Finding the right yoga studio is a bit like dating. You have to shop around to find what personality suits you. Below is a list of five Detroit yoga studios that can be found inside the city limits. Perhaps you’ll find the one… or maybe even yourself… Namaste.
Yoga Shelter Midtown Detroit
Found tucked away in Midtown in the outskirts of WSU’s campus, the Midtown Yoga Shelter is an open, friendly environment that seems serious about yoga. Even for a mid-day Friday class, students were happily hanging out at the studio and interacting with others – the vibe was that of a family.
The class I attended was Slow Flow, which focuses on lengthening, strengthening, building and engaging. The instructor took requests on which particular area of the body to work on, taking into consideration all student requests. Soft music surrounded the room as we practiced, and the instructor was not afraid to align all students, advanced or beginner.
Find the Yoga Shelter at: 69 W Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Citizen Yoga (Detroit)
Located on Library St. in the heart of downtown, Citizen Yoga has an illuminating, yet mysterious glow. The lobby is filled with the usual yoga apparel and paraphernalia, has a large wooden cubby rack for all your gear while you are practicing. There is also a set of large wooden stadium steps, where yogis awaiting their practice can hang and socialize.
I chose to attend the Blend class, which is a perfect mix of Slow Burn and Vinyasa. And for those new to yoga, this is still an excellent class to fully learn and understand the practice. Not only does Citizen give you a physical challenge, but a mental one as well – at this class the discussion focused on giving to the world first before we take in ourselves.
And at Citizen, the challenge of yoga stays on your mat. Parking in the Z lot (up to 2 hours) is validated with a ticket found at the front desk, and changing rooms with showers are located in the back.
Citizen Yoga is located at: 1224 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
BE NICE Yoga
Faces and body types of all kinds gather at BE NICE Yoga. The entrance to the studio space is warm and authentic. It feels lived in – like a home – with book shelves, rugs, green plants, dark cherry wood floors, and twinkle lights decorating the studio.
This studio is very gentle with beginners, and pushes more advanced yogis. Teachers physically guide pose adjustment and alignment throughout poses or flow. Some classes play music, but the one I took didn’t play any. If you’re looking for a practice that will allow you to get in touch with your thoughts, this could be the place for you. Teachers start right on time, so make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to get yourself situated. Free parking is offered behind the Majestic Theater.
BE NICE Yoga is at: 4100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Iyengar Yoga Detroit
B.K.S. Iyengar of India traveled to the West introducing us to a practice that pays great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment, often using props to support the practice.
Just open for two months in their new location, Iyengar Yoga Detroit is a safe place to be raw. Teachers are dedicated to knowing who the students are as people as they work with their physical bodies. They honor the traditions and teachings of Iyengar and welcome youth, seniors, beginners, advanced, and all ability students, including injured, those with chronic conditions, pregnant, those who desire to practice with women only, and all income levels. It is in your best interest to speak with an instructor about your ability and experience before attending in order to progress comfortably.
Iyengar Yoga is at: 10023 Jos Campau, Hamtramck, Mich.
Bikram Yoga Midtown Detroit
Bikram Yoga is not for the faint of heart. Through the Bikram tradition of a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, Bikram Yoga Midtown Detroit nurtures strength, concentration, patience, determination, and self-control, leading to increased mental clarity and reduced stress, peace.
The class is practiced in a heated room (104 degrees fahrenheit) to promote cellular metabolism, detoxification, and suppleness of the muscular system, providing a greater level of safety when doing the poses.
The heat and practice carries students into a trance-like state in a studio space that is effortless. The people are serious and real – all absent of false impressions – because Bikram is a more passionate and demanding affair with yoga. Bring water and a towel. And be sure to arrive here early … teachers begin right on schedule and lock the doors once class has begun.
Bikram Yoga Detroit is located at: 55 West Canfield, Suite 1, Detroit, MI 48201.