Although Chris MoDavis’s yoga studio, The Roost, is new to Bethlehem, as an instructor and long-time practitioner he has a well-established connection to the local area. Since 2019, the Roost Yoga has operated from locations in Springfield Township, initially on Main Street in Springtown, and later at a nearby farm. MoDavis now plans to put down roots and continue growing his close-knit community of yoga students at 310 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, where regular classes began earlier this month.

The Roost Yoga Chris — Chris MoDavis, owner of The Roost Yoga, recently opened his business at 310 W. Broad Street in Bethlehem.

MoDavis first became part of the yoga community over 20 years ago, as a young man who was interested in the physicality of it. In 2013, he and his former wife opened YogaMos on Main Street in Hellertown. She later took over the business, which eventually closed, and MoDavis later opened The Roost in a building on Main Street in Springtown in the fall of 2019. Shortly thereafter, health restrictions during the Covid pandemic necessitated moving classes outside, and he found a new albeit temporary home for them at Historic Kirkland Farm, which became his base after he decided to close the Main Street studio.

Owned by Robin Staff, MoDavis said Kirkland Farm became a “lifeline” for The Roost during the uncertain Covid years.

The Roost’s new space in Bethlehem was previously home to an art gallery known as Ambre Studio. Located in a late 19th century storefront that was originally a drugstore, the building was restored by the gallery owner nearly 15 years ago.

MoDavis said that in addition to a new, exciting chapter for The Roost, the new space means more classes, along with increased visibility. He said he hopes to take advantage of the prime location near downtown Bethlehem to build community, which is part of his approach to teaching yoga.

The Roost’s motto is “Rest. Heal. Grow. Fly.,” and his teaching style is rooted in those actions. MoDavis also has an intimate understanding of yoga’s healing power, as it once helped him recover from injuries he sustained when he fell out of a tree.

Emotionally, yoga can give those who practice it greater awareness and control of their bodies by the way it slows down thought processes, he explained. This, combined with the movements that are taught, is therapeutic for many people.

MoDavis said that while some people are more focused on the physical aspects of yoga–as he initially was–they often enjoy enhanced mental clarity as an additional benefit.

His students range in age from children to adults in their 80s, and MoDavis adapts his teaching to suit each person.

“A lot of times I try to just read the room,” he said.

His Vinyasa yoga classes are taught in three levels, with Level 1 as the beginner level. MoDavis said that at this level, classes have more of a workshop feel. At all levels, he talks through postures so everyone knows where their bodies should be.

“I teach using my normal speaking voice,” he added. “It’s always a peaceful, easy, restful vibe.”

The Roost’s classes are typically structured in the form of an arc, he said, with students starting off slowly and building their way up to a peak, before slowing down until the class concludes.

MoDavis also teaches Restorative or gentle yoga, which is a type of yoga ideal for people who need to improve their mobility or just want a more relaxing experience. Level 1 classes require that students have some mobility and students in Level 1-2 classes and higher should have good mobility, along with at least some knowledge of postures. Erica McHugh is teaching Ashtanga yoga classes at The Roost. All of the classes are listed on The Roost’s website, along with the current schedule.

There’s no need to sign up for classes in advance. Drop-ins are $20 per class (first class is $12), with 5, 10 and unlimited monthly class passes available for purchase. Payment is on site by cash, check or credit card.

MoDavis said he hopes to add some local art to the studio’s walls in the future, as The Roost settles into its new home.

To learn more, visit TheRoostYoga.com, subscribe to their newsletter and follow The Roost on Facebook and Instagram.