Great news as yoga instructor opens studio for Kildare people

A new yoga studio, OM Collective, has recently opened in Blessington, on the Kildare border offering a community-focused space rooted in personal experience and wellbeing.

Founder Amy Ryan said the idea for the studio grew from her own early struggles with stress during school. “I first discovered yoga at a time when I was experiencing stress and anxiety around exams and academic pressure.

"I began practicing at home, following classes on YouTube, and quickly noticed a real difference in my mental health and overall wellbeing. What started as a simple way to cope became a consistent practice that supported me throughout college.”

READ NEXT: Five new homes planned for this Kildare region. 

The impact of yoga led Ryan to pursue formal training abroad. “The impact yoga had on my life was so significant that I felt called to share it with others. This led me to take a solo trip to Rishikesh, widely known as the birthplace of yoga, where I completed an intensive and traditional teacher training. Since then, I have returned to India twice more to further deepen my practice and studies.”

After returning home, her teaching journey began modestly. “After returning to Ireland from my first training, I began teaching just one class per week. Within two years, that small beginning grew into something much bigger, leading me to open my own dedicated space, OM Collective.”

She explained the meaning behind the name: “The name ‘OM’ refers to the sound of the universe, a sacred vibration traditionally chanted at the beginning of yoga practice to create a sense of unity. ‘Collective’ reflects the heart of the studio, a welcoming, community-focused space where everyone can feel included and supported.”

Now operating full-time, the studio caters to all levels. “Now running full-time, OM Collective offers a variety of classes suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. The schedule includes styles such as Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Rocket, and Restorative yoga, with options ranging from slow, meditative practices to more dynamic, energetic classes. The studio also hosts other teachers, each bringing their own unique approach, and will soon be expanding to include chair yoga and teen yoga to make the practice even more accessible within the community. On weekends, we often host community and wellness events, including drum circles and other group activities, to offer collective enjoyment and connection for the local community.”

Ryan also shared a light-hearted moment from her travels. “A funny story from my second trip back to India, I actually found myself on a yoga billboard from my previous visit!”

Highlighting the benefits of the practice, she added: “Yoga offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength and flexibility, reduced stress, enhanced mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. At OM Collective, the aim is to make yoga accessible to everyone, whether you have never practiced before or already have an established practice.”

For Ryan, bringing the studio home has been especially meaningful. “As a young entrepreneur originally from Blessington, it means a lot to be able to bring this space back to the community. The studio has now been open for five weeks and the response so far has been very positive. The more local people who are aware of it, the greater the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

She added: “Creating a space that supports wellbeing and helps people feel better in themselves has always been something I’ve aspired to do, and I would be very grateful for any support in helping share this with the wider community.”