Betsy Woldeyohannes instructing two adolescent students in front of a window. A dog sits in the background.

Class Schedule

Betsy is a kind and knowledgeable yoga instructor. They offer hands-on assistance and cues which help students get the most out of the practice. They are easy to hear and understand. They lead us into long savasanas which are very relaxing. I always look forward to their classes. The other students and I are happy that they joined our yoga studio. They are definitely an asset!

— Michelle, Student

Betsy Woldeyohannes seated and smiling on yoga mat with two blocks.

Mission & Vision

Yene Yoga is the creation of Betsy Woldeyohannes, an Ethiopian-American resident of Rochester, NY. Born in Houston, Texas, Betsy has lived in the Greater Rochester Area for the majority of their life and is committed to fostering wellness and giving back to their community through yoga.

About Yene Yoga

Principles

Much more than an activity or series of postures, yoga is both a worldview and the experience of living in alignment with your true Self — a Self that is bigger than your body and mind, yet permeates them. Thus, the only 'right way' to do Yoga is to abide in it.

Philosophy

Singing bowl against white and orange background.

Services

Mindful Energizing Vinyasa
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
Foundations
From 10 US dollars
More Info
Peaceful Release Yin Yoga
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
The Embodied Word Yoga&Writing Community
Pay-What-You-Can
Book Now
Substitute Class at Tru Yoga
From 10 US dollars
More Info
Private Yoga Session - 45 Min
30 US dollars
Private Yoga Session - 60 Min
35 US dollars
Private Yoga Session - 90 Min
45 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 45 Min
45 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 60 Min
50 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 90 Min
60 US dollars
Meditation / Pranayama Add-On
5 US dollars
Yoga Event
Variable

Events Details

@YeneYogaROC

Move. Awaken. Create. Welcome to The Embodied Word, A Yoga & Writing Community in Rochester, NY!

Part yoga class, part writing group, this monthly, 90-minute session held at Akimbo Books explores creative energies within the body and holds space for personal and collaborative composition. All classes are Pay-What-You-Can, and half of the proceeds are donated to a charity of the group's choice. Props & Light Refreshments provided.

Visit www.yeneyoga.com for details!

#rochesterny #creative #yoga #community #books

Come get cozy this fall @crossbridgewellness ! Join me tomorrow morning and every Wednesday for a Restorative Yoga practice rooted in the principles of 'still, quiet, dark, and warm'. This gentle practice focuses on nervous system regulation and fostering openness in both body and mind. Props available on site!

Where:
Crossbridge Wellness
18 Harvard St, Rochester, NY

When:
Every Wednesday
9:30 - 11:00AM

Price:
$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Pricing, payable at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online , @yeneyoga on Venmo, or by cash.

Crossbridge Wellness is wheelchair accessible, and all are welcome!

#thingstodo #rochesterny #yoga #Restorative #gentle

Join me THIS Thursday for this month's Yoga for BIPOC & Allies at @truyogaroc !

This will be a Pay-What-You-Can, Restorative Yoga class. Props are provided, so just bring yourself, a mat if you have one, and anything that you wish to have to help foster openness and peace. 💜

#bipoc #yoga #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #freeevents #inclusive

REMINDER -- TOMORROW 📢

Join me for the second monthly session of The Embodied Word Yoga & Writing Community!

Part yoga class, part writing group, this monthly 90-minute session will explore creative energies within the body and then hold space for personal and collaborative composition. The 45-minute yoga portion of the class will consist of gentle movement and intentional breath-body connection, while the 45-minute writing section will be largely free-form, with prompts provided (organized by genre) and the opportunity to work with and draw on the assistance of organizers and peers. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind!

This class will meet the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Akimbo Books on 714 University Ave. All classes are donation-based, with a suggested donation of $15. Participants are encouraged to pay what they can, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Half of all proceeds will be donated to a charity of the group's choice, focusing on organizations that promote the well-being of our local community and communities abroad.

Light refreshments will be provided. Donations can be made by cash, checks made out to Betsy Woldeyohannes or to Yene Yoga LLC, or venmo @yeneyoga

#thingstodo #rochesterny #writing #community #creative #yoga

Tonight's Peaceful Release Yin Yoga is CANCELED. Thank you for your understanding, and my apologies for any inconvenience!

LAST CALL for the Yene Yoga Summer Sale!

