Social Workout

Thought I'd chime in since I teach for YogaWorks.  First, soho isn't our only studio.  If you want a grittier scene, go to Downtown (18th/5th) where I teach.  Also, please check the type of class.  Not all yoga is flow style (at all!). I think I know which class you went to at Soho, and it's not flow. There are more flow classes at soho, but that's not what YW is known for teaching.  Our method is based on the two classic systems of Ashtanga and Iyengar.  We use the movement, breath based elements of Ashtanga (so you'll probably get sun salutations and what people call 'vinyasas' between standing poses) but you'll also get a lot the technical instruction of Iyengar (which includes holding poses to be in stillness).  Yes, we do take our teaching very seriously.  We want to help you learn how to do the poses, be with your breath, and see what opens up.  Turning you on with sexiness isn't what we're after or at least not me.  At its root, yoga is a philosophical system to connect you with your Self or source or (fill in the blank for whatever you want).  Hatha yoga, the physical practice we do in the west, is just one type.  But there's karma yoga (helping others), bhakti yoga (devotion), etc.  In fact, the term ashtanga wasn't originally just this physical practice.  Ashtanga classically refers to the 8 limbs of yoga -- asana, the physical practice, is just one of the limbs.  Others include pranayama (breath work), yamas and niyamas (behavior toward others and ourselves), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dhrana (concentration - what we're working on when we make you hold things) and dhyana (meditation) and of course samadhi (when we merge with the object of our meditation). Those are the elements we're trying to teach and different styles go about this in different ways.  All of this to say different strokes for different folks. But, as a teacher, I always recommend you check what a class is called. And try out YW downtown.  It doesn't feel like a gym or a mall and has some of the best instructors I've ever known. 

Posted in response to: YogaWorks Soho: Fish or Fowl?

That ride over the GW bridge and through the Palisades is awesome. But, yes, one must get over whatever needs to be gotten over to put on the spandex bike shorts with the ginormous maxi-pad butt protection. Do it!

Posted in response to: Men in Bike Shorts

Carrie's my teacher from diapers!  For those not in on the know, diapers means the Iyengar Institute.  Fear not the short shorts in that place.  You can wear your regular yoga duds.  Carrie now has two classes a week at YogaWorks Soho - both level 3's so you should have some Iyengar experience.  Thurs night, 6:30 - 8:30.  Sats, 1:30 - 3:30 (but goes until 4pm often). 

Posted in response to: much twisting

If you like this, then you'll love Keith Yzquierdo's class at YogaWorks Downtown Fridays at 3pm. Augustin ain't got nothing on Keith's asana. Keith's also an excellent teacher and kind, humble soul. I'm biased because he's my boyfriend. And he'll be horrified to know I pimped him out this way! Friday's at 3 is an especially fun class, very social workout. Full teaching schedule at:
http://www.keithyzq.com/Classes.html

Posted in response to: Augustin Is Hot

The vegetable kuzu stew at Souen is delicious and filling, and it's warm and cozy and perfect for fall/winter. Can order it gluten free too (at least at Soho location).

Posted in response to: Souen