I've just finished my month-long trial period at Yoga Vida and really enjoyed it. Before I get into my final rating I'd like to go over the final two instructors that I've had since my last post.
Vic - he was great!!! The class was very challenging and he was very good giving us moderations to make the poses easier or more difficult. It was the most crowded class I've been to at Yoga Vida so that just proves that he has the attention of the members. His level of motivation was very high and I felt really good throughout the class that continued after I left. He definitely has a Baptiste style practice.
Zoe - this is the second time I've had Zoe, I had also taken her at Bfree. I have to say that she was just as consistent and well-practiced as I remembered. It was another very full class which just proves she's popular too! Her style is more yogi than some others but I think it really grounds you and requires focus on your practice.
I also heard from a friend that Carly is great, but unfortunately my month ran out before I got a chance to try her out, so I would suggest making it work if you do the trial or get a membership. Ok...moving on!
The classes at Yoga Vida overall were fantastic. I've learned that I really enjoy the consistency that comes from the Baron Baptiste trained instructors and the studios that follow his practice. They are generally very challenging and help you explore moderations that allow you to grow your practice instead of doing the same thing each class. I love to improve and test my strength and balance and the classes I've had over the past month all did that for me. I would have to say that my favorite instructor over the course of the month was Vic, his class appealed most to what I look for when I'm walking into yoga.
There are two facilities that you can use with your membership to Yoga Vida, one is located on 7th and West and the other off Bee Caves road in Westlake. I only went to the Westlake location once, but liked the downtown location better. The Bee Caves location is carpeted and doesn't have a shower which is a downer for me as far as a full-time studio is concerned. As far as I know, all instructors bounce between both studios so whatever times and classes are convenient for you will be enjoyed.
The downtown location does have a shower and a larger locker room area. This is helpful if you have to go somewhere (work, class, etc.) after the class, which is normally the case for me. There are a couple things that disappointed me about the studio, the lack of little towels and the lack of cleaning solution. With the heated nature of the classes you definitely need a towel, even just a small one, which I almost ALWAYS would forget. They don't have any hand towels to use during class so it's slightly difficult to focus if you can't wipe down. In addition, because you are sweaty if there is no cleaning solution you are putting your mat back into your hot car to sit...it would be an easy improvement to make!
A major plus is that even the downtown studio has decent parking behind the studio so you never have to worry about needing a meter or paying for parking. I really liked Yoga Vida and my time there flew by! I would definitely suggest it, especially the new one month trial for $40. You will enjoy the practice and the locations.
Ratings:
Classes: 4.5/5
Facility: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Next..on to Yoga Groove:)
Showing posts with label baptiste. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baptiste. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Instructors: Yoga Vida
Before I get into instructors I wanted to mention that I went to the Bee Cave Rd. location one morning for a workout. Please note that location does not have a shower! I went to a morning class expecting it and there was none...this needs to be outlined on the website, maybe in an amenities section?
Another thing I've noticed is that they don't provide little towels. This is a disappointment because if I forget mine or decide last minute to practice I'm stuck slipping and sliding all over my mat, very sad. I would also like to suggest that they get some spray bottles of cleaner - my mat stays in my car = stinky car.
Okay, so I've had three different instructors so far. Yoga Vida seems to have a fewer number of teachers than other studios so I've taken a few classes from each. The first is Dean, who I think is the owner/manager of the downtown location. He is SO funny, everything he says in class is really quirky and a little out there, but it is entertaining! I have to say I actually laugh out loud in my poses...you would think it might distract but it makes it more light and I like that. Also, you can tell that he is trained through Baron Baptiste (same program as Breath & Body Yoga) because all of his classes are challenging and a good workout. He teaches a LOT of the classes downtown so there are a lot of chances to take a class with him, but sometimes I wish there was little more variety.
I took my class at the Bee Caves location with Kim, she was fantastic. Her cadence was really good, especially for an early morning yoga session. I sweat a TON in that class and I like the adjustments she made. I wish she would teach a couple classes at the downtown too since it's more convenient for me!
Finally, yesterday I took class with Lara and she made me feel good! Her class was a great balance of strength and stretching. So far, she's the only instructor who has asked if we had a preference for the class and I always take advantage of that and ask for hips. It was only 3 of us which was nice because she was able to give us adjustments as well as suggestions on how to make each pose more challenging. You can tell it comes naturally to her.
I look forward to mixing up my times so I can experience more instructors!! So far, so good.
Another thing I've noticed is that they don't provide little towels. This is a disappointment because if I forget mine or decide last minute to practice I'm stuck slipping and sliding all over my mat, very sad. I would also like to suggest that they get some spray bottles of cleaner - my mat stays in my car = stinky car.
Okay, so I've had three different instructors so far. Yoga Vida seems to have a fewer number of teachers than other studios so I've taken a few classes from each. The first is Dean, who I think is the owner/manager of the downtown location. He is SO funny, everything he says in class is really quirky and a little out there, but it is entertaining! I have to say I actually laugh out loud in my poses...you would think it might distract but it makes it more light and I like that. Also, you can tell that he is trained through Baron Baptiste (same program as Breath & Body Yoga) because all of his classes are challenging and a good workout. He teaches a LOT of the classes downtown so there are a lot of chances to take a class with him, but sometimes I wish there was little more variety.
