NYC's 7 Best Yoga Studios
It seems a lot of city residents - from your girlfriend to your cubicle mate (and maybe even your grandmother) - has hopped on the yoga train. And why not? With the hectic grind of city life, this soothing yet powerful exercise is a great way to ease your tension and build strength. Here are New York City's seven best yoga studios. Now grab your lululemon outfit and mat and check 'em out! By Krissy Dolor.
There are tons of classes to choose from at this studio, perfect whether you're just starting out or are so yoga'd out that you're ready to bring your baby with you (and yes, a class like that does exist). They even offer private sessions if you're unsure of your poses or are looking to step up your game. There's also a location on the East Side.
If you could do without packed-to-the-wall yoga classes, you'll like this Williamsburg studio, which offers intimate classes on bamboo floors. Bonus: you'll enjoy tea in the backyard garden after every 'Namaste' said.
For basic, no-frills yoga, head to Astoria. At Yoga Agora, all classes are open level vinyasa, unless otherwise stated on their schedule, and range from beginning to advanced level. What's more is that all classes are only $5. They even offer donation-based classes - just pay what you can afford that day.
For something a little different, take an anti-gravity yoga class in the fashion district. It's a mix of aerial acrobatics, Pilates, dance and calisthenics - and traditional yoga moves, of course.
Want a challenge? Travel to the Bronx for a Bikram yoga session. You'll sweat it out in a room heated to 104 degrees. Add in 40 percent humidity and call it a day. The extra warmth allows you to work your muscles deeper, ensuring that you'll leave class feeling refreshed and energized.
Choose from hot Vinyasa classes or open level classes at this Staten Island studio. Owner Jennifer Shea is also certified to teach children's yoga and Anusara yoga, a form that focus on alignment. Since her background is in Pilates, she created Divine Alignment, which incorporates the core strengthening of Pilates with the alignment technique of Anusara.
Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, a living yoga master, this studio offers classes that were developed with the yoga sutras of Patanjali in mind. Iyengar, who's 93, still teaches classes today. Teachers are rigorously trained to help students build strength, learn flexibility and develop stamina. And with Iyengar still going strong, it's bound to help aid your life, too.
