Yoga in the OC - Get in a good stretch!
Having been an athlete for my entire life ( a very good solution for a child dealing with ADD) I have always been a fan of taking good care of my body. We all know a good stretch makes you feel better, if you have a cat, dog or even a parakeet you know that stretching is at least a twice daily exercise for these members of your household. Whether you live here or are visiting, a quick yoga class is a great way to enhance your vacation or take a mini-vacation right where you live.
Stretching on my own was always a good way to relax, refocus and simply calm my nerves whether I was at work or about to compete in a major triathlon, racing across the sand and jumping into the ocean with 50 other swimmers. But yoga, with the right instructor can help you find better more efficient stretches that isolate muscles you (I) didn't even know you (I) had, (seriously how often do you think about the ligaments that stretch across the top of your feet?).
Perhaps my favorite thing about yoga is that while relaxing your mind and making sure that you take a little 'me' time since it really is almost impossible to get into some of those stretching poses if you mind is wander to errands, kids, work or to-do lists.
Here in Southern CA, yoga is something you could almost call 'main stream'. I the typical yoga class I've visited there are Moms, Business men, semi-pro surfers doing the poses in their board-shorts and a tee shirt, college kids and 60-somethings all taking an hour out of their week to learn more about their bodies. In a good yoga session you should never do anything that hurts, everyone has their own limits or injuries and a good yoga instructor will recognize this. Also, it's a good idea to start in a class that is at (or below your level if you are getting back into doing yoga) since yoga can actually be quite a workout - even for a trained athlete.
So here are my a couple of my favorite places to get in a good stretch in the O.C. Check them out and get that good-stretch feeling.
Yoga Works - Huntington Beach
Yoga Works has studios all over the O.C. (Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Mission Viejo) but the studio in Huntington beach is thus far my favorite. These studios are all great for beginners and have a very friendly staff. Yoga classes are offered 7 days a week starting as early as 5:30 am or as late as 7:30 pm depending on the day. I've found the teachers here to always be friendly, helpful and conscious of any limitations the student may have. If you are a local, Tuesday night is Local's night in Huntington beach and a yoga class followed by a dinner out with a surprisingly happening Tuesday night-life is always a fun mid-week pick me up. Yoga Works often offerers 2 week trial periods where you can attend as many classes as you want to for a minimal fee. Mats are available to rent, parking validated.
301 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Website: Yoga Works Huntington Beach
Bikram Yoga at The Camp - Costa Mesa
Being somewhat of a dare-devil athlete (mountain biking, surfing, triathlons) I've always taken things head on and Bikram yoga was the first type of yoga I ever tried. Bikram yoga consists of a sequence of 26 different but relatively simple poses designed to stretch your entire body. The catch is that you are doing these poses in a room heated to over 100 degrees F in 90%+ humidity. This is essentially yoga in a sauna which if you have enough water (you can loose 3-5 lbs of water weight in a single class) and can take a little heat is extremely relaxing. The idea behind the heat is that you can achieve a deeper stretch and will receive greater physical benefits from the stretches in a shorter period of time. I just like the combined stretch/sauna treatment which leaves me feeling doubly relaxed. Mats are available for rent, your first class is $18 and second one is free if done in the same week.
Bikram Yoga at The Camp
2937 Bristol St. Suite A-200
Costa Mesa, CA
Website: Bikram Yoga at the Camp
Yoga Path
Yoga Path has classes in several types of yoga including children's yoga and prenatal yoga, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga and restorative yoga. Yoga Path is conveniently located in the University center, next to the University of California, Irvine campus.
Yoga Path
4249 Campus Dr., Suite B140
Irvine, California 92612
Phone: (949) 856- 9642
