It isn’t always easy to find a yoga studio when you need one. It can be near impossible if you’re on vacation, but it’s also a chore if you’ve stopped practicing and want to jump back in but don’t know where to go. Finding a yoga studio when you are just beginning your yoga journey may be the most difficult of all.
Yoga studios can be basic setups or all-inclusive getaways. What makes them perfect is in the practitioner. Everyone has a different idea of an ideal yoga studio. This guide will walk you through five Washington D.C. yoga studios and what sets them apart. This guide is provided as a service only. Dr. Threlkel endorses yoga as a holistic approach to overall wellness and not the specific studios mentioned below.
Yoga Boosts Women’s Health
Research shows that women experience some health conditions at a higher rate than men. Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental conditions are more prevalent in women, especially younger women. Yoga uses breathing techniques, meditation, and different poses to reduce stress and aid relaxation. It also boosts the feel-good hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. Some of the benefits women who practice yoga enjoy include:
- improved balance and flexibility
- back pain relief
- arthritis relief
- increased energy
- weight loss
Adding yoga to your wellness plan can improve your overall health. It’s always best to speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
5 D.C. Yoga Studios
D.C. has a lot to offer in the women’s health arena, and yoga is a great place to start. It’s a simple way to take the first step in your own health and wellness journey. Check out some of these local studios and see what you think.
1. Hot Yoga Capitol Hill
Hot Yoga Capitol Hill offers a nice variety of hot yoga classes for all skill levels. Hot yoga is yoga, typically Bikram, performed in humid or high temperatures. The sweat that occurs in the process is said to purify the body and help ready it for intense movement. These classes are wonderful cardio workouts.
A PiYo (Pilates/yoga) fusion class is also an option here. The fusion is of Pilates and yoga with some exercise and dance thrown in for fun. It keeps you moving for 60 minutes in a heated room to utilize the sweat purifying factor. Other classes include:
- Spa yoga
- Yoga sculpt
- Yin
- Hot Pilates
- Barre
- HIIT
Deaf and hearing-impaired students can find accommodations in all classes. Some classes have discounted rates, and proceeds are donated to a local charity.
2. Dupont Circle Yoga
Teacher-driven Ashtanga, Hatha, and Vinyasa yoga classes are what you’ll find at Dupont Circle Yoga. They offer classes in all ages and skill levels, including seniors. There are no special dress requirements, and the periodic workshops make it easy to try out a class before you pay.
Benefits of these traditional yoga paths include:
- Increased flexibility, balance, and range of motion
- Pain relief
- Improved heart health
- Better sleep and relaxation
- Anxiety and stress relief
Classes and schedules change periodically. Check the website for their current happenings.
3. HAUS Yoga Studio
HAUS is all about fun and energy. Their classes focus on a dynamic playlist that keeps students motivated and excited. They offer both indoor and outdoor classes in:
- Yin
- Asana
- Rocket yoga – a specialized version of Ashtanga
- Power yoga classes that incorporate a variety of styles
Classes are available for all ages and experience levels. These fast-paced, power yoga classes improve heart health, encourage weight loss, fight depression, and increase energy levels. They also have a lively streaming yoga community to enjoy classes from wherever you are.
4. Yoga Flow Center
This studio allows students to build their practice by choosing from dozens of classes to fine-tune their skills or start at the beginning. Take outdoor classes, stream them online, or go to the studio. They make it easy for you to choose the option that best fits your schedule.
The Yoga Flow Center offers classes with a mix of yoga paths grouped by intention:
- Relaxing and restorative
- Refine and align
- Slower
- Stronger and Sweatier
- Fitness
Their classes are for all skill levels. They also offer replays for all their livestream classes.
5. Bhakti Yoga DC
Bhakti Yoga is not only a yoga studio but a complete resource for wellness living. You can find vegan cooking classes and eco-friendly clothing mixed into the yoga philosophy.
They offer yin and vinyasa yoga classes to help facilitate balance, energy, restorative health, and strength. Classes include:
- Morning flow
- Hour of power
- Relax and renew
- Candlelight slow flow
On-demand classes are offered at Bhakti as well as in-person, streaming, outdoors, and private groups. The monthly workshops help students harness their inner power, release old injuries, and deepen their yoga practice.
A regular yoga regime impacts both physical and psychological health. It also has many therapeutic benefits for women’s health issues, chronic pain sufferers, and recent surgery patients.
Ask a Professional When You Have Questions
Dr. Karen Threlkel is a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health issues. She provides a holistic approach to medicine that encompasses the mind-body-spirit and natural-focused remedies for treating both symptoms and underlying conditions.
Contact Dr. Threlkel to schedule a consultation for more information about a health topic or learn more about natural remedies or treatments.
