Laguna Beach yoga studio | Photo by Megan Ervoes
Find serenity through yoga at LiveMetta Laguna Beach.
By Jessie Dax-Setkus
Ythy Farnsworth and her husband, Chris—co-owners of LiveMetta Laguna Beach, the yoga studio in the north part of town that took over the former OM yoga & meditation space—have always had a soft spot for blending fitness and mindfulness, so they made the decision to leave their careers behind in order to bring their dream to life in Orange County.
LiveMetta opened an ocean-view studio upstairs in Boat Canyon Shopping Center with a grand celebration in May featuring free exercise classes, meditation, sound bath offerings and a special blessing ceremony with a Buddhist monk from India. Despite being new in town, the couple is already looking to expand. In the coming months, Farnsworth says that they plan to open a Pilates studio next door, similar to the setup of their location in nearby Laguna Niguel. The studio also helps to support local charities and is planning to do more service projects.
Here, Farnsworth goes into detail about LiveMetta’s history and how to find tranquility with its classes.
Laguna Beach Magazine: What is your background in fitness and how did you get involved with yoga?
Ythy Farnsworth: LiveMetta is actually a second career for both of us. Chris left his career as a litigation attorney and I left a career in health care to team up to chase our small business dreams. We’ve always been deeply passionate about mindful movement and … the healing role it can play. One of our first dates was actually on our yoga mats. … Having survived the hardships of the pandemic, LiveMetta now offers Pilates or yoga—or both—in six locations in Long Beach and Orange County, and was recently recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies.
What classes do you offer in Laguna Beach?
YF: We offer a wide range of authentic yoga practices including vinyasa, Iyengar, hatha, ashtanga, yin, restorative, breathwork, meditation, yoga nidra and sound healing. All of our classes are led by … exceptional human beings … who are backed by extensive training, experience and a deep love for what they do. Each of our team members shares LiveMetta’s core values of spreading loving kindness and supporting each of our unique local communities through mindful movement practices on and off their mats.
How are Pilates and yoga different?
YF: Yoga and Pilates are both popular mind-body practices, but they differ in their origins, principles and focuses. Yoga is a holistic practice that originated in ancient India, encompassing physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation and philosophical teachings aimed at achieving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harmony. It emphasizes flexibility, balance and relaxation, often incorporating various styles that cater to different needs and preferences. … While both practices emphasize breath control and mindfulness, our yoga classes tend to incorporate more of the spiritual and philosophical dimension, often addressing mental and emotional well-being alongside physical fitness.
What should someone expect from your classes?
YF: All students … should expect to enter each of our beautiful light-filled studios to be greeted with warmth, love and kindness. We pride ourselves in ensuring that our offerings are inclusive of everyone in every shape, color or mindset that may be joining us in. One of our team members will immediately support you as you find what offerings will best fit your life, goals and schedule.
What health benefits come from Pilates and yoga?
YF: Both practices promote enhanced flexibility and improved joint mobility through stretching and controlled movements. Both also contribute to stress reduction and mental well-being by incorporating relaxation techniques, deep breathing and mindfulness, which can alleviate anxiety [and] depression and promote overall mental clarity. … Everything we do is designed to … [help you] live a happier, healthy life filled with love and kindness.
Working on Wellness
Ensure that you get the most out of your session with these ideal products for yogis.
