Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Introduce
For many in Michigan, a yoga studio is more than just a place to stretch and breathe; it's a sanctuary, a community, and a space for personal growth. Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis, located right here in Kalamazoo, embodies this philosophy in every way. From the moment you step into their clean and beautiful space, you can feel the warmth and a genuine sense of belonging. This studio is built on a mission to make yoga accessible to all, providing a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment for every individual who walks through its doors. Whether you are an experienced yogi or have never stepped on a mat before, Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
The name "Backyard Yogis" is a nod to its humble beginnings as friends and neighbors practicing yoga together. This original spirit of community and connection remains at the core of the studio's identity. As one customer beautifully puts it, the studio "feels like home." The instructors make a "conscious effort to help everyone feel comfortable and welcome," creating a judgment-free space for authentic practice. This focus on inclusivity is a cornerstone of the studio's identity, with a strong commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space. The studio also provides a variety of unique and fun events, often giving back to local non-profits, which further solidifies its role as a vital part of the Kalamazoo community.
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis is conveniently situated at 1501 Fulford St #2, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, USA. Its location makes it easily accessible for residents throughout the Kalamazoo area. The studio is located within the South building at Jerico, and you can find it by parking on the south side and entering through the front entrance, where the studio is the second door on the left in Suite 2. This convenient setup ensures a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Accessibility is a core value for Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis, and the physical space reflects this commitment. The studio offers a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it easy for individuals with mobility challenges to get from their vehicle to the building. Inside, there is also a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that all visitors can use the facilities comfortably. In addition to these features, the studio also offers free parking in both the parking lot and on the street, which is a great convenience for all visitors. This focus on physical accessibility ensures that the studio is a truly open and welcoming space for every member of the Michigan community.
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis offers a wide range of services designed to meet diverse needs and preferences, all within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Group Lessons: The studio offers a variety of group classes, from "Nurture with Kat" to "Prenatal with Alison" and "Parents and Pipsqueaks with Shelby." They have classes for every level, including unique offerings like "BIPOC Yoga" and "LGBTQIA+ Yoga," as well as "Body Liberation" and "Cathartic Calm."
Private Lessons: For those who prefer a more personalized approach, the studio provides private one-on-one lessons. This is an excellent option for beginners, individuals with specific health concerns, or anyone looking for a tailored practice. Appointments are recommended for these sessions.
Event Rentals: The beautiful and clean studio space is available for event rentals. This provides a perfect venue for a variety of gatherings, whether they are wellness-related or for other community events.
Special Events: The studio frequently hosts a variety of unique and fun special events and workshops. These events are often donation-based, with proceeds going to local non-profits. This is a great way to engage with the community while giving back.
Yoga for Kids: The studio is "good for kids," with specific classes like "Parents and Pipsqueaks" and "Lil' Yogi & Me," which provide a fun and engaging way for children and their parents to practice yoga together and build community.
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a truly special place in the Michigan yoga scene.
Inclusive and Safe Space: The studio is explicitly "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "Transgender safespace." This, combined with classes designed for various communities and abilities, creates an environment where everyone feels "deeply seen, held and known."
Community-Focused and Socially Conscious: The studio is dedicated to building community and giving back. They host events where proceeds benefit local non-profits, and they make yoga accessible through discounted and donation-based classes.
Welcoming for All Levels: Whether it’s your "first time or 100th time," the instructors are praised for making a conscious effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable and welcome. This is particularly important for beginners who might be intimidated by a new studio.
Family-Friendly Options: The studio is "good for kids" and offers classes like "Parents and Pipsqueaks," which provides a much-needed community space for parents to connect while their children are also engaged.
Appointments and Accessibility: The studio recommends appointments, which helps with planning and ensures a smooth experience. The availability of a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and restroom also highlights their commitment to a wide audience.
Unique and Engaging Classes: The variety of class offerings, from "Nurture" to "Body Liberation," ensures that there is a class for every mood and need. This variety keeps things interesting and helps members explore different aspects of their practice.
