Yoga capital of the world - or so it is called by those I've talked to before coming.
My sentiments beg to differ. For this San Francisco-raised yogi the atmosphere and instruction left much to be inspired. If you're used to a well-Luon-ed instructor that dishes out a class spliced with witty and ego-melting sound-bytes set to live didgeridoo and bass - stick to Yogatree. What you will get from classes here is simple instruction on asana and alignment with great adjustments, usually set in a monastic concrete studio, thats the norm here and you do get used to it. Now, don't get me wrong I have a well founded respect and appreciation for the history and philosophical components of yoga. What I'm seeking to convey here are 2 things: One is that western yoga and yoga in the motherland are 2 different animals. I missed the dynamic sequencing of asana in the states, whether in a traditional class or one of Janet Stone's shake-what-yo-mama-gave-you series. Sometimes, I was just bored. Sometimes, I'd show up and there would be no class - ah yes, but this is India. And two, the selection of classes and quality of instruction was disappointing.
Approach with an open mind and you'll get a lot more than a physical practice out of the experience. In terms of yoga philosophy being woven into your daily classes I found that this information seems to be reserved for the TT's. Here's the beta on the goodies I found in Rishikesh:
Lakshman Jhula: Yoga Vini
2-hour, daily drop-in classes 200RPS/class
English/Japanese/Indian instruction
Mat/props available
Get there early for the 7:30AM as spots fill up fast in this small studio on the Ganges.
His classes are super-popular and are a mindful blend of Iyengar-based alignment focus, Hatha with some Ashtanga mixed in. The main thing about Vini is your body feels so great afterwards for days and without the intense knives-ripping-through-my-hamstrings feeling that follows me around after a Primary Series confessional. I felt taught, limber and strong and well aligned.
Omkarananda Ashram - Iyengar with Usha Devi
*daily drop in classes 700RPS/class
Classes are 2 hours
English instruction
Mats and props available
Stern dress-code - loose fitting shorts and modest t-shirts for both sexes, women must wear a bra.
Most students sign up for a week long course. If you plan to practice with Usha, register well in advance, daily classes, while offered, are usually full of the week-long devotees. The studio space is clean and bright with windows overlooking the Ganges. The atmosphere inside is cozy with students packed in tight. Usha's instruction is loud and direct - many would refer to her as 'yelling at the students'. And, well, she is. But she is good. She is the patron saint of reverent yoga practice. She values respect for the self, for the practice and for the space. She will teach you to not wear your street clothes into the studio, she will show you how to be honest with your body and mind. She will only allow a modest block as a prop for her beginning class, no extra layers no clutter around your spot. Yoga accoutrement hoarders beware. She is very direct and will not hesitate to put anyone on the spot to demonstrate asana or what not to wear to class. Her style of instruction while honoring the classic Iyengar sequence beautifully, is loud and some would say harsh. I loved it.
*Agreed - 700RPS is a lot for a yoga class. They encourage folks to enroll for a week and the total cost becomes more reasonable. If you want to/can do the drop-in, each subsequent class that week will be only 100RPS.
Ram Jula: Tattva Yoga
Daily drop in classes 150RPS/class
English instruction
Mats/props available
So, I was born an Ashtangi, but unlike my doshas that character trait is not set. Which, to my ego is like really hard to allow. While still grappling with the fact that this body wants and needs some yin, I took my ego to an Ashtanga class at Tattva. In the hour-long noon class you will find your standard abbreviated primary series with some AWESOME acrobatic adjustments thrown in. If you take an evening class, hang out until sunset and make your way to the river where you can purchase floating lanterns to set out on the water with prayers.
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My sentiments beg to differ. For this San Francisco-raised yogi the atmosphere and instruction left much to be inspired. If you're used to a well-Luon-ed instructor that dishes out a class spliced with witty and ego-melting sound-bytes set to live didgeridoo and bass - stick to Yogatree. What you will get from classes here is simple instruction on asana and alignment with great adjustments, usually set in a monastic concrete studio, thats the norm here and you do get used to it. Now, don't get me wrong I have a well founded respect and appreciation for the history and philosophical components of yoga. What I'm seeking to convey here are 2 things: One is that western yoga and yoga in the motherland are 2 different animals. I missed the dynamic sequencing of asana in the states, whether in a traditional class or one of Janet Stone's shake-what-yo-mama-gave-you series. Sometimes, I was just bored. Sometimes, I'd show up and there would be no class - ah yes, but this is India. And two, the selection of classes and quality of instruction was disappointing.
Approach with an open mind and you'll get a lot more than a physical practice out of the experience. In terms of yoga philosophy being woven into your daily classes I found that this information seems to be reserved for the TT's. Here's the beta on the goodies I found in Rishikesh:
Lakshman Jhula: Yoga Vini
2-hour, daily drop-in classes 200RPS/class
English/Japanese/Indian instruction
Mat/props available
Get there early for the 7:30AM as spots fill up fast in this small studio on the Ganges.
His classes are super-popular and are a mindful blend of Iyengar-based alignment focus, Hatha with some Ashtanga mixed in. The main thing about Vini is your body feels so great afterwards for days and without the intense knives-ripping-through-my-hamstrings feeling that follows me around after a Primary Series confessional. I felt taught, limber and strong and well aligned.
Omkarananda Ashram - Iyengar with Usha Devi
*daily drop in classes 700RPS/class
Classes are 2 hours
English instruction
Mats and props available
Stern dress-code - loose fitting shorts and modest t-shirts for both sexes, women must wear a bra.
Most students sign up for a week long course. If you plan to practice with Usha, register well in advance, daily classes, while offered, are usually full of the week-long devotees. The studio space is clean and bright with windows overlooking the Ganges. The atmosphere inside is cozy with students packed in tight. Usha's instruction is loud and direct - many would refer to her as 'yelling at the students'. And, well, she is. But she is good. She is the patron saint of reverent yoga practice. She values respect for the self, for the practice and for the space. She will teach you to not wear your street clothes into the studio, she will show you how to be honest with your body and mind. She will only allow a modest block as a prop for her beginning class, no extra layers no clutter around your spot. Yoga accoutrement hoarders beware. She is very direct and will not hesitate to put anyone on the spot to demonstrate asana or what not to wear to class. Her style of instruction while honoring the classic Iyengar sequence beautifully, is loud and some would say harsh. I loved it.
*Agreed - 700RPS is a lot for a yoga class. They encourage folks to enroll for a week and the total cost becomes more reasonable. If you want to/can do the drop-in, each subsequent class that week will be only 100RPS.
Ram Jula: Tattva Yoga
Daily drop in classes 150RPS/class
English instruction
Mats/props available
So, I was born an Ashtangi, but unlike my doshas that character trait is not set. Which, to my ego is like really hard to allow. While still grappling with the fact that this body wants and needs some yin, I took my ego to an Ashtanga class at Tattva. In the hour-long noon class you will find your standard abbreviated primary series with some AWESOME acrobatic adjustments thrown in. If you take an evening class, hang out until sunset and make your way to the river where you can purchase floating lanterns to set out on the water with prayers.
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