Not all yoga needs to be done in a private studio. Here are three alternative spaces to perfect your downward dog.
YMCA
Many Charlotteans love the YMCA for its excellent gym facilities, supportive community, and diverse lineup of yoga and fitness classes. Most Y branches offer yoga classes to suit the needs of beginning to advanced students, noting the difficulty level (1-3) of each class on the schedule. The Harris and Dowd branches offer extensive yoga offerings taught by some of the same teachers you will find at yoga studios including Amity Whalen of Charlotte Yoga and Melody White of Laughing Buddha.
Class Prices: See Web site for membership information ymcacharlotte.org
Cornwell Center
You don't have to be a member of Myers Park Baptist Church to join the fitness center onsite known as the Cornwell Center. The center offers daily yoga classes in gentle, intermediate, and power styles. Audrey Ipapo, yoga instructor and local dancer, teaches power vinyasa classes on Wednesdays and Sundays. Non-members can drop-in to yoga classes and purchase class packages.
This luxury uptown fitness center located in the Bank of America Plaza recently renovated its facilities to include a dedicated yoga studio. The yoga schedule features an impressive mix of power, vinyasa flow, and basic classes. Yoga director Litsa Kapantais has taught yoga for eight years and is well known for her creative and dynamic flow classes. Non-members can drop-in to yoga classes and purchase class packages.
Class Price (for non-members): Single class, $16; ten-class pass, $120 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 200, 704-371-5600, charlotteathleticclub.com
