Sweaty Studio Sessions

Bikram Yoga Chelsea

2007-09-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

WWW.BIKRAMYOGACHELSEA.COM

Location: West 26th Street in Chelsea, New York City. Located across the street from the Fashion Institute, Tyra Banks Show as well as The Martha Stewart Show. Walking distance from subways and buses. Around the corner from Whole Foods and your choice of any cuisine. Buzz yourself to the 3rd floor and take the elevator or stairs up. (3 SWEAT DROPS)

Facility: A handsome man by the name of Rafael greets as you enter. He is the new owner of the Chelsea studio. I have been to this studio before so I know there was not much to renovate or update, but I could already tell how Rafael added his little personal touch to the space. The studio is painted a lighter beige color - it has a warmer feel as incense burns from the table and green plants surround the counter area. There are cubby holes for shoes, pegs for coats, benches for relaxing and magazines for reading. Even the door into the studio is a sliding door, which I think is really classy ala Rafael. The lobby is where most of the Bikram socializing would happen, this is the spot where students hang out at until class starts (for those who don't want to jump right into the heated studio). The ladies locker room is small with one toilet and two showers. There are many shelves to place your belongings and some pegs for hanging your clothes but if there are more than 8 women in class, the locker room tends to get really congested. and if there are classes back to back, it can get sardine-like (2 SWEAT DROPS).

The Studio: Small square studio with front and side mirrors. The celings are high but the fans blow the heat right back down. The heat comes from 4 heat blowers affixed to the ceiling at all four corners of the room. I am not a big fan of these blowers because they are loud and blow heat in one direction. I try to place my mat away from this steady strong stream of air at all times because it can get pretty intense. I usually like to practice in the front row because I focus better and to be honest with you - I wear contacts but I can barely see with them on. Anyway, most of the heaters are aimed at me in front so I hightail it to the middle of the room. I know it's unyogi-like and I should work on my own practice but I spent a lot of time checking out people's postures, outfits, nail color, etc. in the second row! (2.5 SWEAT DROPS).

The Class: John Salvatore taught my first class that week and I was in heaven. He is my most favorite male Bikram teachers aside from Rafael and I could not have been any happier. His class is energizing, funny, a complete riot all the while I do not realize how hard I am working in between laughing. Johnny's class is a CLASS ACT - literally. He is definitely one of a kind. He really set a precedence and my expectations were high. No other teacher I took that week is worth mentioning at all. I never caught a class taught by Rafael and Paola (2 of the toughest teachers in NYC). There was one teacher who kept reprimanding us throughout the whole class and another one that seemed as if she was on speed because she could not stand still the whole class. She was constantly walking around, turning/off fans and heater, opening/closing windows, etc. I don't think she stayed still for one minute. How ironic to be distracted by a teacher rather than a student?! But I swallowed my negative annoyed thoughts and pushed through that class with these challenges. I decided to keep on concentrating on my practice even if the teacher was a bit freaky. I think she needs Bikram yoga more than anyone else and on that note, I will try to avoid her class when in NYC again. (3 SWEAT DROPS)

Overall Assessment: Maybe I am being biased when I say I love this studio. Or maybe it's because I love Rafael (I used to take his classes consistently when he first moved to NYC and I credit him with my practice ethics). But all in all, I also have to realize that there are more and more new teachers being certified and with this said - I do not know a lot of them. There is a benefit to taking new teachers, it's like a box of chocolates - you just never know what your gonna get. I just think that your just gonna get a lot of new teachers at this studio and that may not be a bad thing but is it a good thing? I am pretty teacher-centric. If the teacher is awesome then it doesn't matter where we are practicing (as long as it's in a heated room:) (2.5 SWEAT DROPS)

Bikram Yoga West Palm Beach

2007-09-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

WWW.BIKRAMWPB.COM

Location: Parker Avenue, in the historic area of Flamingo Park nearby downtown West Palm Beach. Situated on a corner that allows 2 separate parking lots. Can get noisy from nearby train tracks and firehouse. (2.5 SWEAT DROPS)

