Core Values
Values To Make You Feel Valued
When you’re open for business every day, you have to know your purpose. Ours is “Growth through practice.” However, a student or staff member wishes to grow via their yoga practice, we aim support it through these three principles:
Create Accessibility
We create accessibility through the actions of being welcoming, offering an environment where everyone belongs, and being open to growth. We strive to make our spaces and offerings available and accessible to all.
Know Better, Do Better
We learned this from Maya Angelou. Our staff looks to continuously improve our offerings, ourselves, our communities, and our spaces. We don’t believe in failing, just learning. One way we are always learning is through our feedback culture, which helps us to process how we did so that we can do better next time, when appropriate. We love growth.
“Rich” Action
RICH stands for Respect, Integrity, Intentional, Caring, Humble, and Honest. Our staff came up with this list of characteristics meant to support us in how we treat each other and ourselves, as well as our students, spaces, and experiences. The key to this core value is action. We seek to act in these ways, not just believing that saying the words is good enough.
Locations
Downtown Grand Rapids
122 Oakes St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-635-2323
Things to Know
Our Downtown GR location is located at Studio Park and features private showers and a beauty bar. Our studio faces the parking structure, in the same building as Leo’s Coney Island On Tap. Once you enter the front lobby, please check in at the desk, remove your shoes, socks, and coat, and place them in a cubby along with other personal belongings.
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before a class begins, so you can fill your water bottle, set-up your mat, and ready yourself for class. We ask that you try your best to arrive on-time as to be courteous to others’ practice. We understand that life happens, and if you are late, we’ll work to accommodate you the best we can!
Where to Park
Downtown studio parking includes plentiful on-street metered options and the Studio Park off-street ramp. Current ramp rates are $2 per half-hour.
Eastown
Funky Buddha - Eastown
1331 Lake Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-495-9642
Things to Know
Our Eastown studio is located in a multi-unit building at the corner of Lake Dr. and Carlton Ave., next to Domino’s Pizza. Once you enter the front lobby, please check in at the desk, remove your shoes, socks, and coat, and place them in a cubby along with other personal belongings.
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before a class begins, so you can fill your water bottle, set-up your mat, and ready yourself for class. We ask that you try your best to arrive on-time as to be courteous to others’ practice. We understand that life happens, and if you are late, we’ll work to accommodate you the best we can!
Where to Park
Free parking in the lot behind the building, with an entrance off of Carlton Ave. We ask that you be respectful of our neighbors and friends by refraining from parking in designated physical therapy spots. Free on-street parking is also available on Carlton Ave., Lake Dr., or other nearby side streets.
Forest Hills
Funky Buddha - Forest Hills
820 Forest Hills Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616-570-0086
Things to Know
Our Forest Hills studio is located in a strip mall at the corner of Forest Hill Ave. and Ada Dr. Once you enter the front lobby, please check in at the desk, remove your shoes, socks, and coat, and place them in a cubby along with other personal belongings.
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before a class begins, so you can fill your water bottle, set-up your mat, and ready yourself for class. We ask that you try your best to arrive on-time as to be courteous to others’ practice. We understand that life happens, and if you are late, we’ll work to accommodate you the best we can!
Holland
Funky Buddha - Holland
12330 James St
Holland, MI 49424
616-294-3444
Things to Know
Our Holland studio is located at the Town Center Holland shopping mall, between Gap and Carters. Once you enter the front lobby, please check in at the desk, remove your shoes, socks, and coat, and place them in a cubby along with other personal belongings.
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before a class begins, so you can fill your water bottle, set-up your mat, and ready yourself for class. We ask that you try your best to arrive on-time as to be courteous to others’ practice. We understand that life happens, and if you are late, we’ll work to accommodate you the best we can!
Studios Feature:
- Convenient class times & lengths
- A variety of class options every day
- State-of-the-art heat & humidification systems
- Energy Recovery Ventilation & high-efficiency fresh air exchange
- Soft cork flooring
- Rentable mats and towels
- Private bathrooms and changing rooms
- Manduka blocks & straps available for student use
- Yoga mat wipes for student use
- Boutique shopping includes Funky Buddha apparel, mats, gifts and accessories
- One-of-a-kind special events
Class Types
Funky Foundations
The building blocks of Funky’s hot yoga are built here! Specifically designed for folks who are new(er) to yoga or Funky Buddha Studios. Offered near the beginning of each month, this class will guide you through foundational movements and postures of our Funky flows, as well as offer best practices and tips for making your practice just that- yours!
