Practice Makes Perfect: D.C. Yoga Week

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BARGAIN HUNTERS ALREADY view the annual D.C. Yoga Week (May 2-9) as a deal — 12 local studios are offering a slew of free and $5 classes. But if you want to score something extra, try to strike a pose every day of the promotion.

"For $35, you'll have bliss at the end of the week," promises Kim Weeks, owner of Boundless Yoga (1522 U St. NW; 202-234-9642), who classifies the folks who come into her studio as either enthusiasts (who come in about once a week) or students (who practice at least three times a week).

"There's a huge difference — in digestive, respiratory, skin, sleep and nervous system benefits. Enthusiasts get some of them, but they don't have time to take root," Weeks says.

Convincing newbies to make that leap, however, can be trickier than mastering flying crow. John Schumacher, founder of Unity Woods (four area locations), starts by encouraging the smallest steps. "I tell my students that if they do one pose a day, they've practiced," he says. "If you want to learn to play the piano, you need to practice every day. It's the same with yoga."

For proof, Schumacher points to the yoga retreats he regularly leads. Some people sign up simply expecting a relaxing holiday, but they end up realizing what consistency can do for their efficacy.

To encourage others to have such an experience, several area studios offer incentives for regularly attending classes.

Flow Yoga Center (1450 P St. NW; 202-462-3569) promotes a 30-day challenge — that's 30 classes in 30 days — as a way to get into the habit. Although owner Debra Perlson-Mishalove says some participants view it as a boot camp that'll slim them down, the majority are chasing after those glimpses of calm they've had after class but haven't been able to sustain.

That was the case with Heidi Huntley, 34, a high school teacher looking to jettison stress, who finished her 30 days in late March. "I'd walk back home and be so cheerful and notice the birds instead of focusing on work stuff. It became addictive," she says. And it didn't hurt that there were unexpected physical benefits, too: She picked up handstand without even trying, and felt her posture improve, which boosted her energy.

If a solid month sounds daunting (and it did to Huntley), then consider the 90-day challenge at Bikram Yoga Dupont (1635 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-332-8680). Even owner Carolan Sudol admits it isn't for everyone, especially because the style at the studio involves a demanding 90-minute series in a heated room.

Think of that as a yoga marathon, and Yoga Week as a 5k — a more doable proposition, particularly if you head into it knowing you can change your strategy based on how you're feeling.

"You want to tread gently with yourself. Check in and make sure it's still serving you," says Perlson-Mishalove, whose practice shifts radically from grueling to meditative depending on her mood. "If it's not, who cares if it's a habit?"

PEEK AT YOGA WEEK
» In addition to the $5 and free classes, there are other discounts to be had: Both Capitol Hill Yoga and Quiet Mind are offering 10 percent off class passes during the promotion.
» Music fans should schedule a visit to Studio Serenity on May 4 and 5, when classes will be accompanied by a harmonium player. On May 8 at Spiral Flight, you can "Rock Your Shakti" at a Vinyasa class set to rock 'n' roll.
» Mark the end of the week with a yoga free-for-all on the National Mall (May 9, 2-5 p.m., at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW).