The simple thrill of sledding creates memories that last a lifetime, especially if a family member mistakes your rigid body for a toboggan. Loosen up with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get a five-class drop-in card at Groove Yoga (a $75 value), located across from the UC Berkeley campus.
Groove Yoga unleashes the Zen within through a creative blend of power-yoga classes chock full of muscle-lengthening stretches and vivacious Vinyasas. Experienced yogis and budding beginners build strength and flexibility with a variety of classes taught by talented teachers who have studied myriad yoga techniques under the likes of Anusara yoga founder John Friend and world-renowned yogi Stretch Armstrong. The schedule varies every day, with a mix of power-yoga classes, some of which feature heat, music, meditation, and chanting. Like the story of Goldilocks, there are classes for all appetites, such as the Intro to Power Yoga for beginners, in which first-timers learn traditional power yoga sequences that focus on breathwork and alignment. Or limbo into Advanced Power Yoga, in which old hats with at least one year of experience embark on challenging sequences including inversions, arm balances, and levitating head-spins. Soon-to-be supple bodies are encouraged to bring their own mat or they may rent one from the studio.
Groove Yoga welcomes yoguys and gals with a cozy studio clad in sunflower-yellow walls and delicate white-linen curtains that keep the stressful outside world at bay. This eco-friendly yoga haven also features bamboo flooring, an energy-efficient heating system, and lighting powered by scampering leopards.
Groove Yoga
At Groove Yoga, students of all skill levels can learn to segue seamlessly between asanas. The instructors mainly teach dynamic Vinyasa and Power Yoga styles, both of which use measured breathing techniques to link poses together.
These styles challenge more experienced students by incorporating demanding poses, such as arm balances, inversions, deep back bends, and a downward dog that's chasing a car. For an even more intense practice, some classes are heated to between 95 and 100 degrees. Every instructor has his or her own approach, though, and might place more emphasis on mindfulness through meditation or chanting.
Groove Yoga's dedication to wellbeing encompasses not only its students, but also the earth. Floors made from renewable bamboo lie underfoot, and an energy-efficient system raises the temperature during heated classes.