Where do you go for life changing, body alternating, mind-set shifting and soul transforming wellness?
Experience Life Changing, Body Altering, Mind-Set Shifting, & Soul Transformation at Dharma Yoga Loft .
There were 22,000 Yoga Studios in the US in 2012… we are nearing 49,000 in 2023! More than double in a decade.
Dharmas owner, Jena Baird, has been ahead of the yoga studio and health trend. She received her Yoga Teacher training from Sivananda Ashram and opened her first studio, in Templeton, before 2012!
Here is a throwback review of Serenity Yoga circa 2012:
Dharma Review circa 2012
Needing a new location, she purchased Dharma Yoga in Paso Robles and added ‘Loft’ in 2016. Installing the infrared to the smaller classroom was another genius move as was adding more teachers and more classes; 15 plus teachers and 35 classes a week. Jena also added a 200-hour yoga teacher training to the mix (jenabaird.com). And in keeping with that ‘head of the curve’ intuition, she added the Wellness Lounge in 2022!
The Wellness Lounge at 1329 Spring Street, Paso Robles CA
Setting out on this health journey before most of us, Jena and many of the staff bring 20 years of wellness experience individually and over 75 years collectively!
Self-care is now trending, expecting more growth in 2024 according to Exploding Topics article at explodingtopics.com. It is no surprise that Jena expanded her studio and opened The Wellness Lounge in 2022, as if she already knew.
The byline at Dharma’s website is: Experience Life Changing, Body Altering, Mind-Set Shifting, & Soul Transformation at Dharma Yoga Loft
Let’s explore what that means at Dharma
Body Alternating Opportunities
FITNESS
Virtual Classes, Outdoor Classes, In Studio heated infrared classes, & In Studio regular temperature classes. Our studio has grown to offer multiple types of yoga, twenty-eight (and counting) times a week, four Pilates choices, twenty-seven infrared, five Hot26+2, occasional Kickboxing, and multiple Sound Bath infused classes.
With eleven different types of yoga and different versions of each, it might be overwhelming to decide which type of class is best for you. Warm? Hot? Flow? Deep? Currently, Dharma gives you the option to take a full week of classes for just $35 and with a Yearly Membership, owner Jena Baird, offers a 1:1 consultation to support you with your fitness goals. More about the year membership here.
Many of our dedicated teachers, including Jena, offer private fitness sessions. Creating a Wellness Event, or “Pop-up Wellness” for your group/family is also an option. (More information about the private wellness option in the Wellness Lounge Tab.) The Dharma team can bring the wellness to you or your small group can use studio and Wellness Lounge for a more intimate personalized wellness experience.
Types of yoga (click through for class descriptions coming, check class descriptions on Achieve app)
Hot Yoga Flow
Bhakti Yoga
Hatha Flow
Gentle Yoga
INFRARED HEATED- temperatures vary
Burn-45
Hot Power Flow
Warm Flow
Slow Flow
Warm Deep Stretch
Hot Deep Stretch
Full Body Burn
Hot 26+2 (the hottest of the hot)
Other Class offerings:
Hot Pilates Sculpt
Sound Bath
Book a private group class in the state-of-the-art infrared heat (link coming soon to learn healing benefits) room or in our regular classroom.
Book a private In Studio retreat or join us at our retreat property.
INFRARED
Why is a heated class a good idea? What is infrared heat anyway? This short cut enhances your body’s ability to function… primarily as a detox. The infrared technology at Dharma provides the cleanest (free of moisture, mold and dust), most efficient type of heat. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional to know how to support yourself with this bio-hack. Drinking lots of water, honoring your limits and being careful to not over stretch or over-tax yourself is very important!
This type of heat is most beneficial … more on infrared coming soon.
TIME-it is best to confirm class time by checking schedule in app
CLASS-new classes are being added on an occasional basis
INSTRUCTOR-the instructor listed on schedule could change
CANCELATIONS- classes are rarely canceled due to great efforts and a wonderful pool of subs
ROOM- please note which room the class is held in. Note that the temperature of the infrared room does very. Please read Light Therapy blog (coming soon) post to fully understand the multiple benefits and warnings of infrared heat.
