If you like vinyasa (or 'flow') yoga, Shakti Vinyasa on Market Street in Ballard is my top pick in Seattle. Studio owner Lisa Black was a long-time instructor at 8 Limbs in Wedgood before striking... More

If you like vinyasa (or 'flow') yoga, Shakti Vinyasa on Market Street in Ballard is my top pick in Seattle. Studio owner Lisa Black was a long-time instructor at 8 Limbs in Wedgood before striking out on her own about a year ago. In a very short time, she's created a warm, welcoming studio with a great team of instructors. Lisa's studio has a loose affiliation with well-known instructor Baron Baptiste, and her teaching style is similar, blending traditional yoga poses and discipline with a powerful, flow-oriented sequencing and pacing. Classes can be meditative, but you should also expect a solid, full-body workout. Also, unlike some other studios around town, Shakti has great practice spaces - with high ceilings, warm colors and great light. Finally, if you're looking for a good excuse to go abroad, Lisa also runs annual week-long clinics every February at Maya Tulum in Mexico. (See my article on traveling to Tulum to get my take on the area -- it's another personal favorite).
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