You've asked for it (over and over again)...

We've wanted to bring it to you for a long time...

..And now it's here!

 

Here are some FAQs on Hot Yoga:

What is the difference between Hot Yoga and Hot Vinyasa?

Hot Yoga is a set series of 26 poses that are meant to be inviting for beginners and the experienced that will include standing, seated, and balancing poses that will have you moving deeper into postures and thus becoming more flexible in other areas of your life! Hot Vinyasa is an hour long series of flowing yoga postures that will have you practicing your breathing, focus and strength in a heated room. Every class is unique!

 

What are the benefits of doing yoga in a Hot room?

Hot classes have many benefits: you will sweat out waste and toxins; your body warms up from the outside in for more ease on muscles and joints; It is a great aide in weight loss and getting into the best shape of your life; you'll probably not want to eat lots of "junk food" after doing hot yoga regularly; did we mention you sweat?...a lot? Always consult a physician before doing rigorous excersize if you are not 100% healthy.

 

What else should I know?

We ask that you reserve your space before class by our e-scheduler or by phone. We ask that you stay through the entire class once it begins. Try not to eat large meals 2 hours before class or longer if you have slow disgestion. Drink sips of water throughout the class (drinking a lot won't help to absorb into your body, it may just sit in your belly) but do drink lot's of water through the day or night following the class. Mats and towels are $2 to rent and water is $1 each but please feel free to bring your own.

 

Why should I try a class?

Aside from the intro special of $10 drop-in for the month of May 16th through June 15th, you can see what all of the hype is about. And if hot yoga is absolutely not for you, we also have wonderful vinyasa, iyengar and gentle hatha yoga for all levels in a non sweat inducing temperature room. And if that's not enough, do it for how amazing the future YOU will feel after a class.

Here's our schedule:

Hot Yoga: Mondays & Wednesday 8-9:30am; Fridays 7-8:30pm; Saturdays 5-6:30pm

Hot Vinyasa: Wednesdays 10-11:15pm

Get our $10/class drop-in (for yoga & pilates) or $120 any ten class card (6 week expiration) special online with the code "120may2010" at checkout or RSVP today!

 

Warming the Heart:

February has settled in with a few snow storms and some chilling
winds.  In protecting our bodies against the weather we may find
ourselves curling into a ball, instinctually conserving body heat.
This manifests as a rounded upper back, a collapsed chest, and hunched
shoulders as we bury our faces in our coats and scarves.  The shorter
days of winter and lower temperatures encourage us to stay indoors,
turning our focus inwards.  This can be healing and rejuvenating, but
can also contribute to some seasonal sadness and lethargy.

In the perspective of yoga the physical action of collapsing the chest
puts a damper on the energetic heart center.  The heart center is
associated with emotional empowerment, inspiration, devotion, and of
course, love.  Opening up this space in the body can enhance our
compassion for ourselves and others as well as encourage us to
approach our lives with hope and inspiration in any season.

Practicing back-bending postures will open up space in the ribs and
front of the spine to better support the shoulders, neck and head.
These poses will also give more space to the heart and lungs to
operate more efficiently in oxygenating the blood and tissues.
Physical tension is released and the nervous system can relax.

Here are some yoga poses that will help open your chest and heart
center.  Try breathing through your heart, expanding the ribs with the
movement of the breath.  And remember to go only as deep as you feel
comfortable:

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

 

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

 

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)


Suzy teaches Gentle Yoga every Wednesday at 10am.
Follow Suzy on Twitter: @jasmimyoga

Oh boy, I could use a Time Out.
 

After such a busy two weeks planning a fundraiser this past Sunday
for the organizations partnering in the relief of the Earthquakes in
Haiti these past 2 weeks, working on projects that will come into focus in the
Spring, and renovations in the studio...I have to say I need a little
Y&R (relaxation and yoga) (yoga & relaxation)!

Well I have nothing but good news to share:

The fundraiser was a success!

With 10 hours notice, emails and phone calls, we had
a wonderful turnout for the 5 donation based classes
in yoga, pilates and ballet fitness, and raised $404
that went to the charity of the giver's choice for Partners
in Health, Doctors Without Borders and Yele Haiti.

My class was focused on shoulder strengthening and
opening as well as the idea of interconnectedness.
It was lovely to see so many come together regardless
of a direct connection to the people of Haiti.
This is union...and union is YOGA. Learn more about what
Yoga is in the beginner's class (open to Q&A) Mondays and
Wednesdays at 7pm. 

I would like to thank everyone who came by, spread the
word, brought food and supplies, as well as the teachers:
Yoko, Keri, Alice and Mariyah for their time and efforts.

We are still taking donations in the form of food, blankets,
tea lights, water and medical supplies. Clothes are not a priority
but basic necessities are.

Aside from working on on-going efforts, we've also had a
longer break than usual for classes due to renovations in the space.
Stop by the studio and see what's new soon!

