Jivamukti Yoga Center
http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
near Union Square
First class free / $25 introductory special for NY residents
holler at your boy
After I go to a yoga class for the first time I usually write a few initial thoughts in my smart phone on the way back to Brooklyn. These were the first words and thus the title of my little yellow-paged iphone note that came out after attending my first class at the Jivamukti Yoga Center.
I ended up here because I couldn't find another yoga class at a new place that fit my schedule. The website didn't list any sort of introduction week but that didn't even matter - I just wanted a good yoga class.
I was warmly suprised when I arrived. not only is the place beauitful, clean, mordern, spartan and full of beautiful people -- they have an awesome intro deal. The first class is complimentary (aka FREE) and if you dig it and are a new york resident, you can get a week unlimited for $25! Score!
The class was in the Goddess room (oh god here we go again, i thought I left laughing lotus down the street) but actually the Goddess room is pretty bare and neutral (as is the whole place.) The class had about a 3:1 ratio with maybe 12 people.
We were to sttart with some chanting and before my brain could start to protest I was handed a book, with an explanation as to why we chanted, what we were chanting and a translation. When our eacher got started chanting, she had a wonderful voice. It was just one line and was pleasing to the soul and came back naturally. I didnt feel too self-conscious singing it and actually kind of enjoyed it.
The class had a vinyasa flow feel to it, with a firm focus on breath (instructor would count to 5 and tell you when to inhale and exhale) and an emphasis on challenging oneself. The teacher manually corrected poses but also stretched us harder and deeper, physically pushing us. We did the warrior poses, we did headstands, handstands, we did a whole back series, we did the wheel, we did a long should stand. I learned that not only are headstands good for your skin (the blood rushing to your face helps it ?? ) but also gives you a different perspective on the world (ha ha )The class was fully balanced. It was great.
After one class, I'm already totally sold on Jivamukti. I don't even know how to pronounce it. Gee-va muklti or Jai-va mukti?? Anyone?
I'm not one to get super excited about something and declare it my most favorite thing in the world right away. oh wait yes i am. regardless, this first class was the perfect balance between physical and spiritual, between exertion and relaxation, in a loving, happy but focused atmosphere. There was a little bikram feel to it, a little Hatha feel to it, a little vinyasa, a little "integral." It was the perfect balance... And balance is my main goal. It also fits my schedule. Which is awesome.
I will have a full report back after I finish my week up and take a few more classes.
