Chris Osgood's wife, Jenna, is co-owner of yoga studio in Plymouth
By STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA • OBSERVER STAFF WRITER • January 23, 2009 read the original article on the Detroit Free Press website
As owners of the newest addition to downtown Plymouth, the Plymouth Yoga Room, Brent and Sheri Rieli and Jenna Osgood, wife of Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood, had a single goal in mind: To share the benefits they have gained from the practice of yoga with all those willing to try it.
While teaching yoga in a sports club setting in Novi, Sheri Rieli met Osgood, first as a student. Sheri and her husband had long pondered the possibility of opening their own studio, and realized Osgood shared the same goal.
Soon enough all three of them were "walking the streets of Plymouth" in search of the right location. By the end of September, they discovered a spot at 474 Forest that suited their vision. They began laying floorboards, tiling a shower room, choosing soothing earthy colors and re-forming arch-framed doorways within the 2,700-foot space.
Though Rieli said they initially considered opening the studio in Milford — her hometown — Plymouth seemed more accessible to multiple communities. And there was nothing else like it around.
"It's such a great town," she said.
Osgood lives in Plymouth and grew up in nearby Westland. She was more than familiar with the terrain, and convinced a studio would benefit the community.
Walking into Plymouth Yoga Room one can't help but leave worries outside. The inviting space offers a roaring fireplace in the front room and a long hall that leads to a bright childcare center, pampering changing rooms and the centerpiece, a vast open yoga room.
"We wanted a warm, relaxing atmosphere," said Rieli. "We created a place where you can go after yoga and drink a tea."
Rather than rush in and out for classes, the owners envisioned an escape for their clientele. They chose to offer child care to allow parents the freedom to take classes with their children nearby. The service is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 4:30-7 p.m. daily.
Plymouth Yoga Room officially opened Wednesday offering a full five days of free classes while they place the finishing touches on the business. "My husband and I were ready to teach," said Rieli.
With a total of five instructors, the Plymouth Yoga Room offers 32 classes a week, highlighting three types of yoga: the slower paced Better Backs/Slow Flow, a shorter version of Yoga's primary series called Short Form Ashtanga, and Vinyasa, a very vigorous class which involves heat. Classes catered to beginners and the advanced.
"I wanted to share everything I get out of yoga," said Osgood, who handles merchandising for the new business. She stocks the front room with clothing, mats, candles, teas, any item that can contribute to a relaxed experience. Her focus is on comfort and style, and she favors brands like Love This Life, which encourage people to "let go of the little anxieties and really experience life."
Osgood believes offering the practice of yoga is beneficial for everyone. The owners are considering adding children's yoga classes, lunchtime classes for busy professionals and partner yoga. "Yoga is a practice," Osgood said. "There is always somewhere to go."
Rieli said there is no better time to take up the practice of yoga than now, when everyone is concerned about jobs and the economy. The benefits go far beyond the physical to mental and emotional, she said.
Osgood and Rieli agreed they would not have been able to open the studio so quickly without the help of friends and family. In appreciation for all the support, they held a private, first class on Tuesday night for all those involved. It was enough to bring Rieli to tears, she said. "It was so emotional."
A grand opening celebration is being planned for February.
By Aleene Jinn Hang 
