Yoga has become such a ubiquitous part of urban living that it's hard not to spot someone walking down the street with a rolled-up mat in hand, on the way to or from a class. But not every studio is the same, and each offers a different type of experience, so we decided to survey the yoga hotspots in Russian Hill for your perusal.
Union Yoga
Union Yoga takes a spiritual approach to fitness, and according to its website, stands for “love, compassion, joy and equanimity in everything.” Classes are taught in the classic vinyasa style, and welcome beginner, intermediate and advanced practitioners. For folks on the go that want to get in a session before work, a class called “Rise and Shine Vinyasa" is offered from 6–7am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Monthly passes are $165, and drop-in class rates run $14-17.
Bikram's Yoga College of India
Bikram Yoga, developed by Bikram Choudhury in the hatha yoga tradition, is centered around 26 postures and two breathing exercises, and taught in a classroom with 105-degree temperatures and 40 percent humidity. While many yoga connoisseurs may be familiar with this style of yoga, which is taught at numerous studios, this particular location was actually founded by Choudhury himself in 1973, and he still maintains ownership. Single classes cost $15, and a monthly unlimited pass is $120. Sessions run 90 minutes and are offered three times a day Monday-Thursday and twice a day on Friday-Sunday.
Photo: Nathan Falstreau/Hoodline
Moxie Yoga
Moxie Yoga has three locations in the city, all offering its signature blend of physically inspired power yoga that incorporates a variation on traditional ashtanga vinyasa, as well as Pilates movements. Its instruction is free of any spiritual teaching, and focuses solely on fitness. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7–11am and 3:30–7:30pm, and weekends 9–11am and 4–5pm. Monthly memberships are $139 per month for unlimited classes.
Integral Seta
If you're looking for something more spiritual and holistic from your workouts, Svetlana Doroganich's practice may be for you. She offers classes in the Kundalini yoga tradition, incorporating art and mandala drawing as well. There's even a dolphin therapy session where students travel to Vallejo to swim with dolphins, which she says helps children with disabilities and veterans suffering from PTSD. Private yoga classes are $50 per hour, and the dolphin therapy trip is $400.
There are a few other gyms in the neighborhood that offer yoga instruction as well, even though that's not their primary focus. So if you're looking for a more traditional gym with the option of supplementing your workout with some yoga, Keilani Pilates offers private and duo yoga classes at its Pilates studio at 2421 Polk St., as does Crunch Gym at 2330 Polk St.
If we've missed your favorite yoga spot, please let us know!
