West Orange Yoga Studio Closing Doors, But Will Survive: Owner

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange yoga studio that has become well-known in the community will be closing its brick-and-mortar location amid pandemic struggles. But have no fear – it will live on remotely, its owner says.

Last week, The Yoga Ground announced on social media that it will be closing its space at 96 Washington Street at the end of February.

According to owner, Kristen Brunello, the decision was tough, but necessary.

Brunello wrote:

“There is no easy way to say this so I'm going to do it in the most Kristen way possible: The Yoga Ground's brick & mortar space will close the end of February. I know this might be upsetting; please know that it was a hard decision to come to. Two years of a pandemic have been a financial struggle for the studio. They have also been hard for me mentally & emotionally. I don’t have any more money for it and I'm tired.”

Brunello continued:

“It seems counterintuitive that in order to keep The Yoga Ground alive, the studio has to go. But The Yoga Ground has always been about outreach. Accessible, inclusive, welcoming and community-focused. These have been our values from the start. By staying connected to what's going on in the world and committing to yoga in action, by doing no harm and interrupting harm when we see it, we can use yoga as a tool of change, not just something we "do" inside of a studio. We can make yoga accessible to those who've been marginalized by its western portrayal without a brick and mortar.”

Brunello said the hope is to keep the business alive by organizing outreach classes, livestreams, developing a video library, and holding pop-ups, teacher trainings, workshops and retreats.

“We have done a lot in just a little time,” Brunello wrote. “In such a short time we have built a strong community and I hope we stay connected and that you will stay connected with TYG in whatever forms it takes.”

Brunello added:

“One thing that makes me sad is that this corner in West Orange will lose a yoga studio and I'm open to selling it if any of you might be interested in buying it! Our students will come back — I just can’t wait it out any longer. This isn’t goodbye, but just a farewell for now of sorts.”

The Yoga Ground first opened its doors in February 2019, just a month before the pandemic-incited lockdowns that would keep the nation restricted for more than a year.

• See related article: West Orange Yoga Studio Perseveres Throughout Pandemic

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