Get back to basics and set yourself up for success with our 30-Day Trial to build your yoga habit.
Slow Flow
The doorway to the softer side of Funky Buddha Yoga. Still sweaty, challenging in a different way, and a sweet counter-balance to our faster-paced Power Flow. Our Slow Flow class balances movement to warm you up, then longer-held positions designed to release and rebalance your tissues (brain included). Enjoy some breathing practices and a longer savasana so you can end class thoroughly warmed, steady, still, and centered. Yes, please.
Power Flow
Our signature hot yoga class is designed to make you move, breathe, and sweat! Our students rave about the strength-building and flow-oriented style that asks your body to move well, so you can then rest easy. Climb the mountain (work as hard as you’d like) then glide into deep rest. Yoga. Bliss.
Power Flow + Music
You love hot, powerful yoga? You love music? Join us here! We choose a soundtrack that keeps you in flow with more energetic tracks when you’re working hard and slowing down as we ease into savasana. Perfect mix of movement and music.
Restorative Flow
Restorative flow is where we weave together breathwork, gentle movements, longer-held poses, and stillness, so you can access slow warmth, deep stretching, body releasing, and blissful relaxation.
Power Flow Community Class
Straight up Power Flow that’s only $10 (always free to Funky Buddha Unlimited members)! Feel the hot yoga love Sunday nights in Eastown, Holland, and Forest Hills. Proceeds benefit local community organizations (check our socials to see who we’ve partnered with each quarter.) Pre-registration is required!
Varied Flow Community Class
Power Flow, Slow Flow or Restorative Style!? Maybe even some music?? Join us and see! This fun class that’s just $10 (always free to Funky Buddha Unlimited members) is designed to work with our teacher mentorship program. Show up, move and breath, and proceeds benefit local community organizations. Win-WIN. Pre-registration is required!
Meditations
Mindfulness, a few moments of calm, and time to tend to yourself. Sound good? Your meditation practice is dedicated time to care for your mind and heart. Bonus! We get to practice together in community from the comfort of your own space*. We invite you to take a few moments each morning, at 7:30am, to slow down, learn new techniques to heal your mind, and to care for yourself more deeply.
Look for our once-per-month in-person meditations on the Events page!
You must be 16 years or older to practice in-studio (anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver by a legal guardian.) You may print the waiver here.
FAQ
I'm new to Funky Buddha. Where do I start?
Our classes are designed to be adaptable to any level of fitness or ability. Be patient and give yourself permission to be new, but don’t be afraid to jump in anywhere that works for you. If you commit to doing only what you can do and remember everyone in the room is in the process of learning, we promise you’ll flourish.
If you’re brand new to hot yoga, we strongly recommend attending our Absolute Beginner Class (ABC) first. The purpose of this class is to give you the chance to try on Funky Buddha Yoga, but in a slightly more relaxed setting and with lots of time for questions.
You must be 16 or older to practice in-studio. ANYONE UNDER 18 MUST HAVE A SIGNED WAIVER BY A LEGAL GUARDIAN. Please call us at 616-459-9642 with questions.
When do I show up for class?
We recommend first-time students show up 20 minutes before class begins. This gives you the time to find parking, store your belongings, and find a spot in class without feeling rushed. Due to high-demand classes, we also have the following policy: if class is full, we reserve the right to give pre-reserved spots to standby students during the last five minutes or less before class begins. So, please do your best to be on time!
How can I sign up for class?
Per our reservation policy, pre-registration is highly encouraged. You can do this on our scheduling page (hyperlinked) or by downloading the Funky Buddha App! Our app offers ease in reserving classes, viewing past/upcoming reservations, milestones, and even allows you to purchase classes- all from the tap of a finger!
What do I wear?
