Yoga Can Stretch, Strengthen, and Relax You, All at Once. Here Are Good Places to Learn.
BY THERESE DROSTE
Therese Droste (tdroste@erols.com) is a Washington health and fitness writer.
Washington isn’t so stiff. Behind the blue-suited politicians, lawyers, and television pundits are some terrific—and busy—yoga studios and teachers.
Yoga is an ancient practice that integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Stressed-out Washingtonians do yoga to improve relaxation and strengthen muscles.
The Washingtonian interviewed local yoga leaders and students to create this list of the area’s best yoga centers.
Shop around for a class and teacher that suit you. Some studios offer one class free. Ask about an instructor’s training and how long he or she has been teaching. The Pennsylvania-based Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org) established a national Yoga Teachers’ Registry, a listing of teachers with at least 200 hours of training. The Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association (www.mayayoga.org) is a local resource that also lists teachers.
Find out the style taught by the instructor and who it is suited for; some people presume all yoga is restful and soothing, but Ashtanga, for example, is best done by athletes and gym rats.
Tell an instructor about any physical limitations you have. Put any competitive spirit away or you’ll hurt yourself trying to best your fellow students’ twists and turns.
And remember: Breathe.
Good Yoga Centers
Classes range from 60 to 120 minutes; a higher price usually means the class is longer. Larger studios (and a few smaller ones) offer a menu of classes that may include yoga for teens, kids, seniors, and pregnant women.
Spiral Flight, 1726 Wisconsin Ave., NW, second floor; 202-965-1645; www.spiralflightyoga.com. This studio shouts fun, with local artists’ works on the walls. Each class includes chanting, meditation, and breath work. Owner Cristin Tighe specializes in teaching kids and teens; adults, try Jane Fryer. Class fees: $12 to $18.
