Runa Yoga Offers Wellness, Adventure and Peace
Poplar resident Madeline Fisher first got involved with yoga when she was pregnant with her first child seven years ago. “Prenatal yoga was very helpful to me all through my pregnancy and postpartum,” she said.
“It had been a dream of mine to open my own yoga studio,” said Fisher. That dream came true for her in 2024 when she bought Runa Studio, formerly in Kenwood in Duluth and now in Superior at 1424 Tower Avenue.
Fisher explained that the former owners of Runa Yoga closed their Duluth studio in 2022, rebranding it as “adventure yoga.” And although she said it seemed like a “crazy idea” at the time, she decided to make the leap and purchase the well-established business but wanted to move it to Superior.
“I saw the need to build a yoga community here in Superior,” she said. She saw that the Cedar Barn shop next to the Globe News building was available. After some restoration and redecorating of the former retail spot, she has created a bright and welcoming studio in an easy to find location.
Local artist Tom Rossman created a mandela logo for the business that is painted on one wall, representing the Norwegian/Icelandic symbols of “wayfinders” always finding their way home, Fisher noted.
Accessible to All Skill Levels
Even with her two young children (ages 7 and 5), Madeline has found her path to navigating all the intricacies of making her own business work. Her two children enjoy kids’ yoga, even watching videos and doing yoga at home.
Madeline has experience with Vinyasa, Yin, Trauma Conscious and Kid’s Yoga.
As she explains it, “I want to make yoga accessible to all.” She sees her mission as bringing joy and laughter to her clients in a comfortable space where she and her staff can help their clients gain confidence, be creative and mindful, and gain a sense of belonging. It is important to her that all the learning is at a level that feels safe and fun.
Offering classes at a variety of levels, runners, athletes, beginners and experienced yogis can find classes suited to them. Classes stress union of breath and movement, flexibility and body awareness, different challenges of postures and variations, therapeutic replenishing and nourishing the body.
Yoga in the Studio
Everyone can find an appropriate level of class in Runa’s studio. First time attendees are invited to participate in whatever pace and level they find most comfortable. People who may have done yoga in the past can pick up where they are comfortable to refresh their skills.
Experienced yogis who want more intense classes can find what fits their skill levels at Runa. Those who want more of a workout can work up a sweat in Runa Sculpt+Flow classes, incorporating both yoga sequencing and high-intensity interval training to increase stamina, agility, strength and flexibility.
Movement classes include barre and pulse, a combination class of high-intensity interval exercises incorporating weights (optional), calisthenics and yoga sequencing.
The Yin classes are calm, relaxing and slow-paced stretches to release tension and to increase flexibility and joint mobility.
Runa’s instructors work with expectant mothers in any trimester. The goal is to help mothers strengthen their bodies to prepare for the delivery process and beyond and also to focus on mind and body connections, noted Fisher.
“We also do discussions and answer questions for expectant mothers, especially those who are having their first baby. This helps create a sense of community with the new moms, who can be helpful to each other,” Fisher said.
Marlene Fazendin took prenatal classes and continues to take classes for self-care after the birth of her second child as well. “As a stay-at-home mom with a toddler and a four-month old baby, I appreciate the classes for self-care. I also enjoy the classes at the Hartley Center and getting out in nature in all seasons.”
Fazendin added that her toddler likes doing “doda” Mommy exercises with her at home.
Yoga to Go
An exciting slant to Runa Yoga is their yoga out in the community at a variety and growing list of area sites and in more remote locations. “We are happy to spotlight other businesses and locales as we get out into the community,” said Fisher.
Runa instructors do popup classes with kids’ yoga, attracting a new generation of participants. Fisher added, “I donate my time as the ‘cool mom’ to work with classes and my kids’ friends. We do games, storytelling and other fun activities in working with kids.”
According to Fisher, they also offer onsite group wellness and corporate wellness events for ways to bring teams together.
Their “Yoga and Beer” class features all-level private laid-back classes at the new outdoor space at Bent Paddle Brewing Company with beer, kombucha and soda refreshments.
Runa offers classes at Hartley Field in the Yurt, including yoga around a full moon theme. “With a full moon and the ambiance of the fire crackling, the Hartley classes are tranquil events,” said Fisher.
In the summer, they lead weekly outdoor classes at Chester Bowl, including opportunities for meditation. In the winter, the Ice Festival and Cold
Front at Bayfront are also fun sites for yoga in a casual style for kids and adults.
Area parks and Barker’s Island are other sites Runa Yoga has used for classes and events.
Wayfinder Retreats is owned and led by Runa Yoga. According to their website, “It’s more than a yoga retreat; it’s being in touch with nature, finding adventure, dipping into relaxation and connecting with your community.”
Retreats resemble a camp yoga experience in all seasons with bunk beds, hearty food and outdoor adventures, including combined bike retreats.
Chelsea Laurent, a Proctor resident, enjoyed a fall Wayfarer Retreat with mountain biking and yoga. “It was a life-changing weekend. I was hooked after that,” she said, “It was an incredible group of women in the group.”
Laurent added, “I love the studio classes as well. The instructors are great! The classes help make the world disappear. It is such a calming place.”
Runa’s in-store shop features sustainable yoga and wellness products and includes candles, pillows, clothing, coloring books, jewelry and more.
Friendship, Support, and Staff
“I have seen people develop friendships and long-lasting relationships through yoga,” added Fisher.
“I have appreciated how much my husband and my kids have supported me and helped to get this business up and running and to keep it growing. And my talented staff of instructors are the best!”
She concluded, “I feel a sense of pride at the growth we have had with Runa Yoga. It is a piece of my heart that is rewarding for me every day. The community support also means so much!”
For more information and class schedules, go to runayoga.com
or call 715.416.4854. Also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Sheryl Jensen is a Duluth-based freelance writer, editor and reviewer.
