I started Castle Hill "yoga" today but don't be confused, all of the specialty classes, etc. are still under the umbrella and in the same building as Castle Hill Fitness. To be honest, I was completely confused before I got there and it didn't get much clearer once I arrived.
Castle Hill Fitness is like an exercise city, it is windy and there are rooms, doors and random pieces of equipment everywhere, very Austin. To that point though, the yoga rooms are only 2 out of all that is going on at CH. Now, this can be good and bad. The perk is that you get the full locker room which is older but has all of the goods (hairdryer, towels, soaps, hair products, etc.) which is beneficial for showering after class. The negative is more a personal thing in that I already have a gym, so I'm looking to join a yoga studio.
As I said, I'm still a little confused at how it all works, but I believe with my trial class pass (1st timers get 50% off 10-class pass = $66) I can use the fitness facilities too but cannot attend other specialty classes and just yoga? They also have "community classes" for a drop in $7 where you don't need a membership at all, so I don't know that getting the class pass is really worth it?
As far as the schedule goes, there are options I have on Saturday and Sunday but during the week there are really only 2, the 6:30am Ashtanga Mysore and the 6pm Vinyasa Flow classes, that I can make. I'm disappointed at that...especially after the Mysore class this morning. What Mysore means is that you basically show up and kind of just go through the poses by yourself while the instructor watch/gives you some hints, but doesn't lead the class. The reason I take classes is because the instructors know more than I do!! I can see how some would like the peace and the calm that comes with going at your own pace...but it's not worth the cost and not really my preference.
I'm looking forward to trying the Vinyasa Flow class and possibly some of the Community classes on the weekends. I think moving forward if I were to do CH (again I've only been once) I'd just go on a class by class basis, similar to Black Swan. Who knows though...I could change my mind, I have 9 classes left to go!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Final Rating: Bfree
Well I'm sad to say that my time at Bfree is over for now. I had a great experience there each time I went. The atmosphere is very welcoming for yogis of all levels and there was a great variety of clientele. As I've explained before the studio is only a couple of months old and that makes me even more impressed with Shelby, the new owner. She is constantly meeting members, hosting interesting guests and supporting her staff. The changes she has made even since I began are fantastic; just recently she has decided to go "free" in another way by integrating all green products, energy efficient lighting, and more.
My classes have been a mixed variety at Bfree, which I personally liked but others who are new may find slightly frustrating. Since there are instructors who have come from different backgrounds and teacher training there isn't a ton of consistency between them, however since you never know what to expect with a new instructor it is a lot of fun to try new days and times. I experienced yoga that I never knew existed, with songs, music, unique poses, etc. Therefore, as someone who is using yoga as relaxation, fun and exercise it was great. Because there are so many teachers they have a great schedule. Anytime I wanted to go to yoga I was able to find a class to fit in. This is very nice because I generally don't know until that day or the day before when I'll be free.
Overall, I liked the instructors and the classes. I have to say before coming to Bfree I never really needed a towel during class and I definitely did multiple times over the past month. My favorite instructor was definitely Iva, I really liked her flow, cadence and instruction, I would recommend her class to any of you who are going to try out Bfree. I also loved G'Nell, she was one of my last classes. I had missed her at BBY, but was able to fit her class in at Bfree...she rocks! I was actually SORE the day after her class which is a huge rarity and she was able to talk me through eka-pada kundinyasana pose for the first time ever and now I can do it. She really, really knows her stuff and you can tell she is completely comfortable teaching and enjoys every minute of it. Final note: they do lavender towels on your face after classes which I love.
The facility at Bfree I really liked. Since some of the instructors that I wanted to try were during the work day I was really happy that they had two showers equipped with soap and shampoo. In addition, sorry guys, but Shelby puts out free lady products in the bathroom, I know this is silly but it's such an easy way to make someone's day :) She had the place re-tiled as well. The instruction rooms are very roomy, and not because no one came to classes. The ceiling is very high so even when it was packed it wasn't overwhelming. In addition, there is a LOT of parking in the garage behind the studio as well as a huge blackboard that gives you information on upcoming events, classes and changes.
