Ashtanga yoga is considered to be one of the most intense forms of yoga there is. “Ashtanga yoga” translates to “eight-limbed yoga.” This style of yoga is very energetic and focuses on synchronizing your breath with your movements. It takes about 90 minutes to finish the full primary series, which is much longer than for other forms of yoga. When you practice Ashtanga yoga, you’ll experience intense internal heat and sweat toxins from your system. This experience should lead to a strong body and a calm mind.
This practice can be quite challenging, especially if you’re new to it, but with the right environment you can surely master it! Having good teachers can make a world of difference. You can make sure that your ashtanga yoga experience is the absolute best that it can be when you have the right information. You will feel great before, during, and after your session when you choose the right yoga studio. Pittsburgh has a few great options. Here are the best places in Pittsburgh you can go to experience ashtanga yoga!
The Shala
When you work out here, you’ll get one-on-one attention in a group setting.
945 Liberty Ave | Downtown | theshalapittsburgh.com
The Shala teaches an energizing yet meditative form of yoga. Their teachers walk around the room and give each student personal attention when it's needed. Even though you’ll be in a class with other people, you will feel very well attended to. Both beginners and more experienced practitioners are welcome to practice! They offer beginner and advanced level ashtanga yoga.
You can get a taste of what this studio offers in one of their workshops. The Shala has amazing teachers that have years of experience. They are very knowledgeable about what they teach and it shows. They will make sure you know that you are in good hands when you enter a class.
This studio offers their classes in person and online. Their class times mostly range from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. It works well for people who are early risers or for people who need to get their workout in before starting their day. They also hold a few classes in the evening for those who prefer to workout later in the day.
“This place is wonderful! Extremely knowledgeable and kind instructors, crazy affordable rates and a totally accessible class schedule. My favorite place in Pittsburgh! Feel improvement after every class (whether mood or body or perspective). Worth every minute and dollar.”--Yelp Review
Schoolhouse Yoga
This studio let’s you go really slow if you need to.
2215 Murray Ave | Squirrel Hill | schoolhouseyoga.com
Schoolhouse Yoga first opened up in 2002. They have been sharing their love of yoga to Pittsburgh residents ever since. Their instructors have all completed certified teacher training and are skilled in their practice. Their classes aim to increase strength and flexibility while decreasing stress and anxiety. You’re meant to leave this place with a renewed spirit.
Aside from the typical classes, this studio offers “gentle yoga.” It emphasizes stretching, breathing, and relaxation. Gentle yoga is great for people with injuries or physical limitations that make vigorous yoga difficult. It’s also great for beginners who simply want to learn at a slower pace!
Their ashtanga yoga class is bound to make you sweat despite their studio’s comfortable temperatures. They even offer prenatal yoga classes for soon-to-be moms. Those classes are designed to be safe and gentle while still providing benefits. They even offer mommy & me classes where moms can bring in their child of any age, even newborns! And you can register in advance, but it's not required. As long as you get to the studio about 10 minutes before a class starts, you’re good to join.
“I loved this studio! Such a sense of community and very welcoming to new students. I took an introduction to yoga class (Yoga for beginners). It was challenging and refreshing. I left feeling full of light and energy! The class sizes are small and the instructor was extremely patient and helpful. Overall, I loved the experience and I'm certainly willing to continue in the practice of yoga.”--Yelp Review
STHIEL PILATES & Movement Center
This studio offers pilates and yoga.
316 S Saint Claire St | East Liberty | sthielpilates.com
This studio offers many types of classes. They teach Pilates, aerial fitness, and yoga. Ashtanga yoga is one of the three yoga types that they offer. Their yoga classes promote bodily alignment awareness as you move through poses. It’s supposed to help release the stress of everyday life and improve your general wellbeing.
There are a variety of teachers with different instruction styles. They will make sure that you are well challenged. You can take these classes privately, in a group, or with just one other person. Their private classes include a postural analysis and a movement assessment. They will make sure you get it right so that you get the best results. A group class will not have more than 10 people.
They want to accommodate all types of students by offering the kind of instruction that different kinds of people prefer. They make sure that they are well prepared for whatever clients they have. Their teachings can be challenging to learn, but they will guide you every step of the way. You are likely to have a lot of fun working out at this studio!
“If you are looking for a different sort of work out in Pittsburgh's East End where you can swing, fly, develop core strength, stretch, have fun, lengthen your spine, and ease pain and tension, then try Sthiel Pilates' Anti-Gravity class (and try the other studio offerings as well such as Cardo Tramp, Pilates, Air Barre)!”--Yelp Review
Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous practice that will leave you feeling refreshed after a long session. Let one of Pittsburgh’s ashtanga yoga studios guide you through this healing exercise.
