Why Yoga Studios are Shoeless
You enter a studio, take off your shoes, and step onto your mat. With a deep inhale and relaxing exhale, you begin your yoga class. Have you ever wondered why it’s customary to practice yoga barefoot? Or the reason you remove your shoes when entering a yoga studio?
Read on to learn about the cultural, practical, and physical reasons that yoga studios are shoeless.
Find Your New Edge – Discover the Benefits of Yin Yoga
Most yoga that you practice is likely yang in nature like a Vinyasa Flow. A dynamic class that is active to a certain degree working your muscles, building strength, stamina and flexibility.
In contrast Yin Yoga (1) is a stable and passive practice where grounded poses are held for about 3 to 5 minutes with gravity deepening the pose. When holding a yin pose it tends to feel almost meditative to me and pushes me to a new edge. I usually leave class feeling rejuvenated and a bit taller like my body has been stretched straight.
Read on as Michelle, a Yoga District teacher, talks about her experience with Yin Yoga and maybe try a Yin class or her Yin workshop for yourself.
Dharma Yoga & Dharma Day 2019
Sri Dharma Mittra
No Need to Fear Dharma Yoga
Dharma Yoga use to intimidate me because I thought it was only for true yoga warriors, Yogis who could already bend themselves into pretzels, immediately rise up into a headstand then hold arm balance poses for minutes on end.
After attending my first Dharma Flow class, I fell almost instantly in love with this liberating and fun yoga practice. My previous intimidation was replaced by a new sense of freedom and trust for graceful exploration.
If you’re wondering about Dharma Yoga then don’t be afraid to try it. Feel free to attend one of our Dharma inspired classes and join us for the upcoming Dharma Day on May 26th with international teacher, Sri Dharma Mittra!
Read on as Emily and Christina, Yoga District teachers, highlight the practices of Dharma Yoga and it’s personal impact.
Restorative Yoga
Salamba Bharadvajasana (Supported Spinal Twist)
Embrace the Calm
Deep breath in. Slow sigh out. Body sinks to floor. Mind becomes decluttered.
I attended my first restorative yoga class during a high stress week. This passive practice has become a beautiful counter to my hectic life. Plus in this hot summer it is an excellent way to cool the body down. While it’s not always easy to relax one’s mind and body, the benefits are abundant.
Read on as Christine, a Yoga District teacher, highlights the principles and practices of Restorative Yoga.
If you’re wondering about Restorative Yoga then don’t be afraid to try it. Feel free to attend one of our Restorative Yoga classes and Christine’s upcoming workshop (listed in post).
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Ashtanga Yoga
Welcome to our Yoga Type series!
Yoga is steeped in history and tradition. It began over 5,000 years ago. Several different types of yoga have emerged and each offer their own unique practice. Our newest series will explore various yoga practices.
Jess, a Yoga District teacher, explores the ancient tradition of Ashtanga Yoga and how it does not need to be an intimidating practice.
Feel free to attend one of our Ashtanga inspired classes (listed in post) and Jess’s upcoming workshop:
Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga Workshop @ H Street
- Saturday May 5th, 3:30-5:30 pm
Sign up here for the the workshop.
The Teachers
The diverse family of DC yoga teachers at Yoga District are dedicated to making yoga accessible to everyone through a huge variety of yoga class types, from vinyasa flow to restorative and beyond. Most Yoga District teachers are graduates of Yoga District’s nationally-attended 200 hour teacher training program. All Yoga District classes focus on coordinating breath with body movement to promote flexibility, strength, and peace of mind. We strongly believe in yoga as therapy, so catch one of our classes whenever you need a healthy dose of self-care.
See all yoga teachers »
The Next Step
The Yoga District 200 and 500 hour teacher training certification programs, registered by the Yoga Alliance are unique in their emphasis on diversity of teaching styles studied, personal attention, and trauma sensitive yoga. It's no coincidence that Yoga District is regularly voted the leading studio in the nation's capital, and that most of its classes are taught by graduates of its training program. As a full time yoga school, small group trainings are led up to eight times a year by a dedicated faculty including Jasmine Chehrazi, contributor to the Harvard Karma Yoga Project teacher training, teacher training faculty at George Washington University, Yoga Alliance Standards Committee Advisory Board Member, Yoga Activist Founder, and Yoga Service Council Advisory Board Member. So take your practice and community involvement to the next level by joining a training. There's a reason why our graduates call the training "transformative."
Check out the yoga teacher training »