Students at Adeline Yoga Studio try the hanging sirsasana pose. Photo: Adeline Yoga Studio

By Varya Simpson

In many peoples minds, Berkeley is synonymous with alternative lifestyles. So it should not be surprising that Berkeley currently is home to 17 yoga studios with a wide array of classes to choose from.

Originally, hatha yoga was only one part of a complex system of self-discipline in India, which lead to union with the divine. Over the last 20 years, it has achieved mainstream world-wide popularity as a healthy and accessible form of exercise. Berkeley has, once again, kept up with the times.

The hatha yoga options available in Berkeley are as diverse as its population. As has always been the case on any spiritual path, differences of opinion and divergent methods of practice have developed over time, so that today there exists a wide range of yoga schools from very traditional forms to new-age adaptations of the ancient discipline. Whether one is searching for the meaning of life, looking for support with meditation, exercising to losing weight or stay fit, or just trying to sleep better at night, it can all be found right here.

Yoga to the People, in downtown Berkeley, hosts a yoga session outside on Shattuck Avenue during Sunday Streets. Photo: Dianne Yee

For a beginning student just entering the world of hatha yoga, the choices can be overwhelming. Studios themselves range from gymnasium-size rooms to small, intimate studios and are located all around town. Some studios have beautiful new changing rooms with showers while others have shared bathrooms down the hall.

Class length usually varies from one hour to an hour and a half. Cost ranges in general from $12-18 per class, with less expensive community classes also available by donation. Most studios offer a reduced fee for an introductory period, which allows new students to try out a few classes and test the experience. A class series or a month-long pass may also be available, which can make long-term practice considerably cheaper.

Some classes are conducted in near silence and some have energetic music with a beat. There are special hot classes with room temperature at about 95 degrees and hotter classes at about 105-108 degrees, an environment which some teachers believe should be approached with some caution, depending on the students physical condition.

A Groove Yoga class spends a moment in pigeon pose. Photo: Groove Yoga

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Yoga in Berkeley: A beginner’s guide