The Skinny On Donation Yoga in Los Angeles
When You're Not in the Position to Pay Big Bucks for Yoga
There are a few alternatives to paying the common $22/per class fee. Yes, you heard me; peace comes at a pretty penny from some of the higher end studios, such as Exhale and Yogaworks in the Santa Monica area. Don’t get me wrong, these studios are great and have wonderful instructors, as well as, promotional specials and community classes, to drive down the cost. However, as a new person in town or as a full-time student (like this faithful STC guide) on a limited budget, those prices are just too steep. Promotions only last so long, and community classes can be at inconvenient times. Yet, donation- based yoga studios in Santa Monica truly fit my needs.
Donation yoga studios generally have an open door policy with an anonymous box where the student can leave a donation denomination of their choice. Studios often post a suggested donation such as $14. However, students are never turned away for lack of funds. Donation studios are not free as they have to pay instructors and keep the lights running, but it does make yoga accessible to the masses. Typical donations range from $5 to $20.
This Survivor’s favorite donation-based yoga studio is called Yogis Anonymous. It is located 1221 2nd Street in Santa Monica. The owner of the studio is Ally Hamilton, and she is about the most fun yoga instructor around. One can find the schedule online and there are classes for beginners through more advanced. Even if it’s you first time at yoga, you can feel comfortable at this studio knowing you will receive the attention and care for alignment from very well versed teachers. Many of the teachers play music, too, which is a plus. Ally tells funny jokes while teaching her nightly class called, “Hurts so good.” Yeah, yoga can hurt, but it is infused with humor and playfulness. The studio is simple without bells and whistles. It is easy to park at as there is a giant parking structure next door. Definitely, check the schedule and beware that the more advanced classes might have you spinning on your head.
Another donation studio, which is right around the corner, is Bhakti Yoga Shala. Now, to be honest, it is a little patchouli-ish, but if you want to find a relaxing class infused with concern for charkas, this is a great place to get started. They have weekly kirtans as well, which is a call and response Indian singing extravaganza. Even if it is not your scene, Survive the City recommends checking out Travis Eliot’s class. He is a mellow, gentle, but fun teacher. Also the founding couple, Rhada and Govindas, are worth experiencing, for their names alone. Rhadha has an amazing voice that will knock your socks off. If you are an early morning riser, take a “Soul Diving” class from Honeybee at 7 a.m. (another great name). One great aspect of Bhakti Yoga Shala is that they really embrace community and music, and it is a great place to get support.
Well, saving perhaps the most famous for last…(drum roll, please) Power Yoga. Truly Power Yoga is an experience that must be had at least once, preferably with the founder Bryan Kest. Power yoga has two studios: One on 5th and Santa Monica Blvd., and on 2nd and Santa Monica Blvd. It is the leader of the donation-style studios. In fact, the other two aforementioned studio’s founders began as teachers at Power Yoga. Classes move at a faster pace, and often get into a cardio flow for a few minutes of the class. The nature of the studio is to be packed, so come prepared. I have had other peoples’ sweat land on my yoga mat. Being a bit of a germ-o-phobe, this was pretty gross, but the class is worth it. There used to be lines of people queuing up around the block, especially for Bryan’s class. As more studios are adopting the donation basis, classes are a little less filled, but still busy. Classes can be physically hard, and the postures are not usually reviewed in as much detail. Don’t worry though; the postures are all fairly basic and can be done or modified by beginners and experts alike.
In any case, you have made it to L.A., so go ahead, take the plunge, and try yoga. It helps to tone the core and teaches you to stay calm in a traffic jams. If you live on the Westside, join me in the herds, beach cruising with your yoga mat swinging from your bike. Plus, it is good practice for all those other California things you have to do, including hiking, surfing, snowboarding and rock climbing. It is easy to get hooked on yoga. In the meantime, Namaste Motherf*#@ers! See you on the mats. – Annie Kotok
Comment by Flunky Carter — August 12, 2010 @ 12:20 am
NO TOE RINGS MUDDAFUKKA!