KG C.
Yelp
FYI - I know very little about yoga, as I've been to only a handful of classes, so excuse me if I call every pose, child's play or downward dog or butcher the "lingo." I just came here after getting a trial of ClassPass.
What I LOVED:
+ The Instructor + Instruction: Megan was great, sans her "hip-hop" selection (but more on that later). You could tell that she was very well-trained in both yoga and general fitness by her dedication to the "flow" and emphasis on the movement on certain body parts for the best workout. She spoke at just the right volume, and adjusted the music at the perfect time. Although other Yelpers have warned that Y7 instructors are very hands-off and it could be difficult for new yogi's, I found that Megan's hands-on, then hands-off instruction was perfect for me (someone who lives in the child's play position but had no idea that it had a name). Plus, all the other girls in the class seem like yoga master's so I had a ton of teachers, honestly! I sat in the back row, but I didn't feel isolated or lost as Megan walked around frequently.
We did three flows, and within each flow, Megan would lead us through the movement about twice on each side and subsequently, allow about 1 minute of freestyle with the music turned up. The workout was good. I felt my abs tighten, I felt my limbs stretch, and I felt a calm.
+ The Yoga Studio: I actually appreciate a dark (almost pitch black), candle-lit studio, the ambiance is much more serene, relaxing and very much less judgmental. I accidentally fanned out one of the candles while putting down my mat, so I experienced even ~more~ darkness on my left side, but my right side held it down. Also, darkness helps because about 20 minutes into the class, you will start to sweat profusely. And it will be gross + good at the same time. It will drip down your face, down your legs and onto your mat, which will transform it into a slip-n-slide. Make sure to bring a towel, get a complimentary one from the front desk, or rent a skid less one for $3. You will need it! And wear the least amount of clothes possible, or very moisture-wicking clothing if you're fancy. And don't feel bad that you're literally showering sweat, because, surprise! When you walk out into the light, you'll see that everyone else was too.
What I HATED (disliked):
+ Size: The studio was a decent size for the amount of people (I assume around 20) practicing, but once the class was released, the actual "lobby/front desk area," was so crowded. There are cubbies, two chairs, a bench, two racks of merchandise, a table of merchandise, racks for mat rentals, a stand-up AC and a front desk. My class was all pressed together, also amongst the people who were waiting for the next class to start. We were literally, "A Tribe Called Sweat." There was a wait for the bathroom (only 2). There are plenty of mirrors to look at yourself, be disgusted, and have little wiggle room to do anything about it. Yay!
+ Hip Hop Selection: Although I couldn't fathom how hip hop and yoga could meet at a safe space, I was still quite optimistic about the class. Prior to choosing a class slot, I looked to see if the music preferences of the instructors were listed on ClassPass or on the website (like SoulCycle), but I found nothing. I decided to take a chance either way. Upon arrival, The " A Tribe Called Sweat" merchandise in the lobby amphed me up even more. I took this as a sure sign that the hip hop would be along the lines of "A Tribe Called Quest," and there if no way that could ever be a bad experience. WRONG. My instructor played purely "pop music," and if she played any "hip hop," she played it during the point that the music was inaudible. PLEASE, if you're going to brand yourself as a yoga company that is MUSIC-centered, specify the preferences of the instructors. PLEASE, if you're going to brand yourself as a yoga studio that is HIP-HOP-centered, please refrain from pop music, and off-brand mixes of well-known hip hop songs. It was also be a nice touch to employ some POC.
What you SHOULD do:
+ If you're looking for a good yoga sweat, try it out. The music could be a throwaway. I did it through ClassPass, so I'm not sure of the pricing but after your first class, they offer you 2 weeks/$45
PRO TIP:
+ Be prepared to walk up about 4 flights of stairs. The workout starts at the front door!
+ Bring a towel, and moist towelettes, or baby wipes. Bring the closest thing to a shower that you can.
+ Bring water.
+ Be ready for class (dress @ home).
+ Bring your own mat - I'm sure they clean theirs thoroughly, but they get pretty sweaty. I'd feel more comfortable using my own.