Finding your favorite yoga class can be as personal as picking a favorite record. There are so many factors to consider—the style, the instructor, the studio and, of course, the perfect soundtrack. These days, the options for background music go way beyond the old-school chimes and chants to include high-energy hip hop, dark droning metal, dance tunes spun by live DJs and more. Here are a few fun opportunities to combine your yoga practice with a little listening party on the side.
This Sunday afternoon yoga party at Resident will have DJs playing nothing but Drake cuts for an hour while participants of all skill levels stretch out with a Vinyasa flow yoga class. As they say, “Just hold on, we’re going om.” Next class is Sunday, September 18 at 1pm, $23.
Twice a week, the Bootleg music venue becomes a yoga studio for classes by Kali Yoga. Wednesday is Punk Rock Yoga, an energetic basic yoga class suitable for all levels. On Sundays, come in pre-brunch for Hangover Yoga, a gentle restorative class for those who rocked out too hard on Saturday night. Both are taught by Taleen Kali, front woman of local rock band TULIPS. Wednesdays and Sundays at noon, $10.
3. Yoga Pool Parties at the Standard DTLA
Wake up early and head Downtown for these weekly Saturday morning yoga parties held around the rooftop pool at the Standard. Each week sees a new combination of yoga instructor and professional DJ, often well-known names touring through the club circuit. After the 70-minute Vinyasa session, yogis are invited to stick around the pool deck the rest of the afternoon for more music and pool party vibes for the rest of the afternoon. Saturdays at 10:30am, $25-$80.
If you can’t wait around for the one special music-focused yoga class, head to PLAYLIST. Yoga in Hollywood where the all classes at the studio revolve around the soundtrack. You can choose your favorite style or instructor and get down to the curated musical selections. Classes $25.
5. Metal Yoga at Namaste Highland Park
Looking for a class that’s a bit on the darker, heavier side? Professional rock-drummer-turned-yoga-instructor Matthew Clark offers 90-minute Vinyasa classes to the drone of stoner and psych metal at this hip studio. Classes $17.
6. BENDER x Sofar Sounds Rooftop Yoga Concert
Sofar Sounds, the promoter behind the beloved traveling concert series that presents secret bands at intimate living-room style shows, has teamed up with yoga party experts BENDER (the same team behind the pool parties at the Standard) for their first yoga event. Ticket-holders will meet for a 75-minute sunset yoga class on the roof of ROW DTLA, accompanied by atmospheric tunes. After the class, three artists will perform a private live concert. Friday, October 7 at 7pm, $25-$45.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.