The Pacific Northwest is the perfect destination for the adventurer’s heart. Whether you’re the type of person who wants to hike every trail or prefers to spend your weekends out on a kayak, we have plenty of options that will let you reconnect with nature. And while these activities are ideal for staying active, it’s always a good idea to find supplemental ways to build up your endurance on days when you don’t feel like hitting the trail. Over the past few decades, yoga has become increasingly popular for people who want to feel their best. On top of providing an exceptional workout, yoga allows you to connect with yourself by studying the different ways your body moves. Plus, it can be a pretty darn relaxing way to spend an hour of your week. If you’ve been looking for the best place to build your practice, I’d love to tell you about Bala Yoga in Kirkland. This innovative center makes it easy to get a fulfilling workout.
Since its founding in 2010, Bala Yoga has curated airy yoga studios that invite you to close your eyes and focus on your practice. They heat all the classrooms to 85 degrees to improve circulation and increase flexibility. Because the temperature is lower than what you’d find at a hot yoga studio, beginners can move freely without breaking too much of a sweat.
And while they love creating warm atmospheres for their classes, Bala understands that a knowledgeable teacher is key to a good practice. The studio features experienced teachers who create a calming environment that welcomes every student. The studio gives the teachers creative control over their classrooms. The teachers choose all the music so they can create a playlist that suits the style of their classes best.
The studio strives to be a space where students of all levels feel welcome. They provide affordable beginner’s rates that let you try out the classes before purchasing a membership. All the teachers are available before and after classes, so you can ask them any questions you might have. The website sets clear expectations for every class so you can feel prepared before entering the studio. With the various styles at each location, you can sample different classes until you find the right place.
Bala provides both in-person and virtual yoga classes as well as barre. While you can find them in Fremont and Sammamish, my favorite location is in Kirkland at 9750 NE 119th Way. While there, you can check out their tea lounge, retail boutique, and on-tap kombucha. Bala Yoga in Kirkland has free parking.
Bala provides yoga classes created for a wide range of skill levels. If you’re just beginning, you’ll love their Foundations class. This course focuses on ensuring you have a solid basis for your practice. It’s ideal for all experience levels and works slowly through the moves, so you never feel left behind. You’ll hold every pose longer than one breath so you can focus on your technique. The teacher will break down each move and explain the benefits. They’ll provide modifications if you need them.
Their Restorative course lets you take your time as you move between poses and invites you to relax to connect to your practice. You’ll use supportive props throughout. Similarly, the Yin Yoga class encourages you to focus inward so your practice can grow physically and mentally. The class is mainly made up of floor poses you’ll hold for a long time so you can unwind.
Check out their Flow course if you’re looking for something more challenging. This one is available to all experience levels. The moves are more fluid, and you’ll quickly move from one pose to the next for an energetic workout. The studios for these courses are kept at 90 degrees, so you can add a little extra heat.
Bala Movement increases the speed so you can improve your strength and balance. And for those wanting something with a little extra flavor, their Bala Beats class focuses on moving along to the music. You and your classmates will spend an hour connecting as you dance along to carefully selected song choices.
Bala has expanded its practice to include Barre classes. This popular workout incorporates ballet moves and a dance barre to give you a unique total body workout. The studios open the classroom 10-15 minutes before the classes start so you can walk around and familiarize yourself with the space. They recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothes, and while they ask you to bring grip socks, they sell them in the store just in case you can’t find any.
Beyond their classes, the studios host several events to deepen your practice. Throughout the summer, you can find free yoga classes in Gasworks Park, where you can join your community for outdoor sessions. All you need to bring is your mat, some water, and any gear you think might be helpful.
The Kirkland location will also regularly feature breathwork classes. For two hours, experts guide you as you strengthen your breathing for your practice. These classes tap into the emotional and physical benefits of deep breathing. You’ll leave understanding more about yourself so you’re ready the next time you hit the mat.
You can reconnect with yourself by incorporating a regular yoga practice while building up your endurance. At Bala Yoga in Kirkland, everyone is welcome to bring a mat, close their eyes, and experience the benefits of the practice firsthand.
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