10 Ways to Enjoy Yoga in Charlotte
In Charlotte, you can find yoga studios and fitness centers that offer a variety of styles that both beginner and seasoned yogis will enjoy.
by Renee Jullen
Yoga has been a popular way to nourish the mind and strengthen the body for generations.
Rooted in Indian philosophy, this practice has spawned many popular styles like Ashtanga, along with Vinyasa, Yin and hot yoga. Each approach targets the body differently — Vinyasa is fast flowing sequence, while Yin yoga is very slow. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine and your overall lifestyle can be beneficial when it comes to promoting relaxation, stress management and mindfulness.
Okra Yoga Studio
Location: Plaza Midwood
Yoga Level: All levels
Okra Yoga Studio offers flexible class packages that cover a broad range of practices like Yin Yoga, Rocket and Primal Yoga. An interesting mixed-level class that targets strengthening, flexibility and injury prevention is Chillax Yoga, which can be practiced by yogis of all ages. After your yoga session, Okra also offers massage services that even include soul alignment, sacred sound healing and prenatal variations. For safety, Okra now also offers livestream and outdoor classes aside from its usual indoor sessions.
Charlotte Family Yoga
Location: Concord
Yoga Level: All levels
For those looking for regular at-home yoga workouts, Charlotte Family Yoga offers digital classes. Registered CFYC instructors teach a variety of flows online, aside from their usual in-person offerings. If you want to get your kids into yoga, Charlotte Family Yoga also offers Kids Play classes for children aged 3-9.
Be Yoga
Location: Citywide
Yoga Level: Moderate
If you prefer practicing with others, Be Yoga offers outdoor public classes. Attendees can select their preferred class on the online schedule before paying a minimum of $10. Classes are open to all levels but instructors do note that most classes require a degree of exertion.
YWCA of Charlotte
Location: Myers Park
Yoga Level: All levels
This is a great option for those on a budget! The YWCA of Charlotte offers free fitness classes for all its members. At the YWCA, you can even purchase a family membership for only $80 a month. Yoga classes at this studio are co-ed but limited to eight students per session for safety and better instruction. Aside from Vinyasa and Yoga Flow, the YWCA also has Aqua Yoga that uses buoyancy to cushion joints.
Y2 Yoga
Location: Dilworth & Cotswold
Yoga Level: Moderate to Experienced
If you’re tired of the same old yoga, Y2 may be the studio for you. Unlike most studios, Y2’s heated studios play loud music during classes. In their signature Y2 Yoga power classes, students can expect a dynamic flow that relies on cardio, strength and flexibility. Of course, if hot yoga isn’t your thing, Y2 Straight Shot classes are typically done at around 80-84 degrees. In 2021, they opened their second Y2 Yoga branch in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte.
Roper Physical Therapy
Location: South End
Yoga Level: All Levels
If you’re looking for more functional and integrated yoga, Roper Physical Therapy specializes in Medical Therapeutic Yoga delivered by licensed medical professionals. These sessions are ideal for athletes or those with chronic pain. Each class is limited to eight students to allow for individualized instruction and adjustment. Roper Physical Therapy also offers customizable yoga classes for sports teams, corporate groups and students.
On Track Yoga
Location: Mount Holly
Yoga Level: Moderate to Experienced
With more vigorously paced classes, On Track Yoga can satisfy more experienced yogis. Classes like Ashtanga Elements and Elemental Vinyasa Flow include more advanced poses and longer holds per session. Of course, there are also classes for all levels like their Yoga Ease, which features gentle flowing movement ideal for rehabilitation and stretching. Those looking for a little extra in their practice can also pre-register for the Aerial yoga classes that involve a suspended sling to increase strength, alignment and spinal support.
River Flow Holistic
Location: Carmel
Yoga Level: All levels
A self-described “cosmic energy center,” River Flow Holistic teaches classes that concentrate on healing, awareness and balance. Aside from yoga, like-minded practices such as Korean Ki Gong and Tai Chi are also taught here. Before starting any training, River Flow suggests taking their Virtual Private 5 Elements Evaluation to assess energy balance, stress level, breathing and nutritional needs. Their holistic yoga classes last about an hour per session and are open to all participants.
Om Yoga
Location: Fort Mill
Yoga Level: All levels
Om Yoga offers a wide variety of classes for all ages and life stages. Teachers here are specialized in ashtanga, power flow and slow-and-stretch styles, but there are also more “mixed” classes that marry different styles. Aside from in-person and online classes, Om Yoga also offers private classes that can be one-on-one or four-to-one. Yoga enthusiasts will be pleased to know they also offer teacher training and birthday packages.
Tiny Blooms Yoga
Location: Huntersville
Yoga Level: All levels
With a specialization in prenatal, postnatal and kids yoga, Tiny Blooms Yoga uses the practice to teach stillness, bonding and confidence. Tiny Blooms Yoga has enforced safety guidelines for in-person classes that include reserving slots, bringing your own mat, and using specific access points. Zoom classes are now an online option for those at home, too.
Currently, there are an estimated 300 million yoga practitioners around the world—36 million of whom are American. If you’ve not tried it yet, now is the perfect time to start as more studios are starting to offer plenty of options for yogis from all walks of life!
