Minneapolis Yoga Studios Offer Sanctuary Amid Protests & Immigration Concerns

Beyond the Mat: How Yoga Studios Are Becoming Community Lifelines

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The quiet sanctuary of a yoga studio, once solely dedicated to mindful movement and breathwork, is undergoing a profound transformation. Recent events in Minneapolis, where studios like Yess Yoga and Yoga Sanctuary stepped up during times of crisis, are indicative of a growing trend: yoga spaces evolving into vital community hubs, offering not just wellness practices but also essential support during social and political upheaval.

Why it matters

This isn't a fleeting response to isolated incidents; it's a fundamental shift in how these businesses perceive their role and responsibility. Yoga studios are evolving into 'third spaces' - environments separate from home and work where people can gather, connect, and build community. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations facing increased anxieties around immigration enforcement.

The details

The Minneapolis example highlights a proactive approach to mutual aid, where community members directly support each other, bypassing traditional institutions. This trend isn't limited to Minneapolis - across the US, studios are responding to local needs, offering trauma-informed yoga classes for migrants and asylum seekers or providing shelter and supplies during natural disasters. A 2023 study by the Yoga & Wellness Foundation found that 68% of yoga studios reported engaging in some form of community outreach beyond offering classes, a 25% increase from 2020.

  • Recent events in Minneapolis have highlighted this trend.
  • A 2023 study by the Yoga & Wellness Foundation found a 25% increase in community outreach by yoga studios since 2020.

The players

Yess Yoga

A yoga studio in Minneapolis that stepped up to support the community during times of crisis.

Yoga Sanctuary

A yoga studio in Minneapolis that focused on creating a safe space for processing emotions rather than taking explicit political stances.

Lucia Yess

The owner of Yess Yoga, who highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable populations facing increased anxieties around immigration enforcement.

Shelley Pagitt

The owner of Yoga Sanctuary, who emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for processing emotions and avoiding explicit political stances.

Yoga & Wellness Foundation

An organization that conducted a 2023 study finding a 25% increase in community outreach by yoga studios since 2020.

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What they’re saying

“Shelley Pagitt of Yoga Sanctuary emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for processing emotions, rather than taking explicit political stances. This approach focuses on fostering resilience and providing support, regardless of individual beliefs.”

— Shelley Pagitt, Owner, Yoga Sanctuary (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

The evolution of yoga studios into community lifelines suggests a broader shift in the wellness industry, where consumers are increasingly seeking experiences that align with their values and contribute to a greater good. This demand is driving studios to expand their offerings beyond traditional classes, incorporating workshops on social justice, community organizing, and mental health support.