Finding Community in Tucson: How Yoga Becomes Your “Third Space”
The Struggle to Find Connection
Moving to a new city like Tucson as a young professional can be exciting but also lonely. Days may start to feel monotonous, swinging between work and home with little in-between. Many people today find it harder than ever to make new friends or feel a sense of belonging. In fact, experts have warned that loneliness has reached “epidemic” levels in recent years[1]. It’s not just you; modern life often leaves little time or space to forge new connections. We all crave that feeling of community and understanding, but how do we find it?
The Need for “Third Spaces”
If work is your “first place” and home is your “second,” what’s missing is a third place, AKA a comfortable social environment where you can just be, connect, and unwind. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined “third place” to describe informal community hubs (think cafés, parks, churches, gyms) where friendships naturally blossom[2]. Unfortunately, many traditional third spaces have vanished, or we simply don’t frequent them like we used to. With the rise of Netflix binges and endless social media feeds, more people spend evenings isolated at home instead of gathering together[3]. And without these communal spaces, we lose the buffer against loneliness and stress that community provides[4].
The good news? Third spaces are still out there, we sometimes just have to seek them out. Joining a local yoga studio can be a perfect way to find your third space. At Yoga Pod Tucson we strive to offer a welcoming place, beyond work and home, where you can meet people, relax, and form real connections.
Finding Friends Through Shared Passions
One of the best ways to meet people is by doing what you love, out loud and with others. Shared passions naturally bring people together, whether it’s a running club, a board game night, or (hint hint) a yoga class. In the yoga studio, for example, you’ll often see the same faces each week when you attend a regular class time. Over time, a nod hello turns into a conversation, and before you know it, you’re grabbing a coffee after class with new friends. (We love Ren Coffeehouse) Research even suggests that practicing yoga in a group helps create a sense of community: participants report meeting new friends through yoga and finally feeling like they belong[5]. Consistency is key here, as you commit to your practice week after week, you’ll naturally start forming bonds with those on the mats next to you.
Tips for turning a yoga class into a friend-making opportunity:
⭐️ Show Up Consistently: Pick a class time that fits your schedule and stick to it. Familiar faces will soon become friendly greetings as people recognize you each week.
⭐️ Say Hello & Small Talk: Take a moment before or after class to chat with your mat neighbors or instructors. A simple “I loved that class, have you taken it before?” can spark a connection.
⭐️ Join Studio Events: Attend workshops, free classes, or weekend events. These are perfect for mingling in a relaxed setting and meeting like-minded yogis beyond the mat.
Meet some of the REAL friendships formed at the pod ⬇️
Gus and Chris
They call themselves “The Sweat Bros” 🤣 who fell in love when their sweat puddles came together to make a LAKE post a 90 minute podHOT26 class. (Seriously, if you’ve ever been in class with these two you know they’re not joking). They say they connected instantly because they’re both bald. 🙈 Later they found out that they are only 15 days apart in age…9/13/86 Chris (right) and 9/28/86 Gus (left).
Kamila and Maddie
“We first met through mutual friends, but our friendship really began when we kept running into each other at the same barre classes. Over time, we realized how much we had in common, especially our shared love for health, wellness, and movement. Those classes became more than just workouts; they turned into a space where our friendship grew stronger. Now, we’re best friends, and we both feel so thankful to be part of a fitness community that not only challenges us physically but also connects us with people who encourage and inspire us.”