SUNDAY
9:00 -10:00am Hot Yoga Flow Chelcy Johnson Heated
9:00 -10:00am Bhakti Yoga & Sound Bath * Jena Baird Main
10:30-11:30am Hot Power Flow Lauren Shannon Heated
MONDAY
7:30-8:30am Hot Power Flow Jena Baird Heated
9:00-10:00am Hatha Flow Jillian Kueffer Main
9:00-10:15am Hot 26+2 Yoga Ingrid Ralston Heated
4:00-5:00pm Slow Flow Yoga * Carmen Rose Heated
5:30-6:30pm Hot Power Flow Brandon Faulkner Heated
6:45-7:45pm Hot Deep Stretch Candlelight * Jena Baird Heated
TUESDAY
7:00-8:00am Warm Deep Stretch Jena Baird Heated
9:00-10:00am Full Body Burn Aubree Mitchell Heated
9:00-10:00am Energize Flow Yoga Sara Craft Main
10:15-11:30am Hot 26+2 Yoga Mike Perea Heated
5:30-6:30pm Hot Power Flow Jacqui Gaston Heated
5:30-6:30pm Gentle Yoga Geneva Brooks Main
7:00-8:00pm Candlelight Yoga & Sound Bath * Dian Packer of Serenity
WEDNESDAY
7:30-8:30am Hot Pilates Sculpt Denise Resco Heated
9:00-10:00am Hot Yoga Core Flow Lauren Shannon Heated
9:00-10:00am All Levels Yoga Flow Ester Christopher Main
12:00-12:45pm Burn-45 Aubree Mitchell Heated
5:30-6:30pm Hot Pilates Sculpt Denise Resco Heated
6:45-7:45pm Hot 26+2 Yoga Ingrid Ralston Heated
THURSDAY
7:00-8:00am Hot Deep Stretch * Carmen Rose Heated
9:00-10:00am Hot Pilates Sculpt Denise Resco Heated
10:15-11:30am Hot 26+2 Yoga Mike Perea Heated
5:30-6:30pm Hot Balance Flow Jillian Kueffer Heated
6:45-7:45pm By Donation Sound Bath * Akasha & Kira Main
FRIDAY
8:30-9:30am Hatha Flow Anita Speciale Main
8:30-9:30am Hot Yoga Flow Lauren Shannon Heated
9:45-10:45am Hot Pilates Sculpt Lauren Shannon Heated
12:00-12:45pm Burn-45 Aubree Mitchell Heated
5:30-6:20pm Friday Eve Heated Yoga Dharma Staff Heated
SATURDAY
7:30-8:30am Hot 26+2 Yoga Ingrid Ralston Heated
9:00-10:00am Hot Sculpt Fusion Mike Perea Heated
10:30-11:30am Warm Yoga Flow & Deep Stretch Chelcy Johnson Heated
* Classes offer a meditative and breathwork focused practice.
TEACHERS
Johnson, Chelcy
Shannon, Lauren
Taigo, Bridget
Kueffer, Jillian
Faulkner, Brandon
Mitchell, Aubree
Perea, Mike
Resco, Denise
Christopher, Ester
Ralston, Ingrid
Speciale, Anita
Jenkins, Gina
Studio TIPS:
- Go to Yoga Class Schedule on Achieve App-
HEAT :
Heated Classes, Hot Stones, Jade Mat, and *Sauna
Heated Fitness Classes
When performed safely….heated classes add additional benefits. Heat expands the blood plasma volume by making blood vessels flexible and able to dilate. This is beneficial because it increases oxygen delivered to muscles. A study done by Marathon runner Alberto Slazar (Olympics 1984) found heated workouts result in a cooler resting body temperature too. (2022 article by Meagan Brown)
Heat during exercise also builds endurance and tolerance to stress, which is helpful for competition. Speeding up our metabolism and burning more calories during exercise as well as using more calories to cool the body are benefits too… need we say more? Please be mindful of the effects of heat on your body and consult a professional. If you have been doing your own research, feel free to share what you found in the comments.
Altering your body isn’t just achieved by active movement. Dharma has tools to add in your recovery after you exercise. Understanding that the mechanical effects of blood flow have anti-inflammatory properties and heat increases blood flow, we know hot stones, the Jade Mat and sauna can aid in your recovery after exercise.
Hot Stones
Adding hot stones to any of your treatments in the lounge or just come meditate with them.
Jade Mat
Jade mat can be added to any service in the Wellness Lounge too. You can even create your own wellness session, currently 3 treatments for $30, as a nice way to experience the health benefits.
Sauna
*Off campus events include a sauna. To create your own affordable wellness event contact Jena.
LIGHT: white light and red light
Both white light and red light have been shown to improve mood so this body altering treatment also is mind-set shifting! The lights’ effect on the circadian rhythm mimics the effects of sunlight, making the proper adjustments, just as nature has intended. Research indicates that light applied 16-24 inches from the skin for 10 minutes, 4-5 times a week can improve sleep, balance hormones and aid in healing other chronic conditions. If you can’t get outside to enjoy natures light come to The Wellness Lounge to use our light therapy sources. If a 4-5 times a week ritual is advisable, let’s work together to make it affordable and convenient!
OXYGEN BAR – information coming soon
VIBRATION THERAPIES:
Chi Machine, Music, Vibration Plate,
Sound, Reiki, Tuning Forks &Massage
Reiki and Tuning Forks work in the biofield (an energy field that extends several inches beyond the body) and strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself. Several of Dharmas practitioners practice the art of Reiki. Our biofield practitioner, LindaFlor Larsen, can be contacted for more on tuning fork sessions. Owner, Jena Biard, is happy to create a healing session for you that includes Reiki and tuning forks. To experience it, attend Jena’s Sunday morning class.
SOUND
Sound Therapy, like breath, works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system which reduces cortisol, increases alpha waves and antibody production. Studies have shown the tissue experiences a deep massage effect from sound. Don’t take our word for it, experience it for yourself! Check current schedule. As of this writing, a sound class (by donation) is being offered on Thursdays.
