Heart-Opening Yoga

Breathe Deep. Open Gently. Reconnect with Yourself.

Heart-Opening Yoga is a calming vinyasa flow created to help you slow down, reconnect with your breath, and move from a place of self-compassion. With a focus on openness, both physical and emotional, this class balances grounding breathwork with fluid movement, offering a welcome counterpoint to the intensity of daily life or other fitness routines. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat with experience, this class welcomes you with openness and care.

Through a blend of chest-opening poses, gentle backbends, and thoughtful transitions, you’ll leave class feeling lighter, more present, and more in touch with yourself.

What to Expect

This vinyasa flow is structured in three grounding phases:

Phase 1: Grounding on the Mat
Begin with breathwork and gentle movements to wake up the body and settle into your breath.

Phase 2: Standing Flow
Move through heart-opening poses like backbends, chest openers, and twists to build warmth and openness.

Phase 3: Return to the Mat
Close with grounding stretches and breathwork designed to leave you feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected.

The flow is steady and intentional, with time to pause, feel, and soften. Ethel’s guidance emphasizes self-love, inner awareness, and moving at your own pace. Modifications and variations are offered throughout to meet each student where they are.

Who Should Join?

This class is ideal for:

Beginners who want a gentle, welcoming space to explore yoga
Anyone seeking relief from tension in the chest, shoulders, or upper back
Yogis looking for a practice that encourages emotional release, mindfulness, and compassion
Students who enjoy slower vinyasa flows with breath as a guide
Those navigating stress or transition who want a class that centers both movement and healing

Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, Heart-Opening Yoga offers space to move with kindness and connect with what matters most.

If you’re used to pushing hard in other workouts, this class offers the perfect space to soften, recover, and realign from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love It

Improve flexibility and posture with chest openers, gentle backbends, and spinal mobility
Release emotional tension and physical tightness with breath-led movement and stillness
Strengthen self-awareness through intentional pacing and inner focus
Feel calmer, lighter, and more present after each class
Experience a warm, inclusive environment where you’re encouraged to meet yourself with compassion

This is a space to slow down and soften, while still creating meaningful movement that supports the body and the heart.

FAQs

Do I need yoga experience to take this class?

Not at all. This class is open to all levels, including those who are brand new to yoga. Ethel provides gentle guidance and encourages everyone to move at a pace that feels good.

What kinds of poses are included?

You’ll move through heart-focused sequences including chest openers, gentle backbends, and spinal twists. These movements are paired with calming breathwork and grounding stretches.

What makes this class different from other yoga flows?

Heart-Opening Yoga is not just about poses. It’s a space for reflection, breath connection, and self-kindness. The goal is to leave class feeling emotionally lighter and more physically open.

Meet Your Instructor: Ethel Zhang

Ethel is a lifelong mover and global citizen who has lived across Asia, Europe, and North America. She’s recently returned to New York City, where she continues to share yoga as a practice of grounding, healing, and connection.

Her journey with movement began in middle school when she was “voluntold” to join the track and field team. Over time, her intense love for fitness led her to discover yoga as a way to balance the body and soothe the mind. What started as a post-run stretch evolved into a lifelong practice of presence, breath, and self-compassion.

Now a certified yoga instructor, Ethel brings her calming energy and intuitive guidance into every class. Her flows are welcoming, personal, and infused with the belief that we all carry unique stories worth honoring. You can also explore her practice beyond class on her YouTube channel: @bringezback

“Come to class to breathe and move, but stay for the feeling of coming home to yourself. That’s what I hope Heart-Opening Yoga brings to each student.”

Ready to Open Your Heart?

Join Ethel for a practice that brings together mindful movement, breath, and presence. Heart-Opening Yoga offers a gentle yet powerful space to come back to yourself. Whether you’re returning to your mat or just starting your yoga journey, Ethel’s warm and welcoming style makes it easy to begin where you are.

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Take 10 or more classes per month?

Take advantage of our Monthly Subscription options and save! Monthly classes expire one month from initial use and classes DO NOT roll over. Unlimited class subscriptions are not transferable and must be used by the person named on the account. 10 Class Passes are shareable but must be all used in the allotted time frame.

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