The Hottest Way to Cool Down – by Chrissy A. Balz

It's hot. It's intense. It's rewarding. And Madonna does it.

Yoga is sweeping fitness routines everywhere, creeping in as an alternative for those who shudder at the thought of logging mile after mile on a treadmill. Its results are threefold: a great work out, fantastic health benefits and an after-class euphoria that sends the “runner's high” packing.

After an in-depth look at a wide array of Yoga studios in and around Georgetown, The Guide has selected favorite picks for the ultimate way to work up a sweat.

Best Stretch: Georgetown Yoga, 1053 31st St. NW

Just off of M Street, Georgetown Yoga is located a single room studio just low-key enough to be missed by passers-by but certainly addicting enough to attract long-term devotees.

At Georgetown Yoga, you won't just bend your way into shape — you'll bend your way into several shapes. Specializing in Ashtanga yoga, the goal of the studio is not only to stretch and strengthen your muscles, but also your mind.

The selection of series and sequences is expansive and leaves no part of the body feeling tight — unstretched, or unpushed or unpulled. The well-lit practice studio is simple and leaves no distractions from the mat or the present practice.

Georgetown Yoga offers several work shops, ranging from two-hour weekend breathing exercises to weekend-long transformation sessions. Classes fill quickly, so be early.

Style: Ashtanga, Mysore, Restorative
Level: Beginner through Advanced
Special classes: Power Yoga
Price per class: $12 (students with ID)

www.thehoya.com