In a world filled with so much chaos and stress, any chance to have a second of serenity is worth its weight in gold.
Here in Plant City, one business hidden away at 2806 James L. Redman Parkway #205 is helping the community unlock those moments of peace.
The Koa Yoga Studio has remained a hidden gem in the community for years. With a lineup of classes ranging in experience level and a plethora of special events, the studio is helping attendees learn how to practice mindfulness while also experiencing a full-body workout.
“This world is just so fast-paced and it’s not getting any slower,” Katie Medina, owner and teacher at Koa Yoga, said. “When you walk through these doors you don’t have to worry about what you’re making for dinner after class or what’s going on at work. You learn to have time for yourself and you learn how to let yourself simply have a moment of peace.”
Originally from New Jersey, Medina moved to Tampa 14 years ago and quickly fell in love with the many benefits of yoga. After stepping into the Plant City studio, she knew she found a home away from home and quickly began teaching at the location. The welcoming environment and strong community values were unlike anything she’d seen before, and when the opportunity arose to carry on the legacy, she couldn’t refuse. Medina purchased Koa Yoga Studio in May 2018, and under her guidance, the values that set Plant City’s studio apart only continue to blossom.
As much as she loves the mental and emotional benefits of turning off for an hour of peace on the mat, Medina is finding even more benefits as she comes to nearly full-term in her pregnancy. The aches and pains so often associated with pregnancy are minimal and she’s found the constant stretching has helped keep her energized and active. With leggings, a tank top and a smile, she welcomes everyone into the studio and can often be found on the mat bringing her body back to a restorative state.
Another teacher at the studio, Coleen McGrath, has been at Koa for approximately a year. She came on board shortly after Medina purchased the studio and she echoed the belief that there’s something special hidden away here in Plant City.
“There’s this sense of community that you sometimes don’t see in other studios,” McGrath said. “I think that’s very reflective of Plant City as a whole. It takes away so much of the intimidation people may feel when they first come. People are really excited to see you and there’s just this sense of camaraderie that makes it really enjoyable to attend a class.”
McGrath said she first began doing yoga for its physical benefits, but it quickly transitioned into a full-fledged stress management practice. It’s a mantra they hear repeated from nearly everyone that walks through the door. People come in because they hope to push their bodies and exercise, then fall in love with the mental benefits they didn’t expect to experience on the mat. The classes at the studio range in expertise level. If you want to attend a beginner-friendly class, the teacher will come to you, offer some corrections and guide you through it, or you can tell them before class to just let you try it out and you can do your best without any additional one-on-one instruction. It’s all about making you feel comfortable so you can get the most out of the class. Some of the other courses are for more athletically inclined or experienced yogis who want that challenge.
“Yoga isn’t a scary thing. It doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Medina said. “It’s an addition for your life and I promise, once you try it, it’s something you’ll never want to give up. If you’re on the fence about coming, just come. It’s going to be OK. You don’t need to bring anything, we have all the props you’ll need, but you’re welcome to bring your own items if you’d like. Just wear something comfortable for bending or stretching in and bring a positive attitude, a smile and yourself.”
The layout of the studio itself also lends to the tranquil environment. When you walk in the door, you’re facing a massive open space with polished wood floors, lanterns and a teal mandala painted on the wall.
A small boutique is nestled in the corner for those wanting to expand their yoga collection and an intimate lounge with a tea station is in the back.
Class sizes range from five to 15 attendees on average and are hosted throughout the day, so there’s always something that’s perfect for everyone.
In honor of its anniversary, Koa is hosting a celebration on Aug. 24. Free yoga classes will begin at 9 a.m. with another at 10 a.m. and a final class at 11 a.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and there will be light refreshments to enjoy.
Each class will have a drawing for a giveaway and there will be 20 percent off both five and 10 class packs all weekend. If you can’t make that event head over to the studio’s Facebook page to get a full list of upcoming events, including Unwind and Wine events, a Labor Day Flow event and more.
“We’re really opening our doors to the community so that people who may not know about us, or who maybe are wanting to learn more about what the studio offers or even what the benefits of yoga are can stop in and get a feel for the space,” Medina said. “I think a lot of people get an idea of what yoga is based off of an image on Pinterest or on the cover of a magazine where they’re doing these crazy acrobatic poses and we want people to come in and see what it’s really like. We have all age ranges, all body types, people from all walks of life come and find the perfect class for them. People with different ailments and injuries come and are able to find that peace. We highly encourage people who have anything going on in their minds or bodies to get in here.”
For more information
Visit: thekoayoga.com
Social: Follow The Koa Yoga Studio on Facebook and Instagram
Call: 813-323-2931
Address: 2806 James L. Redman Parkway, # 205