Learn Yoga in Portland

Yoga has been taught for over 3000 years. This form of exercise is intended to balance your mind, body and soul. People who practice yoga have noted tremendous improvements to their lives in many ways. They have improved health, posture, mental clarity and self-esteem.

When it comes to yoga classes in Portland, there are a variety of different types of yoga that you can learn. Many students seek to learn hatha yoga, or gentle yoga. This type of yoga involves stretching, deep breathing and fostering flexibility. Generally, practitioners find hatha yoga to be very calming.

On the other hand, kundalini yoga deals with the body’s 8 chakras. This form of yoga helps the body to reach a state of deep enlightenment. Those who practice kundalini yoga will find that a lot of breathing techniques are taught.

Power yoga is increasingly becoming popular because it provides more of an aerobic workout. With this type of yoga, people move quickly through asanas (or poses.) As the movements are faster, it is easy to build up a sweat and tone the muscles in the process.

Almost anyone can do yoga. One of the great things about Portland area yoga classes is that there are a wide variety of levels and techniques available. You can just as easily find a beginner level class as you can find one that is for those advanced in yoga. If you are seeking to be a yoga teacher, it is also easy to find programs that will certify you to be an instructor.

Yoga in the Pearl

If you are close to downtown Portland, one great place to practice yoga is Yoga in the Pearl. This yoga studio is located in the Pearl district, which is a trendy part of downtown full of shops, boutiques and restaurants. Yoga in the Pearl has a full schedule of daily classes that include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga, to name just a few styles. All classes are clearly marked beginner, intermediate or advanced. Also Yoga in the Pearl holds a wide variety of workshops and events. This yoga studio even has its own organic, vegan, raw restaurant.

Portland Yoga Arts

Another interesting option for yoga in Portland is Portland yoga arts. This yoga studio caters to an older group of people, as clients tend to be from age 35-65. Classes include “yoga for the aging body” and “yoga for cyclists”. This excellent yoga studio is located in the Laurelhurst area on the corner of 44th and Glisan.

CorePower Yoga

CorePower Yoga takes a different approach to yoga. This company has two locations in Portland; one is located in Northwest Portland, and the other in Southeast. This yoga studio offers classes that include light conditioning and cardio training. The rooms are also heated, so students really do work up a sweat. If you are looking for yoga that can help you lose weight, CorePower Yoga is the place to go.

No matter what yoga class in Portland you choose, you will receive a wide variety of benefits for your efforts. Not only will you gain flexibility and strength, you will most likely find that your mental outlook improves as well.

What type of yoga classes do you take? And what benefits are you seeking to gain from your practice?

Peter Mitchell is a writer living in Portland, Oregon.