wait until January, or you could schedule a post-holiday fusion massage, with some artwork viewing as dessert. Face it, you really don’t need to eat more fudge and cookies.

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SuTRA brings Rooftop Yoga to Downtown Phoenix
ABC 15 – Mar 2010

SuTRA Midtown, bring the practice of yoga to another level.  Enjoy one of Sutra’s signature classes atop The Clarendon’s award winning rooftop deck, with breath-taking views of the Valley.

Known for its rebellious views on yoga, Sutra now takes students through a tour of the clouds with its addition of ‘Rooftop Yoga”.

“We all enjoy the lasting buzz of a yoga high,” says Matthew Fritz, co-owner with wife Rebecca, of Sutra. He adds, “We simply wanted to take that high to the next level and help bring your practice one-step closer to the clouds.”

With the addition of the classes offered throughout the day, and their partnership with The Clarendon , Sutra gives another reason for locals to spend more time in downtown Phoenix.

Students can begin practicing a new style of yoga and finish with amenities offered by The Clarendon, such as Gallo Blanco Café & Bar. Highlights include afternoon fish tacos, a few chilled cocktails and of course, one of “Americas Hottest Rooftops”.  
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Midtown Mommies Get Funky at Sutra
Phoenix New Times - Feb 2010
 
Sutra Midtown, notorious in downtown Phoenix for their unique character, is excited to announce SuTRA MuM, a new lineup focused on the health and wellness of women from th earliest stages of pregnancy all the way thru postpartum recovery. Sutra, already credited with modernizing the identity of yoga and shaking off the common studio stereotypes, is expecting SuTRA MuM to have the same radical effects within the prenatal community as it did in the mainstream yoga world.
 
Soon to be mixed in among their already exciting schedule, look for customized renditions of some of their signature classes redesigned to accommodate women and their baby bump. The introduction of SuTRA MuM's prenatal classes have already begun attracting women from across the Valley, already making the trek to Phoenix's central core to be a part of Sutra's latest movement.
 
SuTRA MuM will be focusing their efforts on what they consider the four key elements of womens health: Prenatal Yoga/Pilates, often considered the perfect exercise for expectant mothers. Prenatal Massage, offering supplementary support to areas of the body most affected during pregnancy. Prenatal Community, where women can bond and gain knowledge of their experiences. Prenatal Nutrition, to offer guidance on proper nutrition for both mother and baby. 
 
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Organic Fitness in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix New Times – Jan 2010

Recently voted the ‘Best Yoga Studio in the Valley’, SuTRA Midtown is determined to see all of Central Phoenix strut the downtown corridor with a well sculpted rump and a set of firm flat abs amid their one-of-a-kind fusion class, Barefoot Fitness! One of Sutra’s many original class creations; Barefoot Fitness is the ultimate Vinyasa-Pilates fusion that blends the flexibility and muscle lengthening benefits of Power-Vinyasa Yoga with the primary core strengthening movements of standing and mat Pilates.

At a time of year when Resolutions are still fresh on the minds of those committed to making a change, there is certainly no shortage of fitness choices in the downtown area. Sadly, health clubs and gym memberships offer the same McFitness plans at each location that lack in facilitating the actual needs and desires of their newly acquired members.

Sutra’s Barefoot Fitness class showcases this studio’s message of, what they are calling, Organic Fitness. As described by Sutra, Organic Fitness is the natural way of using the body’s own movements and resistance to achieve optimal results, without the use of external props. This yoga-based fusion class offers a rewarding workout of body transforming results, married with the stress relief and mind-body alignment of the ancient practice of yoga. But be cautious, as the warning label reads on the class description, “Side effects may include burn calories, increased stamina, improved cardio strength, a focused mind, a tight ass, and some firm abs.”

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SuTRA Midtown – Way Cool!
Urban Connection – Jul 2009

Matt & Rebecca Fritz, Coronado Historic residents, have opened a very innovative yoga studio at Midtown’s Sheridan Square on 7th Street, between McDowell and Thomas. Featuring a lineup that includes variations of yoga done to things like ballet, belly dance, and kung fu, Matt & Rebecca are on a mission to “liberate yoga from all the rigid rules, strict poses and preconceived notions that can make yoga so blah, even for people who’ve practiced yoga for years.” I visited their studio earlier this month, to check out the place, and was impressed with not only their unique class offerings but also with the space that they have created to provide all of these great experiences for you and I. Looks like they spent some serious money to renovate the interior of this former factory.
 
