Business Details
24 Years
experience
West Hartford Yoga Studio
West Hartford Yoga (WHY) has been a cornerstone of the Greater Hartford yoga community since 2002. Founded by Barbara Ruzansky, a survivor of eating disorders and addiction, the studio was created to share yoga's transformative power for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Our mission focuses on inclusivity, offering power, hot, restorative, prenatal, and meditation classes tailored to all skill levels. With both in-studio and virtual options, WHY fosters a welcoming environment where diverse practitioners can cultivate strength, mindfulness, and community connection.Our certified instructors bring decades of collective experience, blending traditional practices with modern accessibility through outreach programs and teacher training. The studio's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through sliding-scale memberships, community events like OM Street Yoga, and nonprofit initiatives that remove barriers to yoga participation.
Services
Yoga Classes
Teacher Training
Workshops
Virtual Sessions
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 35+ years of combined teaching experience
- Inclusive environment welcoming all body types and experience levels
- Community-focused programs including free recovery classes and outdoor events
- Yoga Alliance-accredited teacher training with VA benefits eligibility
- Holistic approach integrating nutrition, meditation, and mental wellness
Associations and certifications
- Yoga Alliance
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Welcoming atmosphere
Life-changing training
Community-focused programs
Judgment-free environment
Services
Yoga Classes
Offering power, hot, restorative, prenatal, and meditation classes for all skill levels. Instructors blend traditional techniques with modern accessibility through in-studio, virtual, and outdoor formats. Sessions emphasize proper alignment, injury prevention, and holistic wellness principles.
Teacher Training
Yoga Alliance-accredited 200-hour and 300-hour programs focusing on vinyasa flow, meditation, and holistic teaching methods. Curriculum includes anatomy, sequencing, and trauma-informed practices. VA-recognized program accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for qualified veterans.
Community Workshops
Monthly workshops covering pranayama, anatomy, and specialized yoga applications. Includes free recovery classes and annual OM Street Yoga events. Programs emphasize accessibility through sliding-scale fees and nonprofit outreach initiatives.
Virtual Sessions
Live-streamed and recorded classes available 24/7 for unlimited subscribers. Features interactive sessions with real-time instructor feedback. Virtual options maintain the same structured sequencing and safety focus as in-studio classes.
Outreach Programs
Nonprofit initiatives removing barriers to yoga participation through free classes and equipment donations. Programs target underserved populations including recovery communities and low-income families. Includes workplace yoga programs for local businesses.
People
Barbara Ruzansky
Founder & Owner
35-year yoga practitioner and certified instructor who transformed personal recovery from addiction into a community wellness mission. Created WHY Power Yoga style integrating multiple traditions while maintaining accessibility for diverse practitioners.
Cindy Martinez
Lead Instructor
Experienced power yoga instructor leading early morning virtual classes. Known for dynamic sequences that build strength and flexibility while emphasizing proper alignment and injury prevention techniques.
Michael Michaud
Senior Teacher
Instructor specializing in advanced power yoga sequences and teacher training mentorship. Brings 20+ years of experience in vinyasa flow instruction and holistic wellness coaching to WHY's programs.
Questions
What yoga styles do you offer?
We provide power, hot, restorative, prenatal, yin, and meditation classes. All sessions emphasize proper alignment and are adaptable for different skill levels through instructor modifications.
Are classes available online?
Yes, we offer live-streamed and recorded classes with unlimited access subscriptions. Virtual participants receive real-time feedback during interactive sessions while maintaining the same safety standards as in-studio classes.
Do you have teacher training programs?
We offer Yoga Alliance-accredited 200-hour and 300-hour programs focusing on vinyasa flow, meditation, and holistic teaching methods. VA-recognized training accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for qualified veterans.
What community initiatives do you support?
Our nonprofit outreach provides free recovery classes, sliding-scale memberships, and workplace yoga programs. Annual OM Street Yoga events have grown to serve over 3,000 participants through community partnerships.
Can I try a class without commitment?
All classes can be purchased individually or through flexible class cards. We recommend trying different instructors and formats to find your preferred practice before committing to memberships.
Reviews (4)
Emily Lemiska
Oct 01, 2020
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Nice place with varied offerings. and a very reasonably priced monthly pass. Only complaint is not great time options if you are looking for all levels yoga and work a 9-5. Their weekday all levels classes are often at 430 pm. Similar thing on weekends - only one all levels on Saturday. at 730 am. Meanwhile, they have two all levels on Sunday at fantastic times (1030 am and 545 pm), which is great, but it would be nice to have one of those more reasonable time slots pushed to Saturday!
N. Di G. Illuminator
May 21, 2020
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Welcoming, warm, kind to a new face.a nervous wannabe student. Other students are helpful and kind. The teachers are very lovely and extremely professional.
Steph Fosterskittens
Mar 22, 2020
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I have been to yoga studios all over New England during my travels and nothing compares to the creative, challenging, welcoming practice here.
Cheri Evans
Mar 18, 2020
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A great team of top notch teachers who have a variety of different styles to keep it interesting and fun