First, be comfortable. Our classes are heated to 95º and kept at 30% humidity, so you’re going to sweat. We’ve found that light, close-fitting, and synthetic sweat-wicking material works best as 100% cotton tends to soak up sweat and become heavy. That said, please wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
How often should I practice?
Consistency and momentum are your greatest allies. That’s why we recommend not letting more than 2-3 days pass between practices.
Set yourself up for success by coming as often as you can for the first 4-6 weeks. Doing so will help you build a solid physical foundation. From there you can best decide when and how you wish to fit your practice with your lifestyle.
What do I bring to class?
Yourself, plus a sticky yoga mat, a hand-sized towel, and a full water bottle. Our locations offer mats and towels to rent or buy. There are drinking fountains on-site, and we also sell bottled water and light snacks.
Should I eat before class?
It’s best to eat something before you come in for practice, generally one to three hours prior works well. We recommend avoiding big and/or heavy meals right before you come in. But you know your body best! Fuel yourself well, so you can move well.
How much water should I drink?
Always come to class well-hydrated. 12-ounces of water in the hour before class is recommended, and we loving seeing you sip during class when needed. Another 12-16 ounces of water or electrolyte replacer, like coconut water, after class is also recommended for optimal recovery.
How hot will class be? And why is it hot?
Our practice space is heated to 95º degrees with 30% humidity at all times. Class temps may also rise a few degrees, in accordance with the number of students in the room.
What can I expect physically?
Regular hot yoga practice yields increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, strength, and stamina, as well as improvements in overall health, including your mental health and wellbeing. Benefits are vast and varied! They are as personal and unique, as all bodies are.
What kind of yoga do we do at Funky Buddha?
Funky Buddha offers a yoga practice based on functional movement, meant to strengthen and support the way we move in everyday life. We study current science, meditation, and mental techniques, along with the wisdom of the yoga system to build a well-rounded access to your wellbeing. It’s a whole-body practice, including your mind and breath, intentionally designed to fit any body type or level of ability.
How did you come up with the name?
Each element of the Funky Buddha experience was thoughtfully chosen, including our name. “Funky” is a nod to bringing your whole self: the funky, the quirky, the delightfully weird, the tired, the excited… We invite all parts of yourself here!
The word “buddha” translates from Sanskrit to “awakened or enlightened one.” We chose this word because we believe every person who walks through our doors has the capacity to become more conscious, alive, and thoughtful. Our job is to encourage this capacity and then get out of the way.
Hothouses are spaces with environments specific to supporting one thing: growth.
We put all these intentional elements together and got “Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse,” a name meant to inspire the individual’s capacity for growth. It’s memorable and fun, and it’s a name we’re lucky our students have loved since the beginning.
Still have questions about our name and mission? See our blog post about why we love the ruby symbol you’ll see across our branding and in our studios.
The Team
Team Support
Larissa
(She/Her)
Executive Director, Yoga Director
Larissa leads with intention, no matter which hat she’s wearing! She’s a true educator; from curating curriculum, leading Teacher Training, offering continued education, guiding morning meditations and that one class at Forest Hills, Larissa is always sharing wisdom with others. Her support stretches far beyond the yoga world, as she guides our small business through the paper stacks and navigates exceeding the “norm” in the suit-n-tie society!
Cathy
(She/Her)
Operations Director
Cathy ensures all the nitty-gritty is squared away and the boxes are checked! She’s an HR mastermind, a tax-expert, a front-desk training wiz, and a pricing genius! Her devotion to upholding our Core Values with Funk keeps us grounded, growing, and usually quite giggly! Cathy has been with Funky Buddha since the Mezoiec era in several roles, all of which have made her a Funky Buddha Dictionary! Have a question? Cathy has the answer- and it’s probably written on a sticky note 😉
Carina
(She/Her)
Studio Manager
Carina’s love of Funky stems from cultivating community and her support ensures we can do that smoooooth like butter. She’s the person you see at the store with a cart full of La Croix, behind the desk supporting our desk-team, on the phone with maintenance, and ensuring we have the yoga mats you love! Carina knows our spaces, anticipates their needs, and keeps our ship sailing with ease (oooh rhyme-y)- all thanks to the incredible amount of heart and intentional hard work she pours into each day.
