At East Peoria studio, yoga is for everyone, even the ‘Clumsi’

When Kelsey Johnson moved to East Peoria from Crystal Lake a year ago, she was delighted by the warm welcome she received from the community.

However, she was also somewhat disappointed to see that East Peoria lacked an amenity she considered important.

“There wasn’t a yoga studio on this side of the (Illinois River),” she said.

Johnson had identified a need, then addressed it in July when she opened Clumsi Yogi in East Peoria. She said she chose the name as a tribute to her own perceived lack of coordination, as well as to reassure potential patrons that they need not be graceful to practice yoga.

“I truly am clumsy,” Johnson said. “People are often hesitant to try yoga because of the misconception that you need to be flexible or coordinated to benefit from the practice, and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga is truly meant to be for everyone. The name Clumsi Yogi is an immediate way for people to recognize that this studio is intended for everyone, especially those of us who aren’t necessarily graceful, coordinated, or flexible.”

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Clumsi Yogi offers classes in yoga and meditation. Patrons can attend one class for $15, or buy 10-class punch cards for $130. Johnson also sells candles, oils and crystals as accessories for yoga and meditation.

Kelsey Robb, a Clumsi Yogi meditation guide, lauded the studio’s egalitarian approach to yoga.

“Each yoga class during the day is set up for different (experience) levels,” she said. The beginner classes in the morning are great. Every class is a good energetic release, and we always have a really great communication afterwards. That can benefit any community.”

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Johnson said when she arrived in East Peoria, residents made her welcome as a new neighbor. Now, they are making her feel welcome as a new business owner by providing her with a steady customer base.

“I didn’t have a client base here to start with,” Johnson said. “But everyone has been tremendously welcoming. They’ve been so kind and so supportive. I couldn’t be here without the support of the people of East Peoria.”