St Marks Yoga Center

Despite what google says, this longtime Center (founded in 1978) is not «permanently closed» — the address was changed to 301 A Street, SE after the renovation of St. Mark’s Church. SMYC offers traditional Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra and occasional workshops with experienced teachers in a calm and serene environment. This is the place to go for meditation in motion.

I have been to several yoga studios on Capitol Hill, but St. Marks is always the best. It is different from other yoga studios. I am finding that the calmest and most enjoyable yoga practices (which St. Marks offers) have brought me the most results (better results in developing my core, meditation, flexibility, etc). Also, the first class is free.

For several years I have been looking for yoga practiced in the fashion that is done here, and was extremely pleased to find it! This is the only place I’ve found that regularly has Integral Yoga or Sivananda tradition classes, though it has several teachers that cover other types of yoga as well which I haven’t tried yet. If you email them they will happily give you guidance on what styles are taught when.
Of note for regular practitioners of yoga, the yoga of the two traditions I mentioned that I value so much here is different from what you’re used to. It’s much slower, poses are held longer and meant to flow, the point is to meet your body where it is not force yourself into a position that you’re not truly ready for. Where most yoga practices in the city are treated as a form of exercise, this is yoga in a more pure form, as much a spiritual practice as a physical one. I think of it as a moving meditation. The point being, if you come here expecting the same type of class you have at your local gym you’ll be disappointed and should look elsewhere.
If however you want to practice yoga in a tradition far closer to the original purpose of yoga, with all its physical and spiritual benefits, this is one of very few places you can do so fully, highly recommended!

Chill yoga place, this place is for people who like taking their time with yoga! Excellent creative teachers who have a hands on style. Plus sometimes they tell jokes in the middle of a position, you have to laugh. This place is great for the non serious types!