LJ
(They/Them)
Marketing King
From their behind-the-scenes roles, to catching a good morning flow; LJ fell in love with the heart of Funky and all it represents: reverence, freedom, safety, and a whole lotta love. You may catch them coordinating events, cursing the Instagram algorithm, or chasing down someone to model. They are the human behind all those pesky emails, Funky’s web offerings, and all things creative; from retail designs to pricing signs- it most likely was born from a classic LJ-5am-photoshop-date.
Teachers
Abs
(She/They)
Organized AF. Playful. FREE.
WHY FUNKY:
Abs fell in love with the intensity of the vinyasa flow and stayed in love because of the culture behind it.
Abs has been practicing yoga EVERY. DAY. For 8 years, except that one day before thanksgiving- but it slides, because there were mashed potatoes on the mind. They’re thoroughly obsessed with making wellness accessible to both the student and the guide, hugging trees (no, really), and cozying up in a coffee shop.
RYT-200, Veteran's Yoga Alliance Certified, Vitalist School Graduate
Amanda
(She/Her)
Expressive. Flexible. Imaginative
FAV QUOTE:
“so where are the spiders?” Ziggy Stardust
If you’re not seeing Amanda in the studio, and the sun is out, there’s a good chance she’s on the water with a paddle board. By empowering youth through board sports, like SUP and skateboarding, Amanda is always living up to advice from her dad, “do what makes you happy!”
E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Certified WPA - Class I Stand Up Paddle Instructor
Andrea
(She/Her)
Adventurous. Curious. Reflective.
A POEM TO BASK IN:
“Love After Love” by Derek Walcott
Andrea is full of wanderlust; her Enneagram 4 personality is the root for her strong senses of empathy and a natural curiosity that can be felt through the entire Funky Community. You’ll easily find Andrea in the wild with Mother Earth learning about herbalism, plant medicine, or enjoying the view from a good hike. Looking for a great sustainable clothing recommendation? Andrea’s arsenal of conscious brands has you covered!
RYT-200
Angela
(She/Her)
Loving. Energetic. Creative.
FAV PICK-ME-UP:
Field and Fire Bakery
Angela’s favorite aspect of Funky Buddha is the people she meets, relationships she forms, and all those that share their practice. It’s no surprise though, Angela’s favorite word is love “because it changes people.” That love spreads across so many facets and drives her support for causes like the Equal Justice Initiative.
RYT-200, Certified Massage Therapist, Wellness Coach
Annie
(She/Her)
Caring. Imperfect. Genuine.
BEST ADVICE:
Pause.
Annie spends her time focused on family and the Earth; enjoying all natural beings to the fullest extent. Fascinated by complex and miraculous bodies, she extends this curiosity to the mat. Feel like a good game? Put a paddle in Annie’s hand and you’re in for a whirlwind! She’s known to enjoy the camaraderie of pickleball, ping pong, or badminton.
RYT-200, BS in Psychology
Audra
(She/Her)
Balanced. Grounded. Mischievous.
FAV CAUSE:
Save the bees! (She does this by growing flowers, organic growing practices & talking to her bee friends)
Audra utilizes meditation, somatic healing, and biogenetic learning in her teaching- creating a space that allows Audra’s truest self to learn and bloom safely. The warmth of this Pisces Sun is felt in and out of studio; in fact, Audra’s favorite way to spend time is being warm! We’re talkin’ taking baths, sitting by a fire, hangin’ in a sauna, and of course, hot yoga.
RYT-500
Cathy
(She/Her)
Trustworthy. Silly. Kind.
ENNEAGRAM:
6
Chances are you’ve known Cathy’s kind-self well before she began teaching. With the most fun Croc jiblets, you can probably find her boppin’ around Schuler books or picking up her fav Korean snacks at Seoul Market. Speaking of favorites, her favorite word is twitterpated (don’t worry, we had to look it up too) and it seems to describe her obsession with kpop and kitties perfectly!
RYT-200
Chelsea
(She/Her)
Creative. Silly. Kind.
FAV PASTTIMES:
Trying something new!
In the latest edition of Websters Dictionary, Chelsea’s big-ol-smile is featured under “creative.” Really though, DO NOT invite her to a costume party unless you’re 100% willing to be blown out of the water. In true Hufflepuff nature, Chelsea’s kindness is impossible to ignore; beautifully blending movement and play, she’s bound to exude adventure!
