Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness
Under new ownership since November, 2009, Kimberly Blaine transformed the established Yoga studio formerly called Robyn’s Energy in Motion into PALOS VERDES YOGA AND FITNESS. The reinvented fitness center hosts a full schedule of classes from various Yoga styles for all levels including Vinyasa flow, Yoga for athletes and children, and Yin and Restorative Yoga.
“I hope to provide people with a light-hearted and accepting approach to their Yoga practice as well as their lives,” says studio owner Blaine. Additionally, Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness offers cardio, Zumba, Pilates and even the new craze in fitness, Kangoo jumping classes that will help tone and sculpt your body while burning calories and shedding off some pounds. “We’re changing lives and creating a community of like-minded individuals on their journey to a greater existence,” Blaine says. “Our students can get a variety of exercise in one local spot, and they are the people who appreciate that they don’t have to wait on machines, sign a contract, worry about sanitation and all those other issues with the larger fitness centers,” she says. Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness also provides the local middle and high school athletes with special programs designed particularly for their sport. And to wind down after class, indulge in a massage offered in the back room. This Palos Verdes fitness center is fully equipped with classes for active lovers of all types, a relaxation room and even a boutique full of great gift ideas. Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness, 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West #104, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. palosverdesyogaandfitness.com –– Melissa Chua
Spacious New Studio In The Valley
Rooted in the San Fernando Valley, Julie Buckner and her business partner Clare Kramer decided to open up a Yoga studio in Valley Village. “This location is an organic extension of my interest in sharing this practice and serving this community,” says Buckner. “Big, bold and beautiful, INYOGA CENTER is bringing more of the Yoga lifestyle experience to the San Fernando Valley,” she says.
Formerly Dutton’s Bookstore, the new Yoga center introduces an eclectic mix of daily classes and weekend workshops for students of all levels. Although the new studio specializes in a Vinyasa flow practice, InYoga’s teachers bring a diverse background of experience and training in many Yoga traditions, influences and disciplines, which include Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Kundalini and Shadow Yoga. Children can also work on developing their concentration, coordination and balance by holding kid-friendly poses, playing games and singing in InYoga’s “K-Flow” 45-minute sessions. Designed with maple wood floors and high ceilings, InYoga’s open and spacious practice room is the largest in the Valley. InYoga features spa-like bathrooms for men and women, complete with changing areas and showers. Shop for new Yoga wear and gear or peruse through books, locally-designed clothing and accessories. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, grab a snack and beverage, and make it a day at InYoga. InYoga Center, Inc., 5142 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Valley Village, CA 91607. inyogacenter.com— Melissa Chua
North Hollywood gets a taste of The Jade Apple
As a former belly dance teacher at Yoga Groove in North Hollywood, Jenn Lucene finally fulfilled her aspirations to open up her own studio reestablishing the familiar space as THE JADE APPLE. “It is my dream come true to be of service to the community by offering the gift of health and well-being,” Lucene says. “I find joy in teaching women to celebrate movement and to empower themselves to embrace their bodies.” she says. The Jade Apple offers Vinyasa, Anusara, Kundalini, Iyengar, and gentle and Restorative Yoga for all levels, but extends their class schedule to include dance, chant, meditation and other healing practices.
“The meaning of the name, The Jade Apple, is simple,” says Lucene. Since the jade gemstone represents serenity, wisdom, balance and healing powers, Lucene believes these qualities support a healthy spiritual practice. “(And) just like eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away, Yoga can imbue the same healing effects.” Let The Jade Apple help you expand your practice, explore your mind and tap into a stronger more creative and spiritually-centered you. Join The Jade Apple family for tea and apples after class. The Jade Apple, 10502 Magnolia Blvd. NoHo Arts District, 91601. jadeappleyoga.com. –– Melissa Chua
Yoga for Your Dosha
According to an Ayurvedic approach, modifying the practice to suit the needs of our bodies for the cycle in our life, time of the day and the season provides great benefit and a way to fine-tune the technique. In Orange County, THE HEALING GARDENS OF AYURVEDA have been offering Ayurvedic consultations, therapies, classes and more and now they’ve created an inviting space for Yoga and are offering targeted classes. Sujata Shah and Dr. Ram Tamang prescreen individuals to determine their specific body type and imbalances in order to make appropriate class recommendations. Classes are taught by Simon “Karta” Ballard, Holly Reed and Matthew Spencer. According to Shah, this type of practice allows students to integrate both their Yoga practice and their pursuit of health through Ayurveda. For the full schedule, visit: thehealingardens.com. The Healing Gardens, 243 17th Street, Suite 102, Costa Mesa, CA. 92627. (949) 515 – 4855. Thehealingardens.com –– Felicia M. Tomasko
Melissa Chua is a professional writer who graduated with a degree in journalism from CSU-Northridge. She scouts out the LA Yoga community when she’s not traveling overseas scouting the world: m.chua13@gmail.com.
By Melissa Chua
