Spotlight on the Philadelphia Yoga Scene — where to take yoga class, who to take class with and what to do in between.
It all started here, in the “City of Brotherly Love”, with the union of the Founding Fathers signing the Constitution. The Liberty Bell and the statue of William Penn that sits atop City Hall Tower are subtle reminders that Philadelphia was the nation’s first capital. When you’ve had your fill of 18th century sites, drop by one of the city’s many gardens or museums, or join devoted Philly fans to cheer on the the Eagles, the Flyers, and the Phillies, all of which have some major post-season presence. Then step onto your yoga mat to unite mind, body and spirit, because Philadelphia has plenty of places to practice!
Where to Practice:
Dhyana Yoga
Dhyana Vitarelli, Dhyana Yoga’s founder, opened the first studio in 2002 with pink flyers that asked for more yogis than hoagies. Today her five flourishing studios offer abundance for everyone, with over one hundred classes a week that cater to all types of Philadelphia yogis (from beginners to advanced, in disciplines as varied as Ashtanga to AcroYoga). Days at Dhyana are packed, with classes starting as early as 7 a.m. and going as late as 10:30 p.m., while weekends boast a myriad of in-depth studies and creative workshops.
Wake Up Yoga
Wake Up Yoga’s two studios are warm and welcoming. Director Corina Benner creates a sacred space where the Philadelphia community can take a break from urban chaos. Challenge yourself to surrender by ending or beginning the day with Yintense, a deeply receptive and meditative class where floor asanas are held for five minute intervals. Want to bring yoga to your workspace? Wake Up Yoga has a Corporate Yoga program.
Jai Yoga
Jai Yoga is an intimate, eclectic studio, run by co-owners Erica Bleznak and Julie Pogachefsky, that offers a menu of different classes (Ashtanga, Pranakriya, Vinyasa, Hatha, and Iyengar). Experienced teachers share their grace and creativity with the community, and more often than not, classes are accompanied by live music. Afterwards realign your ki with one of Jai Yoga’s Reiki masters. Want a private session? Word on the street is that Jai Yoga offers the most privates in the country (70+ a week)!
“At Jai Yoga we practice the unpredictability of life,” says co-owner Erica Bleznak. “Asana becomes a backdrop. We don’t just get on our mats and move our bodies. Instead, it becomes a doorway to all the other aspects of yoga.”
Philly Power Yoga
Steve Gold, longtime Baron Baptiste student and owner of Philly Power Yoga, brings a practice of strength, sweat, and intention to the Philadelphia community with open level Power Yoga classes that help students identify and correct the pressures the Western world puts on the body. At Philly Power spiritual fitness is reached by reconnecting with the authentic self — in and out of the studio space.
Practice Yoga Studio
Practice Yoga Studio is solid, no frills yoga. Ellen Greenberg, founder and director, opened the studio in 2002 with an emphasis on proper body alignment. And now the schedule is full of Iyengar-esque classes separated into three levels to challenge yogis through strength, flexibility, and balance on the path to deeper mental and physical awareness.
Who to Practice With:
Joan White
Joan White, certified by B.K.S. Iyengar, has been studying with the Iyengar family for 38 years, making annual visits to Prune, India ,where the family resides. Having suffered two serious horse-riding accidents (the first of which brought her yoga), Joan draws from her own experience and personal practice. Her style is succinct, direct, and true to tradition, and she shares all that she has learned with her students.
Dhyana Vitarelli
Dhyana Vitarelli’s first intention with yoga was to quell her busy lifestyle, but then her practice enabled her to persevere through difficulties in her life. After more than a decade in California, where she received extensive training (with ashtangi Tim Miller and Kundalini master Yogi Bhajan), Dhyana is back home, as the founder of Dhyana Yoga.
“There are so many people who have yet to even try yoga, so many different kinds of students to turn on,” says Dhyana. “I pour my heart into every moment, every word, and every interaction and am fully committed to always studying, always practicing, and always getting better. Ultimately, I TRUST THE YOGA!”
John Vitarelli
While studying to be a chef, John Vitarelli practiced self-taught yoga aided by the book “Sivananda Companion to Yoga,” a gift from his sister. He continued to study and practice until 2002 when he was formally trained and immersed in Yoga Arts at Dhyana Yoga. Recently married to Dhyana Vitarelli, John teaches full time, enjoying the ultimate merge of work and play.
“People around here are hungry for something healthy to turn to and for a community to hang out with,” says John. “I see students coming into class everyday and leaving happier, and over time making healthier choices. Teachers and students, we all practice together, sweat it out together, and then hang out together. Along the way a family has formed.”
Alexandra Holmes
Alexandra Holmes, dog lover and dancer, started her yoga career as a way to cross train for rehearsals. Alex now teaches globally — workshops, retreats, and assists her teacher Shiva Rea. At home in Philly, she teaches classes at Dhyana Yoga, choreographed flow sequences that are as interesting as they are anatomically sound. Check her website to see where she’ll be next!
“The practitioners in Philly know how to have a good time,” says Alex. “They are curious, appreciative, and they work hard and play hard. There was just a small community when I moved here nine years ago, and now it’s booming!”
Simon Park
His home base is in Philadelphia, but Simon Park is part of the global yoga community, frequently on the road teaching students to find their flow of energy through movement and self-awareness. Since his first yoga class at UCLA with Shiva Rea, Simon has studied with other yoga greats such as Dharma Mittra, Maty Ezraty, and Joan White. Named one of Yoga Journal’s next generation yoga teachers, Simon infuses his varied styles of yoga, martial arts, and Thai massage into his vinyasa flow classes.
Yoga Happenings Year Round:
Do Yoga Philly
Four days and four nights of yoga workshops and a whole lotta bliss — Do Yoga Philly, the city’s premier yoga festival, happens every spring.
Yoga on the Steps
Every spring join 1500 people to do Yoga On the Steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum to raise awareness about healthy living and promote Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s mission to help women take an active role their recovery.
Yoga at 1500 Locust
Take your down dog up (45 stories) to the sun deck with Marlene and Ed Nawrocki of Nawrocki Fittness as they lead class outside at 1500 Locust. Yoga, live bongos, the sweeping skyline — you can’t ask for much more!
Philly Area Yoga
Stay in the yoga know with Philly Area Yoga’s blog.
Yoga Living
Pick up Yoga Living, the area’s free, quarterly yoga magazine at your local health food store, studio or train station.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, bite into arguably one of the best sandwiches in the country — the infamous Philly Cheese Steak, if you were wondering. The debate continues. Pat’s or Geno’s?
