Why choose Studio G for yoga?

Studio G strives to create an inclusive, supportive yet challenging environment for personal transformation. We want to make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or income. Yoga practitioners are asked to work hard, focus on the practice and listen to their own bodies. They learn in an environment of care, kindness and clarity, but are constantly asked to let go of fear and bravely grow into their true selves.

While much of the practice at Studio G takes place in the physical realm of the body, Greg Owen makes it very clear to all students that the body is a key to unlock the secrets of the mind. Ethics, philosophy and meditation are therefore central to the practice, and ultimately the fabric which links body, mind and spirit in action and intention. It is this holistic approach to yoga which makes the Studio G practice exponentially more useful to its practitioners.

What kind of yoga will I learn at Studio G?

Greg Owen is well known in Seattle as a highly unique teacher that mixes clear, energetic and anatomical instruction with humor, philosophy and a broad appreciation and experience of life. Students come back again and again for detailed alignment instructions that allow them to truly "be in the pose" while constantly exploring new ways to feel and think about themselves. Greg's innovative sequencing links asanas (poses) together in vinyasa (flowing) patterns that build logically but rarely routinely. Without breath to support them, the poses are simply shapes, so Studio G puts great emphasis on breath awareness and the linking of movement with breath. Students are encouraged to develop a reverent appreciation for their breath as the primary energetic force for living.

The Studio G practice encourages students to immerse themselves in all aspects of the classical yoga practice, from asana (poses) and pranayama (breath practices) to chanting mantras in Sanskrit and meditation. Studio G's yoga philosophy is based on the classical 8 Limbed yoga system of Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras. It is also heavily influenced by the Bhagavad Gita, Tantra and the Tao de Ching. This system is firmly grounded in the concepts of non-harm and clear personal ethical standards. Studio G teaches yoga, but ultimately empowers individuals to reach their fullest expression of self.


Why is the practice of yoga important?

Yoga is an invaluable asset to living an optimal life. The various concentration, physical and breath practices are used daily by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to help steady and direct their minds, build strong flexible bodies and create sustained vibrant energy. Yoga empowers people to create very real change in their lives and often succeeds in healing issues that were untreatable by doctors, therapists and counselors. Living without yoga is often like to trying to hold on during a wild roller coaster ride. A steady and sustained yoga practice puts you in the driver's seat of your own life, allowing you take control of your body, thoughts and destiny.


Hatha vs. Yin yoga?

Studio G draws from many schools of yoga, depending on the student and the situation. At times activity and energy should be cultivated, though we can all benefit from the inclusion of stillness and peace in our lives. The clear alignment principles of B.K.S. Iyengar and logical progression of Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga Vinyasa system are important touchstones for the practice and common in America.

Conversely, the exact opposite approach is often required for many other students, and this is why Studio G also embraces the contemplative Yin practice championed by the American yoga master Sarah Powers. Yin yoga moves very slowly and allows practitioners to pause and feel in ways that other practices do not. Monthly 2 hour Yin workshops allow urban movers and shakers to slow down and contemplate in this more meditative manner.