RYT-200
Eliot
(He/Him)
Quizzical. Convoluted. Verbose.
FAV QUOTE:
"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." Carl Sagan
Eliot loves music, as if we couldn’t tell from his collection of piano socks. Eliot is like that one song that never ceases to surprise you, naturally his favorite word is dynamic “because there simply is no word as dynamic (in its many definitions) as dynamic.” He’ll certainly keep you on your toes, but it’ll be jazzy nonetheless.
RYT-200
Grace
(She/Her)
Curious. Kind. Solution-Oriented.
BEST ADVICE:
Sleep on it.
Grace began her yoga journey in 2010 and loves the students of Funky only slightly more than she loves going to Meijer- seriously, it’s her favorite local spot. If you catch Grace in a protest, there’s a darn good chance it’s for women’s reproductive rights or human rights regarding sexual orientation and gender-identity.
RYT-200
Hannah
(She/Her)
Curious. Compassionate. Kind.
FAV LOCAL HANG:
Fulton Street Market
Hannah is a big ol’ bundle of fun, spending her time outside the studio wandersniffin’ with her wiener (dog) and stargazing. She’s a true people-lover; boy, will you feel it! There are few humans with such a welcoming energy (honestly, even her animals chose her because they could just feel the love!) The best part? Her favorite thing about Funky, is YOU!
RYT-200
Jen M.
(She/Her)
Student. Explorer. Mama.
WHY FUNKY:
Jen loves the evolution of our teachers, our practice, and our small business's commitment to community, growth, and learning.
Jen has an incredible wealth of knowledge which explains her favorite quote from Nelson Mandela being “I never lose. Either I win or learn.” Her compassion and lightheartedness is apparent whether leading workshops, out in the garden, or supporting causes like AYA Youth Collective. You know that houseplant you have on the brink of death? Maybe ask Jen for a tip!
RYT-200, RYT-500, M.A. Ed., CPT, CES
Jen S.
(She/Her)
Sunny. Sweet. Silly.
LOVE LANGUAGE:
Pizza.
Jen has been practicing yoga since 2013 and geeks over Funky’s science-based yoga techniques. Aside from yoga, though, her heart is in animals and the therapy they provide; haven't you herd? (wink) Jen’s a hippophile! Whether it be hiking with her Vizsla club or cuddling her clowder, Jen is certainly happiest when surrounded by animals.
RYT-200, MBSR Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Larissa
(She/Her)
Compassionate. Passionate. Companionate.
SIGN:
The Virgo-est Virgo that ever Virgo-ed (Sun, Rising, Venus, Saturn, Mercury...)
Larissa is best described as silly, and safe. When she isn’t doing allll the things (her Funky roles are a-many), you can find her cooking for loved ones, skipping through Kingmas Market, or curled up with her kitties writing. She’s known for her love of Mother Earth and all those who dwell alongside her, allowing the choice of compassion to guide her paths.
RYT-500, YAECP, MSBR, AITW, MSC, Trauma-Sensitivity Trained, Non-Violent Communication Trained, Leadership and Mindfulness Coach
Laurie
(She/Her)
Happy. Adventurous. Spiritual.
FAV FOODIE JOINT:
Terra “gimme that kale salad with roasted salmon… and don’t forget the Beet Margarita”
Laurie, in true libra energy, is a very well-balanced human who lives and leads through kindness. Her warmth has made home to all the fellow yogis she nurtures relationships with, and those friendships are easily her favorite part of teaching (what can we say? We love heat around here!) Outside the Funky community, Laurie likes supporting organizations that fight homelessness and assist the marginalized.
ERYT-200, IMS Silent Retreats
Lydia K.
(She/Her)
Bold. Analytical. Compassionate.
PASSION:
Mental Health & Wellness
Lydia loves to teach restorative, slow, yoga- focusing with great intention on tending to the body with mindfulness and peaceful movement. When she isn’t encouraging others to slow down, you may find her pulling cards from her beloved tarot deck, thrifting, or focused on Inner Work. Leading with a learner’s attitude, she’s driven by Abraham Hicks’ “You can’t get it wrong, and you never get it done.”
