Best yoga studio: The Green Yogi
Our readers loved The Green Yogi, a beautiful, serene boutique studio pumping with high-energy power yoga classes.
Readers cited the studio’s clean, beautiful, peaceful aspect, fun atmosphere and personalized attention from expert instructors.
Mary Strong had spent 15 years in broadcast journalism — covering news for NBC and CNN, and football for Fox Sports Net and the NFL Network – when a vision in a dream convinced her to pursue an even greater passion, and open The Green Yogi.
Strong and her staff have built more than a business. Patrons often arrive before class to talk about their day or just sit in the garden, and staff members can be found feeding parking meters, parking cars and taking care of kids in a pinch.
True to its name, The Green Yogi was one of the first certified-green businesses in Manhattan Beach. Its “eco-chic” includes PVC-free yoga mats, a paperless, iPad-oriented office, and the use of renewable lumber in which a tree is planted for each one that is cut down.
Carefully chosen, energizing music helps carry guests through an intense Power Vinyasa style of yoga.
“If you only have 75 minutes a day, you’ll work up a nice sweat, build strength, increase flexibility and enjoy some quiet relaxation” Strong said.
She still works the anchor desk at NFL Network a few nights a month, but devotes herself mostly to teaching yoga and running her business. -RF
3504 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310-546-9644, thegreenyogi.com
Runner-up: Yoga Loft, 1102 Ocean Drive, Suite 103, Manhattan Beach, 310-372-7334, yogaloftmb.com