Facility: Upon entering, there is a glass case desk and a smiling person that greets you. Bikram WPB studio has been around for the past 8 years or so and it shows it's age. It looks as if some renovations are in progress but it is obviously an older studio. You sign in on the sheet and take advantage of the unlimited 2 week package for $50. Huh? Isn't it usually $20 for one week? Well, their special allows you to get a $50 discount on your first class package that you purchase so it actually works out. There is also construction in progress for a separate yoga retail store to the left of the counter that should open in Fall 2007. The locker rooms, however, is the worst area of this space. Don't get me wrong, the facilities are very clean and usable BUT it definitely needs complete updating, better lighting, and most of all - a more inviting energy. This is why everyone who attends class rushes out in their wet costumes, jumps in their car and showers at home. Most of my yoga friends are made while chatting in the locker room. I don't think I will be making much friends with any of these folks who run out after class. (2 SWEAT DROPS)

The Studio: Large and rectangular studio with fairly new striped carpeting that allows students to practice in line. The heating system is on the ceiling, it is not noisy nor does it blow hot air on you, rather it is subtle and effective - along with the ceiling fans that bring the heat back down. There is only a front mirror (no side mirrors) and a small stage on the side (This stage is also fairly new and I believe it may be used for the Yoga Competition scheduled for December 2nd, 2007). The most impressive part of the studio is that it is large enough to never be too crowded and you always have a good view in the mirror. (3 SWEAT DROPS).

The Class: I practice here pretty often and what I like most about it is the variety of clientele. You have young, old, big, small, plastic, muscle men, etc. There are no cliques or contortionists, competitors or wannabes. No one is particularly gorgeous but everyone who practices here is purely working on and enjoying their own practice.

Most of the teachers I have experienced are pretty good. There is no one that I particularly like or dislike. There is one teacher who is more laid back than others in the respect that she does not tell students to wait in between postures to leave the room, not to walk around during class or have conversations, etc. There was a beginner who was very hot and overwhelmed and proceeded to pace back and forth in the back of the room while we were all in camel pose. It was totally distracting but what was most shocking was the instructor never said a word. A few men kept loudly grunting, groaning and burping repeatedly during class and no one said a word! I looked at one man (who was an adult) and he just opened his mouth and let out a big burp in the mirror. No discretion whatsoever.

There is also a common problem in that some classes go overtime by 5 minutes or so. This is never a problem in NYC but then again, NYC is a town of busy people. Florida is a little more laid back so when class does go a bit over time, I still panic and think I will be late for something (that's just the NYer in me) and then I take a breath and take advantage of the extra time I have now that I am in Florida.(3 SWEAT DROPS)

Overall Assessment: Bikram WPB is a nice studio with beautiful energy mainly because the owner, Karen, is always so welcoming, gracious and sweet and it flows through her space. Aside from the cosmetic changes that the studio is undergoing, it is a fine studio. One thing I would like to see more is the intermixing, mingling, chatting, bonding of students prior to class and after class. It just seems that the way this studio is laid out, it is not conducive to socializing like some studios I have been to. (2.5 SWEAT DROPS)

Power Yoga with Bryan Kest

2007-09-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

WWW.POWERYOGA.COM

Location: Santa Monica Boulevard, near the Promenade. Parking is also bit of a challenge. There are many parking garages in the area to choose from but allow extra time to find a close location. The Promenade is a well known shopping area and tends to get super crowded and congested. Also, unless you are staying this area - the traffic on the freeway can be horrendous at any given time or day. This is what L.A. is also famous for. (2 SWEAT DROPS)

Facility/ Studio: You climb up the stairs to a very raw, unfinished huge studio. There is no lobby, no sign in sheet or anyone to meet and greet. One side of the room are windows and the rest is just sheet rock unfinished walls and floors. There is a very crunchy, granola vibe as an older man with dred locks cleans up in between classes. You just pick a spot and plop your things close by as there are no locker rooms, showers or cubby holes. Just a bathroom that is also used as a changing room. The men just change in the back stairwell. I look around and notice that there are people from all walks of lives, all different shapes and sizes. Not very friendly but all in their own yoga zone, I can respect that. The older woman next to me gets a little bossy and tells everyone where they should move their mats. She even asked me to move up or back or side many times before class even starts just because she wants more room. Well, lady, there is no more room for you or for me. Deal with it! I started to feel annoyed before my yoga class until I heard Bryan's voice enter the room and then everyone calmed down.(2 SWEAT DROPS).