There are free mats to use and small hand towels. Shelby has water bottles available for $1.00 that you can purchase when you come in. Everything about Bfree is open and inviting...if you want to check it out for yourself they are having the Bfree Yoga Festival this Saturday April 30th with all day FREE yoga!
Ratings:
Classes: 4/5
Facility: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.25/5
The more carefree, relaxed feel of the studio was a real draw to me! Feel free to leave any comments or thoughts :)
My classes have been a mixed variety at Bfree, which I personally liked but others who are new may find slightly frustrating. Since there are instructors who have come from different backgrounds and teacher training there isn't a ton of consistency between them, however since you never know what to expect with a new instructor it is a lot of fun to try new days and times. I experienced yoga that I never knew existed, with songs, music, unique poses, etc. Therefore, as someone who is using yoga as relaxation, fun and exercise it was great. Because there are so many teachers they have a great schedule. Anytime I wanted to go to yoga I was able to find a class to fit in. This is very nice because I generally don't know until that day or the day before when I'll be free.
Overall, I liked the instructors and the classes. I have to say before coming to Bfree I never really needed a towel during class and I definitely did multiple times over the past month. My favorite instructor was definitely Iva, I really liked her flow, cadence and instruction, I would recommend her class to any of you who are going to try out Bfree. I also loved G'Nell, she was one of my last classes. I had missed her at BBY, but was able to fit her class in at Bfree...she rocks! I was actually SORE the day after her class which is a huge rarity and she was able to talk me through eka-pada kundinyasana pose for the first time ever and now I can do it. She really, really knows her stuff and you can tell she is completely comfortable teaching and enjoys every minute of it. Final note: they do lavender towels on your face after classes which I love.
The facility at Bfree I really liked. Since some of the instructors that I wanted to try were during the work day I was really happy that they had two showers equipped with soap and shampoo. In addition, sorry guys, but Shelby puts out free lady products in the bathroom, I know this is silly but it's such an easy way to make someone's day :) She had the place re-tiled as well. The instruction rooms are very roomy, and not because no one came to classes. The ceiling is very high so even when it was packed it wasn't overwhelming. In addition, there is a LOT of parking in the garage behind the studio as well as a huge blackboard that gives you information on upcoming events, classes and changes.
There are free mats to use and small hand towels. Shelby has water bottles available for $1.00 that you can purchase when you come in. Everything about Bfree is open and inviting...if you want to check it out for yourself they are having the Bfree Yoga Festival this Saturday April 30th with all day FREE yoga!
Ratings:
Classes: 4/5
Facility: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.25/5
The more carefree, relaxed feel of the studio was a real draw to me! Feel free to leave any comments or thoughts :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
More Bfree Instructors
I am nearing the end of my trial month at Bfree and have had so many fantastic instructors! I really like the variety that I get with each class, I have yet to know what to expect from a new instructor that I haven't had before.
What I have learned as I've gotten further into my Yoga Tour is that many of the instructors teach at multiple studios - so I'm lucky to have a chance to try out G'Nell's class at Bfree tonight because I missed her at BBY!
Rebecca - The class I attended by Rebecca was a BHot class, the first that I've taken at the studio. Although I'm not the biggest fan of bikram that is not the fault of the instructor. She was very thorough and even though I didn't know the pose names (they were slightly different from vinyasa) I didn't feel lost or out of place. The class was also VERY full but I didn't feel a lack of attention or distraction from Rebecca. I walked into her class feeling overwhelmed by life and left with a new attitude. Her manner was very professional!
