I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for about seven years now and during that time I’ve seen an increase in the number of people engaged in physical activities such as yoga, biking, and running.  The number of yoga studies that have opened in the past couple of years is just incredible! The return of the Pittsburgh marathon has had such a wonderful influence on the city.  I know there are a bunch of us at Coro Pittsburgh participating in the marathon.

The RIC has also blogged a lot about biking in Pittsburgh: how to be safe, why it’s fun, and how you can be involved.  I thought I’d combine a few of these ideas: yoga, biking and one other thing Pittsburgh has a lot of: entrepreneurs.  I had the opportunity to speak with Kimberly Musial, former Coro Pittsburgh Fellow in Public Affairs, and owner of the Yoga Hive in the Glass Lofts on Penn Avenue.

Yoga in Pittsburgh

RA: What is the Yoga Hive?

KM: The yoga hive is a community-minded studio located in the neighborhood of Garfield.  We offer a variety of yoga styles that include vinyasa and kundalini. Our teachers have all studied with different teachers and have their own unique style. We also offer meditation, which is a really important supplement to the yoga poses.

RA: Why is yoga important?

KM: Everyone has their own reasons for this.  I think it’s important to check-in with your body and mind on a regular basis.  When I don’t practice regularly, my muscles can feel it, my mind is more scattered and agitated and I feel less grounded.  Yoga has been the most transformational part of my life and many other practitioners will tell you the same.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything negative attributed to the practice of yoga. It’s good for your mind, body and soul.

Kimberly Musial owner of Yoga Hive in Pittsburgh

RA: What do you tell people that might be skeptical about trying yoga?

KM: It’s good to be skeptical of all things.  Blind faith is never good, but, I also believe in having an open mind and giving everything a try.   Most people who are skeptical or nervous feel that way because they have never done yoga before and are embarrassed that they will look out of place or will be too inflexible.  I am reading a book called Poser: my life in twenty-three yoga poses. There is an excellent quote I’d like to share on this point: “Like everyone else, I was terrified of a roomful of people who were good at it. Little did I know then that only very occasionally in yoga do you stumble into an entire roomful of people who are good at it. And when you do, they often turn out to be assholes.”

Yoga for Bikers

RA: Very apt point, and a very good reason for us to try some yoga!  I heard you have a new yoga class for people that bicycle, can you tell us more?

KM: Yes! We started this class in March since we had a lot of folks bicycling to the studio and students were saying that they were prepping to run the Pittsburgh marathon or other races. I think yoga is a really important supplement to both activities.  I myself am a runner and cyclist and feel the tension that sits in my hips and legs after just one ride or short run.  The class itself is 60 minutes, 730-830 PM every Tuesday.  We hold poses for awhile to get deep into the muscles and allow the body time to adjust.

Biking in Pittsburgh

RA: What advice do you have for people who are biking in Pittsburgh?

KM: Be safe! Check in with Bike Pittsburgh‘s efforts frequently.  Wear your helmet, put your lights on, and use your hand signals.  Take care of your body – you give your bicycle a tuneup on a regular basis, yoga is a tune-up for your body.  It keeps your joints, muscles and mind healthy and strong.

RA: What other classes do you have that we should keep an eye out for?

KM: We’ve got some amazing workshops coming up. This weekend we’ve got Hula Hoop Yoga in collaboration with Steel City Hoop Union and Stefanie Moser!

Thanks, Kimberly!  Remember, if you are new to Yoga Hive, you can receive unlimited yoga for two weeks for just $10!  see our banner ads on the blog and website for more info.  Also, check out this great video that highlights great things happening in Pittsburgh featuring Stefanie Moser! (If you’re having trouble viewing the video, click here.)

FNTV Belong from Brad Knull on Vimeo.