High Elevation Wellness at The Shop Yoga Studio

The Shop is not your average yoga studio. It’s a hidden gem and a cozy sanctuary nestled into the Historic Old Town of Park City. Since its inception in 1997, The Shop has been weaving its charm through the community, by not only offering yoga classes but also by hosting a variety of special events. Once you step inside The Shop, you'll instantly feel the magic, as it’s not just about yoga but community, “kula” as its called in sanskrit, and about creating unforgettable moments for wellbeing.

The Shop offers classes for all skill levels. The proficient instructors infuse their classes with expertise and genuine passion, covering a wide range of styles. You'll find classes rooted in the philosophy of Anusara Yoga which emphasizes alignment and controlling the breath, but also offering practices grounded or influenced by Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow,  Pranayama, Meditation, Tai Chi, dance as well as other styles and practices. The Shop is intent on supporting a community that celebrates life in all its many expressions, and through the practices they offer, all teachers and students become a link in yoga’s authentic chain of wisdom.

When David Belz first laid eyes on the old bus barn on Woodside Avenue over 30 years ago, it had been on the market for nearly a decade. According to records from the Park City Historical Society and Museum, the historic brick building was built in 1936 as the Park City High School Mechanical Arts Building. Students who attended auto mechanics and sculpture classes called it "The Shop." Later, the school district called it "The Bus Barn," using it to store school buses. Originally an architect and devout martial artist, the dilapidated building and its wide open floor plan captured Belz’s imagination where he envisioned creating a space that not only included his office but also combined his love for martial arts and yoga.

When Belz purchased the building in 1995, a comprehensive renovation was embarked upon in 1996, preserving the original structure and incorporating his unique touch. The result was a lively space with concrete floors, yellow-tinted walls, and a zen garden next door. The Shop now holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its rich history and transformation.

Yoga Classes and Special Events 

The Shop is unique in that it is not a hot studio, as many have become. Their wide-ranging class offerings are designed to accommodate all age groups, embracing individuals at every level, and are available every day of the week—except Saturdays, which are reserved for renting out their space for special events.

The Shop’s huge open room is not just for yoga; it's an intimate space perfect for weddings, parties, and all kinds of events. The Shop has not only become this sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts but also a favorite spot for Sundance-related events supporting filmmakers, and the accompanying local and global communities. The Shop is usually closed during the two weeks of Sundance to accommodate these types of affairs. Special events, particularly those centered around wellness and yoga, have become a significant highlight for The Shop. These include cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance, half day yoga retreats, sound baths, Mountain Town Music events, and other musical healing happenings, featuring their state-of-the-art sound system. With a full kitchen on-site, cooking demonstrations and the potential to offer tasty, healthy food at events are also part of the experience.

But that's not all – every month, The Shop shares a donation class, going back to their roots as a donation-based business, where they shine a spotlight on one of their fantastic instructors, and all donations go straight to a charity of their choice. The next donation class is anticipated for March!

Private sessions are a significant aspect of The Shop's offerings, taking place in the studio or the garden. One-on-ones, bachelorette parties, and other private affairs are catered to, either at the venue or at the client's location.

Also The Shop’s accessibility is key, as many locals in the Old Town area find it convenient to simply stroll over. The Shop's commitment to offering a variety of experiences, from public classes to private sessions and special events, makes it a versatile and inclusive space for the community.

An Authentic Yoga Experience in Park City

Stepping into The Shop Yoga Studio in the heart of Park City is like entering a peaceful oasis where wellness and community harmoniously intertwine. I love the historical Old Town feel of this studio and how spacious and open it is, quite unique from other yoga studios around town. I appreciate that The Shop isn't a hot yoga studio; and how the regular temperature suits my practice better. As I settled onto my mat in the all-levels yoga class, I could definitely sense the spiritual energy that permeates around the space, from the high ceilings to the hindu deity scupltures at the front of the room, Our instructor Lauren’s two dogs accompanied us for our morning session so I also enjoyed having some four legged friends join me for a cuddle as I lay on my mat. Leading us through a transformative practice, Lauren effortlessly merged breath, movement, and mindfulness. As our postures shifted, the pups settled into their own serene savasana poses. Lauren offered a light hearted approach to yoga that wasn’t too stiff and I really enjoyed the expressive breathwork we did to help get the stagnant energy get flowing a bit more. Beyond the physical benefits of a good stretch, The Shop Yoga Studio offered a holistic experience aimed at rejuvenating both body and spirit. It was casual, welcoming, and I could really tell that The Shop was a community destination by the way the other students interacted with Lauren and each other. I’ll definitely be back to check out more of their class offerings and events!