Gioconda - my friend Sami has been talking about Gio's class since I started at Bfree...and I finally made it. Whew, I didn't know I could sweat that much. The class was challenging and the pattern of the class was unique to her. I really liked the variation options that she gave for each balancing pose, it allowed me to play when I felt strong enough but know what the next best option was since I was really tired (long day)! Her class was packed full and you could tell that she has quite a following of yogis. I was really impressed with her cadence and instruction, she lives and breathes yoga :)
As I explained, Friday is my last day at Bfree. Since I will have one class in me after G'Nell's class tonight I'm going to hit up Shelby's 9:30 on Friday since we have off for the holiday (hopefully they are open). Then I'll be sure to give my final thoughts on Bfree!
What I have learned as I've gotten further into my Yoga Tour is that many of the instructors teach at multiple studios - so I'm lucky to have a chance to try out G'Nell's class at Bfree tonight because I missed her at BBY!
Rebecca - The class I attended by Rebecca was a BHot class, the first that I've taken at the studio. Although I'm not the biggest fan of bikram that is not the fault of the instructor. She was very thorough and even though I didn't know the pose names (they were slightly different from vinyasa) I didn't feel lost or out of place. The class was also VERY full but I didn't feel a lack of attention or distraction from Rebecca. I walked into her class feeling overwhelmed by life and left with a new attitude. Her manner was very professional!
Gioconda - my friend Sami has been talking about Gio's class since I started at Bfree...and I finally made it. Whew, I didn't know I could sweat that much. The class was challenging and the pattern of the class was unique to her. I really liked the variation options that she gave for each balancing pose, it allowed me to play when I felt strong enough but know what the next best option was since I was really tired (long day)! Her class was packed full and you could tell that she has quite a following of yogis. I was really impressed with her cadence and instruction, she lives and breathes yoga :)
As I explained, Friday is my last day at Bfree. Since I will have one class in me after G'Nell's class tonight I'm going to hit up Shelby's 9:30 on Friday since we have off for the holiday (hopefully they are open). Then I'll be sure to give my final thoughts on Bfree!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Bfree Yoga Instructors
I've been with Bfree yoga now for about 2 weeks and have experienced a variety of yoga styles and teaching! It's very interesting because each of the teachers has a different background so I never knew what to expect. I'll give some highlights...
Brienne - Her style was very confident, she has a lot of knowledge and you can tell. I liked her class because it felt nurturing and there was a lot of motivational speak and "good jobs". In addition, it was a different spin on vinyasa in that the flows were in unique patterns.
Zoe - I walked in a little late and was a little surprised to hear singing...but when we did the same pattern of song at the end of class it was surreal, kind of taking you outside yourself! She is definitely more earthy and "free" in her practice.
Victoria - She was young but knows a lot of details. I did feel like she needed to be more confident, her class was great but I could tell she was a little nervous. I would suggest picking one or two poses on which to inflect and show more emotion.
Iva - Great! She had a fantastic voice and the flow was very natural. The hour went by quickly and I was sweating like crazy...very challenging and strong class. She had a good balance of each body part so we hit on arms, hips, etc.
I look forward to trying more instructors. There are so many at Bfree that I will definitely have more updates :)
Brienne - Her style was very confident, she has a lot of knowledge and you can tell. I liked her class because it felt nurturing and there was a lot of motivational speak and "good jobs". In addition, it was a different spin on vinyasa in that the flows were in unique patterns.
Zoe - I walked in a little late and was a little surprised to hear singing...but when we did the same pattern of song at the end of class it was surreal, kind of taking you outside yourself! She is definitely more earthy and "free" in her practice.
Victoria - She was young but knows a lot of details. I did feel like she needed to be more confident, her class was great but I could tell she was a little nervous. I would suggest picking one or two poses on which to inflect and show more emotion.
Iva - Great! She had a fantastic voice and the flow was very natural. The hour went by quickly and I was sweating like crazy...very challenging and strong class. She had a good balance of each body part so we hit on arms, hips, etc.
I look forward to trying more instructors. There are so many at Bfree that I will definitely have more updates :)
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