For those who wish to connect with Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis, here is the contact information:
Address: 1501 Fulford St #2, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, USA
Phone: (269) 220-0560
Choosing Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis is a decision to invest not just in your physical well-being but in a supportive and nurturing community. The testimonials from real customers are a powerful testament to the studio's unique value. One reviewer's experience highlights the studio as "the safest place I didn’t know I needed," noting how the instructors are "highly adept at creating accessibility" in a way that feels "so honoring and validating." This deep level of care goes far beyond a typical fitness class. For parents, the studio provides an essential support system, where they can "practice community" and feel "a little bit less alone."
The studio’s commitment to making yoga accessible is another key reason to choose it. By offering donation-based classes and discounts, they remove financial barriers and open their doors to everyone. Furthermore, their dedication to unique and purposeful events that benefit local non-profits makes every class feel like you are contributing to a greater cause. It's a place where "collective liberation" is practiced alongside yoga poses. For anyone in the Michigan region seeking a yoga studio that is clean, beautiful, and deeply committed to inclusivity and community, Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis is the perfect choice. It is a place where you can find not just a workout, but a home.
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Services
Yoga Studio
- Group lessons
- Private lessons
- Event Rentals
- Special Events
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Appointments recommended
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Photos
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Location
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis
1501 Fulford St #2, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, USA
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Reviews
spaceparentscommunitylgbtqia+studentsqueerdiscountsatmosphere
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Beautiful, clean, welcoming space. Perfect studio to try an in person class for the first time or 100th time. The instructors make a conscious effort to help everyone feel comfortable and welcome. They are helping make yoga accessible to all by offering discounts and donation based classes. They also host a variety of unique/fun events, and often proceeds go to a local nonprofit. Backyard yogis really feels like home. Definitely my favorite yoga studio, highly recommend!
October 19 · Mary CouncellBackyard Yogis is the safest place I didn’t know I needed! From Nurture with Kat, to Prenatal with Alison, to Parents and Pipsqueaks with Shelby, I (and my family) have felt deeply seen, held and known in this place as we practice community, yoga, and collective liberation. Yoga has historically been challenging for me accessibility-wise, and each of my instructors at BYY has been highly adept at creating accessibility for me in a way that feels so honoring and validating of my lived experiences in my body. My toddler can’t wait for every Tuesday morning class when he gets to join me and see his buddies, as I and his buddies’ parents move together and rest in the togetherness of doing parenthood a little bit less alone. I am forever thankful for this community - y’all have carried me through many seasons over the last several years and I can’t thank you enough!!!
January 20 · Samantha FarrisI cannot recommend Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis enough, for so many reasons. The intention behind decisions and offerings to make sure the space is inclusive, safe and welcoming is incredible.In whatever stage I’ve been in, it has met me where I’m at. From prenatal classes that kept me grounded, healthy and feeling prepared for birth to the parent and pipsqueak classes that bring invaluable connection with other parents and their babes, I am so grateful to have this space as a support to my mental health these past years. Backyard Yogis is so much more than yoga - it is also a safe and caring community that has added so much to my life.
January 20 · Sarah LittleI can’t begin to explain how wonderful this space and the experience is doing yoga here. I have done lots of yoga in my life but none since becoming a parent and it was the first time since 2020 (or before) that I actually felt entirely still and at peace, even if the world feels like it’s falling apart sometimes. The physical environment that has been created is impeccable but the more broad, energetic space I got to exist in during the Thursday night yoga with Shelby was the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had with yoga. She did such an incredible job working to not only establish psychological safety and a willingness to meet us where we were at (physically, emotionally, psychologically, etc) but she also continued to reassure us of that safety in a way that was only inviting and not at all burdensome. The ambiance. The music. The community…. Everything in that room was magic. I seriously can’t recommend this community enough to anyone wanting to find more peace and love in their body and soul.
January 16 · Lauren SprowlKalamazoo Backyard Yogis is one of my favorite places on the planet. When I first started coming to KBY, I was super burnt out and needed to focus on my wellness. I was nervous because I’ve been in other fitness spaces that are judgey, unwelcoming, and encourage diet culture and disordered eating. This space was so different. In my first class I was immediately told I was good. Here we are taught to respect ourselves and others. To give our bodies rest and to challenge ourselves. Here, we build resilience. Most of all, we have a community that is accepting of those who are often left out of yoga. Beyond just acceptance the equity mission and flexible pricing offered by this business truly give access to those often overlooked and excluded by these spaces. I hope to be part of this community for many years to come.
January 20 · Maddie Isch
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