“Family” feel makes the Yoga Connection special

Marsha McClellan, owner of The Yoga Connection in Manassas, said clients and fellow instructors at the studio are like family to her. That is what makes the studio special and welcoming to new students.

McClellan is celebrating 12 years in business in Manassas and is always improving ways to serve her clients. The Yoga Connection has recently started online registration and has changed the software to make things run smoother and save on paperwork.

In 2014, the business will also offer incentives throughout the year. A Facebook contest to take photos of yoga poses outside of the studio begins this month.

McClellan will also offer Yoga for Winers on Feb. 23. This is a one-time class that will meet on a Sunday. After attending a yoga class, participants will then go downstairs to the Opera House Gourmet for a wine tasting.

Susan Van Nuys, of Healthy Advantage Yoga, will conduct teacher training at The Yoga Connection in March. McClellan said that those training have been practicing yoga for two years and have a true desire to “help others grow.”  Van Nuys will bring a team to teach philosophy, positions and anatomy. The training will continue once a month for a year.

In May, McClellan is excited to offer The Yoga Connection’s first retreat for women at Woods Resort in West Virginia. The retreat is open to any woman and will be Friday through Sunday. She noted the weekend will not be “all yoga” and will include hiking and other activities. She thinks the site and the cottages are “adorable” and all inclusive. There will be more information on the website.

The Yoga Connection has a good retention rate, and McClellan’s Monday night class has been steady for 11 years. The staff initially likes to talk with new clients to ask questions so that instructors can be mindful of the clients’ needs and ensure they get placed in the class and with the best instructor to suit their needs.
Beginners usually take Level 1, Gentle Beginner or Yin class. The Yoga Connection offers pre-natal/post-partum classes, mediation, relax and restore, shape up and sunrise classes.

McClellan said that yoga appeals to any age and offers a family class on Sundays. She believes that yoga helps with balance and weight loss. Coaches have sent athletes to yoga, and often doctors recommend yoga for patients. She also mentioned that yoga is not religious.

The first class at The Yoga Connection is free. Then clients can buy flex cards and attend various classes or sign up for a class. Classes are kept small with no more than 15 students. New clients can call or just walk in.  McClellan said no one should be anxious as the instructors and students are all warm, friendly, welcoming and helpful.

Students should wear comfortable clothes; they can be barefoot or wear non-skid socks, and they provide the mat and equipment needed.

There is also ample parking on the street near the studio.
The Yoga Connection is located at 9126 Center Street in Manassas. Information on class schedules is available at http://www.theyogaconnection.net or by calling 703-330-7799.