New Year’s resolutions can come and go – possibly just as easily as forgetting what presents you gave for Christmas this year. [caption id="attachment_14360" align="alignleft" width="266"] Rachel Sebastian takes a yoga class at Escape to Yoga in Sherwood near Renaissance at Rychlick Farm.[/caption] According to a usa.gov poll, losing weight is the top resolution for Americans every year. This doesn’t come as a surprise, rather a statement, that obtaining better health in the U.S. is desired, but sticking to a regiment can be difficult. Psychology Today reports in the 45 percent of Americans who made a New Year’s resolutions, just eight percent achieve their goals. As we are now in February, it’s important not to let resolutions fall to the wayside. Personally, I vowed to live a healthier and happier 2014. Many practitioners now believe practicing yoga can help you reach and maintain your goals by combining strength training, movement and flexibility. It’s also something you can do with friends, which – if you’re anything like me – would keep you held accountable for sticking to a routine. I set out to find the best place to practice yoga in Sherwood. The studio I found is in the picturesque and historic downtown Sherwood area, near our Renaissance at Rychlick Farm community.  It’s called Escape to Yoga. Escape to Yoga offers half a dozen classes from beginner’s hatha to the sweat-inducing level two vinyasa. I stopped in for a Sunday morning Hatha class, and it was divine. The instructor guided the 25 person class through a series of both restorative and strengthening poses for 60 minutes. The warm-up consists of a pattern of warrior-style lunges, hip opening exercises and sun salutations. The class progressed to one-legged poses and torso twists.  The music was a soft mix of tunes that paired well with the rhythmic energy of the class. Not only are the classes gentle, yet challenging, the studio itself is breathtaking. The building was a ballet school for 20 years before converting to a yoga studio. The historic, 1,700 square foot second story loft boasts tall, west and south facing windows and exposed brick walls. It’s safe to say I’ll be back for more. Renaissance Homes is an award winning Street of Dreams custom home builder specializing in green building for the Portland market. Visit our Design Studio to personalize your next home.