I took my class at the Bee Caves location with Kim, she was fantastic. Her cadence was really good, especially for an early morning yoga session. I sweat a TON in that class and I like the adjustments she made. I wish she would teach a couple classes at the downtown too since it's more convenient for me!
Finally, yesterday I took class with Lara and she made me feel good! Her class was a great balance of strength and stretching. So far, she's the only instructor who has asked if we had a preference for the class and I always take advantage of that and ask for hips. It was only 3 of us which was nice because she was able to give us adjustments as well as suggestions on how to make each pose more challenging. You can tell it comes naturally to her.
I look forward to mixing up my times so I can experience more instructors!! So far, so good.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Breath & Body Instructors: Omar and Kaley
Every class I've taken at BBY has been awesome - these two included! Each of these two instructors has their own style and definitely made their classes unique. Again, I'm impressed so far with the BBY staff and cannot wait to practice with the remainder of the instructors during my trial period.
Omar:
His class was a little 'easier' (still very challenging) than the others I've taken, but I think it's because he seems to have a much more relaxed approach to his class. I would say that Omar has the best "mat-side" manner that I've ever experienced...he seemed to remember everyone's name and use that to call out adjustments in the class. This was great because you knew that you needed to pay close attention to that change and didn't have to look up or lose focus. I liked the floor work that we did, it was a good closing to the class after the heavy flow portion. We also did a lot of optional inversions which I liked (handstands!). My only critique, and this is a personal preference, is that he didn't have any music and I prefer music during all exercises.
At the end of the class during our final meditation (I always forget the fancy name) he came around and put cool lavender cloths on our foreheads...this was sweet! I did learn that they try to do this if there is time at the end of each class, but it was a nice surprise. I have to say that during a morning or daytime class it wouldn't be as great, but at 8pm when you are preparing to go home for shower/dinner/bed it feels wonderful.
Kaley:
Tonight I took Kaley's class, and loved it. At the beginning she let us know that it was a basics class, which meant less flow, so I was hoping it was still challenging...and oh was it. She did a great job explaining at the start of the class why the basics are important and that many times it is more challenging because you are holding poses longer and really focusing on the technique. She continued to remind us throughout to keep our bellies tucked in which was a nice change. Many people tell me that yoga is great for the core, but I have a fairly strong core to begin with so I don't notice...but by being consistently reminded it made me realize that I just haven't been focusing my muscle energy properly to feel it.
The class was great for me because it was more light-hearted than some. Kaley was conversational while still instructing consistently. She made us feel that although yoga is a serious practice and it is important to focus that it is still just yoga and to have fun with it. I liked her choice of music (Edward Sharpe) and walked out feeling refreshed. I look forward to trying out one of her classes that focuses on flow and power!
______
One more thing I noticed about the studio tonight. I think that for trial periods, even for those who have done some yoga, it would be good at the beginning of the class to know if the instructor thinks we'll need a block, strap, blanket, etc. I have noticed that in each class the individuals gather a number of these things (haven't needed any until tonight) and because I'm new to these instructors it isn't something I'm prepared for. Just a thought!
Omar:
His class was a little 'easier' (still very challenging) than the others I've taken, but I think it's because he seems to have a much more relaxed approach to his class. I would say that Omar has the best "mat-side" manner that I've ever experienced...he seemed to remember everyone's name and use that to call out adjustments in the class. This was great because you knew that you needed to pay close attention to that change and didn't have to look up or lose focus. I liked the floor work that we did, it was a good closing to the class after the heavy flow portion. We also did a lot of optional inversions which I liked (handstands!). My only critique, and this is a personal preference, is that he didn't have any music and I prefer music during all exercises.
At the end of the class during our final meditation (I always forget the fancy name) he came around and put cool lavender cloths on our foreheads...this was sweet! I did learn that they try to do this if there is time at the end of each class, but it was a nice surprise. I have to say that during a morning or daytime class it wouldn't be as great, but at 8pm when you are preparing to go home for shower/dinner/bed it feels wonderful.
Kaley:
Tonight I took Kaley's class, and loved it. At the beginning she let us know that it was a basics class, which meant less flow, so I was hoping it was still challenging...and oh was it. She did a great job explaining at the start of the class why the basics are important and that many times it is more challenging because you are holding poses longer and really focusing on the technique. She continued to remind us throughout to keep our bellies tucked in which was a nice change. Many people tell me that yoga is great for the core, but I have a fairly strong core to begin with so I don't notice...but by being consistently reminded it made me realize that I just haven't been focusing my muscle energy properly to feel it.
The class was great for me because it was more light-hearted than some. Kaley was conversational while still instructing consistently. She made us feel that although yoga is a serious practice and it is important to focus that it is still just yoga and to have fun with it. I liked her choice of music (Edward Sharpe) and walked out feeling refreshed. I look forward to trying out one of her classes that focuses on flow and power!
______
One more thing I noticed about the studio tonight. I think that for trial periods, even for those who have done some yoga, it would be good at the beginning of the class to know if the instructor thinks we'll need a block, strap, blanket, etc. I have noticed that in each class the individuals gather a number of these things (haven't needed any until tonight) and because I'm new to these instructors it isn't something I'm prepared for. Just a thought!
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