One of the special characteristics of Yoga One is that we’ve never been wholly confined within the walls of the main studio.
We’ve always hosted off-site classes (in board rooms, gyms, restaurants, hotels, you name it) and we love the unique relationships we get to build in those spaces.
We had been providing weekly rooftop and poolside yoga classes at the @hotelsolamar for some time when, in the summer of 2017, they graciously agreed to share their space with us for our 15th Anniversary party.
It was a wonderful, sunny, San Diego day. Amy led a thoughtful and relaxing flow class. Zaria Salkind accompanied class with soulful songs and a sweet, soaring voice.
A human tower was constructed to host Yoga One’s resident student performer Alissa Montalvo skyward as she held aloft the celebratory 15 year anniversary balloons. Hotel Solamar offered a full brunch with drink specials, including frosé (frozen rosé), margaritas and mimosas.
Once again, Julie Moore, our first-ever yoga student was on hand (with her son Paulo and daughter Isabel). Teachers that had been with us since the early days and new staff alike were embraced. Stories and smiles were shared, hugs and laughs relished. Good times were had.
It’s not surprising (but still wonderful) that often the best days are when you simply take time to enjoy life with loved ones and celebrate being part of community. ?
CR:Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Michael: Amy and I had just returned to the United States after backpacking abroad for three and half years. She got a job working at a great family-run produce distribution company and I became the account manager for a boutique graphic design studio.
One of the first clients I worked with at the studio was Mitchell Repair Information Company. The company innovated “the automotive industry’s first collision estimating guides to include parts illustrations, prices and part numbers.”
During our staff brainstorming sessions, names were offered and debated. Thinking of premiere cars world-wide, Formula 1 racing seemed to me to be the pinnacle, and so I suggested the name, “Mitchell 1.” It stuck.
Not long after that, Amy was getting ready to open up our yoga studio. Since it worked well for a nationwide company like Mitchell, I suggested “Yoga One.”
Additionally, we had recently gotten married. Instead of wedding rings, we had the “eka” symbol tattooed on our ring fingers, symbolizing “we are one” (see the flower like image growing out of the “Y” in the Yoga One logo). Furthermore, yoga means “to yoke/join” or “union.” One divided by one is one and the practice of yoga helps individuals to become more “one” with themselves and the world.
Plus, we always strive to be the best studio in the world, numero uno, number 1! So the name is also aspirational.
In short, Yoga One came from an automotive manual writing company. (:
photo credit: Peyton Hamby Photography
CR:Can take a moment to introduce Yoga One to our readers?
Michael: Since 2002, Yoga One has been helping people to live healthier and happier lives. We share the joys and benefits of yoga, but what we really provide is a forum to increase self-awareness, skills for individuals to be their best selves, and a positive, open, non-competitive, welcoming, and supportive community. We foster relationships – the individual with self, and with others. We offer a beautiful space for people to set aside their worries, responsibilities and stress so they can return to the world refreshed, stronger, more flexible and with increased mindfulness.
Yoga One is a woman and black owned family business. We treat our staff and students as family. We are fortunate to have been practicing yoga since 1997.
Our vibrant, airy studio with canyon views in Mission Hills is also a community space for workshops, classes, gatherings, events, exhibits, book clubs, acoustic concerts, learning, growing, sharing, laughing, loving and connecting. We look forward to seeing you there!
CR: How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Michael: It was March, 2019. For the previous 18 years we had shared the joys and benefits of yoga with thousands of San Diego residents and visitors via our award-winning Downtown studio on 7th Avenue. For several years, it had also been a dream of ours to open a studio in our neighborhood of Mission Hills. Our children attended the public schools in the area and we wanted to connect with and give back to our community.
With the help of our friends, Johnny and Renee of Wolf in the Woods wine bar, we found the perfect spot to open our second studio, on the beautiful Fort Stockton Drive. We were planning a grand opening celebration for April 1st, 2019. Then Covid-19 hit and San Diego, like so many places, went into lock down.
