Q&A with Jenny Moore of Yoga Shala in Aldie

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Gracie Savage 

Those looking to improve flexibility, work on mindfulness, or ease into a fitness routine in the New Year will likely consider taking up the practice of yoga. Loved by practitioners for over 5,000 years for its gentle yet strenuous flow, the list of physical and mental health benefits from yoga is seemingly endless. According to Johns Hopkins, regular sessions can result in better balance, more restful sleep, and the ability to more effectively manage stress. And, some studies even show improvements in arthritis, osteopenia, chronic pain, and heart health. 

Fortunately, for those who call Hunt Country home, Yoga Shala in Aldie offers a variety of classes, a long list of instructors, an atmosphere of belonging, and a genuine sense of hospitality that seems to flow through owner Jenny Moore into everyone who enters her studio. 

Moore shares more on her personal journey with yoga, her class offerings, and the future of her practice in an exclusive interview with Middleburg Life. 

ML: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

JM: I am a Loudoun County resident of about 15 years. Both of my kids attended schools here. My son is a recent graduate and he’s off to college, and my daughter’s a sophomore at one of our local schools. We moved here from Washington state, and this has become home for me because of how long I’ve been here. Our roots are here.

ML: How did you come to be a studio owner and yoga instructor? 

JM: I started practicing yoga shortly after graduating high school in 1995. Fast forward and for the last 10 years, I’ve been teaching here in Loudoun County. I’ve been with a couple different studios and am very active in the community as far as yoga, health, and wellness. The studio that I now own, Yoga Shala, I actually taught at for about two years before the previous owners approached me about buying the studio. I bought the studio just to keep the doors open, because it serves such a great purpose for the community. I bought the studio on January 1, 2024. 

ML: What does Yoga Shala offer for those who walk through your studio door? 

JM: We offer a sanctuary type of environment. One of the foundations of my practice and what I teach is accessibility — everything from physical abilities or disabilities to mental health. We’re even accessible in the way the pricing is structured. Yoga is for everyone, and if it’s not accessible, then it’s not yoga. 

ML: What types of classes do you offer? 

JM: We offer everything from the most beginner practices, whether it’s someone brand-new to our studio or brand-new to yoga or both, to practices for people who’ve been practicing for a long, long time and are ready for [teacher] training. I do teacher training right here in the studio: 200-hour trainings, which is the bare minimum to be able to teach yoga, as well as a 300-hour training. It’s all-encompassing for anyone looking to start a practice or take it as far as they want to.

ML: What are some of the benefits of regular practice? 

JM: I find that yoga, in general, balances people. Whether you have a really active lifestyle or a sedentary lifestyle, there is a practice that balances you. As far as the mental health aspect, I get [clients] to assess their breathing, because the way that they breathe is essentially going to affect their mind, body, soul, and how they’re connecting with the world around them.

ML: How has your new ownership of Yoga Shala been received by the community? 

JM: Since I was [already] teaching there, it was a natural progression for me and a natural transition between me and the previous owners — so, very well received. And as far as what we’re seeing in the studio, it really is such a mix. We’re a few years [removed from] the pandemic, and there are still residual effects from that. People are still suffering from mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, and figuring out how to deal with stress. What I find is people really want connection, and our community really facilitates that and fosters friendships. Everyone’s so accepting of whoever comes in, especially new people.

ML: With a year of ownership under your belt, what are you planning for 2025? 

JM: I spent this last year assessing the business, assessing the needs, and being intuitive with the community. If something wasn’t working, we’d back away and figure something out that works better, better serves the community. We have a good foundation. Heading into 2025, my focus is going to be on advertising, getting the word out … and inviting new people to come check us out. We’ve also got three teacher trainings scheduled for 2025, as well as at least one, possibly two, yoga retreats.

ML: Open mic! Is there anything you’d like our readers to know about you or Yoga Shala? 

JM: The studio is there to support all walks of life. Inclusivity is extremely important to me, as well as supporting the ever-changing population … of this community. The other unique thing that we do is making [the pricing] flexible. … I’ve just created a structure that meets people where they are without making them commit to something or pay for something that they’re essentially not going to use. I want the practice to be sustainable and support their lifestyle. ML

Published in the January 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.