Synergy

amenities yoga faq's our people

"Namaste," a Sanskrit word, is commonly used as a greeting in yoga practice, which is done by clasping both palms together. The word signifies that one bows to the devine by uniting the mind, body and soul.

Namaste. Welcome to Synergy.

Synergy is committed to providing the highest standards of yoga instruction to meet the needs of students in a warm, caring and noncompetitive environment. Students of Synergy will experience the profound aspects of yoga through a committed involvement in healthy practices that connect the mind, body and breath.

What makes Synergy different?
Synergy is unique to Richmond for many reasons. It offers a variety of yoga classes and amenities, as well as other healthy practices to meet your specific interests and needs. The instructors believe that yoga is for everyone, not just those who are already physically fit or extremely flexible.
Click on the links below for more information on yoga, and Synergy's services and instructors.

Commitment to Service

Synergy is dedicated to a tradition of excellence in teaching. The instructors are committed to providing hatha yoga, meditation, stress reduction, massage therapy, nutrition, and holistic health for students of all levels and ages. Classes are also small so that individual and personal service can be provided to you.

Please don't hesitate to email Synergy with any comments or suggestions so that we can serve you better.

Amenities

Synergy's amenities offer a true mix of quality, comfort and tradition. With you in mind, we've created an atmosphere where life centers on your comfort and needs.

The Synergy Yoga Studio - The Synergy studio is a calm, beautiful, soundproof environment that includes many serene luxuries, including a large water fountain and aromatherapy. The studio uses padded carpet, and provides mats, blankets and anything else you will need during your classes.

The Synergy Tea Room - Synergy students are invited to enjoy Synergy's tea room before and after class. The tea room is a place to meet with friends, sip herbal tea, read books from our library, listen to music and prepare for class.

The Synergy Boutique - The Synergy Yoga Boutique carries everything from practical yoga wear to yoga-inspired books, spiritual music CDs and the latest yoga props to support and deepen your yoga practice. The Boutique is open before and after class.

Therapeutic Body Work - Synergy is now taking appointments for Massage Therapy, Holistic Bodywork, and Healing Touch. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call us at 747-YOGA (9642).

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life, as well as a system of exercises, that encourages the union of mind, body and spirit. In fact, the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "yoke" or "union." The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve a state of balance and harmony between mind and body.

Although there are many paths of yoga, which all subscribe to the belief that the body and mind must be seamlessly connected to achieve optimal health, hatha yoga, the system of physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation, is most often followed by Western yoga practitioners today. This practice is often accredited to hatha yoga's miraculous health benefits.

Why Practice Yoga?

Yoga has many benefits: physiological, mental and spiritual, and it encourages good physical health, harmony, peace of mind, and an overall sense of well-being through asanas (postures), breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation.

Enjoy the many benefits of yoga

You can take what you need from yoga and enjoy the benefits as you have defined them, whether it be for physical fitness, relaxation, meditation, spiritual fulfillment or to learn about the philosophy of life. Regardless of your definition, it is important to understand that yoga is about releasing tension in the body and the mind so you can listen to your heart, learn and grow. Among the many benefits, students often practice yoga to:

Build strength
Tone and sculpt the body
Learn to have a calm, focused, and non-reactive mind
Improve the health of the back by elongating the spine and avoiding fusion of the vertebrae
Prevent Osteoporosis
Balance the Endocrine system
Increase concentration and develop awareness
Improve flexibility
Create stamina and increase energy
Develop balance and coordination
Reduce hypertension

Yoga Styles

Synergy focuses on traditional or classic hatha yoga, based on the ancient teachings passed down by the masters. However, we also believe in bringing together the timeless wisdom of the ancient sages of the east with modern science and technology of the west, as well as blending classic yoga with more contemporary styles. Our qualified instructors will provide you with reliable guidance to help meet your specific interests and needs.

This style of yoga is an ancient form of self-improvement that has existed for over 5,000 years. Among its many benefits, it strengthens and tones muscles, increases flexibility, develops balance and coordination, corrects bad postural habits and misalignments in the body, increases lung capacity and restores proper blood flow to muscles. All hatha yoga classes at Synergy consist of the study of asana (postures), breathwork, and relaxation or meditation.

Beginners

Synergy accepts beginners or new students at any time throughout the session, as long as space is available in your class choice. Please call in advance to schedule an appointment to meet with us about 15 minutes before entering your first class. If you are joining the class late, your tuition will be prorated as long as you pay for a minimum of four classes.

Students should not eat 1-2 hours before the scheduled class and should arrive to class 10 minutes early. It is also important to wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to work in bare feet. Also, because the studio is carpeted and provides mats, blankets and other necessities, students are not required to furnish their own supplies. However, if you would like to purchase your own yoga supplies, The Synergy Boutique carries mats, props, eye pillows, books, clothing and more.

Director

Karen Pace

Karen Pace, owner and Director of Synergy, teaches Introductory, Beginner/Continuing, Intermediate, Seniors, Kids and Prenatal Traditional-style hatha yoga classes. Karen began training in yoga and meditation in the early 90's and began teaching traditional hatha yoga in 1998. A member of the Himalayan Institute Teacher's Association, Karen studied at the Omega Institute in New York and completed the Intensive Teacher's Training at the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy.