Yoga Studio Review: Yoga Way

Outside, Yoga Way looks unremarkable, a nondescript building in a shopping plaza that was built long before Yoga Way was established nine years ago. Inside, a small entrance room opens to a large, comfortable studio space. Decoration is calm and low-key, with the traditional images of Hindu deities and the director’s guru, Swami Shri Ashutosh Muni, at the front of the room.

The orientation is followed by a workshop that is about an hour and a half long, balanced between a basic discussion of their yoga philosophy and a short practice of beginning yoga positions, including an introduction to surya namaskars, or sun salutations. Since the teachers at Yoga Way consider the connection between teachers and students to be one of the defining aspects of their work, drop-ins are not allowed. Students get to know the teachers, their philosophy, and their practice before attending regularly.

If you decide after the workshop that Yoga Way is for you, you can sign up for classes that are suited to your needs. The teachers suggest that you form a schedule of two or three classes a week, or even one if necessary, based on what you know you’ll be willing and able to do. The point is to make a commitment to yourself, so if you’re going to be dragging yourself to class, you can go less frequently. This is done for three months, to allow the student to get used to making yoga a regular part of her life. After that, you can choose to become a regular student. Private classes are also offered for students who are on an individualized path.

The main focus of the physical aspect of the practice is on breathing and alignment, and less on the strengthening aspect of postures that usually forms the core of other classes. Yoga Way is not just focused on the physical asanas of yoga. Most of the work is directed towards achieving mental stability, not on pushing the limits of strength and flexibility. Finding alignment and comfort in a posture is more important, allowing the mind to stabilize instead of being distracted by physical discomfort. Teachers offer information on pranayama and meditation as far as they feel is appropriate for the student. They can also offer information on diet, but only as related to yoga, since they are not nutritionists. Information is given during classes, through workshops, and printed material, allowing students to soak up whatever they are ready for. If they’re not interested or prepared, then the students needn’t worry about remembering it.

Yoga Way is unique in that it doesn’t function as a social outlet. A community of dedicated students is friendly, but is not attending for the purpose of social contact. This can be really refreshing for those of us who dislike the “going for a workout at the gym” feel of other yoga studios. Overall, their yoga program is holistic and allows for more exploration than most yoga studios.