The Class: Class is by donation only. There is a box near the exit and the student pays whatever they would like. Most people push in $10-$20 through the slot. Bryan Kest is the reknowned yoga teacher who created Power Yoga. I actually have his yoga DVD at home which I do whenever I have not been to a class in a while and/or want a good workout. His series is pretty intense, I even sweat at home to the DVD! He walks in and he looks very different from his DVD. He is the reason why this studio is wall to wall bodies.

His voice is familiar and very comforting to me. He shuts all the windows and turns off the fans and starts us on our journey to kick our own asses. His class is not flowy at all, in fact, we stay in poses for what seems like forever and then we go into another crazy pose for another eternity. People are showering sweat and the guy's feet in front of me are really dirty and 2 inches from my face. I try to stay focused on my practice and not get so grossed out. Bryan adjusts me a couple times, pushes my head down a lot as he catches me looking around at everyone else. Everything he says about yoga, our bodies, our ways of thinking just makes sense. He is funny without being funny and delivers his monologue perfectly, but he is not scripted at all. (4 SWEAT DROPS)

Overall Assessment: I have to admit I was a bit start struck when I first heard Bryan's voice. I did not want to turn around to look at him when he entered the room but I knew his voice from my DVD. His class was intense and exhilirating. I check his website constantly to check to see when his next workshops are. He travels and presents around the country so I hope to catch him in my neck of the woods. If not, I will fly to L.A. just to take his class.(4 SWEAT DROPS)

Vinyasa Flow (2/3) with Vinnie Marino

2007-09-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

WWW.YOGAWORKS.COM/LOSANGELES

Location: Main Street, a hip area of Santa Monica. Parking is a bit of a challenge, there is not parking lot, but if you arrive early enough you have time to look for a prime spot. (3 SWEAT DROPS)

Facility: A handsome man greets as you enter. He checks students who already have a class package. If it is your first time, you are shown to the desk where you have to fill out the necessary paperwork and pay the fees. The studio is gorgeous and is staffed with beautiful smiling people. With modern decor, there are benches for resting as well as a retail area filled with books, mats, and clothing. The studio is street level and has many windows that allow natural light inside, giving off a very natural glow. The ladies locker room has separate rooms for changing and showering. It gives off a spa feeling because of the wood and stone decor, not to mention the organic soaps and lotions displayed for our use. Very clean, relaxing and impressively not congested(4 SWEAT DROPS).

The Studio: Rectangular studio with stage and sound system. There is a door that leads out into the side alley and is opened to air out the studio. There are ceiling fans and cubbies to place our valuables in the back (3 SWEAT DROPS).

The Class: I was only in town for a long weekend so I paid for a single class for $17. I lucked out because i happen to take my one class with the very well known Vinyasa teacher Vinnie Marino. I did not know of him but I overheard many students talking about him and I did happen to read in my yoga magazine that he was leading the Vinyasa Conference in las Vegas in October 2007.

I entered the studio and was shocked by how many mats lay on the floor. I picked one of the few spot left in the back and laid down next to a woman and man. One thing I immediately noticed was how gorgeous all the people were, how nice their bodies looked and how stylish their yoga clothes were. I know this is what L.A. is known for but I had never been in a room where a majority of the folks were all good looking. I started to feel a bit uneasy and unsure about myself and my old yoga clothes until the woman next to me asked me if I had ever taken Vinnie's class before and I said no. She was very nice and offered supportive and encouraging words. During class she even would catch my gaze and ask me how I was doing.

