“We did research to make sure our branding wouldn’t feel intimidating,” says Jason Herd, co-owner of M Power Yoga in Brewers Hill, where most folks coming in to namaste are newbies. Everybody gets a free trial, which many turn into a “10-Day Challenge” and commit to practicing yoga every single day. That’s no challenge (at least logistically) thanks to diverse classes, from Melt Hot Fusion (in a 100+-degree room at 40 percent humidity) to Music in Motion (a Vinyasa class where live humans play the harp, Grateful Dead tunes, etc.). Spirituality isn’t ignored, but references are limited—say, the occasional Sanskrit phrase, spoken first in English—as instructors focus on a more universal motto: “Inspired Living.” This (former) yoga hater was inspired to add Mend Restorative Yoga to my weekly workout regimen, after a particularly seductive Sunday class that stretched my muscles—and my perspective of what a yoga studio can be. mpoweryogastudio.com
