Living Yoga

Living Yoga is the place where I had my very first studio yoga experience, and to me it really embodies the essence of yoga. Though I have not taken classes with all of their instructors, I can say that taking a class with Claudine is an experience that you will not regret!
Living Yoga is an unheated studio, which is an attractive option if you aren’t a fan of the heat or want to take a class before work or going out. You can get a good workout but not be a sweaty mess! The studio is comfortable and has great vibes, with a lovely incense burning to get you relaxed. Claudine takes the time to help everyone get the best experience possible. She has the most wonderful and calming voice and energy, and with an advanced knowledge of yoga she can walk you through things that you didn’t even think you could do! She’s a fantastic instructor.

I’m someone who generally finds yoga studios intimidating and I get really turned off by pretension… and I LOVE Living Yoga!
Things I love:
The studio itself smells like delicious incense and has a wonderful vibe. The floors are SUPER clean (I’ve now attended 17 classes and found nary a stray hair or dust bunny). The props (which are ample and high quality) are well-​organized and there’s plenty of room for your stuff. Gym bag? Purse? Buncha stuff with you? The storage area is INSIDE the studio so it’s never out of your proximity. No worries there!
The instructors are kind. They care about knowing your name. They each have their quirks (of course), and they make themselves available for 1:1 short conversations before and after class. Have a particular area you’re working on or want help with? Let them know and they have always been accommodating! These are not pretentious yogis!
The other students, for the most part, are warm, approachable, and friendly. If anything, some of them seem a little nervous! I’m new to the area so while I’m open to making new friends, I don’t ever feel trapped in a conversation or like I couldn’t start one. There are definitely some people that you will see routinely (e.g. it’s a smaller community), but you can go on with your bad, anonymous self and no one will call you out.
Every class I’ve been to plays music for the entire duration of the class — ranging from meditation instrumental music, to chanting, to Rolling Stones and Black Keys and Florence and the Machine and The Shins. It’s a rad musical selection. I find that when you need it, it can provide a wonderful lift (or grounding), but if it’s distracting, it’s very easy to tune it out.
There’s a community board! There’s some free tea and mints and hand sanitizer! There’s a small, sweet selection of items for sale!
The gentle and restorative courses tend to bring a lot of spirit into them. You might get a lesson on chakras, or be taught new mudras to use. You might hear a parable or a reflective musing on a theme. You might be taken through a guided visualization.
The hatha vinyasa classes, I think, are the toughest (athletically). They start slow and then you’ll push yourself to new heights! I was out of shape, tight, and nurturing a recurring back injury when I went to my first hatha vinyasa class. When it got too intense for me, I settled into down dog, or child’s pose, or simply sat on my mat and focused on posture and breathing. There was no judgment and I didn’t feel awkward about it at all (haha — that might also reflect on me).
You will feel GREAT afterwards!

This was the yoga studio that first introduced me to yoga back in 2006 and I still go back to this very day. They have incredible teachers and offer unique and high quality workshops. Perfect for the beginner or advanced practitioner, I highly recommend joining a class there!

Try one of the great special event classes/​workshops: meditation, oil therapy, ayurveda, backbends, cleanses, etc.
The owner, Claudine is very knowledgeable about skeletomuscular therapy, pain points, and the right technique to help accomodate any health needs during practice. The yoga classes offer a little for everyone, from the newbie interested in the fundamentals classes and gentle yoga for seniors or those who have medical issues. All the instructors are positive, nurturing individuals. Great location too! Parking can get tight on busy evenings, but otherwise I always find a spot.
So, so, so very happy to have found Living Yoga. It’s done wonders for expanding my knowledge of stretches and to help compensate for a previously too-​stationary lifestyle.