Expansion Hardly A Stretch For Dormont Yoga Studio

When her yoga class at the Dormont library started to spill out into the adjoining hallway, Stacey Vespaziani realized it was time to find a bigger space.

“It was clear that the community was ready,” said Vespaziani of her decision to open South Hills Power Yoga studio at 3045 West Liberty Avenue.

Set open Sunday, Vespaziani said classes will be centered on the concept of Vinyasa, or breath-synchronized, yoga. Both vigorous “power” classes and slower paced “gentle yoga” will be offered.

“The gentle classes are just a little slower, more deliberate,” said Vespaziani. “They’re great for people recovering from injury, new moms just getting back into exercise after childbirth, or really just anyone who wants a nice, relaxing experience.”

Vespaziani also hopes to add prenatal yoga and "mommy and me" classes soon.

In addition, the yoga studio will offer creative solutions for people who want to study yoga but can’t afford typical studio fees. In addition to a 10-day for $10 grand opening promotion, Vespaziani plans to offer work-trade and “pay what you can” classes. Details and applications are available online.

“There was no question (about offering the low-cost options),” said Vespaziani.

A community-based attitude is the driving force of South Hill Power Yoga.

“I started teaching at The Union Project in East Liberty because I wanted to offer pay-as-you-can classes,” Vespaziani said. “Then six months into it, I realized I could also be creating the same kind of community where I actually live.”

It was then that she began offering classes in the conference room of the . After four years, she is thrilled to be expanding. While she could only accommodate 30 students in the library’s space, the new studio can easily hold 50 per class.

Vespaziani said she chose to open South Hills Power Yoga in Dormont for several reasons.

“We looked for the perfect spot for about four months,” she said. “Our original radius was anywhere we could easily walk to from our house.”

Although that included parts of Mount Lebanon, Vespaziani, a Dormont resident herself, said she decided to locate in here because she believes the borough is an up and coming area for progressive entrepreneurs.

“I feel such support from the community,” Vespaziani said. “It feels good to be part of the local renaissance. And this way, our business taxes go back into the community where we live.”

As part of its opening, South Hills Power Yoga will host a “Studio Sneak Peak Party” Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and drink will be provided by  along with sweet treats from .

All are invited to enjoy live music, meet the staff and tour the studio.