For over 5,000 years people have been practicing yoga, and while some may consider it a work out fad, yoga is meditative experience that anyone, at any age, can enjoy. It has grown in popularity over the last 10 years, which is good news when it comes to finding the studio and level that’s right for you. With over 100 varieties, no two teachers or classes are the same.

Tough Yoga

Power flow, hot yoga and Vinyasa or all three combined are popular and tend to register with high intensity athletes who prefer a tough, fast moving work out. If you prefer calmer, pose holding yoga, Hatha, Iyengar or Yin are just some of the options. Here poses are held for longer giving you time to perfect your stretch, think and relax.

Meditation Yoga

Historically yoga is a mind body practice bringing people within themselves to meditate in the moment. Teachers often tell classes to stay present. Take this time that you set aside for yourselves, forget anything outside of the room, no to do lists or thoughts about work. This is time for you and only you. Much needed quality time with yourself. The side effects of a calmer demeanor, focus and a toned body are all just icing on the cake.

Yoga for Health

It is still work however, yoga works every muscle in the body. In a beautiful way, sometimes you don’t realize it, sometimes you do.  But the great thing is that you will leave the room a calmer person inside and out. Especially helpful on the road. Not only does it make you feel great, but it also prevents injury by strengthening muscles and speeds recovery.

As you might expect from an active city like Seattle, yoga here abounds and provides a fantastic way to keep in shape and stay social during the darker months.

Yoga to Meet People

It’s also a great way to make new friends with other yogis. There are over 38 yoga MeetUp groups whether you prefer yoga in the forest, with a beer afterward, with meditation, after a run, on the East side or even naked (yes there is actually a group for that).

Summer is a great time to try it out with several free options in the parks, just one more way to enjoy the sunshine.

Pricing

Prices and classes vary greatly. Every class and teacher are different, it’s worth your time to shop around to find the perfect studio and teacher or teachers for you. It’s best to start with a live class before jumping onto YouTube. Often teachers will help with slight adjustments to your form changing the muscles worked and the entire feeling of the pose. This is a huge benefit for beginners that you won’t get from online teachers. The majority of studios have considerable deals on new student discount packages to help you find the perfect place on the cheap. Free events are generally geared towards all skill levels, just bring a mat, towel and water bottle.

Free Summer Yoga Events;

The Seattle Center offers free Gentle Yoga for beginners now through August every Wednesday at 11:30 am.

Kirkland Library  offers two days of yoga Sunday July 29^th at 2:00 pm register here and Saturday August 11^th at 1:30 pm register here

Cascade Playground in South Lake Union has free yoga on the lawn from now through September every Saturday at 12:00 pm with extra mats available for free.

Seattle Art Museum, come try out Hatha, Vinyasa or open yoga classes free on Saturdays from now through August classes offered at 9, 10:30 & 11:00 am.

Freeway Park, on Wednesdays in August (with the exception of the 15^th) The Washington Athletic Club is hosting Community Yoga from 12-1:00 pm.

Join a yoga community book club, held at Aditi Yoga and Bodywork Studio. Bring your own vegetarian dish, including your own plate and cup to reduce waste. Every fourth Friday of the month from 7:15-8:30 pm.

There’s sure to be a type of yoga that you’ll love. Give it a try, you might be surprised at how healthy and peaceful you feel afterwards.