MASSAGE
The release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are common benefits of massage. These neurotransmitters create deep relaxation, reduce heart rate, improve digestion, increase excretion of toxins (this is why you must drink extra water on massage days), reduce pain, enhance immune system, reduce stress, and retard the aging process. Seriously, why aren’t massages mandatory?
Mind-Set Shifting
Dharma offers a long list of things that can help us shift to a healthier mind set. It is estimated in 2021 that there was an increase of anxiety of 50 percent! A study done by Boston College (bc.edu) states that depression has increased 44 percent. The biggest impact was on 18-29 year olds.
What elevates your mood? How do you shift your mind-set when you feel the doldrums coming on? Are you good at keeping them away? Please share in the comments.
Yoga and metal health ………………..uh, did you know yoga’s purpose is to prepare the body for meditation? You already know how beneficial fitness is, in general, for the mindset. Let's dig a bit deeper.
There is an ever-growing list of options in the Studio and The Wellness Lounge, to shift your mind-set. From a gentle restorative yoga class and metaphysical tools, to 1:1counseling sessions. The Dharma community is here to support you.
Yoga Light Therapy Stress Relief Coaching Nutrition Counseling Reiki
YOGA
The importance of the savasana should not be overlooked. Just like pressing the save button after writing your Word document, pressing the save button on the body alignments you made is obtained by taking these few minutes at the end of class. Not only does it set your poses to memory, it reduces fatigue. From Iyengar Yoga creator BSK Iyengar; “The ten to fifteen minute corpse position at the end of class removes fatigue.” Having a good feeling body goes a long way to supporting a healthy mind-set.
Those delicious minutes of meditation at the end of each class is also a good base line for your own meditation practice. The benefits of meditation require a blog post on its own! Reducing blood pressure, reducing cortisone, improving sleep, elevating mood, and providing connection to your intuition, is the short list. Classes that focus on mindfulness: any class with Jena & Carmen Rose. Practitioners who can help you with your meditation practice: Carmen Rose, Tricia Gunberg and Monica Galli.
REIKI
Universal life force energy. It is said that every human possesses this force. Did you know that our very own Jena is Reiki attuned? If you ever wondered why you could feel heat from her hands while getting an adjustment during class, you have experienced the healing energy of Reiki. To book a personalized healing session with Jena click here. If you’d like to learn more about Reiki, receive a Reiki scan or Reiki healing with a Reiki Master, contact Tricia Gunberg. Currently, Tricia is at The Wellness Lounge most Thursdays 10A.M. to 2P.M.
LIGHT THERAPY
Both white light and red light have been shown to improve mood. The lights’ effect on the circadian rhythm mimics the effects of sunlight, making the proper adjustments, just as nature would. Research indicates it improves sleep, most likely why your mood is improved. To learn more come to The Wellness Lounge to see our light therapy sources. for more information coming soon.
This light has been proven to cure SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder
NUMEROLOGY
If a barrage of positive affirmations about your true self sounds like music to your ears, imagine what it will do to your mindset. Raising your vibration with personalized affirmation has never been easier. Learning the energetic interpretation of illness via numerology helps the mind-shift and moves you toward soul level healing. Learn more about Numerology by visiting, Tricia Gunberg at the Wellness Lounge, viewing her website or feel free to send her an email tscare.co @gmail.com
NUTRITIONAL COUNCILING
It is difficult to have your brain firing on all cylinders if you do not have proper nutrition. With the current barrage of antibiotics, environmental toxins, sugar, caffeine, and stress, it is no wonder that “gut” illnesses have risen, accounting for 3 million hospitalizations per year and highest cause for disability in the workplace. IBS, GERD and Colorectal Cancer are some of the most common Gastrointestinal Diseases. According to researchers at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, gut health is also linked to problems with joint pain (inflammation). The advice, “Go back to the basics – eat a balanced diet, exercise and get a good night’s sleep.” If you need help getting back to basics with nutrition, we have two nutritional coaches offering services here at The Wellness Lounge.
Gastrointestinal Disease: A Culprit for More Than You Expect
website: uchealth.com
Soul Transformation
Do you recall ‘The Hierarchy of Needs’ from entry level psychology class? The gist of it; we attend to self-actualization when our basic needs are met. Why is self-actualization important? Is it related to soul transformation? Is my soul any of your business? Furthermore, what does the condition of my soul have to do with wellness?
All these great questions are nudging us toward “enlightenment” and for those of us who are seeking but have no interest in becoming a monk or spending a lengthy amount of time off in a cave, Dharma offers us quality alternatives.
Find your Dharma…
If you want soul work to be part of your path or you have seen its connection to your own health, you are not alone. If you feel the urge to consider the condition of your soul, the staff here at Dharma is here to support you in exploring yourself, in a safe space, and an affordable rate, you can be the best version of yourself.
Dharma Yoga Loft and Wellness Lounge 1329 Spring Street, Paso Robles CA