A back story on me and yoga. I am not a huge fan of what I call “regular” yoga. I get bored and have a very hard time concentrating. Yes, I know that is what yoga is for, but my brain just never shuts up. On the other hand, I love Bikram, hot flow, and Pilate’s. They keep me more interested and I feel as though I get a better workout from them. This is just me personally, so if you love yoga, more power to you!
Hence when I saw this class, I thought, “Score!” another fun yoga class. Lord knows I need the stretching. The class description says “we use the yoga swing” but it’s more like a lot of soft fabric hanging in a U shape from the rafters.
The beginning of class was the most difficult for me and I’m pretty sure for P-Funk too. She mouthed “I hate you” at one point but it was all in fun because we were both fairly wobbly to start. Getting used to letting your body rely on a swing hanging from the ceiling is a bit unnerving at first.
When we all got more comfortable there was lots of giggling and checking each other out in various forms of “flight.” As a runner, this class really helped stretch out my sore legs and hips. In addition, the traditional poses of downward dog and chataranga are much more strengthening with your ankles held up by the swing. My arms were shaking as we did planks and pikes. I even started sweating and could feel my core working to keep my upper body, well, up. It was a lot tougher than doing planks with your feet on the ground. Of course, I loved this.
After lots of planks and stretching we got to do some fancy moves and I was astounded by the non-beginners in the class. They made all the moves look easy. Although, I have to hand it to my girls, they didn’t balk at doing any of the moves – even the swinging upside ones! Those were hard to get at first but after a few tries we all flipped upside down.
Thank goodness for the studio owner, Francine. She definitely knows her stuff and did some very cool poses. The class moved at a great pace too. I never got bored and couldn’t wait for the next pose. I loved hanging upside down and swinging! So fun!
In full disclosure P-Funk got a little bit woozy from the swinging. She said she does have some motion sickness so that’s something to consider. I don’t think it’s terrible and she finished the class with a big smile on her face. But it is something I want to point out.
That’s an upside down smile if you couldn’t tell. Hahaha. Also, if you love Savasana (the period of relaxation at the end of class) then the “cocoon hammock” you make out of the fabric for this Savasana will make you fall in love. (I tried to swing mine because I’m bad at Savasana. Sorry!)
I will absolutely do this class again. (I swear I’ll relax Francine!) I highly recommend looking for one in your home town. But if you are ever in Tampa check it out HERE.
this flying asana yoga (or whatever it is called) sort of turns you into a cirque du soleil star for an hour, no?
Cirque de B.o.B……….
Looks amazing. OH, and I expect to see you and the girls performing at the opening ceremony at the London Olympics??!!
That does sound like fun! Good job.
I'm glad you got pics of this class because I seriously just wasn't getting it. Looks like something I would definitely try out… although would surely somehow find a way to hurt myself. 🙂
Has anyone ever told you that you look good upside down? Hehe! This class looks like loads of fun.
This looks fun yet scary all at the same time!
Looks like a lot of fun!
When I first glanced at the picture I thougt that you had gone to a pole dancing class…
🙂
ok, this looks AMAZING!!! I want to do it! I love yoga! and being bendy! and using scarves! and…ok, i'm done here.
Wow, looks fun! I would probably fall and break my head, but it still looks fun.
Love savasanah…..always told not to fall asleep but be one with your mind….I'm the guy snoring during that time.
I am afraid of Bikram as i sweat enough in regular…..what it is a competition right?
P-Funk doesn't really hate B.o.B.
Once P-Funk threw up, P-Funk felt much better. ;-D
It was actually a very cool class, especially going with your friends! Just when I think I got this running thing down, I find all these new muscles I didn't know I had. 😉
I will expect a picture of you in your super hero costume by the end of the week.
tougher or easier than "hot flow yoga?" – it looks tougher!
You should have wrapped yourself up in the thingie at the top of the ceiling and then let yourself "fall" (unwrap) down like they do in the circus.
It does look super fun though!!
That looks SO fun! I would love to try a class like this. I did trapeze once and it was awesome, you should try it!
Swinging makes some people woozy. The more typical reaction, I believe, is jealousy.