Who We Are

Expanded Mission

YORS is dedicated to making yoga a more accessible, inclusive, and widely embraced wellness practice. We achieve this by prioritizing equity, inclusion, and diversity in our mission.

We expand awareness of yoga’s many benefits, remove barriers to participation, and promote diverse, authentic representations of what it means to be a yogi. In doing so, we help more individuals see themselves reflected in the yoga community and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility

Rooted in Access

At YORS, yoga is a practice that brings people together across all backgrounds and abilities.

By removing common barriers that keep people from exploring yoga — financial, logistical, and cultural — we create spaces where everyone can feel represented, supported, and at ease.

Equity in Action

YORS keeps yoga affordable at significantly reduced rates and often free. By offering low-cost classes and providing quality equipment to anyone who needs it cost never stands in the way of consistently joining us on the mat.

Accessibility in Motion

We bring yoga directly to where people already are — workplaces, community centers, parks — eliminating the need for extra travel or coordination.

Diversity in Practice

YORS accessible, supportive classes allow everyone, including complete beginners, to experience success in their practice; and founded by a woman of color, YORS strives to inspire those who have felt underrepresented.

Meet the Founder

Chimesa Medina

For over 20 years, yoga has been a consistent and viable fitness practice of choice for me, regardless of the state in which I lived or the state of mind I was in.

Across physical therapy for broken bones and bodily injury, psychological therapy following trauma, and emotional and spiritual challenges such as grief or career disruption, yoga enabled me to actively contribute to my own wellbeing rather than depending entirely on external resources.

While I believe in first seeking professional medical care for matters of wellbeing and remain deeply grateful for the support and resources I have received, the consistent practice of yoga has given me the confidence and tools to keep getting stronger on my own long after medications, treatments, and therapies have run their course.

“YORS has been so grounding. Every class gives me a chance to slow down, reconnect with myself, and just breathe. I feel supported and welcomed, no matter where I’m at in my practice. YORS makes yoga feel doable and inviting. I leave each session lighter, calmer, and more connected.”

- Natali S., California

“YORS gave me the confidence to practice yoga and use it beyond the physical. I learned simple, intentional poses I can do at work to relieve tension."

- Yanerie T., New York (virtual attendee)

“YORS is helping me reduce lower back pain and increase my flexibility with gradual breath-to-movement stretches. I’m being taught how to use blocks and straps, so I can get the most out of our sessions without overexerting myself.”

- Jonathan M., California

Empowering Instructors, Strengthening Community

The growth of YORS not only expands access to yoga—it also creates meaningful opportunities for yoga instructors and operational support staff.

This added impact carries the potential to inspire the next generation of yoga teachers, further strengthening the community and the practice.