Central Park Yoga

Central Park provides an amazing backdrop scene for a yoga practice. The lush trees, the gorgeous landscape, the chirping birds, and peace amidst the bustling city of NYC. However, Rain Day today for yoga steps from Central Park. While my morning Yogi lives just steps from the famed entrance of Strawberry Fields in Central Park, due to rain we did our early morning yoga inside. Hopefully, with the warm weather approaching we will make our way out into the glorious NYC park. While practicing outside is an amazing experience, especially with lovely weather. Having the sound of rain beat on a sun roof, while doing morning yoga is pretty wonderful too! Have a lovely rainy day yogis!

Taking Class at Nalini

Once upon a time while browsing in LuLuLemon, I saw a huge picture of a lovely Indian girl who from a far looked like my cousin. Of course I was so thrilled and confused, and then I read the small print name to discover it was not my cousin, but Rupa Metha. Rupa is the founder of the Nalini Method. I looked her up online and made a mental note that when I have a chance, I would like to take a class with her.

So this week, as luck would have it I had a break in my early schedule and decided to take a class. I ventured to the Upper West Side, where I had a yoga client soon after. I buzzed the buzzer and went up. It seemed like an odd location, and that is what I kept feeling. The door opens and I am face to face with a tiny, sleepy, pyjama clad Rupa. This explains the feeling I was having about the oddness of the location. We were both embarrassed, because I foolishly buzzed her apt instead of the studio next door. Did I mention it was embarrassing? What a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the instructor for the first time! She redirects me to the studio and the lovely receptionists sets me up.

A cushy mat, two sets of weights, two blocks and ankle weights. In walks Rupa, we both laugh about what had happened and she begins to instruct us to work our arms. My arms were burning! We progressed into thighs, buttock, core, and did seemingly a gazillion repetitions. Just when you think it is done, she calls out for 20 more. I felt like this was my Karma (pay back) for how I instruct the Yoga-laties class. I was amazed when we went to the ballet bar to do squats on our tip toes with a ball or a block between the thighs, because I looked down to see my thighs shaking as though they were in a blender. While this was a little out of my element to do work with weights it was an enjoyable experience. Rupa has a wonderful spirit and encourages every student individually to maintain momentum. The class combines Yoga, Ballet, Pilates, and weights. As Rupa trained with Lotte Berk, some people may recognize that influence in her class style. The Nalini Method is a great challenge for the mind and body because being present while your muscles are screaming is a profound experience. Thank you Rupa for making my experience at Nalini so enjoyable! ~Peace & hugs, Ambria

The Brilliant Paradox of Pole and Yoga Class @ Candela Dance Studio, NYC

I have been teaching evening Yoga classes in Washington Heights on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm.  Prior to the class is an amazing Pole Dancing class, which is taught by the talented, Rachel.  While many people may judge the Pole Dance as a lead up to the world of stripping, I soon realized how much of an intense workout this class really is.  The Pole works your core, allows a woman to embrace her sensual side, improve upper body strength and instills a new respect for the athleticism of the woman who pursues this as a career path.  It is a natural progression of the evening to take this fun Pole class and conclude the night with my Yoga class.  The stretching, breathing and postures in the Yoga class allow all Pole Dance students the chance to restore their muscles and minds to harmony.  It is a brilliant paradox to find these two classes back to back especially when Yoga is associated with Mind Body Spirit connection and Pole Dancing is associated with the opposite.  Both classes offer an amazing workout and can be found back to back in the heart of Washington Heights, NYC.  After participating in two Pole classes myself, I can say that it is very much like doing Yoga on the Pole, the two classes are like cousins.  For more information about these classes and other classes offered at Candela visit:http://www.candelastudionyc.com/