Yoga in University

Yogani Studios offers a variety of class styles for all experience levels and busy schedules, with classes starting as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m. The experienced and impassioned instructors teach well-known yoga techniques such as Ashtanga, power yoga, and Bikram, shipping pupils out with heads as full of yoga know-how as the Statue of Liberty's is with fresh fruit. There are also on-the-go classes, such as yoga lunch hour, and hybrid classes, such as shakti flow, as well as specialized classes for children, seniors, and pre- and postnatal women. Check out Yogani’s full schedule to plan your five classes of splendid shaping.

Staffed by a certified team of yoga-teaching women—some of whom have racked up more than 700 teaching hours—Asana carves out a serene space where people can refuel energy reserves. Students from every skill level downward dog into a variety of classes that cycle between Vinyasa and hot flow to stimulate circulation, feeding muscles with oxygen, or guided meditation that unwinds tendons in classes that focus on relieving stress with meditation. Expectant mothers wind limbs around baby bumps in prenatal sessions, and classes for kids aged 5–10 initiate little ones with stretching exercises, focused breathing, singing, and games. The studio itself reflects inner peace as beams of natural light amble through sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains and soothing music gives patrons back massages.

Quiet is the first stop on the road to inner peace, according to Ramona Crabtree-Falkner, owner of Ananda Center for Yoga and Massage, LLC. At her tranquil studio, clients engage in active modes of relaxation such as yoga and passive forms such as massage therapy and reiki. During private and group yoga instruction, students venture inward by pairing deep breathing and meditation with ancient poses that stretch and strengthen the body. One-on-one sessions propel yogis toward specific goals such as weight loss and injury recovery, and group classes build community while releasing recently acquired stress and eye rolls stored up since high school. Bodywork services spotlight therapies from around the world, including the long, gliding strokes of Swedish massage and the stretches and acupressure of Thai foot reflexology.

Eve Savva, owner and instructor of Temple Goddess Dance & Yoga, began dancing at eight, exploring the worlds of ballet, modern dance, and classical Indian dance. Now, a performer of Middle Eastern dance for the past thirteen years, she welcomes students to her studio, where she is also a certified yoga instructor. There, students of all ages and abilities can find a supportive, non-competitive environment to practice in classes such as belly dance, yoga, and cardio/fitness.

Winter Garden Yoga’s homey studio welcomes small groups of yogis into the cozy, carpeted space for classes of all fitness levels. Beginner’s yoga introduces newcomers to yoga’s foundational postures as they develop the strength necessary to graduate to more advanced classes such as power yoga or Yoga Flow, which students perform in a rapidly rushing river. Expert instructors lead the classes, drawing from their immense experience with the life-changing power of yoga.

Brian Friedman runs, cycles, and lifts weights to complement his yoga, and his appreciation for other forms of fitness activity informs his ability to tailor yoga to a variety of individual students. Karen Repassy has studied yoga for more than a decade, and emphasizes helping her students incorporate the meditative aspects of the ancient art into their daily lives. Taylor Nelms, the third pillar of Winter Garden Yoga, specializes in flow yoga, and she makes it her task to help all her clients smile, like the stockbroker who tells a knock-knock joke with each trade.

Yoga prevents your mind and body from feuding, which may result in stress, general aches, and sour-jaw. Today's Groupon to Namaste Yoga Studio gets you eight yoga classes for $25 (normally $75) to use anytime within 30 days—that's about $3 per class. Supplement your newfound fitness routine with Namaste's weekly free community class every weekend.