Located at 555 Research Drive- directly across the street from the YWCO. The Yoga Co-Op Athens is located in a red brick building with parking available.

Founded by McKay Crowley, MD FACP

Dr. McKay Crowley has a lifelong interest in biomechanics and movement arising from her passion for equestrian sports.  Her medical interests are broad, including functional medicine and the role exercise, mindfulness, meditation, breathing, and nutrition play in physical and mental health. 

Her training in neurofunctional and sports medicine acupuncture has cemented her position that the human body is designed for, and benefits from, functional movement.  Her own journey with a herniated disc and hot yoga healing, as well as a desire to improve her longevity in the saddle, provided the spark for the Yoga Co-Op Athens space.  

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, it seemed logical that this space could also serve as an incubator for instructors of any movement modality wanting to start their own business, but unable to afford high overhead and long-term leases as start-ups. 

The design of the space was done with intention to create a community committed to health and wellbeing, using a variety of movement and mindfulness/meditation modalities.  The space can accommodate all yoga practices, including hot yoga, and has hosted salsa dancing classes.  It is open to all movement modalities.

Yoga Co-Op Athens is envisioned to bring practitioners of all disciplines together to promote the health of our community.  Diverse practitioners will avoid a “one size fits all” approach to moving the body in a healthy and functional way.  “I would love to see everything from chair yoga to power yoga for athletes, to yoga for professionals, with class timing to fit busy schedules.  Anything that brings us together, provides a time of centering and breathing, and restores the function of our bodies.”

Dr. Crowley earned her B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Georgia, and after 15 years in healthcare administration, returned to school, earning her M.D. from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.  She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Wake Forest Baptist Health Bowman School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC and is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.  Dr. Crowley also practices neurofunctional and sports medicine acupuncture, with training from McMasters University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program, and has completed Institute for Functional Medicine’s training program.

Infrared Heat

Far InfraRed light (FIR) or “biogenetic radiation” is a wavelength of light too long to be seen by the human eye with a wavelength of 50-1000 µm. Materials, some manmade like specialized FIR ceramics (panels, beads, fabrics), and some natural like jade stone, can also produce FIR when heated to body temperature.

Though we cannot see this wavelength, our body perceives it as gentle radiant heat and that been shown to induce molecular vibration of up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin’s surface. Studies have demonstrated that this wavelength has both inhibitory and stimulatory biologic effects, enhancing microcirculation beyond a “normal” heat developed by shorter wavelengths.

The benefits of enhanced FIR microcirculation may include improved healing, reduced cellular damage during exercise, reduced pain, improved blood flow to nerves, nervous system and muscles, and improved mitochondrial function.

It is critical, as many of the molecular bonds in the human body are water bonds, that hydration be maintained when using FIR modalities.

The science on FIR and it’s medical and health continues to evolve, but existingevidence only points to benefit. In order to ensure you do not experience any harm from the HEAT induced by FIR, ensure that the set temperature when using a ceramic panel or FIR sauna, is not too high, that exposure time is appropriate for your level of health, AND THAT YOU STAY HYDRATED.

As with anything impacting your body, start low and go slow to determine your particular tolerance to FIR. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please discuss any potential harm or side effects with your physician prior to use. And finally, if in doubt, stop.

FAQ: Mats?

Mats, towels, blocks provided. We have a shower, but please bring your own toiletries.

FAQ: Sign up?

Please sign up in advance under ‘Book Now.’ You can register & pay by venmo-ing Maggie-Scruggs for the class you take