Downtown Weekly’s #1 Pick for 10 Great Places for Yoga 2018
The Bridge Mind Body Movement
In 2016, Pamela Johnson, inspired by her never-ending quest to learn about the human body, created The Bridge Mind Body Movement and opened a studio between The 6th and 7th street Bridge in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Johnson, longtime LA resident, has extensively studied dance and Pilates with over twenty years of experience has created a different kind of “bridge” for Downtown; a yoga studio that utilizes a number of different strength and conditioning programs meant to connect our minds to our bodies by awakening our bodies most sensual movements.
Yoga, the Gyrotonic method, and Pilates
are offered at The Bridge, both classical and contemporary; all practices which allow the body to move with curve, arc and flourish, as you find strength and flexibility while providing the bond to positive spiritual growth. Instructors compliment often, and the vibe is always warm from the moment you walk into The Bridge Mind Body Movement’s Arts District studio.
To add to its flair and what boost it to #1 on our list is that The Bridge is nestled wonderfully inside the brick exteriors of 1820 Industrial Street, an outstanding brick-laden structure where the remnants of historic train passageway, can still be found. Owned and supported by visionary, Yuval Bar-Zemer with adjacent locals, Biscuit Lofts, Little Bear, Pour Haus, Church and State Bistro and Daily Dose Cafe, The Bridge cohered admirably creating a quaint, quiet art, health, and fine dining ganglion.
More Than One Yoga?
Camouflaged nicely behind trees and a shielded sun, the view from a passing car may suggest the Bridge location is being used as a typical office space, but up close to the sidewalk passerby, the sectioned tint covered windows reveal the main room of Pilates, Yoga enhancement and Gyrotonic Mechanisms. Entering through the “Alley”, allows the participant to ease their way pass store items and onto the yoga floor.
Yoga is known for stimulating the entire person, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength, and movement efficiency. At The Bridge Each movement flows into the next, allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. Slow, sensual and healing. Here’s what they offer.
Vinyasa Yoga
Featuring traditional poses, Vinyasa is a style of yoga commonly referred to as “flow” yoga, characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, while using the yoga breath. Vinyasa Yoga is known to develop a more balanced body and prevent repetitive motion injuries that sometimes occur in the yoga community.
Go Wild… Go Primal. Shake Your .. Buti?
The word ‘buti’ is a Marathi Indian term for “the cure to something that’s been hidden away or kept secret.”
Buti Yoga, (a DTLA Weekly favorite) focuses on explosive moments and tribal dance. Movements of Africa, South America and the South Pacific unleash the hidden power of the less inhibited while they sculpt away body fat and lack of energy through a high energy cardio session.
The Gyrotonic
Method
Here’s a training method based on principles of yoga, dance, tai chi, and swimming? Yes, it’s that smooth, with an emphasis on slow rotation and spiraling movements that don’t have an endpoint. Gyrotonic practice also builds core strength, balance, coordination, and agility.
Suspension Yoga
Another mien that makes The Bridge #1 Suspended Yoga.
With all the grace and seduction of a seasoned burlesque show aerialist, you’ll find yourself suspended in air while learning different tricks in combinations leading up to a final movement pattern. The end routine is simply breathtaking, with the entire class twirling and spinning in a dance while strengthening and achieving the desired yoga positions. Different levels from beginner to advanced so you there’s no need to feel intimidated from knowing you’re hanging a few feet away from the floor.
Reiki
If you are feeling stressed, the studio is home to a resident Reiki master who gives a weekly meditation and Reiki healing circle class. Now that’s a lot of energy flowing for one room. Let it out.
Combat smog than a session of Halotherapy.
This is salt therapy booth that dispenses dry salt air. Harnessing salt’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, Halotherapy can clear your lungs, enhance endurance, and cleanse skin.
Located at 1820 Industrial Street #102B Los Angeles, CA 90021. www.thebridgebm.com
