To cure a 5 a.m. wake-up, there was no better balm than an 8 a.m. slow yoga class with Nina Embiricos at Riga Yoga.

The hour-long session centers around what Embiricos calls “a precise framework.” Meaning attention to anatomy, spacial and bodily awareness, and a willingness to provide gentle correction to form to ensure no one injures themselves. The studio space itself is well-balanced and well-appointed, and gets beautiful morning light — so it is the perfect environment to get limber and energized before a long day of work.

Located in Salisbury, Embiricos opened Riga Yoga to the public in December of 2022—and though the business is in its beginning stages, Riga is already holding classes every day of the week. Ranging from prenatal yoga, to more standard Vinyasa, and into trauma-informed practices — Embiricos has set out to provide a space that is both welcoming to newcomers and in which more seasoned yogis would find opportunities to learn and grow.

“It’s a place for people to learn techniques. Whether you’re new to yoga or you’re experienced, you can come and refine your technique.

“But I also wanted Riga to be something more holistic than a fitness studio. I wanted it to include the breath and the mind. Where people could get peace for a little bit! We’re in a fight or flight mode all day long, responding to emails, and working. I wanted Riga to be a place where you can come for an hour, unplug, and be with yourself.”

It was clear to see that Embiricos is deeply thrilled to be a yoga instructor and excited to provide a space where yoga instructors and casual practitioners alike can find community. Having grown up in France and moved to New York City in her 20s, finding a regular yoga practice was revolutionary to Embiricos, and also involved a degree of trial and error.

“As someone who was really anxious in my head, it was a way to disconnect from those feeling and get centered and calm. To find a space within myself that felt safe and happy… And I was like, wow, this is life-changing!

“So what I wanted to do was offer a yoga practice to people that they can sustain. That just feels like it’s a longevity practice, that’s sustainable and joyful, and brings them centering and health in the long term. Where you can come, and then go back to your life, and there are no frills. That’s what I wanted for myself when I was a student and couldn’t find, and I’m hoping to offer that to people.”

The opening of Riga Yoga was preceded by years of hopping between studios and teaching extensively throughout the Tri-State area. Exiting that period of movement, and laying down roots in Salisbury was a simultaneously difficult, and clarifying experience for Embiricos — from which the positives have already begun to arrive in droves.

“The community here has been amazing. I opened the studio and they came, they showed up… That’s what I’m most proud of — the community we have managed to build in such a short time. I see the same faces every week, if not every day, and a lot of them tell me about the heightened sense of well-being they experience after taking a class. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Embiricos is committed to expanding Riga Yoga’s offerings as she builds the business, and emphasized the importance she places on bringing experienced, and curious instructors into the fold. Riga currently houses roughly four teachers that specialize in different yogic approaches, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Katonah, prenatal, and trauma-informed practices.

“That’s an amazing thing, right? I’m the owner and I get to learn from the people who come through the doors. Personality-wise, they’re amazing people. And then they have really clear teachings to offer. And they’re curious. We all come to each other’s classes, and we all learn from each other… I think the community is going to be so happy to have them.”

Riga has now added prenatal yoga classes, available for booking on www.rigayoga.com “A 60 minute yoga class designed for women in their first, second, and third trimesters. A safe space to move, breathe, and stretch. A soothing practice where you can feel supported and secure while gaining strength and flexibility.”

Nina Embiricos of Riga Yoga in Salisbury. Photo courtesy of rRga Yoga