Although yoga has been around for thousands of years, it has boomed in the last few, and continues to grow—no doubt because of its undeniable benefits. Yoga famously calms the mind, and it has been proven to lower blood pressure, all while aiding the functions of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It also helps improve posture and flexibility. But the fact is, yoga can be a serious workout. And unlike some other forms of exercise, which can seem like a chore, yoga is fun.

Various classes being offered all around the county every day offer something for everyone. Ashtanga, or power yoga, will get your pulse pumping, while restorative yoga diminishes stress and refocuses the mind. There is yoga for pre-and post-natal women, yoga for athletes, even yoga for golf. Here are the yoga centers to reach for:

ASHTANGA YOGA DAILY

Info: Bodyworx Academy, 2024 Del Monte Ave., Monterey, www.ashtangayogadaily.com.

Style: Ashtanga.

Classes: Mysore class from 6-9am Monday-Thursday; Led classes Friday and Sunday mornings.

Price: $150/full program (six classes a week); $110/partial program. Private classes: $85/60 min.; $120/90 min.

Extra: Package deals available.

ASHTANGA PG

Info: Chautauqua Hall, Northwest Room, 17th and Central, Pacific Grove, 238-6326.

Style: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Classes: Various classes offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday mornings beginning at 9:15am.

Price: $12/class; $50/five class series; $90/10 class series; $100/unlimited month; privates or groups $60-$75.

Extra: Workshops and specialty classes available.

BIKRAM YOGA MONTEREY BAY

info: 170 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, 333-1007, www.bikramyogasanctuary.com.

Style: Bikram, or “hot yoga.”

Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9am, 4pm and 6pm; Tuesday at 7am, 4pm and 6pm; Friday at 9am and 5pm; Saturday 9am and 4pm; and Sunday 10am and 4pm.

CARMEL VALLEY ATHLETIC CLUB

Info: 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd., Carmel, 625-CVAC, www.cvaconline.com.

style: Adaptive yoga and yoga for all fitness levels.

Classes: Monday-Sunday.

Price: Call CVAC for prices.

Extra: Fifty percent off initiation fees for new members right now.

CARMEL YOGA CENTER

Info: Sunset Cultural Center, Cottage 18, 10th and San Carlos, Carmel, 624-4949, www.yogacentercarmel.org.

Style: Hatha.

Classes: Daily and nightly classes—levels one (beginner), two (all levels), and three (six months experience), as well as ongoing classes in gentle, adaptive, Iyengar and meditation yoga.

Price: $15/class; $50/four classes; $75/eight classes; $90/unlimited month.

Extra: Student, senior discounts; individual sessions and weekend workshops.

ENERGIA BODY CENTER

Info: 760 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 642-0222, www.energiabodycentre.com.

style: Hatha, Vinyasa, and yoga flow.

Classes: Monday-Saturday.

Price: Month memberships available as well as six and 12-month packages.

Extra: Hit the spa after class.

GARDEN HEALTH AND FITNESS

Info: 2000 Garden Rd., Monterey or 263536 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. 646-0550.

Style: Hatha.

Classes: Basics and strength/length run Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm, also 3:30pm and 6:30pm Friday in Monterey. 10am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday in Carmel.  

Price: Included in gym membership.

Extra: After class, hit up programs like cardio-jam or soak in the jacuzzi.

MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER

Info: 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey, 646-3700, www.monterey.org/sportscenter.

Style: Beginner, restorative, yoga for athletes, Ashtanga and more.

Classes: Many available daily.

Price: Residents: $18/four classes; $44/26 classes. Non-residents: $24/four; $50/26.

MY OM PLACE

Info: Chautagua Hall, Pacific Grove, and other locations, www.myomplace.com, 917-6070 or 521-5214.

Style: Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, meditation (family meditation), yoga for kids, restorative, pre- and post-natal, Vinyasa flow.

Classes: The next workshop will be “Chanting and Asana Workshop with Kofi Busia,” from 1:30-4:30pm Feb. 11-12.

Price: $15/class; $12/17 and under. $65/five classes; $110/10 classes; $135/unlimited month; $120/unlimited month with unlimited rollover. $300/three months unlimited.

extra: Visiting teacher workshops.

SLIM AND TONE

Info: 465 Pacific St., Monterey, 645-9595.

style: Hatha.

CLASSES: Various. Call for info.

PRICE: $7/class for members; $10/class for non-members; $50/10-class pass; $44/month for 12-month program.

EXTRA: Especially for women; discounts for single mothers, seniors and students.

SPECTOR DANCE

Info: 3343 Paul Davis Dr., Marina, 384-1050, www.spectordance.org.

style: Hatha.

CLASSES: Saturday 9:15-10:30am.

PRICE: $15/class; $120/10-class package.

EXTRA: In-house dance classes.

WELLSPRINGS YOGA CENTER

Info: 516 Forest Ave., Suite 200, Pacific Grove. 649-1713, www.wellspringsyoga.com.

Style: Viniyoga.

Classes: Yoga for women, for better golf, for relaxation, for improved metabolism.

Price: $15/class; $12/teachers, seniors; $60/five-class package; $110/10 class. Private: $70/60 min.; $90/90 min.

YMCA

Info: 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, 373-4167; 117 Clay St., Salinas, 758-3811.

style: Therapeutic.

Classes: Monterey: beginning to intermediate yoga, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm. Salinas: Pilates-yoga mix Tuesdays at 6:30pm; beginning/intermediate yoga Friday at noon.

Price: Included with membership.

Extra: Other great family activities.

YOGA, BODY AND SOUL

Info: Chautauqua Hall, Pacific Grove, www.yogabodysoul.com, 645-9642.

STYLE: Hatha.

Classes: Ongoing intermediate level classes, Monday evening, Thursday morning and Saturday morning.

price: $16/class; $56/four-class series; $120/special eight-week class.

Extra: Visits from David Crow, an acupuncturist and heath educator.

YOGA HIGH

Info: 44 Plaza Circle, Star Market Center, Salinas, 424-YOGA, www.yogahigh.com.

Style: Hatha, Ashtanga.

Classes: Yoga basics, lunchtime yoga, restorative yoga, Ashtanga and Hatha.

Price: $13/ class; $45/four classes (good for three months); $80/eight classes (good for three months); $90/unlimited classes for one month.

Extra: 10 percent student/senior discount.