Considering yoga? Three studios and styles to try in Charlotte
The yoga scene in Charlotte is absolutely booming. I started practicing yoga about five years ago, very much against my will. One of my first Charlotte friends invited me, and I was trying to fit in.
She took me to a hot class at Charlotte Yoga and I felt so out of my element. I flailed around like a noodle for 60 minutes, with no idea what I was doing.
Yoga can be scary as hell. And confusing. Trust me, I get it. But the good news is, Charlotte has so many yoga studios — if one makes you feel like a drunk noodle, there’s another one that will make you feel like you’re enveloped in a safe cocoon. You just have to start.
Here are three yoga studios in Charlotte to try. Of course this is a tiny sample of what Charlotte has to offer – but we’ve got to start somewhere.
For “no-nonsense yoga” and strength building, try: Arrichion
Here, you’ll find hot vinyasa yoga – with a twist.
The room is heated between 100-105 degrees with the humidity at 50 percent.
I recommend Arrichion to people who want to try yoga, but aren’t sure if it’s for them. They lead classes on a script, so the classes are always the same, which means you can really see improvement. Not to mention, they offer Circuit and Strength Training classes, as well as MMA Yoga (yoga with weights), so you can mix up your workouts with your membership.
Try:
Saturday 9:15 a.m. – Topaz – A great introduction to Arrichion style flow.
Tuesday 6:15 p.m. – Tiger’s Eye – This class combines hot yoga and a circuit workout.
125 Winona St.
For power flow style of yoga, try: Y2 Yoga
Power flow style is challenging and empowering – you will move quickly through poses and through a series of movements in near-continuous movement.
The room is heated 98-100 degrees with humidity around 60 percent. Non-heated classes are around 80 degrees without added humidity.
Y2 is my personal favorite in Charlotte. Full disclosure, I’ve worked there for three years so I’m a little biased. The studio is hot, hot, hot and they play loud rap and pop music throughout most classes.
Try:
Sunday 12:30 p.m. – Y2 101 with Shanna Small – Perfect for beginners both of yoga, and of the Y2 flow. Shanna breaks down each of the poses much more than you find in other classes, and the class is slow-paced so it’s easy to keep up.
Saturday 11:15 a.m. – Single Shot with Jen Eddins– My personal favorite class in Charlotte – but expect a hard sweat. More than 60 people come every Saturday to move and flow together as Jen leads you through an inspiring and challenging hour of flow.
274 S. Sharon Amity Road, #1
For Baptiste style of yoga, try: Yoga One
Baptiste is a physically challenging flow that focuses on getting your heart rate up while also focusing on creating freedom and finding your authentic power in the class, and in life.
Classes are heated between 95-100 degrees.
Yoga One feels more like what you may expect from a yoga studio. Quiet (no music, for the most part), peaceful, calming. There are no line markers on the floor for your mat, and there are no mirrors. The lack of mirrors alone helps a newcomer feel a bit more comfortable.
Try:
Sunday 11:30 a.m. – Power Hour with Rian Harris – Often referred to as “yoga church” partly for the time slot, partly for the way Rian packs out the studio (this class often brings in more than 100 people).
Friday 7 p.m. – Deep Stretch with Tai Dorn – There is no better way to wind down your week than a deep stretch on a Friday night. It’s like a massage for your whole body and soul. Deep stretch is a great option for beginners looking for a gentle yoga practice, rather than an intense work out.
1318 Central Ave.
Photo: CharlotteFive staff
This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Considering yoga? Three studios and styles to try in Charlotte."