Yoga is not a workout. Repeat: Yoga is not a workout. People who aspire for the sleek Gwenyth abs, the uber-sculpted Madonna arms, saunter into studios that offer racks of $400 Marc Jacobs mat bags, ready to kick their new-year’s resolution body into shape, and after time, they realize they’ve been tricked. Yoga is a life practice – how you live life off the mat – and this is the kind of pragmatic, yet inspiring philosophy you’ll hear at Virayoga, a minimalist Anusara yoga studio, that has developed a a devoted following in the four years they’ve been in business. Hidden away from the chic couture shops and industrial-chic buldings that swarm Soho streets, you’ll find the scene at Virayoga free from pretension and attitude.

Enter the 2,000 square foot studio billowing with light, and you’ll encounter a friendly front desk staff, minimal hocking of trendy yoga wares, and a class that is focused and precise. Sure you’ll leave having gotten your workout grove on, however, don’t be surprised when a little Tantra philosophy sneaks in.

Anusara is incredibly challenging not only in the sense of settling into difficult poses for longer breaths (an elegant, concise alignment practice), on the physical level, it also (through the Tantric philosophy) consistently encourages you to find your own uniqueness, to identify all the tough dark spaces, to label them, to not be so quick to run away from them, but find a way to balance a life where this darkness inevitably lives.

A heart-centered practice, it looks to 5 principles of alignment that bring you into each pose. there is never a finished pose – there are permutations and variations, and a community that supports different styles and bodies is key. All the while encouraging you to rock your little self out.

Tip: Elena Brower’s (owner), classes are always jam-packed. Arrive at least a half-hour prior to class time. We’re not kidding. Also check out Zhenja & Julie’s classes as well.

Virayoga
580 Broadway
[betw Prince & Houston]
Suite 1109
New York, NY 10012
212.334.9960

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