Where to find some kick a## yoga. Literally.
I am all for inner peace and the alignment of chakras and an overall zen sensibility. Microbiotic veganism is okay too, if that’s your thing. But it’s nice to know that you don’t have to embrace your inner power animal in order to practice yoga—and sometimes you need a little ab work to go with your enlightenment.
Enter Yoga Flow, the Castro studio of the Yoga Tree empire. Here you can find that perfect balance not only between breath and movement, but also between bliss and pain. Bliss as in, my deep pranayama and engagement of udiana banda is aligning my spine and my mind. And pain as in, holy Shiva my legs are going to fall off.
The “flow” in Yoga Flow refers to a vinyasa style yoga, in which the poses are linked with a vinyasa, which consists of chataranga, urdhva mukha svanasana and adha mukha svanasana, or in layman’s terms, plank, push up, upward facing dog, downward facing dog. This series of movements is repeated in between often elaborate and dynamic sequences of yoga poses. It is a form of yoga that is in constant motion and focuses on the breath and the stillness that can be created even in movement.
It also provides a workout you’ll not soon forget. The teachers focus a lot on “the core” which is yoga for lots of sadistic abdominal exercises that will strengthen your whole midsection and make you want to throw up a little bit. But the purpose is never lost on the students: this core work creates the inherent strength and solidity you’ll need not only for yoga but also for life. In this way, the whole of the 105 minute practices are always linked back into your life and your breath.
The studio itself is a vast high-ceilinged room with windows on two sides. It gets beautiful light at all times of day and in the evenings is usually aglow with candlelight. The teachers often use uplifting music to accompany practices (some of not necessarily of the yogic variety) and the acoustics of the room make the music and the practitioners’ breath a living sound that inspires your movements. Some classes in the evening can get very crowded despite the enormity of the studio, so it’s good to come early.
The teachers themselves are all experienced yogis and yoginis, each with their own teaching style and all with a lighthearted approach to this path to bliss. My recommendations for teachers are Janet Stone (janetstoneyoga.com), Rusty Wells (rustywells.com), Elise Lorimer (yogatreesf.com/teachers/EliseLorimer) and Stephanie Snyder (stephaniesnyder.com). But no matter when you might visit Yoga Flow, be ready to work hard and float out the door, sweaty and happy when you’re finished.
Yoga Flow
97 Collingwood at 18th
San Francisco, CA 94114
415.701.YOGA
www.yogatreesf.com
