Sometimes running and lifting weights is more intense than you’re wanting in your workout. Perhaps your muscles and joints need a break from the high-intensity workouts. If you prefer something more zen, yoga offers a soothing alternative for the body and mind, challenging you to physically and mentally push your body in ways that interval training cannot. The low-impact exercise improves flexibility, builds muscle strength, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, promotes a lean body and relaxes the mind. Need to get your yoga fix? These are the Nashville yoga studios to do just that. Namaste, y’all.
12 South Yoga
12 South Yoga specializes in Iyengar yoga, which focuses on physical posture and awareness of breath. They offer a Gentle Yoga class that is ideal for beginners, people nursing injuries, active seniors and pregnant mothers. But don’t be fooled by the slower rate – this class is still an incredible workout! The studio also has classes for all ability levels, including a beginners class, seniors yoga, pre-natal yoga, restorative yoga, and advanced classes. And even though it is amongst the bustling shops of 12 South, the yoga studio actually has its own parking lot – a huge bonus for those who don’t want to fight for on-street parking!
Bikram Hot Yoga
93 Seaboard Lane #1004, Brentwood • (615) 457-3075
South on 65 is Bikram Hot Yoga, Middle Tennessee’s only Bikram studio. The toasty 105-degree room will get you sweating out your toxins as you move through the standard 26 poses. There are studios in Belle Meade and Cool Springs, both full of talented instructors who ensure proper positioning is achieved and maintained. Their classes incorporate all 5 points of fitness: cardio, fat burning, muscle toning, flexibility and strength. Just be ready to sweat!
Hot Yoga of East Nashville
Hot Yoga of East Nashville (HYEN) strives to challenge its patrons both physically and spiritually. Their classes include Vinyasa-style power flow, prenatal and restorative — all incredibly healthy ways of getting fit. The 90-minute Hot 26 class burns between 650 and 1,200 calories, and the 60-minute Power Flow class burns between 450 and 600 calories. With just one yoga room, HYEN feels more intimate than some of the other bigger studios, but the instructors are just as talented and capable. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your workout — hydration is key to any fitness regimen, but staying hydrated is essential with hot yoga!
Hot Yoga Plus
Whether you’re just now mastering child’s pose or have graduated to locust scorpion, Hot Yoga Plus has a range of classes to fit any yogi’s level. This hot yoga studio, with locations in Midtown and Cool Springs, features a lively environment filled with tons of encouragement and thorough instruction from their well-trained yoga instructions. Hot Yoga Plus offers a variety of yoga methods, like restorative, power flow, and vinyasa. Although most classes take place in their heated rooms that range from 85-90 and 100 degrees, Hot Yoga Plus also conducts some classes in non-heated rooms.
Sanctuary for Yoga
LOCATIONS:
2002 Richard Jones Road, C-102 in Green Hills
The Hatchery at Acme Feed & Feed, 101 Broadway, downtown
With two area locations, this yoga studio’s Green Hills location has been open for more than 10 years, making it one of the most established studios in Nashville. The newest location is located on the third floor of Acme Feed & Seed, making it a convenient option for downtown workers in search of a mid-day workout. Sanctuary for Yoga offers a range of classes for newbies and master yogis alike, including Vinyasa flow, dharma and yin yoga. They also feature pre-natal and post-natal classes to promote healthy living and bonding between Mama and Baby. All of their programs are breath-centered and encourage growth within the community.
Shakti Power Yoga
LOCATIONS:
65 Music Square East • (615) 942-8100
1201 Fifth Ave. N. Ste. 202
If you’re looking for a big of a challenge with your yoga, check out Shakti Power Yoga. Power yoga is a vigorous style of yoga that, when done correctly, can strengthen and tone your body, improve balance and flexibility, give you a cardiovascular workout, and reduce stress. Shakti Power Yoga is located on Music Row and in Germantown; both locations offer heated and un-heated classes, and their main focus is on connecting your physical being to your spiritual being in order to create an inner balance. And don’t miss out on their $5 community classes!
Steadfast & True Yoga
1325 Third Ave. N., Nashville
Steadfast & True Yoga in Germantown uses the perfect blend of meditation and exercise in their classes. They specialize in Ashtanga and Vinyasa, but also offer a mix of other yoga types. Their gorgeous windows in each studio allow natural light to flow in, making it a very relaxing setting. Whether you’re completely new to yoga or have hours and hours of practice under your belt, Steadfast has the perfect range of classes to aid your yoga development.
Sumits Yoga
6031 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37205 • (615) 928-7424
Regardless of your experience level, Sumits Yoga‘s highly trained instructors are able to address your needs in every class. Aided by their slightly heated studios, your muscles will be able to truly relax, allowing you to have an amazing workout. They make it easy, enjoyable and practical to incorporate the healing and restorative benefits of yoga into your day-to-day life.
Yoga Harmony
4920 Charlotte Pike • (615) 823-3919
Nestled on Charlotte Pike, Yoga Harmony is known for being a very nurturing environment with a strong sense of community. They do offer hot yoga, along with warm and non-heated yoga. Their knowledgable instructors are there to help you meet your goals and develop your inner yogi. Expect to be challenged and come out of the studio feeling refreshed! Yoga Harmony also hosts a weekly class where, instead of regular dues, you contribute what you can to the selected charity.
Find more great fitness options near you in our SB Guide!