Although the weather is still beautiful, today is the final day to take advantage of summer sale pricing on one-on-one and small group private sessions. Starting tomorrow, private session rates will increase; if you have already booked a regularly scheduled private session with me, you will retain summer sale pricing indefinitely.

The 5-Class Intro Pass will REMAIN as a permanent fixture (up to one purchase per person).

Please see www.yeneyoga.com or contact me directly for details!

#deal #sale #lastcall #rochesterny #rochesteryoga

SCHEDULE UPDATE

If you identify as BIPOC or are a friend of the community, I invite you to join Tru Yoga's first Yoga for BIPOC & Allies community class of the season, held tomorrow night, Thursday 9/18, from 7:30 - 8:45pm. I will be leading a gentle class emphasizing connection, reflection, and self and community care. This class is pay-what-you-can; props will be provided. I hope to see you there!

#BIPOC #yoga #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #communityclass

Join me tomorrow for Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga at Crossbridge Wellness as we cultivate rest, connection, and openness to the world around us.

$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Payment. Book at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#rest #restorative #yoga #rochesterny #thingstodo #inclusive #selfcare #mindfulness #wellness

The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community is back in action! Join me THIS Sunday, September 7th, at @akimbo.bookshop for our first monthly session. The first 45 minutes will be devoted to grounding, setting intention, and exploring creative energies in the body, while the latter half of the practice will provide an opportunity to write and to reflect in community. Yoga props, light refreshments, and writing prompts organized by genre will be provided. All sessions of The Embodied Word will be pay-what-you-can, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Akimbo Books
714 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607

Book online at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online to reserve your spot, and contact @yeneyogaroc or 5856940774 for assistance!

#rochesterny #thingstodo #writingcommunity #writingprompts #creativewriting #community #yoga #yogarochester

Proud to announce that I have officially taught 100 hours of yoga ! I am beyond blessed for the opportunities that I have been given to grow, connect, and share over this past year, and I am especially thankful for the incredible students and mentors who have guided me along the way. From discipline and mindful action to the gentle mantra of 'do less', I cannot wait to see what the remainder of this year brings as we journey together into both expansion and rest.

A special shout out goes also to Carrie and @radiantyouwellness (pictured), which hosted my very first public classes. 💜🙏🏽

How long have you been teaching yoga? What has changed about your style or about you as a teacher over that time? Let me know in the comments!

Now offering two classes at Crossbridge Wellness in downtown Rochester, NY!

Continue to join me every Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00 AM for Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga

And return to my Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa every Sunday, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, starting Sept. 7th -- the same connective energy, new time & venue!

Props available on site. Just bring yourself, whatever you are carrying, and the intention to explore and to grow. Book now at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#rochesterny #yoga #rest #thingstodo #health

This week has been full of surprises, and I am grateful to be able to offer two connective, peaceful practices tomorrow at @truyogaroc . Book online at https://www.truyogaroc.com/ !

Tru Yoga Class Descriptions:
🌿Slow Flow 7:30 - 8:30 AM
"Melt into movement with a gentle, unhurried flow that feels as nourishing as it does grounding. Slow Flow invites you to soften into your breath, ease tension from the body, and explore those juicy stretches that leave you feeling open and spacious.

This class is a gentle journey toward ease, leaving you with that delicious, just-right feeling of space and release. Expect to linger, explore, and savor each shape as your body unwinds and your energy finds its natural rhythm."

🌿Yin Yoga 4:30 - 5:45 PM
"Slow it down and melt into the magic of deep, restful stretching. This calming, low-key class is all about giving your body the time and space to gently release tension and dive into long, delicious stretches. We’ll sink into each pose for several minutes, allowing your muscles to soften and your mind to find stillness.

Perfect for anyone looking to balance their busy life with a little self-care, this class is your invitation to pause, breathe deeply and enjoy the sweet, soothing vibes. You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and totally refreshed."

#rochesterny #rochesteryoga #yoga #peaceful #slow #thingstodo #class

Good morning friends,

Today's session of Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga, held Wednesday, August 13th, at Crossbridge Wellness, has been CANCELED. I am feeling under the weather this morning and wish to prioritize both my own health and well-being and that of all of you.

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience.

Feeling under the weather today, so class is canceled for everyone's benefit. Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Happy birthday to one of the most incredible people that I know -- my father, @minto_the_great_ !

