The Place to Practice Yoga in DSM This Summer

“Let’s try out a yoga class!”

I moved to Des Moines in 2017. Fresh out of college, away from all my friends and way out of my comfort zone, the last thing that I wanted to do was try out a yoga class. I walked through the doors of Power Life with zero expectations and zero clue what yoga even was. My sister lived in Des Moines and had been mentioning to me before I moved that she wanted me to try out yoga with her. The first week I moved here, she told me I was going to yoga with her, I moaned and groaned, but ended up tagging along. The second I walked through the doors of Power Life, I was welcomed by everyone. Not just the instructors, who set me up for success by letting me borrow a mat and answering my questions, but also by the students taking class right there with me. Before the class had even started, I felt seen and safe. People were excited to be at the studio. The person next to me asked me about my day and even gave me a few tips of fun places to check out in Des Moines. When class started, I quickly realized that I had never experienced a workout like it before. I was sweaty and shaking, but I also felt exhilarated. I was motivated to keep going and encouraged to go at a pace that felt good to me. For the first time in a new place, I felt a sense of belonging.

“Power Life is a place to meet friends, a place to meet goals, and a place to meet yourself.”

This one phrase from Power Life’s website captures the impact Power Life makes right here in Des Moines. Power Life is a community. At Power Life you are encouraged to meet someone you didn’t know before each class (?) and establish new relationships that can evolve off your yoga mat. You are seen, you are accepted and you are supported not only through movement, but also as a human. You will make friends, get a great workout in, and leave feeling empowered and inspired.

On Thursday, June 20, Power Life is hosting Salute the Sunset — a free, all-levels yoga class to celebrate International Day of Yoga, the official start to summer and our amazing community in Des Moines. Salute the Sunset will take place at the Greater Des Moines Partnership rooftop located at 700 Locust St. in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). All-levels yoga will begin at 7:30 p.m. followed by community time after class featuring incredible local businesses. Anyone can attend so bring your friends and families and be ready to connect, flow and have fun!

Why Rooftop Yoga?

With the tricky Iowa weather, we have to seize the sun and summer while we can. What better way than moving your body with hundreds of others celebrating the start of summer, beautiful weather outside and Des Moines? There’s plenty of space on the rooftop for everyone. Whether it’s your thousandth yoga class or your first yoga class, we hope to see you there!

How to Sign Up for Class

Download the Power Life app to your device or visit powerlife.com and click “Book a Class” to explore the Des Moines schedule. From there, create an account if you do not have one. Scroll to “Salute the Sunset” on Friday, June 20 on the class schedule and click book. Pre-registration for class opens one week in advance. Class is FREE and signing up beforehand is not required, but we would love a count ahead of time to see how many awesome friends are coming!

What to Bring

Bring a mat or towel with you to practice on or whatever is most comfortable for you. We also suggest wearing comfortable clothes to move in and bringing a water bottle along to stay hydrated.

What to Expect

You’ll be guided through an all-levels yoga flow on the rooftop. The class will be 45 minutes long and will start at 7:30 p.m. Hang out after class for some giveaways, goodies and a great time with everyone who attends.

I Had Fun! What’s Next?

Glad to hear it! Did you know Power Life hosts free all-levels yoga classes all over the Des Moines region? Keep an eye out and come join us again for more yoga and socializing at some of our favorite local spots! Here are a few fun classes coming up:

• Yoga at The Market
  • Location: The HubSpot (215 Water St., Des Moines 50309)
  • When: Saturday, June 15 at 8 a.m. and Saturday, July 20
• Yoga at Coa Cantina
  • Location: Coa Cantina (425 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309)
  • When: Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. (June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14)
• Yoga at Big Grove
  • Location: Big Grove Brewery and Taproom (555 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50309)
  • When: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
• Yoga at Rose Farm
  • Location: Rose Farm (7197 43rd Ave., Norwalk, IA 50211)
  • When: Saturdays at 8 a.m. (Sept. 21 and Sept. 28)

Want to practice inside the studio? There are five studio locations in Des Moines: Downtown, the Historic East Village, Johnston, Waukee and West Glen Town Center. New students can purchase a $10 Introductory Week for seven consecutive days to experience the different formats Power Life offers! The magic of Power Life is that it isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s the excitement you feel when you realize you have so much in common with the stranger next to you. It’s the peace you feel when you make it to your mat after a long day and simply disconnect. It’s the accomplishment you feel when you do something during the class that you didn’t think you could do. It’s the support you feel on and off your mat from your community. Let’s start the summer off right and connect with new and old friends in the sun.

There are so many fun events specific to Downtown DSM. Attend annual events like the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Holiday Promenade or find live music happening each week through the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.