Yoga in Pittsburgh for Dummies

Pretty much every yoga studio offers beginners’ classes, but Yoga Flow does in such a convenient way that it’s hard not to try one. The studio's numerous locations in Shadyside, Aspinwall and Murrysville offer classes suitable for the uninitiated. You can also catch live, streaming classes online through physiic.com if you can’t make it to class—or if you prefer the privacy of your home for the first few rounds. Plus, attending discounted community classes that are taught by yoga teachers in training means you won’t break the bank—a boon for newbies and gurus alike. (Numerous area locations; yogaflowpittsburgh.com) —Kaitlyn Johnston

OK, guys: If the idea of flowing into a lotus pose in a room full of lavender yoga mats leaves you feeling slightly uneasy, just breathe. Relax. And then get into your zone at Urban Active, where you’ll find hour-long Urban Yoga classes to bring some ease and flexibility to your body before or after hitting the gym. These all-levels classes are specifically designed for cross training, so expect a series of postures to counteract the tensions that build up in the body as a result of pumping iron or preparing for that 10K. (19 Bakery Square Way, East Liberty; 412/204-0055, urbanactive.com)

To quote Danish author Isak Dinesen, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” You’ll definitely sweat (and maybe shed a couple of tears) at Amazing Yoga, a power vinyasa studio dedicated to one of yoga’s more physically demanding styles. Temperatures in the studio crank up to about 90 degrees plus humidity—the balmy heat helps muscles to relax, allowing yogis to melt into postures more deeply. The result is a one-two punch of a physical workout plus the cleansing of toxins from the body. When you hit the mat for savasana (final relaxation pose), lying in a sea of your own sweat never felt better. (Numerous area locations; amazingyoga.net)

One of Pittsburgh’s most street-smart studios is BYS Yoga, based in the South Side, where instructors hit the road by hosting weekly public and private off-site classes in Oakland, Point Breeze and downtown. What’s more, BYS Yoga will also coordinate the yoga tent at the 11th annual Venture Outdoors Festival on May 21, where you can attend free 30-minute yoga sessions beginning at 11:30 a.m. Numerous styles of yoga will be offered; check the tent for complete info. (BYS Yoga, 1113 East Carson St., Third Floor, South Side. Info: 412/481-9642, bys-yoga.com; Venture Outdoors Festival, Point State Park, downtown. Sat., May 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info: ventureoutdoors.org)

With a baby on board, the body’s center of gravity is thrown off—making balance a challenge and creating tension as the body compensates in other areas. Enter Schoolhouse Yoga’s unique series designed for expectant moms. Like all yoga, the Prenatal Yoga series focuses on deep breathing but is modified so the postures are suitable for women in all stages of pregnancy. This means lots of side stretching, hip openers and sun salutations that build strength and flexibility in the spine while the practice shies away from twisting postures and intense core work—finally, a legitimate excuse to sit out that series of planks. (Numerous area locations; 412/401-4444, schoolhouseyoga.com)

From mats to straps, bolsters, blankets and blocks, Yoga on Centre is a kind of yogic heaven for many skill levels. This Iyengar-style studio relies on the use of props to facilitate longer holding of postures and proper alignment within postures. The props are beneficial for two levels: True beginners and those with physical limitations or injury can use props to modify poses and make practice more accessible, while advanced yogis can use props to reach better alignment in tricky poses like parivrtta trikonasana (revolved triangle pose, pictured). (6016 Penn Circle South, East Liberty; 412/363-9642, yogaoncentre.com)