Yoga in Buffalo

Urban Yoga's knowledgeable, passionate instructors bestow wisdom and individualized attention upon students of all skill levels during an eclectic mix of classes held seven days a week. The Slow Flow class helps beginners and overexcited river rapids hone their technique with basic Vinyasa poses that focus on alignment and breathing. More advanced yogis can harness the soothing power of soft lighting and music to relax during Yin Yang classes. Like a rigorous seminar in the Village People's "YMCA" dance, the Ashtanga class challenges students to perform a predetermined sequence of poses, beginning with 10 sun salutations before moving on to one of six main series and a finishing resting pose. Blossoming body benders can splay themselves out on their own yoga mats or rent one for an additional $2.

Instructor Linda Summers strives to instill within each of her students the important life lessons that yoga has taught her—to slow down, celebrate each day, and embrace the goodness in every living thing. Linda has been carving out a healthy lifestyle for two decades through her work as a personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and spin instructor, but it's been her decade of yoga practice that has truly shaped her outlook on life. Over the years, Linda has studied under many notable yogis, including Baron Baptiste and Twee Merrigan.

Now she shepherds aspiring yogis of all levels along the path of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline—which leads the traveller toward wisdom and away from the lies crooned by late-night infomercials—through small Vinyasa and Hatha yoga classes. During these classes, Linda teaches her students to marry controlled breath with a flow of athletic and remedial postures as she gently adjusts their forms. Her studio's earthy walls surround students in tranquility as she inspires them to feel the strength and vibrancy that yoga has taught her to realize within herself.

Alexandra Evans knows firsthand the myriad benefits of Bikram yoga. After discovering the exercise form while living in Japan, the director of Bikram Yoga Hamilton Dundas noticed a marked change in her skin, physique, and ability to reach cans of green beans on a high shelf. She eventually became certified by its founder and namesake, Bikram Choudhury. Following teaching stints in cities throughout Canada and in Mumbai, India, Evans established her 3,000 square-foot studio in Dundas as a place to share her teachings with enthusiastic students, helping them build muscle tone, burn calories, and centre their minds.