Down Dog Dilemma
Let’s talk fitness and ways to keep our bodies in shape for the always ever-looming summer. Now I'll admit I don't profess to be a great lover of exercise. Truth be told I'd much rather curl up on the couch and watch Netflix. But there is one kind of exercise that doesn't make me cringe, and that's Yoga. Ever since I was dragged to my first Bikram class I’ve been hooked! After practicing for 8 years I've had a chance to experiment with a lot of different methods. I try to visit new studios both at home and along my travels.
A friend of mine recently moved to Austin and asked my thoughts on some of the studios in town. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of my favorite yoga locales. So grab your mats and let’s dive in! The studios are ranked by price from highest to lowest. Each one has something unique to offer students at any stage of their practice. If I've missed one of your favorites be sure to share your recommendations in the comments below. Click the links to learn more about each studio or book a class.
PRICE: $$$
Single Class: $28
Unlimited Monthly Classes: $169
FITNESS LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate
LOCATION: CorePower Yoga is a national yoga brand with a strong presence in Austin. The three studios are situated Downtown off 5th, Midtown at the Triangle, and Northtown at the Domain. The strategic placement makes it convenient to get to class no matter what location you're coming from. My location of choice is the Triangle. It's a fun little area just north of downtown with lots of shops, restaurants, and plenty of parking.
STYLE: CorePower's classes range from beginner to intermediate with a focus on strength training/core workouts, infused with Bikram yoga. Looking for a good total body workout, check out their Yoga Sculpt and Corepower 1 or 2 class. Both classes use weights while moving through classic yoga poses to help you tone up and feel that EXTRA burn. I particularly enjoy their Hotpower Fusion class. It's more in line with traditional vinyasa flow but the room is set to an ungodly high temperature so bring a towel and be prepared to get your sweat on.
AUDIENCE: CorePower Yoga is great for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it for those who are beginners to yoga or looking for a more physical approach to your practice. The classes are structured and fuse standard weight training workouts with classic yoga poses. If you’re not as familiar with yoga flow or are just looking for a good full-body workout check out one of their three locations.
PROS:
Three convenient locations
Easy access to parking
Range of Bikram yoga and strength training classes well-paced for beginners
Strong focus on physical fitness
CONS:
Pricy membership
The heated classes may be a turn off for some
PRICE: $$$
Single Class: $28
Unlimited Monthly Classes: $158
FITNESS LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced
LOCATION: Wanderlust yoga was based on the annual festival that brings together yogi's, artists, musicians, and spiritual speakers from around the country. The 4-day event has gained tremendous popularity over the years and created a strong community of yogi lovers from all over the nation. Wanderlust studios can now be found in a number of large cities and Austin is lucky enough to have two! The downtown location offers two practice rooms, a small retail store, and an organic cafe operated by Blenders and Bowls. The north location is at The Domain; an area known for its wide selection of restaurants, bars and retails stores.
STYLE: Three words: PREPARE TO MOVE! Classes are fast-paced and energetic. They are led by a team of seasoned yogi instructors and set to lively music. One interesting feature of the studios is that the practice rooms don't have mirrors. The idea is to encourage you to go within during your practice. The focus is less on perfect form and more on breath and flow. The downtown location is beautiful, but space is limited. Plan ahead and get there nice and early so you can find street parking and secure a spot in the class.
AUDIENCE: If you’re looking for a community of conscious like-minded individuals who live and breathe yoga then wanderlust is the place for you. Those who have a more developed level of practice will certainly thrive. If you're brand new to yoga you may find some sessions a little daunting and fast-paced but don't despair. Stick with it and you'll be a pro in no time.
PROS:
Two convenient locations
Range of traditional yoga class for advanced students and teachers
Annual events, festivals, and a strong yogi community
CONS:
Pricy membership
Classes fill up fast
Limited parking options
PRICE: $$
Single Class: $22
Unlimited Monthly Classes: $135
FITNESS LEVEL: Beginner
LOCATION: Sukha is a locally founded studio that seeks to provide its students with a deeper understanding of yoga and get in touch with their spiritual side. When you walk into Sukha you're instantly met with a feeling of calm and tranquility. They have one location, one on East 11th. The space is cozy. A small holistic retail area greets you at the entrance. Plenty of lockers, a changing room, and showers make before and after class prep a breeze.
STYLE: Sukha offers a range of classes from signature Flow to Kundalini Meditation. Yoga is an ancient sacred art. It's easy to lose sight of that with so many studios all promoting new fitness variations. Sukha seeks to take yoga back to its roots. Focusing on mindfulness and the deeply spiritual connection we should all strive to have with our bodies. Classes begin and end with music and OMs to awaken your vibrations and creativity.
AUDIENCE: I would recommend Sukra for all yogis. Round out your practice by connecting with your body on a new level. Sukha's unique style challenges students mentally rather than physically and your mind will thank you for the reset. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone, clear that overactive brain and release your divine energy into the universe through the power of sound.
PROS:
Easy access to parking
Range of spiritual yoga classes for all levels
CONS:
Only one location
Light focus on physical fitness
PRICE: $
Single Class: $10-$20 dollar donation
Unlimited Monthly Classes: $99 includes free parking
FITNESS LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate
LOCATION: Practice embodies simplicity. Their mission is to provide stress-free donation-based yoga that's affordable and "accessible to all." No contracts or membership commitments. Simple check the schedule, select the class you'd like to attend, grab your mat, and go. The studio is located on East 6th street a popular area for bar and restaurant hopping. Look for the adorable blue house with a red door. The cozy one-room studio is quite spacious allowing for large class groups without overcrowding. Parking can be a bit tricky in this area depending on the time of day so plan to get there early. Practice does offer a very affordable membership option that includes free designated parking. They are one of the only studios to offer this in the downtown area.
STYLE: Practice provides a variety of class styles. They also seek to entice good local teachers by offering them a competitive and equal payment plan. Their motto "great teachers make great yoga communities." Get moving with a range of Vinyasa classes to suit any level. The Power class is sure to get your blood pumping, or you can slow things down with the Mindfulness class.
AUDIENCE: If you're testing the yoga waters, on a budget, or looking to support the local teaching community Practice is the place for you. It's a no-fuss approach to yoga while still providing quality classes for any level of practice.
PROS:
Affordable and flexible pricing
Range of traditional yoga classes for all levels
CONS:
Only one location
Limited parking options *unless opting for membership*
PRICE: $
Single Class: $10-$20 dollar donation
Unlimited Monthly Classes: $88
FITNESS LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced
LOCATION: Black Swan is one of Austin's oldest donation-based yoga studios. What began as one small downtown location is now three industrial studios in north, south, and downtown Austin. The downtown location is off West 5th and Pressler. It was recently renovated and has a modern, minimalistic feel. With one of the most affordable single class and monthly rates, the downtown location is extremely popular. They offer round-the-clock classes from morning to night and the one-roomed studio is typically packed! Sign up online and give yourself plenty of time to find street parking.
STYLE: The Black Swan style has evolved over the years. Since being absorbed into the Onnit family it has become more fitness-focused. Many of the instructors are also trainers for the Onnit gym. Expect to move, sweat, and interact with your neighbor through a variety of strength training/yoga fusion workouts.
AUDIENCE: Black Swan is a great choice for those who enjoy a more gym-style approach to yoga. Prepare to grab some weights, classes will whip you into fast shape. Affordable on any budget you'll have no excuses left not to build that summer bod.
PROS:
Affordable and flexible pricing
Three convenient locations
Range of fusion yoga classes for all levels
Strong focus on physical fitness
CONS:
Classes fill up fast
Limited parking options *depending on location