Ozella and Krystal (+ Buddy and Marco)
Ozella (right) says, “Krystal and I met in a podHOT26 class through a mutual friend. We started planning our hang outs around classes for sure. Eventually we went to a festival together and we stayed close being that we all went to the same yoga studio. She became a karma yogi and encouraged me to do it and the rest is history 😆”
Sweating Together, Bonding Together
There’s something powerful about moving and breathing in unison with others. When you flow through a challenging yoga sequence alongside classmates, you’re not only working out, but you’re sharing an experience. Science backs up that this kind of shared exertion brings people closer. Exercising in a group releases feel-good brain chemicals (endorphins and more), and sharing that post-workout high with others actually helps foster closeness and trust[6]. In short, sweating together can turn strangers into friends: Gus+Chris above are a testament to this! 🤣 You support each other through the tough poses and celebrate small victories (like finally taking flight in that Crow Pose!) with high-fives and smiles. Being in a room full of positive energy, where everyone is rooting for each other, creates a bond that goes beyond just “we take the same class.” It becomes “we’re in this together.” Breathing together, working hard side by side, and exchanging encouraging grins all build a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Belonging and Mental Well-Being
Finding your people is profoundly good for your mental health. Humans are social creatures, and a sense of belonging acts like medicine for the mind. Studies consistently show that strong social connections reduce stress and improve well-being. In fact, one major review famously found that lacking positive social ties can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day[7]. On the flip side, being part of a supportive community boosts happiness, confidence, and even longevity. When you know others have your back, the ups and downs of life feel a little more manageable.
Regularly attending a yoga class where people know your name, notice when you’re absent, and genuinely wish you well creates that comforting feeling of belonging. It’s the difference between just going to a studio and truly being part of something special. Instead of feeling like an anonymous face in the crowd, you become a valued member of group: a yoga family that cheers you on in yoga class and in life. As one sociologist put it, simply developing even casual “acquaintanceship” relationships can be enough to foster real feelings of community and inclusion[8]. In a world where it’s easy to feel isolated, these consistent small connections - a smile, a shared laugh, a “see you next class!” – all add up to a healthier, happier you.
Join Our Tucson Yoga Community! 🎉
Ready to break out of the routine and find your people? We invite you to join us at our yoga studio in St. Philip’s Plaza. To help you get started, we’re offering an introductory special for new members: enjoy two weeks of unlimited classes for just $49. This intro offer gives you a chance to explore our variety of yoga and fitness classes, meet our instructors, and discover the vibes that keep our members coming back.
Don’t forget to connect with us online, too! Follow us on Instagram (@yogapodtucson) and Facebook to get a peek at our vibrant community in action – see class photos, student shout-outs, and updates on fun studio events. We love sharing our journey and celebrating our Yogis, both in the studio and on social media.
Come as you are, with an open heart. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just curious to try, you’ll find a supportive group of people ready to welcome you. Step into our studio and make it your “third space”, the place where you can sweat, smile, and truly belong. Your new friends (and maybe even future besties) are waiting with open arms and positive vibes.
You. Belong. Here. 💙
About Yoga Pod Tucson
Yoga Pod Tucson is a vibrant community hub where connection happens naturally. Our certified yoga instructors and barre teachers understand how important it is to find belonging, especially for young professionals building their lives in Tucson. 🧿 (Plus we are a woman owned, local small business!)
References + Other Reading
1. Oldenburg, Ray. The Great Good Place. Describing the importance of third places for community[2][3].
2. Volpe, Allie. “There’s more than one way to feel lonely.” Vox, 2024. (Loneliness reaching epidemic levels)[1].
3. Abrams, Z. “The Science of Why Friendships Keep Us Healthy.” APA Monitor, 2023. (Social isolation as harmful as smoking)[7].
4. Oxford University Social Body Lab – Dr. Arran Davis. Why exercising with friends could be better for you., 2023. (Group exercise releases endorphins; bonding through shared effort)[6].
5. Richards, R. et al. “Joining a group was inspiring”: Yoga on social prescription study, 2022. (Yoga classes create community and friendships)[5].
6. Vox. “If you want to belong, find a third place.” 2023. (Casual ties in third places foster belonging and buffer loneliness)[8][4].
[1] What does it mean to be lonely? Here’s what it can mean and how to cope with loneliness. | Vox
[2] [3] [4] [8] What are third places? How do I find one? | Vox
[5] “Yoga resets my inner peace barometer”: A qualitative study illuminating the pathways of how yoga impacts one’s relationship to oneself and to others | Request PDF
[6] [7] The surprising benefits of exercising with friends | School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography
https://www.anthro.ox.ac.uk/article/why-exercising-friends-could-be-better-you