Our new studio was put on ice and our Downtown location locked up. Within two days of the stay at home mandate, and thanks largely to our amazing team – Missy and Laura, we brought our entire schedule online via zoom. We were able to quickly shift some of our corporate clients online as well. We will be forever grateful to our generous and wonderful students who maintained their memberships and stuck by us throughout such challenging times. In turn, we were able to keep our full staff and maintain their pre-Covid schedules.
Yoga teaches us to be strong, flexible and present. The circumstances surrounding Covid-19 certainly put our practice to the test. We feel so fortunate to have these tools to take care of ourselves mentally and physically. All of us at Yoga One look forward to continuing to offer and grow our services – enriching the well-being of as many people as possible! We now are offering classes in-studio, in Presidio Park, live online and on-demand, with some of our students and companies across the country.
“Hi friends of Yoga One! I know some of you have seen our beautiful new space in Mission Hills, but I just wanted to welcome you in again and let you know that we’re super excited to see you in studio, online, and in Presidio Park.
We’re really looking forward to continuing to build and enhance community and wellness. Wishing you a beautiful day!” – Amy Caldwell, Co-Founder and head teacher of Yoga One
What better way to experience community and inter-connectedness than by practicing yoga alongside hundreds of other wonderful humans at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego? We had an absolute blast and we can’t wait to participate again next year!
Our Yoga One family has spread to all corners of the globe and we’re excited to share some of their adventures.
Denisse Ypina is the go-to yogi. She loves to meet people and get out and about. Here she is rocking the Yoga One lid at the City Center Sessions. During this popular event, Yoga One and other fitness studios provide free classes in a Downtown San Diego city street or park.
The next event is scheduled for February 10th, 8am-noon. Yoga One leads a class at 11:30am. Denisse will likely be there. Click here to reserve your space.
In addition to assisting Yoga One with offsite events and TV segments, Denisse is also a graduate of the acclaimed Yoga One Teacher Training course, an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Zumba Certified Instructor, Nutrition Specialist and Dale Carnegie instructor. Phew!
No matter where you go, you can Keep OM Trucking with Yoga One! Visit Yoga One at 1150 7th Avenue to get your own hat and while you’re there, join us for class.
Hello, 2018! We hope this new year has dawned bright and full of possibility for all of you. The yoga world has already grown and evolved so much, we thought it’d be fun to look ahead and imagine what the year might hold. Namaste!
Collard Greens: both kale and arugula have had their revival hey-days, it’s time for the original dark leafy vegetable to take it back old-school. If we can get Californians eating southern greens, maybe we can get more southerners practicing yoga. Let’s come together, ya’ll.
Yoga on Horseback: By now, everyone has heard of dog yoga, goat yoga, and even bunny yoga. But did you know you can do yoga on a horse? We feel a bit like Dr. Seuss (yoga in a house, yoga with a mouse) but you really can do yoga everywhere!
Yoga Therapy: Good news! Your doctor could actually write you a prescription for yoga. The International Association of Yoga Therapists established a credential program just last year which requires an additional 800 hours of study beyond the standard 200 Yoga Teacher training program.
Savasana-only Yoga Class: Hey, we can dream, right? But seriously, yogis around the world are becoming more serious about their practice and are starting to pay more attention to Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga, slower practices with a greater focus on healing and meditation. It’s not all about mastering the latest arm balance these days! Phew, what a relief.
Moon Yoga: There are so many ways to practice yoga while enjoying Mother Nature – just get outside! They probably won’t compete with Beach Yoga or SUP (stand-up paddle board) Yoga – but watch out for Forest Bathing Yoga and Yoga in the Moonlight classes to start popping up. Bonus, you can bring your crystals for an extra boost.
Intention App: Feeling in a rut by setting the same intention every time you practice yoga? Download this super-simple app and each time you open it, you’ll find a heart-inspiring, chakra-aligning intention along with a short mantra meditation. I’ve done the hard part of coming up with the idea, now someone go develop it!
