About Yoga

Yoga is not an external experience.
In Yoga, we try to be as attentive as possible to everything we do  . . .
As we perform the various asanas we observe what we are doing and how we are doing . . .
If we do not pay attention to ourselves in our practice, then we cannot call it Yoga.
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga

“What is Yoga?” If you posed this question to a hundred different people, you would probably hear nearly a hundred different answers. Essentially, Yoga is a system of techniques and behaviors that can be used for a number of intentions, from simply managing stress better, learning to relax, and increasing suppleness and strength, all the way to becoming more self-aware and acquiring the deepest knowledge of one’s own self.

Depending on the particular modality of Yoga taught, the specific techniques may vary, but the fundamental three tiers of physical practice on which Yoga is built consist of exercise (postures or asana and movements or karana), breathing (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). The exercises of Yoga are designed to activate the central nervous system in specific ways and place pressure on the glandular system of the body, thereby increasing the efficiency and total health of these systems. The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables us to work and evolve in the world, and so a Yoga student treats their body with great care and respect regardless of size, shape, and age. Breathing techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body. The Yoga student gently increases breath control to improve the health and function of both body and mind. These two systems of exercise and breathing then prepare the body and mind for meditation, and the student finds an easy approach to a quiet mind that allows silence and healing from everyday stress. Regular daily practice of all three parts of this structure of Yoga produce a clear, bright mind and a strong, capable body.

At Smiling Dog Yoga, we present over 30 classes each week in a variety of modalities to serve the different needs of people of all ages and from all walks of life.  If you are looking to get started in Yoga, it’s best to call or drop-by our center and speak to one of our staff members about yourself.  We want to find the right fit for you so your initial experience of Yoga will be compelling and enlivening, not intimidating or injurious.  It is our desire that each individual practice in his or her own way so that everyone will have a practice of Yoga for the entire duration of their life.

Pricing
Drop-In: $15, Student or Senior (60+) Drop-In (with valid ID):  $13
5 Class Series: $65 (2-month expiry)
10-Class Series: $120 (4-month expiry)
20-Class Series: $200 (6-month expiry)Out-of-Towner Series:  $75 for 6 classes (one-year expiry, available for those who live outside SLO city limits.)
Monthly Unlimited (no annual contract): $130
Monthly Unlimited (w/ annual contract): $108
Student/Senior (60+) Monthly Unlimited (with valid ID): $120
CURRENT INTRO SPECIAL FOR NEW STUDENTS:  ENJOY ONE MONTH UNLIMITED FOR HALF-OFF REGULAR PRICE!  That’s $65 for one month of classes from our regular schedule! (One-time use for new students only).
SUMMER PROMOTION FOR ALL:  10-Class Series for $90 (2-month expiry, no exceptions.  Not to be combined with any other discounts.)