Chantel Boitano and Stacia McConnell have both been on their yoga journey for many years; however, they each have a different story of how the practice became a part of their lives. “When I was a young kid, all of the adults that I knew were smoking and drinking, and you could see the physical toll it took on them,” said Chantel. “I was watching PBS late one night while flipping through the channels and stumbled upon a lady doing yoga. She looked like a beam of sunshine; she was wearing a leotard and could do back bends, and I decided that I wanted to do that too.” So, Chantel, in her pajamas, joined the PBS instructor until she was old enough to attend yoga studios. Stacia discovered yoga about 20 years ago but didn’t have the full mind-body experience until after her son was born. “My first yoga experiences were more physical; it took me a while to find the mental side, which changed my life,” said Stacia. “I had been practicing but hadn’t had the whole experience that yoga gives you.”

 

 

Chantel and Stacia both knew first-hand the “yoga high” and had become addicted to that blissful feeling. “At first you’re paying attention to the instruction and whether or not you’re doing the moves correctly, but something shifts once you start showing up enough,” said Chantel. “You feel so good and you want more of that.” It was during the pandemic shutdown that Chantel called Stacia with an idea. “People didn’t feel safe being in the same room as one another, and I desperately wanted to bring people together,” said Chantel. “It was also for my mental health that I needed a yoga studio.” Stacia was already the owner of Bliss Hot Yoga off of Lone Tree Way, a studio where Chantel had also filled in for other instructors. “I loved having a studio and a tribe of people,” said Stacia. “So, when Chantel called me, I said, ‘You want to open a yoga studio in Brentwood?’”

 

 

The pair began the hunting process and opened their downtown Brentwood location of Connect Yoga in March 2022. “It was perfect. When we found this place, we knew this was it. We didn’t need to knock down walls or do anything, and we even have our own parking lot and lobby,” said Stacia. When it comes to types of classes offered at Connect Yoga, you name it, they offer it. Everything from Power, Burn and Slow Flow to Gentle, Restorative, and even Hot Yoga can be found at the studio. For those who haven’t tried yoga before, the duo suggests trying something gentle like an Easy Flow class. Don’t let the idea of trying something new be intimidating. “People say they can’t do yoga because they’re not flexible,” said Stacia. “No, no, no. It’s a practice.” Class sizes at Connect Yoga only allow a max of 12 students but currently average around five or six people, which is ideal for special attention if newcomers require extra assistance. Instructors are also always prepared to break down the movements or give modifications.

 

 

 

First-timers can try their initial class for free and then decide if they prefer drop-in classes or class passes, all of which can be found on the Connect Yoga website. Chantel and Stacia highly recommend not giving up after one class. “Different instructors are going to teach the same class in their own ways, so try different times, instructors, and classes until you find what you love,” said Chantel. “Even if the first time seems difficult, come back and try again. Yoga needs to be in everybody’s life.” Not only is Connect Yoga a great place for a spectacular workout, it’s also a safe space to connect with people and make new friends. “Go online, pick out a class, and come make friends.”

 

As for the future of Connect Yoga, Chantel and Stacia would love to see it expand. “We would love to reach out to teens and seniors and even host more parties,” said Chantel. “You can pick your teacher and style, and then you can do a short practice, enjoy food, and just have a good time.” They would also love to start craft nights. “We have a lot of artsy people in our community; we just want to bring people together and build the community aspect of our studio.”