Melodie Thomas~"Yoga was just what I needed at this time in my life. During 2017, I lost a substantial amount of weight, which I had done on several previous occasions. I almost hated anyone noticing as I felt they were thinking "I wonder how long she will keep it off this time". I consider myself an expert, of sorts, at the "losing" part but the "maintaining" part, I am quite the opposite. Just when I was beginning to feel like I was in an "exercise rut", I saw an ad for free beginning yoga classes. I thought this would be the perfect "no risk" way for me to see if 1) I could do it, and 2) it would provide any benefit to me. Well, it has been a big yes to both! Of course, I was nervous going the first day, but I shouldn't have been.

Brian Hallgren was the primary instructor of the "beginner series", with assistance from Linda Mills, the studio owner. Both were welcoming, knowledgeable, and demonstrated / explained the poses in a manner that was easy to understand. Modifications to the poses were shown for various joint and / or flexibility issues so all of us could do them at some level. They were very validating of our efforts in an entirely "judgement free" zone. If you think you are too old, too out of shape, or any other "negative too", you are wrong.

There are people of all shapes and sizes, young and old alike, "doing their own yoga" and working on themselves in a positive way. I have now completed five weeks and have not only seen an improvement in my flexibility and balance, but have made some new friends as well. I have also become more body conscious, in a good way, and am more focused on "living in the present". At the end of class, I may leave there with my still imperfect body, but I'm feeling great, both physically and mentally, and I'm ready to face whatever life has in store for me! Thank you Studio Mills!"

Candace Holmes~"In addition to the physical and mental benefits of yoga, I've made many wonderful friendships there.  There are no egos, just a great bunch of warm, accepting people."

Glenna (Sam) Barrow's (Sam in the center)~"I was a teacher and administrator, and then I retired.  I am now a student, of Hatha Yoga.   As an administrator, I would allow 10 minutes around lunch time to meditate.  Focusing on my breath, I would go into my mind and become stress free for that short time.  I could then come back into the real world refreshed and ready to tackle daily challenges.  After retirement, my stress level was minimized but I was missing something else.  I went to a free Yoga session at Studio Mills on a Saturday.  That changed my life.  I now attend regularly and have found so much more with each class.  With each visit, I am greeted by old friends (retired) and many new friends.  I have learned so much about myself through Yoga.  I have become more mindful, spiritual, and physical.  I am doing things that I didn’t think my body could do at this ripe age.  Linda (and the other teachers) never push but lead gently and with respect to convey the teachings of Yoga.  The breath is essential to every pose and movement and this balance brings harmony and order to my mind and body.  Yoga is always with me in my daily activities.  I am a better person because I am balanced in my life.  I have one regret that I didn’t start my Yoga practice many years earlier.  I LOVE YOGA "    

Sha Ward~"Strength + Flexibility = YOGA
Balanced + Grounded = YOGA
Inner Peace + Happiness = YOGA
Friends + Family = YOGA
Gratification + Appreciation = YOGA
My yoga journey began in the summer of 2014 twice a week.  Now I practice three times a week looking forward to each day.  My body feels stronger overall,  and my flexibility makes me feel like a kid again.  Most days anyway.  I am more balanced and more grounded. I can sometimes stand on one leg doing tree pose, feeling like the large oak tree that stands so tall in my front yard. I have finally found my inner peace with my quiet voice, and my happiness has returned to my heart.  I have met so many wonderful friends who feel like family to me now.  I am forever grateful that we moved to Kingston Springs, and I am so appreciative of our yoga community.  My life has come full circle because of Studio Mills."

 The dream was to have a yoga studio.

 There's  a sweet little community less than 20 minutes west of Nashville, TN, where life is a bit slower, the land's a little hillier and there's a yoga studio that offers acceptance to all, along with a variety of Hatha yoga classes, workshops, retreats and other special events.  Studio Mills in beautiful downtown Kingston Springs, was opened in 2006 by Linda as her experience in wellness, exercise and meditation directed her to offer ways to achieve more peace, relaxation and greater health through various practices, activities and disciplines.

Since opening Studio Mills, we've offered Linda's own wonderful and unique style of "always new, always fresh" classes, Power Yoga, Broga® Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Breema Yoga, The Painting Journal®, teacher training, meditation, Sacred Circle Dance, AcuDetox, Healing with Sounds, an animal shelter benefit, a CD release party, massage, Reiki sessions, Kirtans and continuing education classes for Registered Yoga Teachers and the general public.  Preparations are in process for an upcoming 200 Hour Yoga teacher training course for those interested in knowing more about their yoga and/or those of you who want to actually become a certified and Registered Yoga Teacher, lead by 500 Hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist Linda Mills.  Details coming soon.

