Low-key yoga for neurotic New Yorkers?
March 25, 2008 10:23 PM Subscribe
Where can I find yoga in New York City that fits me? I'm looking for something mainly to help with stress/tension, that doesn't emphasize either a big workout or philosophy stuff. I am also a complete beginner and out of my depth here.
I have been thinking about doing something low-key to improve my health and relieve stress and for some reason yoga appeals. I'd like to combine de-stressification with maybe a mild workout. I think what appeals to me is the apparent calm and the enjoyment people seem to get out of it. However, the (fair or unfair) cultural associations with the practice are pretty much the opposite of my tastes and I'd like to avoid religious/philosophical stuff as much as possible. Tall order, perhaps.
Bonus points for places that can deal with tense, out of shape beginners and/or are in the West Village area.
I have been thinking about doing something low-key to improve my health and relieve stress and for some reason yoga appeals. I'd like to combine de-stressification with maybe a mild workout. I think what appeals to me is the apparent calm and the enjoyment people seem to get out of it. However, the (fair or unfair) cultural associations with the practice are pretty much the opposite of my tastes and I'd like to avoid religious/philosophical stuff as much as possible. Tall order, perhaps.
Bonus points for places that can deal with tense, out of shape beginners and/or are in the West Village area.
In general, the Hatha classes are what you are looking for. They are more gently and emphasize breathing whereas others like Vinyasa or Ashtanga etc emphasize position and movement.
posted by rmless at 6:49 AM on March 26, 2008
posted by rmless at 6:49 AM on March 26, 2008
Response by poster: nicwolff, thanks for the recommendation. I went to a beginner's class tonight. May not be intense, but it was intense for me. I wasn't expecting to do even the allegedly easy handstands. Still, I think I got something worthwhile out of it and I'll at least be going to a couple more classes.
posted by lackutrol at 5:52 PM on March 26, 2008
posted by lackutrol at 5:52 PM on March 26, 2008
Yikes, handstands? I don't think I've ever done handstands in a beginner's class there.
And I'm glad you found it - I didn't remember till I was at Crunch today that Jivamukti moved up to Broadway and 13th!
posted by nicwolff at 11:15 PM on March 26, 2008
And I'm glad you found it - I didn't remember till I was at Crunch today that Jivamukti moved up to Broadway and 13th!
posted by nicwolff at 11:15 PM on March 26, 2008
Response by poster: Yeah, looked them up online and it was easy. The handstands were like the thing where you walk on the wall (me: "Put my legs *over my head*?").
But I am going back today. