Top Yoga Studios in San Diego
When moving from Los Angeles to San Diego, the thoughts that entertained me most (and I’m sure I’m not alone here) were of blissful beaches, clean air, healthy-looking people, runners… You get the picture.One of the biggest phenomena in San Diego to grab the globe by storm over the past few years has been yoga. Equipped with as many reasons to begin the practice as styles of yoga, you can choose your ‘weapon of bliss.’ Whether you’re strolling through downtown, or soaking up the sun on the beach boardwalk, there is bound to be a yoga studio within reach. Of course, each studio has its own perks – CorePower Yoga has upscale amenities like showers and locker rooms (which you’re going to need after experiencing the 104 degree heat of C2 yoga class!), and many studios host on-site massage and acupuncture treatments.
Those deeply involved in a yoga practice often choose a monthly unlimited package in this city, as there are ‘diehard yogis’ (like myself) who visit the yoga studio for multiple classes daily. As with all yoga studios I’ve visited throughout California, heated vinyasa flow yoga and yin yoga are common yoga styles. To those looking for something a bit more unique, I highly recommend Kelli Martin’s YinKi and Chakra Flow at Spirit Yoga in Pacific Beach. Pilgrimage of the Heart also offers yin yoga if you’re around the Normal Heights or North Park areas. Other options throughout the San Diego area include AcroYoga or Prenatal Yoga at Pilgrimage, Iyengar yoga at San Diego Yoga Studio, Beemashakti Yoga at Ginseng Yoga, and various fusion yoga styles combining weights and other fitness methods.
Bhakti means love and devotion for the divine. As a practicing bhakti yogi, I have added the blissfulness of the musical meditation of kirtan, the chanting of devotional names, to my practice. Those desiring to get more into meditation should give this a try! It’s not as difficult as sitting silently while attempting to clear your mind. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments is a fun practice; you’ll leave the building buzzing with ecstatic energy. Pilgrimage of the Heart hosts a weekly kirtan. If you’re interested in an even more upscale kirtan adventure, consider the Hare Krishna devotees at the ISKCON San Diego Temple.
Lastly, let us also not forget about Yogi Bhajan’s immense practice of Kundalini Yoga, the yoga of consciousness. Known as a ‘raj’ (royal) yoga, this yoga focuses on both mantra and movement – to awaken the dormant energy, or Kundalini, at the base of the spine. Once awakened, the true conscious self begins to radiate outward. Kundalini Yoga is taught through Yogi Bhajan’s organization, 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy).
