City Editor Anne here. 👋 I'm always looking for ways to move my body — so I was excited to try Raleigh's newest yoga studio.

I had the pleasure of meeting studio owner Amanda Villari, a Raleighite who grew up in Wake Forest and graduated from NC State. In search of more fulfillment in her work-life, Amanda brainstormed ways to switch careers. On her wishlist: Improve the city she loves so much while helping the people in it.

"Coming out of 2020, it felt like mental health and wellness were what people needed most — and a safe space to figure out what that means for themselves," she said.

Enter: YogaSix, a yoga studio offering six core class types that caters to every fitness level, from first-time practitioners to seasoned yogis.

YogaSix's studio is heated to various temperatures for different class types. | Photo by RALtoday

What we tried:

From the moment I stepped into YogaSix — located in the growing Bloc[83] development — I felt welcomed and zen. The vibes were definitely right.

I took the Y6 Sculpt & Flow class, which was the perfect blend of yoga and weight training. Our instructor Jodi cued movements that were easy to follow and understand as she led us through the challenging-yet-approachable workout. YogaSix's cueing style is different from traditional studios in that instructors cue practitioners into the pose first instead of leading with the pose. Instructors don't speak in Sanskrit, which makes it easier for first-time practitioners to follow the sequence.
Class started with light yoga stretches and a dynamic warm-up. Then, Jodi led us through a workout incorporating dumbbells and bodyweight exercises. The inclusive atmosphere and thorough pose guidance made me feel comfortable and confident in my movements.

After a fun and energizing class, we cooled down with more yoga stretches — and a cold eucalyptus towel. My mind and body felt truly refreshed.

These adjustment chips allow you to discreetly communicate with your instructor. | Photo by RALtoday

What not to miss:

Remember to grab a chip on your way into the modern, heated studio to place on your mat. The chip tells the instructor whether or not you're okay with hands-on adjustments during class. One side says "yes," the other side says "no."

The YogaSix prop room is full of equipment for all fitness levels. | Photo by RALtoday

What we’re still talking about:

YogaSix aims to create an environment that is welcoming, empowering, judgement-free, and fun — and it was. I'm excited to go back and try another class. Each of its six core class types are different. Read: You can match your workout to whatever mood you're in. From hot and power yoga to restorative and slow flows, Y6 has it all.

How you can experience this:

Bonus: RALtoday readers can try one of YogaSix's various classes for free using this link.

Don't forget to shop YogaSix's retail collection; sizes range from XS to 2XL. | Photo by RALtoday

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Sculpt & Flow class at YogaSix
Price: First class is free; drop-in and membership prices vary. For a limited time, RALtoday can get 50% off their first month with promo code: halfoff. Sign up.
Website: yogasix.com/location/glenwood-south
Address: 621 Hillsborough St., Ste. 103, Raleigh (Pro tip: YogaSix validates parking in the Bloc83 parking deck at the corner of Hillsborough St and S Boylan Ave. Bring the ticket in for them to validate while you're in class.)
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
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