Exploring Different Yoga Styles: Finding the Right Practice for You
My Journey with Ashtanga Yoga
When I started practicing Ashtanga yoga, I was introduced to the Primary Series—about 72 poses practiced in a set sequence. As part of my teacher training, I was encouraged to memorize and repeat this series five to six times per week. In the Ashtanga tradition, yoga is both a spiritual and physical discipline that asks us to stay committed to the asanas (poses) and to cultivate mental and physical purity (saucha).
Learning the Primary Series takes dedication—it’s not just about flexibility or strength, but the transitions, breath control, and internal awareness. There are six Ashtanga series in total, each offering an ongoing journey of self-inquiry, presence, and mastery. Through this process, I learned that yoga isn’t about perfection—it’s about becoming more mindful, patient, and compassionate with ourselves and others.
When Tradition Meets Real Life
Over time, I discovered that a rigid physical routine—while powerful—can sometimes neglect other parts of the body or become mentally taxing. The repetitive nature of some traditional styles can even lead to imbalance or burnout. And the idea that all bodies should achieve the same postures? That’s simply not realistic.
Bodies change—due to age, injuries, lifestyle, or trauma. Our yoga practice should evolve with us. What I’ve learned over the years is that the essence of yoga can be practiced in many ways. The key is to keep the heart of the practice alive.
Why Add Yoga to Your Fitness Routine?
Yoga supports your physical and mental performance across all stages of your fitness journey. Here's how:
Pre-Workout
Boosts oxygen to fascia
Increases circulation and blood flow
Enhances strength training performance with active stretching
Post-Workout
Reduces soreness
Improves flexibility
Speeds up muscle recovery and cool-down
On Active Recovery Days
Maintains movement and mobility
Re-aligns the body
Reduces fatigue and supports overall recovery
As a Standalone Practice
Ideal for those returning from injury or restarting fitness
Low-impact yet effective for strength, core, and mobility
Enhances mindset, energy, and stamina
The Heart of Yoga: Tapas, Dharana, and Sadhana
True yoga isn’t defined by the style—it’s defined by intention. Three key principles form the foundation of all yoga:
Tapas – The inner heat that purifies body and mind
Dharana – Concentration that helps us see clearly and make aligned choices
Sadhana – Personal practice where we apply, test, and integrate our growth
If we honor these principles, we can practice any type of yoga and receive its benefits—on and off the mat.
Yoga Class Styles at Gym 1801
At Gym 1801, we offer a diverse yoga schedule to meet your goals, mood, and experience level. Here's a breakdown of our weekly classes:
Monday
Hatha | 9:00 AM – A breath-focused, alignment-based class for healing, restoring, and resetting the nervous system. Ideal for recovery and therapeutic movement.
Tuesday
Sculpt Flow | 5:30 PM – Combines yoga and strength training using weights. Great for building lean muscle, supporting active recovery, and maximizing workout efficiency.
Wednesday
Power | 9:00 AM – An active recovery flow that builds strength and reduces soreness while increasing flexibility and mindfulness.
Restorative | 6:00 PM – Slow-paced and deeply relaxing. Held poses to reduce stress, release tension, and support nervous system balance.
Thursday
Fire Flow | 6:30 AM – A dynamic morning vinyasa to boost energy, flexibility, and mental clarity.
Fire Sculpt | 10:45 AM – A high-energy class that blends power yoga and cardio. Build endurance, detox, and fire up your metabolism.
Saturday
Flow Strong | 8:15 AM – A full-body mobility and strength class that improves balance, coordination, and body awareness. Ideal as a recovery or stand-alone practice.
Sunday
Power Flow | 9:00 AM – A strength-based active recovery class to improve flexibility, reduce soreness, and enhance breath awareness.
How to Choose the Right Yoga Class for You
Try different classes and notice how your body and mind respond. Pick a time and level you can stick with consistently. Before class, set an intention by visualizing how you want to feel afterward. Let that intention guide you through the practice.
Yoga offers something different to everyone, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. At Gym 1801, we encourage you to explore various styles, honor your body, and adapt your practice to the life you’re living now. When you move with intention, every practice becomes transformative.
Ready to discover your path? Join us on the mat and let yoga meet you where you are.
Jiwoo Ro is a Yoga Instructor, Health and Wellness Coach, and Functional Nutrition Coach who brings a holistic, science-backed perspective to movement and recovery. Her personal journey—from burnout to balance—inspires her mission to help others build sustainable habits that support strength, vitality, and long-term health.