Illumina East, the second-floor yoga studio at 96 Avenue B between Sixth Street and Seventh Street, is now closed.
Owner Rian Bodner officially announced the closure last week in a Facebook post:
This space did more than I expected, lasted longer, frankly, than I expected. Brought in all the right people, all the right challenges. It's hard to ask myself if I would have done it all if I knew I would have to hand the keys back today. Yes. I might even have been easier on myself. More patient. More willing to trust. I know we will continue on somehow but at this moment I think I finally feel sad about it. Thank you everyone who poured a piece of their magic into Illumina East. I don't know what's next, but it's an opportunity to dream bigger.
Small yoga and pilates studios in the neighborhood have had to pivot to offering classes online. Gyms and small studios were supposed to resume operations in the state's Phase Four reopening plan.
However, last week, Gov. Cuomo blindsided owners by taking them out of the mix. As NY1 reported, gym owners wonder when they may open if there isn't a Phase 5.
More than 3,000 people in the NY fitness industry formed a coalition to file a lawsuit against Gov. Cuomo. Per NY1: "Owners of the gym say they should be considered essential businesses because they help people get or stay healthy."
There are several online petitions in circulation calling for smaller studies to be able to open in Phase 3. (Here and here.)
You can revisit our post on at-home fitness options at this link.