RYT-200
Lydia R.
(She/Her)
Driven. Passionate. Reliable.
FAV WORD EVER:
“It starts with F and rhymes with truck; it’s just so satisfying to say!”
Lydia’s ENTJ personality shines when she packs for an adrenaline-filled adventure but may be a little contradictory in the kitchen because recipes aren’t allowed! Her love of Funky stems from the ability to be her fullest, most authentic, self. Looking for Lydia? There’s a good chance she’s with her luvs at Uccello’s eating wings and fries, “I wish it was someplace fancier, but I am who I am,” gotta love authenticity.
RYT-200, B.A. Communications
Matthew
(He/Him)
Loving. Playful. Intense.
MUST READS:
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia & The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler
Matthew is a true moon-child, his mystical nature and natural connections bridge his love for Funky’s warm environment (including the people, of course) and his flow of teaching. Matthew’s morning is made with Terra Bagels and a great cup o’ joe, granted it’s kind of a must when you teach the earliest Funky classes. Finishing his day, though, there’s a more-than-likely chance he’s deep in a lovely book or making music.
RYT-200, Apprenticeship in Ashtanga, Vitalist School Graduate, Kundalini Mediumship
Natalie
(She/Her)
Creative. Planner. Nifty.
BEST SUMMER PLANS:
Food Truck Friday at Riverside Park
Natalie began her practice around 2010 and has a true passion for creating accessibility in the world of yoga (and everywhere else, for that matter). Natalie’s patience shines in her passion for teaching yoga to kiddos! Her fav way to spend time is cozied up, reading; if you’re lucky she’ll knit you a scarf before sending you on your way with seriously the best bread ever baked, and maybe a little sourdough starter to get ya goin’.
RYT-200, RCYT
Sarah
(She/Her)
Part mermaid, part phoenix, this Michigan born pilgrim is an endangered species. Educated and experienced in classical and contemporary movement arts, she is dedicated to seeking out and sharing safe, efficient, and sustainable pathways to peace. She maintains a daily practice of gratitude and cultivates growth through the dynamic balance of breath, alignment, effort, and ease.
RYT-200
Steve
(He/Him)
Playful. Kind. Fun.
WILL PROTEST FOR:
Climate Change and Environmentalism
Steve is a “Cancer Crab,” though it’s rare to ever catch him crabby! $100 says you’ve never seen Steve without his shining smile- his natural optimism soars great vibes through the studio. For fun, Steve enjoys yoga… well, duh! When his yogi toes aren’t on the cork floor teaching or on a mat practicing, he and his pooch are probably at Hillcrest dog park.
RYT-200, B.A. Health Professions
Terezia
(She/Her)
Open-Minded. Empathetic. Goofy.
A LIL ADVICE:
“Forgive and let go!”
Terezia is alllmost a Leo, but if you know her, you know that she’s truly a Cancer; her caring and intuitive nature blends into the Funky community with astounding ease. Chances are, you’ve seen her in-studio practicing- she’s taken well over 1500 Funky classes, but off the mat you can find this yogi in the sunshine playing soccer with her kiddos or gardening.
RYT-200
Front Desk
Our Front Desk Stars ensure you’re checked-in for class, our spaces are ready for you, and they keep you in-the-know on all the great Funky happenings! These stars love to chat, so give ‘em a shout next time you’re in!
Rachel
(She/Her)
Membership Advisor
Rachel is a firecracker, in true Aries fashion, relying on yoga and continued growth to keep her centered. This fiery human is on the other end of all your membership questions, ensuring our Funky community is satisfied and getting the most from their part in our community <3 In another life, she’s definitely a raccoon, with her eccentric energy in tail-stripe form and her creativity being used for garbage heists.
Kate
(She/Her)
Studio Operations Coordinator
If Kate were a pasta shape, she’d be a gluten free shell pasta, “they’re a hug in pasta shell form!” A warm embrace is truly the greatest description of Kate’s grounded and compassionate energy. As Funky’s Studio Operations Coordinator, Kate moves with the ever-changing flow of studio needs and tends to them with great care <3