 

 

If you have missed class because of renovations, please
email or call so that I may extend your pass! 

namaste

 

In these cold months following the holidays, the body tends to be more
stiff than usual and the mind tends to be more stressed than usual.
It's an ideal time to pay particular attention to the hips with yoga!

The hips are the largest joint in the body.  Whatever happens there
tends to radiate through the rest of the body in a domino affect.
They link the legs and torso, bearing most of the body's weight.  They
support and protect the organs of digestion and reproduction.  And in
yoga, it is said that emotional baggage is stored in this area.  The
hips are also often the place where yoga students notice the most
tightness!

Caring for this joint with sensitivity and compassion will bring
relaxation to the body and a sense of ease to the mind.

Here are a few poses to open up tight hips.  Remember to breathe and
only go as far as you feel comfortable:

Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana):

Step 1
 

Step 2

(remember to breathe and relax the shoulder and hips)

Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana):

Step 1 

Step 2
 

border-collapse: collapse;">Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana):

Step 1

Step 2
 

Tip: It is very Common for people to have tight hips! Keep
practicing at least twice a week and things will begin to open.

 

Suzy teaches Gentle Yoga every Wednesday from 10-11am

Namaste 

If your little one was too little or just not ready for dance classes last year... join Alice for Winter/Spring Semester Children's classes!

Ages 3-5
Pre-Ballet with Alice
Thursdays 4-4:45pm (Drop off between 3:45&4pm)


Ages 6-7 (experienced 5 year olds)
Ballet I with Alice
Thursdays 5-6pm (pick up 6pm sharp!)


Classes begin NEXT WEEK January 21st (Please note, there is no class Match 18th 2010)


Cost: $75/month or $135/every two months


Alice is an Alvin Ailey trained Ballet and Modern dancer who also teaches an Adult class! Your first class w/Alice is free when you register one child for either children's class.


Ballet Fit (based on the warm-up of the NYC Ballet Co.)
Sundays 1:15-2:15pm
$15 or $135 for ten dance classes
New Student special: $49 unlimited month of yoga, dance & pilates classes


Basic Ballet for Adults with Grace (Ballet with a contemporary twist)
Thursdays 7:15-8:30pm
$16 or $135 for ten dance classes
New Student special: $49 unlimited month of yoga, dance & pilates classes

Please note that the studio will be closed December 24-25th this week.

Also please note any up to the minute schedule changes here or here.

Have a peaceful holiday!

 

Yes it's time to heat things up with Belly Dance (Raqs Sharqi) class...

Have you taken class with Tamar yet?

Tamar teaches Open Level Belly Dance, Egyptian style every Sunday at 5pm.

RSVP for any class here.

Aside from teaching, Tamar is also working hard on her annual event at BAM cafe with special guests... and it's FREE!

Saturday December 19th 8pm...check it out!

 

Some of you may know the work I do with the Lineage Project

We teach yoga, meditation and other awareness based practice to "at risk" NYC Youth.

I'm so honored to be apart of this social change in my own city...

And when Beth Navon, our Executive Director sent me this link today, I was not

only happy to find that the work of finding an inspirational post to start the weekend

was out of my hands, but I was literally grinning from ear-to-ear and clapping

behind to studio desk to hear this story of Yoga in South African Prisons.

BBC ... I can always count on you for diverse and insteresting world news!

 

 

 

Check out this great BLOG called In Her Shoes by Crush Media.

I was very excited to answer questions about my journey

through yoga, the studio and what's coming up in 2010
(boy that feels strange to say)

In Her Shoes Blog also asked what shoes describe my style

(I promise that I do get out of the yoga attire once in a while)

Go ahead and check out other inspiring female trailblazers...

 

Another Fly Female Entrepreneur in my humbleopinion is Terri Walsh,

celebrity personal trainer and friend of the studio.

I like her approach to fitness...check out her website!

So I definitely do not have a bias against the fellas...

One fly male entrepreneur is Russell Simmons, yogi, mogul and avid twitterer.

For all of the entrepreneurs out there, do you agree with what Russell says
about the road to riches?

"For those seeking a happy life filled with riches Remember the road to riches is the same road to the atman or higher self." - Russell Simmons

(ha...lightbulb just turned on! keep note that "Atman" is also the name of Russell's fragrance, but click on the word in the quote to read it's meaning.)

 

Light & Laughter,

Grace

5 New yoga classes added to the schedule!

All Community...all donation based!

Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Mondays - Hatha Yoga with Giancarlo

Tuesdays - Vinyasa with Carleen

Wednesdays - Vinyasa with Namie

Thursdays - Hatha with Giancarlo

Fridays - Vinyasa with Namie

Please note the other times for Community Classes:

Fridays 10-11:30am Vinyasa

Fridays 7-8:30pm with Cory

Saturdays 10:15am-11:30 with Grace & Giancarlo

All classes are $10 suggested in our efforts to provide free and low-cost classes to cancer survivors.

RSVP here.