June 21, 2017

3 Places to Try Yoga in Columbus (and what to snack on after!)

Whether you’ve been thinking about getting your Namaste on for the first time or you’re a seasoned yogi, there are plenty of yoga studio options in Columbus, Ohio to unroll your mat and get sweaty.

I’ll be honest—when I first started going to yoga classes, I didn’t see the hype! Everyone who had fallen into the cat-cow craze claimed to feel so much better and leave the studio with their mind completely at ease. If that’s the case, why did I spend my whole 60 minutes thinking about my To-Do list? Let’s not even talk about the anxiety I got thinking about who was staring at the high speed river of sweat flowing down my back.

Patience.

It took patience and about 4-5 classes before I started to truly see the benefits of developing a hot yoga practice. The day I learned to leave my worries at home and enter the room with a clear mind was the time when I truly started to appreciate each and every opportunity I had to step onto my yoga mat. And awesome instructors sure help too!

If you’re looking to just test the waters and dip your toes into the metaphorical pool of yoga studios within the city, I suggest trying out ClassPass. Currently, CP is running a promotion to try out 10 classes for $50, click here. That’s a bargain in my book for only $5/class! Many studio prices for unlimited monthly memberships will run anywhere from $80-$200. If you find a studio you like, or more than one studio, check here for a layout of prices for monthly memberships to ClassPass, which gives you access to hundreds of studios (and not just yoga!) nationwide.

Where should you try out yoga? Although I’m going to discuss just three of my favorites, I’ve included a lengthy list of yoga studios at the end of this post. Some I have tried and some I haven’t, so make sure you tag @crave_columbus in your posts when you visit!

Studio #1: Modo Yoga

Location: 1042 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH (Grandview area)
Membership Price: $99 for unlimited monthly membership
Classes Offered: Click here for classes and more info
Tip: Modo offers $5 Drop-In classes every Sunday at 3:30pm and Wednesday at 6:00am open to everyone. Get there early because they fill up quick!

Although not the very first studio I visited, I still hold Modo Yoga very near and dear to my heart because this was the location where I reached that “ah-ha” moment and found my yoga practice for what it truly was. Absolutely no technology is allowed in the 105 degree yoga room, allowing you to completely unplug from your life during class. The experienced instructors lead each class with a soothing voice, encouraging you to explore deeper holds and increase focus on yourself. 6am classes in the early wintertime rock, because you can watch the sunrise through their eastern facing window halfway through your class. My favorite in the city!

Snack #1: Early Morning Class

Did the 6am $5 Drop-In class at Modo catch your eye? Most likely, you won’t have anything in your stomach before getting to class. Afterwards, grab a banana and a handful of almonds to fill up with a little healthy fat balanced with some protein before you start the rest of your day.

Yoga Studio #2: Yoga Six

Location: 1600 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH
Membership Price: $119 for unlimited monthly membership
Classes Offered: Click here for classes and more info
Tip: As a part of their monthly membership plan, Yoga Six also offers “Bootcamp” classes—45 minutes of a fast paced workout. This class incorporates cardio, weight lifting, and anything your instructor wants to throw at you in order to kick your butt!

I had to include Yoga Six in my list of three just so I could gush about their diversity of classes. For those times when you’re crazy sore from a workout the night before and need to relax, Deep Stretch is for you. The class is an hour long, and each instructor is sure to ask what area of your body needs the most focus. If it’s quads, they will be sure to incorporate stretches to stretch and massage that muscle group. Other varying yoga classes include Vinyasa, Flow, Power Yoga, and Hot Yoga. A little something for everyone!

Snack #2: Right after Work

Personally, I am SO BAD at 5:30pm classes. All I think about before, during, and after my yoga flow is what I’m having for dinner. I can’t concentrate! For those of you that love getting sweaty right before dinnertime, whipping up a rice bowl with a nut or tahini based sauce filled with lots of veggies for dinner will do the trick. Click here for a recipe of my Salmon Avocado Bowl with Peanut Butter Sauce.

Yoga Studio #3: Studio 543

Location: 543 S High St, Columbus, OH (German Village)
Membership Price: $95 for unlimited monthly membership
Classes Offered: Click here for classes and more info
Tip: This studio has a “New Client Special”, 2 weeks for only $25!

Aesthetic. Vibe. Atomsphere. Mood. Ambiance.

Whatever you wanna call it, Studio 543 has it. Soft, calming music plays in the background to accompany the dimly lit candles as the class follows their instructor through a series of poses in the Hot Vinyasa classes. The studio is tucked away on the second floor above Victory’s Bar on High Street in the heart of the Brewery District. Although my very first class I attended was challenging, our instructor Julie (FYI: also a fantastic instructor at Cycle 614 and mom to an adorable Bernie!) calmly guided us through each pose with patience. At the end of class you’re encouraged to relax in whatever pose you find most comfortable, and the instructor will come around to each yogi to stretch out any tight muscles and will place a cool towel on the back of your neck. Talk about a relaxing end to a sweaty yoga sesh!

Snack #3: Saturday Morning

I don’t know about you, but I am STARVING after a Saturday morning yoga class. During the summer, the only thing that will satiate my hunger is a massive superfood smoothie bowl from Native Cold Pressed, which is just a short drive away from Studio 543. Yum.