Community-Minded Yoga Studio Comes to Town

AgouraHillsPatch.com

20 December 2011

The people behind Burn Yoga, an independent studio located in the newly-remodeled atrium of Whizin Market Square, hope to build a healthier community. 

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

A feeling of serenity envelops yogis and yoginis alike when they enter Burn Yoga, a new yoga studio situated at the recently remodeled Whizin Market Square.

Over 42-feet of calming wall art, customized by prominent local artist and fellow Whizin tenant Mary Peters, adorns the studio located on the second floor of the atrium. The independent studio opened to the public last week, with 26 classes led by 15 certified and seasoned instructors.

Patch caught up with owner Brad Burnam at the studio’s recent open house. “We want to develop new yogis and yoginis,” said the 33-year-old entrepreneur. “We want to spread health and wellness around the community.”

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

Burn Yoga, short for its owner’s last name, is teacher and student-centered, following no corporate model. “I have nothing against the chain studios,” said Burnam, who was born and raised in Calabasas. “My vision is just a bit different, that of a community yoga studio with free workshops involving non-profits and fitness experts.”

In early 2012, Burn Yoga will be hosting workshops from kids’ yoga to women’s self-defense. “I want every girl going off to college to take our self-defense class,” said Burnam of the two-hour free workshop.

Cooking classes are also part of the upcoming schedule. On February 4, there will be a PlantStrong cooking class, which will take place in a vegan chef’s Santa Monica Mountain sanctuary.

Most of the workshops are free or cost a nominal fee.

A practicing yogi, martial artist, weightlifter and cyclist, Burnam will be teaching a workshop on heart health on February 5.

“He really genuinely cares about the community,” said instructor Lainie Divina of Burnam.

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

A former professional dancer, Divina was also drawn to Burnam’s close-knit family approach.  “He hired like-minded people who are in one way or another involved in local philanthropy like him,” she said.

Among the charities that Burn Yoga supports are the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard, the Jewish National Fund, animal shelters and local schools.

“I want to extend huge discounts to teachers and employees of these non-profits,” said Burnam.

Also part of Burnam’s long-term vision is a teacher ownership model. “After the core group of instructors has been established, I want them to be part owners,” he said.

There are morning classes for the early birds as well as lunchtime ones for the working set. Classes are one to one-and-a-half-hours long, for all levels and abilities.

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

Divina teaches a level 1-2 class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. “They are ‘foundation’ classes, covering the basics of yoga and a bit more,” she said. “Just like in most disciplines, we all need a strong foundation before we can progress and thrive.”

As his studio thrives, Burnam anticipates establishing his own total fitness company. “It’s in the works, but right now, all my energy is on making the most out of this new venture,” he said.

For a complimentary trial class, please sign up here.