When Chigusa Saga was teaching at Chakra Yoga in Koreatown, she had no idea that one day the space would eventually become where she would open her own yoga studio. Yoga Whale, which is located in the heart of LA’s Koreatown on Wilshire Blvd. is a 3,000 square foot studio tucked away in a corner of a large multi-business building. Chigusa Saga began practicing yoga in the year 2000 after a trip to India inspired her to pursue her practice. A native of Japan, Saga moved to Los Angeles to go to college and then began teaching yoga at various studios. When she learned that Chakra Yoga would be closing its doors, she decided to make her dream a reality and take over the space. One month after Chakra Yoga closed in January 2015, Yoga Whale began offering classes in Koreatown.

Saga was inspired to name her studio Yoga Whale because she is an avid swimmer and surfer and she loves the curvature and graceful movement of whales.  Saga’s goal is to keep the classes and feel of Yoga Whale at a small and personal scale.  She says that most of her students are students from Chakra Yoga and also people who work and live in the neighborhood.

Yoga Whale’s classes are suitable for all levels and ages and Saga typically fuses techniques from Kundalini, Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative with meditation. She is planning to incorporate more restorative and therapeutic practices into her classes. Right now, classes are offered morning, afternoon and evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Saga hopes to add more classes and times in the near future.

3550 Wilshire Blvd Suite 124, Los Angeles, CA 90010

213-807-6454 yogawhale.com

by Brianna Armour

Briana Armour

The post Yoga Whale Yoga Studio, Koreatown appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

One Down Dog, Eagle Rock, owner Jessica Rosen’s first yoga studio, One Down Dog-Silverlake, opened a year ago. Although she wasn’t actively looking to open another studio, she knew immediately when the space was made available she had to take it.

Rosen came up with the name One Down Dog as a reminder to take life one day—or one downward dog—at a time. Dogs are more than simply poses at One Down Dog; the muse for the logo is four-legged Patrick, a studio regular who happens to be Jessica and husband Daniel’s dog. Patrick often has company as students are welcome to bring their pets to class.

Rosen’s objective was to “create a yoga studio with a sense of community where people felt at home.” To encourage this atmosphere, the teachers teach at both studios and are also students in the One Down Dog community.

The graffiti-painted walls at both the Eagle Rock and Silver Lake studios have an urban feel; Rosen prefers a soundtrack of hip hop and electronica and allows other teachers to share their own sonic vibe. Some of the popular classes include Sweat, a high energy combination of yoga, cardio, and dance; and Chill, with a focus on relaxation. The seven daily classes also include an option for kids.

One Down Dog-Eagle Rock

2150 Colorado Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90041

onedowndog.com

323-344-DOWN (3696)

By Briana Armour, a yoga student and writer.

Briana Armour

The post One Down Dog Yoga Studio Opening appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.