Overview
Tula Movement Arts is a distinctive community hub in Bend’s Northwest Crossing, operating from two dedicated studio spaces. One suite hosts a traditional yoga schedule with classes like Vinyasa, restorative, and therapeutic yoga, while the other is a vibrant arena for aerial yoga, silks, and circus arts. The studio, whose name means ‘balance’ in Sanskrit, is consistently praised for creating a safe, kind, and inclusive environment where staff and owner Lotsie foster a genuine sense of family and emotional sanctuary. Beyond fitness, Tula strengthens community through free gatherings like Communi-Tea events and offers accessible new student specials, comprehensive youth programs, and childcare. For those seeking a movement practice that equally values deep introspection and playful flight, Tula provides a deeply appreciated and unique option in Bend.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | Open | 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | Open | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
Studio in Details
A Community Hub for Grounding and Flight
Tula Movement Arts operates from two suites in Bend’s Northwest Crossing neighborhood, creating what visitors describe as an eclectic and welcoming space for movement. The studio’s name, meaning “balance” in Sanskrit, reflects a philosophy that people experience firsthand: a blend of deep, introspective practice and joyful, playful exploration. This dual nature is physically embodied in the two studio spaces. One suite is dedicated to a traditional yoga schedule, while the other is a vibrant arena for aerial yoga and circus arts. People frequently mention the breathtaking visual of aerial silks hanging from the ceiling, especially when the lights are dimmed, creating a serene and beautiful atmosphere. The overall vibe, as shared by visitors, is one of a peaceful, inclusive community that exudes kindness and safety, making it a place where individuals feel genuinely welcome and supported to be themselves.
The sense of community extends beyond the yoga classes. People talk about the staff and owner, Lotsie, creating something truly special, with a sense of family that shines through. They describe how the team held space for them during difficult personal seasons, offering not just physical practice but emotional sanctuary. The studio hosts free community gatherings, like Communi-Tea events, which are open calls for connection. This focus on building relationships is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, painting Tula as more than a fitness studio; it’s a supportive hub where healing and connection are integral to the experience.
A Diverse Palette of Movement Practices
The range of activities at Tula is a primary point of enthusiasm for visitors. The studio offers a comprehensive schedule that successfully blends earth-bound and aerial disciplines. In the yoga studio, people mention taking Vinyasa, slow flow, restorative, yin, prenatal, and mom & baby classes. Specific instructors like Carolyn Candela are noted for their Rise and Shine flow classes, which provide an ideal blend of energizing movement and mindful practice. Others highlight a Wednesday Therapeutic Yoga class focused on different body parts, led by an instructor with a neuroscience background who explains the impact of the practice on brain states. The variety allows people to find classes for different intentions, from building strength and awareness to achieving deep relaxation and mental quietude.
The aerial and circus arts offerings are a major draw, captivating both adults and children. Visitors express delight in aerial yoga, aerial silks, slackline courses, acro yoga poses, and tumbling. First-time aerialists speak of supportive teachers like Hannah and Ginger, who provide patient, hands-on guidance that builds confidence, especially when trying inverted poses. The experience of being fully suspended is described as a “gamechanger” for one’s yoga practice, offering unique somatic awareness. For families, the youth program is a standout, with classes in aerial dance, tumbling, and gymnastics for ages 18 months and up. The studio also hosts memorable birthday parties where children learn moves on the silks, and it provides affordable childcare, a service one visitor credited with giving them the crucial “alone time” needed to begin healing during a tough period.
Practicalities and the Student Experience
Navigating Tula is described as straightforward by visitors. They note available parking and point out there are two doors, with one marked for yoga. The studios are well-equipped, providing all necessary props like mats, blocks, straps, and blankets. The studio uses an online booking system, having transitioned from MindBody to Feather.rsvp, where students can manage their class schedule and reservations. People appreciate the accessible entry points for new students, specifically mentioning new student specials like three classes for a set price or a month of unlimited access, which they found to be a reasonably priced window into the studio’s offerings. These offers motivated some to attend frequently, trying everything from All Levels Flow and Heated Soulful Flow to 5 Element Yin Yoga.
Safety and supportive instruction are consistently praised. Instructors are described as bringing their own unique personality, teaching style, and life experience to their classes, creating a climate of trust. For aerial activities, people emphasize the staff’s attention to safety and cleanliness. The cancellation policy for classes and childcare is noted as requiring advance notice to avoid fees. While visitors look forward to future workshops and retreats, the current weekly schedule, combined with special events like sound baths or new moon ceremonies, provides a rich and varied calendar. For those in Bend seeking a movement community that values both grounding connection and the joy of flight, Tula Movement Arts presents a distinctive and deeply appreciated option.