Overview
Arizona Yoga Co. is a donation-based yoga studio nestled in the basement of the Mill Avenue Shops in downtown Tempe, founded by Liz Higgins in 2020 with a mission to remove financial barriers to practice. The studio operates entirely on a pay-what-you-can model, with a suggested donation of $10, making it an accessible option for students, budget-conscious individuals, and anyone seeking a non-pretentious community space. It offers a diverse weekly schedule with live classes 365 days a year, including Power Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Slow Flow + Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Baths, taught by experienced, kind instructors who emphasize mindfulness and adaptability for all levels. The studio maintains a welcoming, shoe-free environment with policies that encourage presence and respect, such as silenced phones and early arrival, and provides amenities like mat rentals and changing spaces.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Pricing
| Plan Name | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gong Sound Bath! | 1 Class | $33 |
| Sustainer AYC Community Member | 1 Month | $75 |
| Supporter AYC Community Member | 1 Month | $100 |
| Nourisher AYC Community Member | 1 Month | $150 |
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 11:45 am – 8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 5:45 am – 8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 11:45 am – 8:30 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 5:45 am – 8:30 pm |
| Friday | Open | 11:45 am – 8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Open | 8:45 am – 6:30 pm |
| Sunday | Open | 8:45 am – 8:30 pm |
Studio in Details
A Community-Focused Yoga Space in Downtown Tempe
Nestled in the historic Mill Avenue Shops at the intersection of Mill Ave and Fifth St, Arizona Yoga Co. operates from a basement studio that visitors describe as a peaceful, cozy hideaway from the bustling street above. People note the space has a lovely open feel, with a skylight window at the front of the room providing natural light. The entrance can be tricky to find—look for unit B102 to the left as you enter the building space, a single door leading down a short flight of stairs. This tucked-away location contributes to what many call an unpretentious, welcoming vibe that feels like a reprieve. The studio is operated by Liz Higgins, who founded it in July 2020 with a unified mission: removing financial barriers to access within the yoga industry. Spreading donation-based yoga is at the heart of what they do, with all classes on the weekly schedule operating on a pay-what-you-can model. A suggested donation of $10 per class is noted, but it is just a suggestion, encouraging students to practice as often as they’d like at a cost they can afford. Visitors appreciate this model, with one person mentioning they make a drive from East Mesa several times a week because it’s worth it.
People consistently describe the atmosphere as welcoming and open, with several noting it instantly felt like home and has been a part of their routine for years. The studio maintains specific policies to preserve this environment: doors open 15 minutes before class starts, and they recommend arriving early to find the space and fill out a waiver. It is a shoe-free studio where phones must be turned off or silenced, with all cell phone use done outside. Belongings can be stored in cubbies inside the yoga space, though the studio notes it is not liable for lost or stolen property. Two changing spaces are available. For first-time visitors, the studio emphasizes that yoga is for everybody, regardless of experience level, and encourages wearing comfortable clothing without needing special gear. They suggest letting the instructor know it’s your first time so they can show foundational poses, setting up in the middle of the room for visual guidance, and taking breaks when needed. The overall sentiment from visitors is that the space fosters a sense of community and personal growth, with one person stating it has been a huge part of their life for years, even through changing locations and challenges.
Diverse Class Offerings and Teaching Philosophy
Arizona Yoga Co. provides live studio classes with experienced instructors 365 days a year, according to their website. The class specialties highlighted include Power Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Slow Flow + Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Baths. Visitors mention taking Power Flow sessions that are as described and appreciate the variety, noting the studio has plenty of options for beginners and more experienced people. Each instructor is said to have a unique approach to their practice, but all are described as extremely kind, welcoming, and amazing. People report that classes are challenging but adaptable to all levels, with sequences that bring a steady, energizing feeling. The teaching philosophy across the team emphasizes accessibility, mindfulness, and creating a safe space without judgment. Several teachers have backgrounds in addressing specific needs: for example, some mention using yoga to manage back pain, anxiety, chronic pain, or sports injuries, and one teacher specializes in trauma-informed practices. However, visitors do not mention specific therapeutic claims or health outcomes beyond personal experiences of stress relief and feeling better.
The studio also hosts monthly workshops that allow people to dive deeper into their practice and connect with the community. Visitors have found these workshops really worth trying. In terms of logistics, if you don’t have your own mat, they have some for rent at a suggested $2 fee. Payments are accepted via cash, card, Apple or Google Pay, Venmo, Zelle, or through the website. The studio hours are extensive, with classes offered throughout the week, including early morning sessions like 5:45 AM, lunchtime classes around 11:45 AM, and evening slots until 8:30 PM, plus weekend morning and afternoon sessions. This schedule accommodates various routines, from sunrise practices to evening unwinds. Parking can be found in several nearby options like the Hayden Square Garage, Emerson Garage, and on-street metered parking, with the studio recommending the light rail, biking, or walking when possible due to its downtown Tempe location.
Extended Reach and Who It Suits Best
Beyond in-studio classes, Arizona Yoga Co. extends its offerings through Zoom classes that allow attendance from anywhere in the world and YouTube classes that are pre-recorded for flexibility with your schedule. This hybrid approach means you can join live studio classes virtually or access on-demand sessions, though visitors primarily discuss the in-person experience. The teacher team is diverse, with profiles indicating certifications like RYT 200, RYT 500, and additional training in areas such as kids yoga, yoga nidra, sound therapy, and meditation. Many teachers completed their 200-hour certifications with Arizona Yoga Co. itself or other local programs, and they bring personal passions ranging from sound healing to martial arts. Their collective focus is on fostering self-care, community care, and personal transformation, with an emphasis that yoga is not about looks, size, age, or flexibility but about building a tender relationship with yourself.
This yoga studio appears best suited for individuals seeking an inclusive, community-oriented practice without financial pressure. Its donation-based model makes it accessible to a wide range of people, from students to those on a budget. The variety of class styles—from vigorous power vinyasa to gentle yin and restorative sessions—caters to different preferences and energy levels. Beginners are explicitly welcomed and supported, while experienced practitioners find depth and challenge. The location in downtown Tempe makes it convenient for locals, students from Arizona State University, and workers in the area, though some visitors travel from further afield like East Mesa. The studio’s emphasis on a non-competitive, judgment-free environment resonates with those who may feel intimidated by more traditional yoga spaces. As one visitor put it, the studio has continued to feel like home through changes, offering a space to grow a yoga practice with kind people around. For anyone in Tempe looking to start or deepen their practice in a supportive, unpretentious setting, Arizona Yoga Co. provides a consistent and welcoming option.