Vinnie entered the crowded room and shut all the doors and windows. He shut off all the fans and my heart started beating. He started the class by asking us to get into child's pose and then he blasted music in which we were asked to meditate and breathe through. Not chanting or classic yoga music but hard rock music! I started to get excited. He instructed us in a beautiful flowy class of Vinyasa poses. He had a soothing voice and friendly face. He sauntered around the room making adjustments as I envisioned him as a choreographer and we were his dancers performing in this studio, that's how graceful I felt! The room got really hot from all the energy, body heat and adrenaline. I was sweating as if I was in a Bikram yoga class but I was fully clothed! I was smiling while in my 100th downward dog with my eyes filled with salty sweat...I was in heaven (4 SWEAT DROPS)

Overall Assessment: In L.A., serious yoga students follow yoga teachers to various studios. Few just practice at one studio. Although Vinnie's class is very popular, I cannot say that all the teachers at Yoga works Main St. would be this good although the studio in and of itself is absolutely gorgeous. So I would just like to comment on my experience with Vinnie and all I have to say is that I have found my new Vinyasa guru. He makes me want to move to L.A. and follow him around like a stalker. (4 SWEAT DROPS)

Bikram Yoga Union Square (New York City)

2007-09-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

WWW.BIKRAMYOGAUNIONSQUARE.COM

Downtown New York City's Union Square area. Conveniently located near all subways, buses, etc. (3 SWEAT DROPS)

Facility: Located on the 6th floor of an office building that already houses 1 other popular yoga studio (Jivamukti). I remember rushing to a 5:30 PM class and cramming myself into the elevator with other students clutching their yoga mats. I thought we were all rushing to class but did not realize that everyone except me was getting off on the 2nd floor for their favorite Juvamukti class. Russell Simmons was on the elevator with the rest of the female yogis who all surrounded him and praised him as if he was some kind of guru. He kept staring at me, probably wondering why I was not gaga over him and probably even more baffled as to why I was not getting off the elevator with the rest of his yogi groupies. Anyway, the Bikram Yoga Union Square facility is a newer facility as they relocated to this location in the recent past. It still has a 'new' and modern look to it. The lobby was neither warm nor inviting but served it's purpose as place to leave your shoes, pick up a pamphlet or see advertisements for upcoming workshops. There is a new front desk, new carpet, new heating system. The studio colors of white and dark blue portrayed more of a corporate feeling vs. the spa-like atmosphere I feel that the owner was trying for. The bathrooms were located out in the hall and is also used by the employees of firms on the same floor (1 SWEAT DROP)The ladies locker room had 4 showers stalls with lavender body and hair products (3 SWEAT DROPS). The locker area is small and tends to get congested when there is a larger class but I have yet to go to a studio that never had this problem. I believe it is perceived that women will quickly shower, dress and leave which will provide room for the rest BUT sad to day unlike men, most women linger in locker rooms to moisturize, blow dry, apply cosmetics, shave, etc. therefore staying another half hour after class to primp and get pretty.

The Studio: Nice sized studio, rectangular, glass doors that are locked once class begins (no latecomers please). Gorgeous gothic windows that overlook Broadway. New rug and heating system. No obnoxious smells. Pretty considerate crowd will always make room for your mat. (2 SWEAT DROPS)

The Class: Upon my trip to NYC the week of June 25, 2007 - I took advantage of the $20 Introductory Special of Unlimited yoga for one week . Four of the 5 classes I took that week were with George, whom I happened to know and love from other studios. He is such a nice and sweet person and it really transfers in his class. He has gotten better and strict in his teaching as the years have passed. He quickly reprimands anyone who breaks studio rules i.e. leaving in between postures, arriving late, etc. I find that nice as my concentration easily gets broken when someone passes by while I am in standing bow. The other teacher was Becca and although I have never taken her class before I presumed she was a newer teacher. I guess I say that because her class was very straightforward, her class seemed like it was memorized verbatim a la Bikram teacher training with none of her own personality scripted in. But Becca also had the studio owner Otto taking her class so I am sure she was watching all her Ps and Qs. Just a little tidbit about the owner. George had introduced me to him when I signed in one day, he seemed a little fake and distracted. Then I witnessed him get irate and rude toward one his staff in front of all of us students. I felt so badly for this person as the owner decided to berate him in front of at least 10 students. This is when I realized why the studio gave off such a cold and sterile vibe, it totally is the product of the owner. This whole incident soured me to this whole studio despite my love for George's class. (NEGATIVE 1 SWEAT DROP)

Overall Assessment: I do not think I will return to this studio because of the owner. The vibe in the studio is just too negative even if the staff is very nice and the teachers are great. I know most instructors teach at other studios so i would just have to check out what other studios George teaches at. (2.5 SWEAT DROPS)