Yoga & Pilates in Los Angeles

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Yoga & Pilates

Los Angeles has nearly as many yoga studios as coffee shops, and most of them are quite good. You'll find schools teaching a variety of styles, including the athletic ashtanga (aka "power yoga"), flowing vinyasa, meditative breathing and stretching classes for senior citizens, pre- and postnatal workouts, and yoga for children; but most schools emphasize one particular style. Some do have more spiritual orientations than others, but this is kept generally low-key. Yoga Journal (www.yogajournal.com) is an excellent source of information for finding studios as well as yoga retreats and more information.

Ganga (Frank) White founded Center for Yoga (230 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd., Hancock Park. 323/464-1276) in 1967. To this day it stays true to his vision of integrating various strands of hatha yoga, such as Iyengar, anusara, ashtanga, and vinyasa. Golden Bridge (6322 De Longpre Ave., Hollywood. 323/936-4172. www.goldenbridgeyoga.com) is centered on the teachings of Gurmukh Khalsa, whose approach to kundalini yoga stresses the mind-body connection (yoga for expectant moms is a specialty). Sacred Movement (245 S. Main St., Venice. 310/450-7676) has a meditative feel without being prescriptively spiritual. Kundalini master Yogi Bhajan has made the focus of Yoga West (1535 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. 310/552-4647) meditation, breathing, and asanas (poses). A large faculty and schedule help make Yoga Works (1426 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 310/393-5150) live up to its name; friendly staffers will help you choose from among classes in ashtanga, Iyengar, and "Yoga Works Style" (combining elements of these with vinyasa).

Pilates

Many gyms offer Pilates on their regular class schedules, and studios specializing in this gentle-on-the-joints program operate in just about every neighborhood.