Underwater Yoga: Exercising in the water has tons of healthy benefits, but it’s always felt rather old… until now. Flow through a standing vinyasa sequence at your local swimming pool. You might want to bring a snorkel for the arm balances, though. Perhaps this would gain more traction as Mermaid Yoga? 🙂
What are your predicted yoga trends or requests for 2018? Let us know in the comments!
Laura McCorry Contributing Writer
Yoga and Laura had an on-again-off-again relationship from 2004 until 2009 when they decided to move in together and there’s been no looking back since. Passionate about both yoga and writing, Laura loves to introduce others to the joys and benefits of yoga and healthy living.
On June 17th, Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga and Yoga One will celebrate the International Day of Yoga with a festival of yoga in beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego.
Amy Caldwell, master teacher and co-owner of Yoga One, will be leading an all-levels yoga class from 1:30-2:30pm that you won’t want to miss!
This FREE event will take place between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Park Blvd on the President’s Way Lawn. Join 500+ yogis for 2 all level community classes, breakout yoga sessions, chanting and music for peace to inspire and empower people of all ages and walks of life.
It’s happening again! Join Amy Caldwell this Saturday June 20th aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier for a FREE yoga class from 8am-9:30am.
We’ve partnered with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Scripps Health to offer an all levels, family-friendly yoga class to support Healthy Living in the City.
Last year we had about 400 participants and this year the event is already completely booked with 1000 people expected! We can’t wait to unite our intentions for healthy living with so many and practice yoga together.
San Diego Jumble interviewed Amy Caldwell about this Saturday’s class – listen here and find out about other upcoming free yoga classes in San Diego!
Our very own Amy Caldwell will be co-teaching the Yoga for Hope class at Petco Parkthis year on Saturday, June 7th. We are happy to support such a great cause! Amy toured City of Hope with her mom and was so impressed with the amazing work they are doing on behalf of cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education. City of Hope’s holistic approach helps save lives every day.
There are many ways you can be a supporter! Here are 3 easy options:
2. Come to the Yoga for Hope class – Saturday, June 7th,2014 at Petco Park in San Diego, CA – on the outfield! Have fun and feel great practicing yoga on the outfield of the Padres’ major league baseball field for a great cause with approximately 1,000 like minded yogis.
3. Come to a special Yoga One donation class – where 100% of proceeds will go the cause: Saturday, May 31st, 10am at Shelter Island Shoreline Park South (Friendship Bell – see map below) – Donate what you feel. ALL proceeds go to City of Hope.
Yoga in all its varied forms and styles is so beneficial for overall wellness in body, mind and spirit. Practicing yoga outside with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair has some extra benefits you may not have considered:
Remember how your mother always said fresh air and sunshine was good for you? Well she’s right: exposure to a limited amount of sunshine each day improves production of vitamin D (which helps ward off disease), elevates your mood and can even improve concentration. Just be sure to wear sunscreen for prolonged exposure like an hour-long yoga class!
It’s way cooler to practice tree pose in front of an actual tree. We’ve seen you on vacation standing in front of a redwood in tree pose – it’s practically irresistible. Plus, science has found that trees emit vibrational frequencies that help decrease stress and improve creativity. Seriously! Om with me now, ooommmmmmmm
While many people bring plants into their homes or offices to improve air quality, it’s important to completely immerse yourself in the natural world. Walk barefoot in the park, gaze out over the bay, listen to the sound of the ocean, join us for yoga this weekend! When we take the time to let all five senses enjoy the experience of being in nature, the entire body is rejuvenated.
Denisse Ypina is the go-to yogi. She loves to meet people and get out and about. Here she is rocking the Yoga One lid at the City Center Sessions. During this popular event, Yoga One and other fitness studios provide free classes in a Downtown San Diego city street or park.
In addition to assisting Yoga One with offsite events and TV segments, Denisse is also a graduate of the acclaimed 