From almost being swept away by the wind at the Cliffs of Moher to being humbled by the contours of the landscape in the Southwest, from contemplating love, life, and power in Johannesburg to reminiscing on the steps of our family home in Ethiopia, we have shared a tremendous amount of laughter, exploration, and reverence together. Here's to many more years of adventure to come! I love you 🥳

Two big announcements!

🌔Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa will return this fall, now held at @crossbridgewellness !

Sundays 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Designed to cultivate internal awareness, playful expression, and self-connection for practitioners of all levels, this practice will encourage tying movement to breath, balance strength building with openness, and hold space for self-study. 60MIN Class. $10 supported / $15 standard / $20 pay it forward (in-person only). Props provided.

📖 The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community will also return to @akimbo.bookshop -- with a few major changes:

🔸These sessions will now be pay what you can! (Suggested donation $15). Each month we will choose to support an organization committed to the welfare of our local community or communities abroad. Half of all proceeds will be donated to the chosen organization, while the other half will support Yene Yoga.

🔸These sessions will now be held on the *first Sunday of every month* rather than weekly, starting Sunday, September 7th. We will also meet slightly earlier in the day: from 10:00 - 11:30 AM. Since each session is now entirely donation-based and held only once a month, there will no longer be a monthly pass option for booking. Thank you for your understanding!

🔸 These sessions will now be run primarily by me, Betsy Woldeyohannes. With my background in composition, literary analysis, and editing, I am honored to share what I know and to hold space!

Learn more at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#thingstodo #rochesterny #writing #creative #creativewriting #yogarochester #yoga #community #gentle #class #inclusive #freeevents

Dear friends,

Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga will move from Wednesday to Thursday this week and the last week of August -- same time, same place. All other sessions will be held on Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00 AM at @crossbridgewellness .

Thank you for your understanding and stay tuned for new offerings coming soon!

#yoga #restorative #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #thingstodo #cat #yogacommunity #yogaclass #relax

The South East Area Coalition (SEAC), The Wadsworth Sq. Neighborhood Association, and Tru Yoga are hosting a FREE Yoga event this Sunday, and you're invited!

The Stretch & De-Stress Community Yoga Class will be a gentle, Vinyasa-based practice led by me -- Betsy Woldeyohannes -- this Sunday, July 20th, from 8:30 - 9:30 AM in Wadsworth Square Park.

Mats, yoga props, and refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Tru Yoga, Boulder Coffee Co., and Wegmans.

RSVP at: www.zeffy.com/ticketing/stretch-and-de-stress

We hope to see you there!

#rochesteryoga #summer #thingstodo #rochesterny #yoga #wellness #freeevents #outdoor

Join me tomorrow morning for a gentle reset for your body and mind. Settle into Stilless: Restorative Yoga is held every Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00am at Crossbridge Wellness. $10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale pricing.

Register at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

Love this picture that Rachel captured of me during our first writing and yoga community session at @akimbo.bookshop . Thank you to those who came out -- your sincerity and light brought so much to the practice and to the energy of the space. 💜 I'm looking forward to next week!

#writingcommunity #photography #yoga #class #creativewriting #community #rochesterny

Reminder that the first session of "The Embodied Word" Yoga & Writing Community will take place TOMORROW, June 22nd at 11am!

Join me and Rachel Crawford, owner of @akimbo.bookshop and founder and executive director of @unabridged.roc , for a 90-minute exploration of creative energy through gentle movement and collaboration.

Your first session is PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to dive deeply into your body and mind.

Register today at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#rochesterny #yoga #writingcommunity #creativewriting #community #thingstodo #class

Happy birthday to the best mom in the world! Here's to many more walks and happy days ✨️

Join me for Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga tomorrow morning -- now with Sliding Scale pricing!

Read more and book online at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#yoga #rochesteryoga #Restorative #rochesterny #thingstodo #rest #wellness

Check out this week's schedule and upcoming offerings!

I am excited to announce that Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga at @crossbridgewellness will now have sliding scale pricing! $10 (for a little support) / $15 (standard) / $20 (to pay it forward). Held every Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:00am. Read more about this class and book directly with me at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

This Thursday, I will be participating in a pop-up Juneteenth event at @crossbridgewellness . My session will be a pay-what-you-can donation-based Restorative Yoga class focused on connection and embodied history. All proceeds for my session will go to Fredrick Douglas Family Initiatives. See all offerings at https://www.crossbridgewellness.com/juneteenth-wellness-day

I will be teaching my first class, Vinyasa w/ ASL Interpretation, at @truyogaroc this Saturday in place of Milo Obourn. $10/$15/$20 sliding scale drop-in rate. See the full Tru schedule and register directly at https://www.truyogaroc.com/weekly-schedule !

