New to Seattle? Try yoga.
Looking for a community? Try yoga.
Want to get healthier? Try yoga.
It’s Seattle’s thing—or rather, one of Seattle’s many things, because our city has a lot going for it. According to Forbes, Seattle ranks as the #2 yoga city in America.
Seattle-area residents are 46% more likely to do yoga than the general population. It’s one of five cities where Yoga to the People operates, a studio that provides classes at very low prices to combat yoga’s rising costs (New York, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Tampa are the others). The Seattle Mariners have been using yoga in their training since 1991.
We created a list of free beginner yoga lessons. Wherever you might live in Seattle, you’re not far from an introduction to the Northwest’s world of yoga.
1) Seattle Center Fitness Programs (Lower Queen Anne)
- When: June 18 – August 20, 2014; Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Seattle Center; Exhibition Hall Lawn, north of International Fountain and next to covered walkway
- Cost: FREE
Gentle Yoga is a class for everyone, no matter what age or fitness level. Gently stretch your body, and breathe your stress away while having fun. This class will focus on fluid movements to increase range of motion and increase joint and muscle flexibility. Beginners will learn the basics of Hatha Yoga, which is the physical practice, and all will have an opportunity to feel challenged and enjoy lots of fresh air. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Website: http://www.seattlecenter.com/fitness/
2) The Samarya Center (Central District)
- When: Summer 2014, Sundays 10:30 – 11:30, from June 22 – Sept 21
- Where: Pratt Park
- Cost: FREE
The Samarya Center will offer free yoga classes in the park this summer.
Classes will be one hour from 10:30-11:30, Sundays at Pratt Park. Just look for The Samarya Yoga banner and a bunch of other yogis.
The Center also offers a free public lecture and community gathering every Sunday.
- When: Sundays; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Where: The Samarya Center; 1710 S. Jackson St Suite 201, Seattle, WA, 98144
- Cost: FREE
This is an opportunity to learn more about yoga philosophy and topics relevant to yoga practice, study and individual transformation as a means to radical social change. This is a free event, open to all, and is a wonderful chance to get to know other Samarya Yoga students and community. Simple potluck items to share are joyfully encouraged!
Website: http://www.samaryacenter.org
3) Whole Life Yoga (Greenwood)
- When: Select Sundays (June 8, August 3) 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
- Where: 8551 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
- Cost: FREE
Would you like to try yoga for the first time or are you looking for a new studio? If so, please drop by for a free introductory class at our beautiful studio and begin to experience the relaxing, balancing effects of yoga. This class includes an introduction to basic yoga movements, an explanation of the benefits of yoga, and a chance to visit our studio in Phinney/Greenwood. Free herbal tea, mats, and all equipment are provided. This class is designed for first time students at Whole Life Yoga. Please arrive 15 – 20 minutes prior to class and dress to move freely.
Website: http://www.wholelifeyoga.com
4) 8 Limbs Yoga (West Seattle)
- When: First Monday of every month; 4:30 – 5:45PM
- Where: 4546 1/2 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- Cost: FREE
Gentle Yoga is a class focused on rejuvenating and healing the body. This class includes gentle stretches, breathing, relaxation, and simple movements to increase range of motion of the major joints. Gentle Yoga is appropriate for seniors or for students who simply prefer to move at a slower pace.
Website: http://www.8limbsyoga.com
5) The Seattle Yoga Meetup Group (Everywhere)
- When: Varies
- Where: Varies
- Cost: Varies
Check the Meetup page to find news about new yoga events around Seattle. The events are often free, and many are perfect for beginners. At the time of writing this, the Meetup group had 616 members and has hosted 205 events.
Meet other Seattlites who practice/teach all kinds of yoga (vinyasa, bikram, hatha, hot, ashtanga, power, acro etc.), discuss yoga philosophy, learn sanskrit. Teachers can promote their classes and share their insights. Students can share insights with others, learn about different yoga styles and studios.
Website: http://www.meetup.com/seattleyoga/
Once you get the hang of basic yoga, there are about fifty ways to keep advancing. Specialized classes, hot yoga, paddleboard yoga. Yes, paddleboard yoga is a real thing. There’s a whole world of yoga here in Seattle, and the summer is the best time to try it out.
Here are tips for your first time: http://www.8limbsyoga.com/yoga-classes-faq.php
