Yoga for All

Have a Zen summer with one of Austin’s many yoga options.

By Daniel Azneer

I was greeted with a “namaste” as I entered the yoga studio on a hot Texas summer day. The room was filled with what seemed to be an endless sea of well-seasoned yogis with personalized mats, Lululemon yoga pants and that calmbefore- the-storm type of personality that only comes from years of mastering the contoured positions that would soon follow. I immediately felt nervous, thinking, “Will I be able to keep up? Can they tell this is my first class?”

After countless chaturangas, downward-facing dogs, sun salutations, warrior and triangle poses, and my favorite—child’s pose—my hour-long class was done and I had completely forgotten about those initial nerves. I felt centered. I walked back onto the now seemingly calmer street, and was ready to go back the next day.

Austin is a yoga hotspot and there is truly a class for everyone. And when I say everyone, I mean it. There’s prenatal yoga, post-natal yoga, senior yoga, yoga for kids, yoga for teens, yoga for the family and even yoga for your dog. Here’s info on the wide variety of classes to check out this summer:

 

Best Yoga for All

Dharma Yoga offers classes in all disciplines of yoga, great for beginners or master yogis. The donation-based studio has locations in West Campus and on the Eastside that offer 50 classes a week. The studio focuses on relaxation and mindfulness through hatha yoga, all through the perspective of Buddhism. dharma-yoga.net

 

Extreme Yoga

For those who are serious about yoga, CorePower is for you. It’s a class that mixes yoga poses with classic strength conditioning. Don’t be fooled; CorePower is for serious yogis that need to take their discipline to the next level. CorePower offers classic yoga with strength training, and boot camp for those trying to get in top shape. If you’re up for a class that will kick your butt, the intensity found at CorePower will be right up your alley. corepoweryoga.com

 

Senior Yoga

If you think yoga is only for the young, think again. Yoga is not only for all ages, but all shapes and sizes too. Yoga improves strength and flexibility, which makes it a great activity for those in their golden years. Stretch, breathe and focus on making healthy living part of your lifestyle. The Austin YMCA offers Senior Yoga classes every week. austinymca.org

 

Yoga for Mom and Baby

Yoga is a great way to bond with your baby before and after she is born. Yoga Yoga offers classes designed for pregnant women and new mothers. The focus of prenatal yoga is simple: to strengthen muscles and flexibility needed during birth, and it also acts as a cultivating and supportive environment for expectant mothers.

But yoga doesn’t need to end after pregnancy. Yoga Yoga’s post-natal yoga classes are a great way for new mothers to regain strength in the back, neck and pelvic floor, all while creating a safe place to practice yoga with their child. Yoga Yoga offers classes for mothers of all ages. With classes for children from toddler age to 12 years old, Yoga Yoga allows you to share the dynamic practices of yoga with your kid for years to come. yogayoga.com

 

Yoga for Little Ones

Summer is when the kids are out of school, and you need to find ways to fill their day with activities. Why not yoga? Yoga teaches healthy habits, inner fulfillment and relaxation that helps navigate life with a little more ease. The Little Yoga House offers daily classes, parties and summer camp. The camp lasts a week, and each week has special themes like Eastern and Western Zodiacs and Ocean Safari to appeal to every child interested in yoga. thelittleyogahouse.com

 

Furry Friends Yoga

Do you need a yoga partner but don’t know who to bring? Austin Doga is a fun way for those looking to share their yoga habit with their canine companions. Doga is traditional yoga with your dog by your side. According to Nicole Vykoukal, owner of Austin Doga, this practice acts as bonding time with your dog, increases the mindbody- spirit connection between you and your dog, improves your physical and mental well-being and encourages relaxation for you and your dog. austindoga.com


Categories:

Health & Fitness

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