Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Virginia

Of Where to Yoga, Where not to! — The Experience, perspective, and reflections on Yoga Studios in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Montreal.

Traveling near or far should not interfere with our . Getting into a habit of taking a yoga class where you go can be a habit that will extend your life and well-being and leave you feeling relaxed in the midst of travel chaos, be it fun or business. As I continue the series of posts on Where to Yoga, I share with you my experience from frequent trips to Washington DC, Northern Virginia areas, and a pop in to the lovely Montreal city of Canada.

1. Tranquil Space Yoga (Washington DC): It was freezing cold in February when we decided to take yoga in downtown DC with my best friend. The studio is set in a very old beautiful building, extremely tight and well-organized in the small and dark space, and walking distance from a beautiful residential area. I took a Level 1 class that morning. The flooring was nice, and the studio space & comfortable. Gina taught a very basic Vinyasa class with nice flow. I would like to try their Level 2 classes next time. $17 for drop-in a bit too expensive though.
Time spent @ Tranquil Space Yoga: One class in February 2007

2. Beloved Yoga (Reston, VA): This is a most warm inviting welcoming studio that I could have stumbled upon during my week long stay here in DC area. I visited this gorgeous studio 3 times in 3 days – First, I took Maryam’s Hatha flow class on Wednesday morning – extremely unique style, very organic flow and creative journey to reverse triangle – our pose of the class. She was absolutely wonderful and knew best how to guide us into the pose. On Thursday evening, I was blissful from Devin’s Ashtanga class. I was slightly surprised that she did not start with the invocation – perhaps a beginner Ashtanga class consideration. She led us through one of my most beloved styles of Yoga – Ashtanga yoga, primary series – the adjustments were excellent and she was very well-versed within the Ashtanga style. She was also able to show us every pose, even as she was very pregnant. Impressive. I learned a lot in this class, in particular, doing a lift before every flow in Ashtanga to raise the spine and stretch it upwards. My last brave class was the 6am Vinyasa flow with Michelle. She was very unique. Extremely warm, gentle, inviting, soothing, and very challenging. She took us through another creative flow, with new variations of Chaturanga and up- and down-dog. Beloved Yoga also has a never expiring coupon off Google maps that they graciously accepted, so I gladly paid the $16 drop-in fee, although they offer a $30 unlimited weekly pass for out-of-town visitors. One of my absolute favorite studios!