Anyway, I felt better about my day, my outlook on life and generally received a little emotional life just hanging out in the building, and I didn’t even take a class. They have way too many things going on at the studio to list in this short space so I would advise you to check out their website to view their extensive class offerings and calendars. Kudos to Matt & Rebecca for following their dream and providing this space and their fresh new approach to the fine people of Phoenix and beyond.
 
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We Are CenPho
Matthew & Rebecca Fritz of SuTRA Midtown
CenPho – Jun, 2009
 
Tell us about yourself:
We are the owners of Sutra Midtown, fans of eccentricity, admirers of creativity, devotees of originality, enthusiasts of local art, love of big cities, and an overtly peculiar couple. We believe strongly in living your dreams and simply keeping this real. We opened Sutra to be more than just another yoga studio – Sutra represents creative expression thru lifestyle, mindset, attitude and movement – without ego, without drama, and without rules … just like us.
 
What makes CenPho unique?
Ingenuity and motivation. Fresh ideas deliver new beginnings, which pilot inspiration, and result in imaginative transformations. CenPho never rests, it is in a constant state of evolution and change. Expansive culture is a craving that never seems to be quenched and the connection between residents is a union that cannot be severed. The best place, the only place, to be in the city.
 
What kind of mark do you hope to leave on CenPho?
Sutra came onto the scene to fill a noticeable gap in the community. The word ‘sutra’ literally translated to ‘the thread that binds’ – and this was our intention. To provide a setting that is safe, comfortable, and free of the judgment, where forward thinking, inventive personalities can enjoy yoga the way it has always been meant to be enjoyed … with liberation. Our goal is to embrace the CenPho population and act as ‘the thread the binds’ by acting as the conduit of commonality.
 
Do you light rail, bus, car, bike or walk?
Mostly bike and walk. When the need to drive does arise we are a single car family that squeezes into our Civic Hybrid.

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SuTRA Midtown Yoga Introduces Yoga Fusion
Downtown Phoenix Journal – Jun 2009
 
Bob Marley and yoga? What about throwing in a little Jackie Chan? Or maybe a dose of Barishnicoff? There's a whole new way to practice yoga in Downtown Phoenix -- or make that a host of new ways -- and they're all under one funky roof at SuTRA Midtown Yoga, 2317 N. 7th St. Think: Ballet Yoga, Kung Fu Yoga, Rhythmic Funk, Reggae Fridays, the Nooner, and the Community Jukebox.
 
"We wanted to make yoga more exciting and introduce some creative funk" says Matthew Fritz, co-owner with wife Rebecca, of SuTRA. "We wanted to liberate yoga from all the rigid rules, strict poses and preconceived notions that can make yoga so blah, even for people who've practiced yoga for years."
 
Despite the challenging economy, the Fritzes have realized their long-time dream of opening their own studio. In a historic converted factory building on the edge of the Historic Coronado Neighborhood in Midtown's Sheridan Square, alongside great neighbors like Lisa g's Wine Bar, Drip Coffee Lounge, The Art of Soup and Trente-Cinq.
 
"We are all aware of the long list of yoga's benefits -- but pair those benefits with various forms of movement, such as martial arts, dance, fitness, and rhythm, and you have just created on the most productive, high energy, enjoyable workouts in the city", says Rebecca, who's innovations have earned her a reputation as the "Mad Scientist" of yoga in Phoenix.
 
The results, SuTRA's signature Yoga Fusions, provide a workout experience unlike any other. Combining classic yoga with alternative ideas gives participants not only get a chance to shake up their yoga routine, but also a chance to explore a new form of yoga fitness packed with flavor while ignoring limitations.
 
"A lot of people are feeling stressed in this economy right now," says Matthew. "And yoga has been proven to be a great way to deal with stress. But it can add to your stress to practice yoga at a studio that's all about 'lookie, lookie at how good I am at yoga." At SuTRA, we've changed all that. "It's about keeping it real, setting intentions and having fun, working hard and feeling good."
 
"Yoga is a living, breathing, evolving practice," adds Rebecca. "There's no right way, there no wrong way - there's only your way." Come find your Groove at SuTRA, where the intention is not to push the boundaries of yoga, but rather to tear those boundaries down completely.

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