Yoga is for every body, every age, and pretty much every ability, meeting you right where you are.  "I can't touch my toes!"  We know.  Many of us can't either, but we're still all good people.  "I'm not flexible!"  Same answer.  In Yoga and at Studio Mills, we are working on gaining greater flexibility, increased endurance, more peace, relaxation, reduced stress and maybe even a bit more strength.  We can use all of these, can't we?  We think you'll find camaraderie, growth, friendliness and awareness in all the classes and events at Studio Mills.  Check out our classes, and remember!  Your first class is always free.  See you in class soon!

More Studio Mills' Yogi/Student Testimonials:

Carlye Mader~"I have always been an active person.  I love nature, have always participated in a wide range of fun things that require physical strength and endurance, and I enjoy working around the house.  After years of suffering with herniated and ruptured discs, I had started to limit myself to prevent injury. Everything that I tried to improve my condition either didn't work or caused more injury.  Even my wonderful chiropractor turned me away.  At only 42, I felt like a walking 4x4 and as if I was living a half life.  With another herniated disk and a brand new diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, I decided to try yoga.  Six weeks ago, I walked into Studio Mills, apprehensive but hopeful.  Brian and Linda were very welcoming and aware of everyone's needs.  Brian shows us modifications for our tender areas and gives us encouragement every step of the way.  The class is fun and challenging, and there is a lot of laughter as well as a workout.  My pain has been minimized and I really am astounded at how my range of motion has improved after only six weeks.  For the first time in I don't know how many years, I can bend over and touch the floor!  I am so thankful that I found Studio Mills and Brian's class.  I finally feel like I can gain full use of my body and live again!"  

Elizabeth Drown~"I’d been wanting to try yoga for years but every time I thought about taking a class I was terrified by the images that flashed across my Google searches. Perfect bodied women, with their perfect outfits and their crazy looking twists and bend poses. Each time I’d psych myself out. I definitely wasn’t perfect looking, Lululemon probably doesn’t even sell yoga pants in my size and I sure am not a pretzel. Why on earth would I put myself through an hour of uncomfortableness while watching everyone else follow the yoga instructor seamlessly?

One day, driving the same route I’ve taken for three years, I noticed someone walking out of a building in Kingston Springs with a yoga mat. This peaked my interests because I had no idea there was a place in Kingston Springs to practice yoga. I did a quick Google search and discovered Studio Mills. It took me a few months to get up the courage to find out about their classes but when I did I realized they were starting a free beginners class on Saturdays. I knew this was my chance finally get over the fear of taking a yoga class and I wasn’t going to have to pay to face my fears!

I didn’t know what to expect for the first class. I packed up my mat (which I didn’t really need because they offer you everything you’ll need for class), grabbed my water bottle and away I went. For all the nerves and the jitters I can honestly say that I had a false reality of yoga. It’s not those models being paid to pose in their Lululemon clothes with their perfect looks. It’s people that want to feel better, whether it be about themselves or something in their life. It’s people that want to encourage each other to continue practicing, to work towards achieving a pose. It’s instructors like Brian and Linda that take the time to make sure you’re not uncomfortable in certain poses and showing you how to modify them for your body. 

Since I started yoga classes at Studio Mills I can say that I’ve seen both mental and physical improvements. I feel so good after a class that I continue that feeling into what I eat. I’ve started cutting out bad foods because I want to be healthier in mind, body and spirit. That, combined with the exercise I’m getting with yoga has improved my overall health. I take insulin for my type one diabetes and I’ve been able to cut that insulin intake by 25%. I’ve also noticed that my back doesn’t hurt anymore from years of horrible posture. I now even catch myself sitting and walking a little taller. I, like many others, feared a yoga class too because I couldn’t touch my toes to save my life. Honestly, I still can’t, yet, but that’s OK because Brian teaches us that no one is perfect and we’re all a work in progress.

If you are someone like me that’s jittery about taking your first yoga class or your someone that’s been doing yoga for years and needs to find a new studio I highly recommend Studio Mills.

Laura Mallernee with granddaughters Tessa and Livvy~"Presently I am 68 years old and have been doing yoga for the last 12 years.  The reason that I am completely pain free right now is due to my yoga practice.  Besides physically, yoga also helps me mentally and emotionally; it keeps me peaceful and centered on what is really important in life.  Yoga is a spiritual practice for me. We are fortunate to have Studio Mills here in Kingston Springs."

Mallerie Drake~"What yoga has done for me:

• Has helped reduce migraines, also to ease migraines when I have them

• Regain some flexibility

• Strengthen feet; alleviate some foot pain

• Practice living in the moment

• Meet people in the community (with positive mental attitude)

• Has strengthened my knees"