In Astoria, Yoga is probably one of the most popular forms of exercise, and it also serves as a way to center oneself in this hectic city. Here are some places where you can get your Yoga "OM" on, right here in Astoria.
1. The Giving Tree Yoga Studio
The Giving Tree, founded in 2009 by former Rock instructor Anne-Margaret Redding and her husband Anthony, provides yoga instruction and more. Various kinds of yoga traditions are taught here - Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini - and the studio operates 7 days a week.
Special classes for beginners, expecting moms (prenatal), and child-parent are also offered. Candlelight and community yoga (donation-based) sessions take place, along with a variety of other core-strengthening and flow-based classes. Drop-ins are welcome, and price packages are also available.
You can even get a massage here. Therapists are skilled in shiatsu, deep tissue, Swedish, and Thai stretching techniques.
Giving Tree Yoga Studio, 22-56 31st St, Astoria, NY, 718-728-0110
2. Creative Vibrations Yoga Studio
Creative Vibrations' mission is simple: "[our] vision is to create an urban sanctuary in Astoria, Queens, to uplift, empower and inspire the local community to practice Yoga." The yoga studio offers a number of classes for beginners, as well as classes in restorative yoga, yoga as meditation, and prenatal yoga, not to mention advanced yoga teacher training. They also teach bellydancing and Zumba. Pricing for classes range from $10 for an early morning class to $1,000 for a year of unlimited classes.
Creative Vibrations Studio 22-55 31st St, 2nd Fl, Suite 200, Astoria, NY, 347-345-6095
3. The Yoga Room
(c) The Yoga Room
The Yoga Room has two locations - one in Astoria and one in Long Island City. Therea are classes offered in hot yoga, Vinyasa, and Anusara (a kind of Hatha yoga). Prenatal yoga and "Mommy and Me" yoga are also part of their schedule. $10 community classes are offered in both locations, and apart from that, pricing ranges from $85 for 5 classes, to $1,400 for a yearly unlimited membership. There are many pricing options in between.
Through "charity classes" The Yoga Room raises funds for foundations dedicated to working with at risk children, adults and companion animals.
The Yoga Room Astoria, 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY 718-274-0255
The Yoga Room LIC, 0-14 47 Rd, Long Island City, NY, 718-786-7962
4. Yoga Agora
Yoga Agora is different than the other yoga studios, in that it offer the highest number of community classes at the least expensive rates. In their words, "We strive to make yoga accessible and affordable." All classes are $5 unless specified otherwise. The donation-based classes are offered in the early morning (M-F) and mid afternoon (7 days a week). They even offer one class in Spanish!
Vinyasa yoga is the only yoga tradition taught in Yoga Agora's classes, most of which last 75 minutes; donation-based classes are an hour. Mat rental is $1.
Yoga Agora, 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria, NY, 718-626-0680
5. Socrates Yoga
Free yoga is offered at Socrates Sculpture Park from May to September each year, via its Fitness Programs series. Kripalu yoga, a kind of Hatha yoga, is taught in a beautiful waterfront setting. There are two one-hour sessions on Saturdays; bring a mat.
Socrates Yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY, 718-956-1819