In a city where flyers advertising yoga studios lay beside vendors selling fake Gucci handbags on the sidewalks of Soho, it is exceedingly difficult to discern the real thing amidst the imposters. A studio that stresses principles of alignment, places a distinct focus on breath instead of the fanfare and confetti of gym billboards toting sun-kissed blondes in shiny lame tube tops squeaking, “No Pain, No Gain!” is what makes Virayoga, the new Soho-based yoga studio such a delectable find. Under the direction of Elena Brower, her and her team of experienced teachers will lead you through challenging asanas and principles of alignment in a warm environment free of pretension. A student of John Friend and a teacher for over four years, Elena's teaching encourages self-celebration; on a physical level through challenging, vigorous yet playful practices, and spiritually through ancient as well as modern teachings shared liberally with her students.

Entering the 2,000+ square foot studio, the atmosphere is spacious and comforting with high billowing ceilings and distressed hard wood floors. The studio is efficiently run by friendly staff who provides relief after one’s stressful workday through speedy service with literally, a smile. The room swells with natural light – a playful irony when Elena or various teachers encourage students to “shine” through various poses. While you find a spot to plop your mat, you hear soothing music with Indian, Asian and African roots. However, just the other day, I found myself listening to soft 1940's music. It was as if I was in some sea side provincial cafe in France -- only it was a yoga studio on Broadway and Prince.

Virayoga offers classes for all levels whether you are just starting your practice or you seek teacher certification at convenient times (studio is closed on Fridays for special events). “Open” classes that encourage attendance of all levels are usually full; however, the atmosphere is inviting and friendly for the beginner. The teachers add to this non-intimidating atmosphere by encouraging questions and learning each student’s name. Evoking incantations at the beginning of the practice and the playing of amazing music at the end of the practice “savasana” seal a unique and luminous experience.

A common misconception about yoga is the fact that people believe yoginis never break a sweat. Trot over to Virayoga and experience an hour and half of challenging poses that leave you breathless, that strengthen your body and provide an odd sense of peace when you leave. I started my practice over a year ago and before I took my first vinyasa class, I scoffed at the heavily marketed craze sweeping the elite Hollywood set packaged in glossy home video/dvd format. A cardio queen, I collapsed thirty minutes into the beginner class and I am glad my ego kept me going. Years of chronic knee problems seemed to abate after months of practicing vinyasa and for the first time in years, I could finally touch my toes. Small feat, yes, however increased muscular strength, proper alignment and a sense of calm now replace the ego-driven cardio queen of past. As a student who once got kicked out of a step class for not keeping up, I hovered in the back of the yoga class, desperate to not be seen. No such luck in Ms. Brower’s class – she made a point to know my name at the end of my first class. However, her approach is non-invasive, genuine and caring and I soon felt comfortable in a community of students – some more advanced in their practice, others, just discovering yoga and myself an “intermediate” struggling along but determined. This community evokes the image of a journey that stems beyond taut abdominal muscles and killer “sticks” – a journey to continuously challenge yourself.

Student Quotes:

"She {Elena} has created a great environment for teachers and students, with really high standards and a good dose of humor--drastically lacking in many such establishments. At Virayoga, there is lots of individual attention and great teachers to choose from, a nice balance between workout and philosophical teachings." -- Ilaria Fusina, Editor.

"I started taking classes with Elena last summer when she was at the movement Salon. I had taken class with a few other teachers but I found Elena to be a perfect balance of spirituality and a down to Earth sense of humor. The practice never seems like just a job to her. She's never just going through the motions, which amazes me because she teaches so frequently. But I think she has a real genuine passion for what she does and that comes through in her teaching. I think people are drawn to her as a teacher and as a person because she exudes a beautiful radiance that is evident as soon as she walks in the room, and it effects people. When you walk out of one of her classes you can't help but take a little bit of that with you out into the world."

"Vira Yoga has been a total gift. It has been like a metaphor of her practice. She opened her heart, made herself vulnerable and greatness happened. She created this amazing place that has meant so much to so many." -- Tom O'Brien

Location:
580 Broadway
[between Prince & Houston St]
Suite 1109
New York, NY 10012
212.334.9960
www.virayoga.com
N/R to Prince St. 6 to Spring St or F/V to Broadway/Lafayette or you can just hoof it.

Some Other Helpful Links if You are New to Yoga

Yoga Class Dos and Don'ts: Use these tips to get the most out of the yoga classes you attend.

The Basic Poses: Learn the fundamentals from this amazing section from yogajournal.com

Wonderful Visuals of Yoga Poses from Free Spirit Yoga.