YvaYoga Makes Its Debut On Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn can be a stressful place. So if you need to relieve some tension or could use a nice workout followed by some peaceful meditation, morning yoga classes at the recently opened YvaYoga studio (285 Willoughby Avenue at Taafe Place) might be just the thing.

YvaYoga is named for Yva Figueroa, the studio’s personable teacher. In her bright, airy studio, housed in an 1840s townhouse, she offers affordable classes three days a week and hopes to serve all of the community, honing and refining her approach to meet the needs of her students.

“It’s open to anyone,” the Clinton Hill resident said. “If you don’t speak English, you can come over. If it’s your first time doing yoga, I will offer you beginner’s yoga. If you want to work out, I will make sure to find a sequence for you.”

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, and a certified vinyasa yoga instructor, Yva has been a yoga addict since the age of seven when she first took it up to help with her ballet training.

A professional dancer, Yva specialized in the tango and modern dance and worked with the Venezuelan National Dance Company before coming to New York.

In addition to her vinyasa certification, she also is a certified Zumba instructor.

Prior to opening her studio, Yva mostly taught private clients. She strives to integrate that individually tailored, one-on-one approach into her group classes.

“I try to combine different techniques,” she said. “I don’t get attached to only one. I try to bring what the people ask for. I try to adapt the class to the crowd that comes. I don’t follow one pattern all the time.”

Classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Early bird classes run from 7-8am and cost $5. Vinyasa Flow classes are held from 8:15-9:15am and are priced at $10. From 9:30-10:30am, Yva holds a beginner’s class, which is also $10. Mat rentals are $1. Multiple-class packages and gift cards are available too.

Yva plans on expanding to evening classes in September and October and will continue to adjust her programs according to the feedback she receives from her pupils.

In the meantime, all are welcome.

“I just offer compassion and kindness,” she said. “It’s free of judgment. Everyone can come.”

By Paul McCaffrey