DECEMBER 18, 2009 -- San Diego yogis sometimes drive to various corners of the county to follow their favorite instructors. And instructors have had to leave the county to study with master teachers. Now, La Jolla Yoga Center offers all that (but no bag of chips) under one roof.
The full-service studio offers more than 90 classes per week from more than 40 instructors in approximately 20 different styles. The weekly schedule provides about 20 classes per day, beginning on the half hour.
There are offerings for true beginners up to level 3/4 in Anusara, Ashtanga, Hatha/Raja, Iyengar, Svaroopa, Vinyasa and more. Tailored courses include Yoga for Golfers, Anusara-Inspired Playtime, Yoga for Cancer Recovery and Prenatal Vinyasa.
The 6,000 square foot, eco-conscious facility, with feng shui design, was the vision of founder and director Jeanie Carlstead. She brings 22 years of yoga experience to the center.
“Many of our students and the community in general have been calling us a beacon of light,” says Carlstead. “They are so appreciative to have a place to gather and see friendly faces, meet old and new friends, and experience such positive energy.
“Others are so happy that they can just drop in any time of the day and just ask what class is starting around now. With so many classes, they feel like they can work yoga around their schedule rather than around a studio's schedule. Many do not even check the schedule. They just show up and know they will be able to take a great class.”
To bring her vision of the studio to fruition, Carlstead teamed up with studio consultant and yoga teacher Bonnie Saldivar-Jones. “It was my great pleasure to help Jeanie actualize her dream,” says Saldivar-Jones.
There are options for aspiring yoga teachers, too. Teacher Training programs will be offered in both Anusara and Vinyasa, beginning in early January. Teachers in training will receive a five month unlimited membership with the course registration. Carlstead and Michael Fukumura are the lead instructors. Guest teachers will include Saldivar-Jones, Erich Schiffmann, Douglas Brooks, Roger Cole, Amanda McCarroll, Carolina Vivas, Ann Williams, Josh Vincent and Michael DeFrancisco.
The course is held on Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday twice a month from January 8 to April 9.
(Heather Back covers fitness and wine bars for sandiegoDTOWN.com.)