This Sunday marks the very first session of The Embodied Word: A Yoga & Writing Community, a collaboration between myself and Rachel Crawford of @unabridged.roc and @akimbo.bookshop ! Held every subsequent Sunday from 11:00am - 12:30pm. Pay-what-you-can pricing for your first class. Read more and book directly at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

In gratitude,
Betsy

#yoga #rochesterny #juneteenth #class #restore #rest #writingcommunity #composition #creativewriting #accessibility

So excited to announce that I have officially joined the @truyogaroc team as a substitute instructor!

I am filled with gratitute and can't wait to explore this next step. Stay tuned for updates! ✨️

My Restorative nest 💜

This morning was rough. My nervous system was all over the place, and on top of it all, I had no students signed up for my Restorative class.

When I came in, I decided to make the most of class time by recording a video to share with all of you. And although I did make content, that expectation or task, all the worry and mental residue of the past two days, melted away as I gave myself the gift of a long, fully propped Supported Reclining Pose.

It is impossible for words to do justice to the state that this posture invites. The closest I can come to an apt illustration is to say that it feels like floating within a perfectly tepid pool, where the distinction between water and skin dissolves.

Despite swearing by this practice, it is always shocking to /feel/ in myself the difference between my state of mind and positioning towards the world. Restorative Yoga is not about relaxing -- it is about opening yourself up to your interiority and to the truth of this existence. It is about healing from the inside out.

Whenever you're ready to take the plunge, I will be here with unwavering support, uplifting you as your first and most fundamental guide.

#Restorative #peace #yoga #rest #rochesterny #class #grateful

Yesterday's blissful rain.

Embody this tranquility tomorrow morning with Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga at @crossbridgewellness !

In this 90 minute class, students will rely on the physical and emotional support of props to ease them into a state of calm, remaining in each posture for several minutes in order to facilitate the 'quieting' nervous systems of the body. By accepting support, by 'doing less', this class helps participants invite true rest and discovery in the midst of our busy worlds.

$20/person individual pricing, $12/person group discount. Class runs 9:30 - 11:00 AM.

Book now at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online!

#peace #wellness #quiet #still #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #yoga

UPDATE: START DATE JUNE 22ND.

The Embodied Word, a collaborative yoga & writing session by Betsy Woldeyohannes of Yene Yoga and Rachel Crawford of @unabridged.roc and @akimbo.bookshop , will now begin Sunday, June 22nd.

Part yoga class, part writing group, this weekly 90-minute session will first explore the movement of creative energies within the body and then hold space for personal and collaborative composition. The writing section will be largely free-form, with prompts provided (organized by genre) and the opportunity to work with and draw on the assistance of organizers and peers. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind!

This class will run every Sunday, from 11:00am - 12:30pm, at Akimbo Books (714 University Ave). Refreshments provided.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN for your first drop-in class. Suggested donation for future classes is $45 for a drop-in session or $150/month for a monthly pass.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting the upkeep and programming of Unabridged Literary Arts, a human rights-focused arts organization.

Book online at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online. Please reach out to me or to Rachel for scholarship opportunities!

#newclass #rochesterny #yoga #writingcommunity #writing #creativewriting #community #localbusiness #health #thingstodo #events

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@yeneyogaroc

Class Schedule

Upcoming Events

Mission & Vision

Principles

Much more than an activity or series of postures, yoga is both a worldview and the experience of living in alignment with your true Self — a Self that is bigger than your body and mind, yet permeates them. Thus, the only 'right way' to do Yoga is to abide in it.

Services

Mindful Energizing Vinyasa

Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga

Foundations

Peaceful Release Yin Yoga

Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa

The Embodied Word Yoga&Writing Community

Substitute Class at Tru Yoga

Private Yoga Session - 45 Min

Private Yoga Session - 60 Min

Private Yoga Session - 90 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 45 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 60 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 90 Min

Meditation / Pranayama Add-On

Yoga Event

Events Details

@YeneYogaROC

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