Open Now HABIT FORMING: Habitual Yoga Space Opens, Plans Therapeutic Options

words by sawyer hoff • photos by andrea paulseth

ARIANE FOSTER, OWNER OF HABITUAL YOGA SPACE, first tried yoga when she was 16 years old and immediately felt the benefits, not only physically, but mentally.

“Something that stuck with me was when I came home from that first yoga class,” Foster said. “My mom had said to me, ‘Wow your mood is so much nicer!’ ”

Her love for yoga only blossomed from there, prompting her to do more in college and eventually moving to San Diego to complete her yoga teacher training. While also working in the disability sector, Foster realized that there was a massive gap in accessible places in general, but especially in the health and wellness world. This pushed her to start using yoga therapy.

“Yoga therapy is a much more therapeutic approach that allows any body – (with) any physical disabilities, any mental illness – to try yoga,” Foster said. “So, opening my own space was a bridging between my disability work with my yoga work and making yoga accessible to everybody and more inclusive.”

Foster’s new business, Habitual Yoga Space, 422 Water St., opened for classes July 11 and has already been a hit. While initial offerings will mostly consist of mat-focused yoga to get started, in the fall Foster will be offering more tailored, therapeutic yoga classes. They will also hold monthly meetups for things like menstrual cycles, sobriety and recovery support, men’s groups, and more.

“There is a lot of research that shows that people with chronic conditions in a group setting really benefit and get better faster,” Foster said.

Each class after July is only $17 and there will also be class packages and memberships.

Habitual Yoga Space will have its grand opening on Aug. 6, with 10-15 minute free classes for people to come in and try it out. There will also be giveaways and swag bags provided by other local businesses.

“What I’m most excited about is being able to meet more community members and really have this be a welcoming and cohesive space for people who may not have otherwise tried yoga,” she said.

To learn more about Habitual Yoga Space and to book a class, you can go to habitualyogaspace.com or visit them in person at 422 Water St., Eau Claire.