The building may no longer churn out freshly dry-cleaned garments, but some definite cleansing still goes on at 1687 South Lumpkin Street.

When the space that formerly housed New Way Dry Cleaners closed in October, Five Points Yoga owners Shannon Frank and Debi Garrett saw a big opportunity.

“We both knew it was our dream to eventually open up a studio,” Frank said of their fortuitous business venture, which opened at the Five Points site in December.

The studio, located between Earth Fare and Five Points Bottle Shop, has an unassuming, discreet exterior, sitting quietly in the middle of a bustling intersection.

The inside presents a warm, welcoming space with a subtle Southwestern feel, adorned with golden string lights and walls painted mustard-yellow.

Five Points Yoga specializes in the foundations of vinyasa and anusara-inspired yoga.

Translation for non-yogis: vinyasa literally means “breath-synchronized movement,” while anusara translates to “flowing with grace.”

At its most basic, yoga is a way to exercise one’s body and mind simultaneously. In doing so, the participant moves toward a balance between physical and mental wellness.

Though for the most part, all forms of yoga strive toward a similar goal, the actual techniques vary significantly.

Vinyasa flow classes are fast-paced and heavily focused on the breath. Although they can be challenging, modifications are always an option for beginners, Frank said.

In contrast, anusara-based lessons hold poses longer, stressing the integrity of the pose and instilling alignment-based principles.

A “yoga basics” class is taught at the studio for beginners. Tai chi, ballet sculpt, Pilates and numerous workshops complete the eclectic package of lessons.

In addition to citing the physical benefits of yoga, the studio’s owners hope to awaken the Athens community to a deeper sense of spiritual health.

“When I started doing yoga in college, it was because somewhere inside I yearned for peace in my head,” Frank said.

She claims that precise calmness has carried her through her practice, and she hopes her students will discover it, too.

“There’s this thing that happens – when you watch your breath, an amazing thing happens.”

Frank also encourages students to incorporate yoga into their exercise routine, despite possible inexperience or skepticism.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding, especially in the South. I think people are scared it’s a religion,” she said. “I work to teach students yoga is about coming to know yourself, and it supports whatever your spiritual beliefs are.”

Five Points Yoga is one of a few studio options for the yoga-inclined in Athens.

Anna Ruminer, a certified vinyasa instructor and senior from Evansville, Ind., said a sense of camaraderie among the instructors is what makes the Five Points Yoga stand out from other studios around town.

“Most of us trained together, so there’s a sense of continuity in our teaching,” Ruminer said.

Above all, Frank said, the studio’s focus is on the quality of instruction and having a nurturing space.

Lessons are offered throughout the week at various times, allowing for flexible scheduling.