
Did you know the history of yoga in the United States dates back to the close of the 19th century? Over time, yoga has grown from a mystical program associated with the hippie movement and New Age philosophy, to a popular fitness style practiced by more than 36 million Americans of all ages.
With a number of benefits ranging from heart health and pain relief to stress reduction and better sleep, yoga could be considered a nearly perfect form of exercise. Improve fitness and gain inner peace with yoga instruction at these serene but challenging studios in the Cleveland area.
3459 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 44118
View this post on Instagram
Has an attack of cold feet kept you from trying a yoga class? Problem solved—literally—at Yoga Roots. Restorative yoga classes, designed to provide a calming interval day between more vigorous sessions, are held in a room with heated floors to help you relax. Owners Kim and Scott Curtis, whose own kids make frequent appearances around the studio, founded Yoga Roots to help others in the community discover the same benefits they've received from practicing yoga. New students get a week of unlimited classes for only $20, and members may bring a friend along for one free session. Check the calendar for special events such as "Yoga and Music" and "Candlelight Meditation."
1104 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland 44115
View this post on Instagram
Weights aren't the only way to build strength and power. Yoga Strong specializes in Vinyasa style, sometimes referred to as power yoga. Poses are synchronized with deliberate breathing and linked with graceful transitions, resulting in a flow that enhances physical and spiritual fitness. Focus on toning and sculpting at Barre Fly, a studio adjacent to Yoga Strong offering barre and aerial yoga classes. Explore other aspects of the yoga lifestyle at weekend workshops such as Blacklight Yoga, Bungee Barre, and Inversions. Attend any class as a drop-in for just $8 (cash only).
4850 SOM Center Road, Moreland Hills 44022
View this post on Instagram
The term "yoga" encompasses a variety of styles, which allows everyone to find a form that suits them. Bikram Yoga is a precise, deliberate form consisting of 26 poses performed in a specific sequence over a 90-minute period. Each pose focuses on a particular part of the body with a goal to promote synergy of body and mind working as one. Studios are heated to loosen tight muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce risk of injury. Try one month of unlimited classes at Bikram Yoga for $49.
524 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls 44022
View this post on Instagram
Bikram-style is also featured at Chagrin Yoga, which has been serving the Cleveland area since 2009. In 2015, the studio underwent a total renovation, incorporating state-of-the-art elements such as recycled rubber/vinyl flooring and a Reznor high-heat and humidity system. While Bikram is the main event at Chagrin Yoga, they keep it lively with workshops on other related topics such as Yoga Nidra, a sleep-based form of meditation, and Reiki healing. For all-over wellness, sign up for a massage, Ayurveda, or reflexology session. Newcomers can choose between introductory specials of unlimited classes at $30 for 14 days or $59 for 30 days.
2959 Hampshire Road, Cleveland Heights 44118
You'll feel right at home in more ways than one at Loving Hands Yoga and Reiki. The studio is located in a charming Craftsman bungalow that was included in the 2011 Cleveland Heights Home Heritage Tour. Owner/instructor Judith Eugene has trained students ranging from age 3 to 93, so you can feel comfortable with her regardless of age or fitness level. Judith is also a trained Reiki Master who offers this healing and stress reduction service to both animals and their humans. Yoga classes are scheduled in quarterly sessions, but you can drop in for a test run before enrolling. If you have allergies, please note that Loving Hands is home to two adorable studio kitties.
18103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 44107
View this post on Instagram
At Pink Lotus Yoga, the family that takes yoga together stays fit together. Preteen and teen classes blend yoga instruction with games, music, and props to introduce kids to the benefits of yoga in a playful, non-competitive way. Rather than specialize in one form, Pink Lotus offers classes in several different styles and intriguing variations such as Yindalini, a blend of Indian and Chinese yoga, and Yang, which draws on martial arts techniques. During the last two years, Pink Lotus has co-sponsored a series of outdoor yoga sessions at various parks around Lakewood.
1861 W. 25th St., Cleveland 44113
View this post on Instagram
Are you a Boomer living in a Millennial world? Vision Yoga & Wellness, located in the heart of Cleveland's trendy Ohio City neighborhood, welcomes you to Boomer Yoga. Traditional Hatha yoga poses are held for longer amounts of time, resulting in a slower pace and greater body awareness. Boomer Yoga is one of the drop-in Community classes for just $5. Students of any age will appreciate Vision Yoga's stress- and pain-reducing services, including massage, Reiki and craniosacrial therapy, which involves light touching of the skull and sacrum. In 2016, Vision Yoga expanded to Vision Underground, a second location in the basement of St. John's Episcopal Church. The additional studio allows Vision Yoga to better accommodate the ever-growing student base and offer a wider range of services.
2026 Murray Hill Road, Room 210, Cleveland 44106
View this post on Instagram
While yoga's roots reach back thousands of years, its dynamic nature makes it fresh and relevant today. Cleveland Yoga is an affiliate of Baptiste Yoga, a relatively modern form originating in 1940. Baptiste is a power Vinyasa style performed in a room heated to 90 degrees to stimulate circulation and keep muscles flexible. Poses, meditation, and inquiry, which is self-transformation, are the three main elements of Baptiste Yoga. The Little Italy studio is also home to the Cleveland Yoga Run Club, which meets at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday for a 45-minute run followed by a 75-minute Hot Power class.
24350 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 44145
View this post on Instagram
Yoga is about personal development, but its group format lets you become part of a community. CoreSIX Yoga has a mission to promote that sense of community by welcoming anyone interested in learning and making their classes accessible to all. On Saturdays, CoreSIX hosts a Powerful Flow yoga class followed by Happy Hour. Participants bring a beverage of choice and light snack to enjoy as they spend time socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.
33180 Station St., Solon 44139
View this post on Instagram
Yoga meets the 21st century at Oasis Yoga + Wellness. In addition to an extensive selection of Vinyasa Flow classes, Oasis has TRX, a strength training program using two adjustable nylon straps and your own bodyweight. Wellness services include infrared sauna and Samadhi float tank to boost the immune system, release toxins, and relieve pain and stress. Oasis has an introductory special of $49 for one month of unlimited classes, and memberships include discounts on wellness services, workshops, and private yoga instruction.
Do you have a favorite yoga studio to add to the list? Share it with us!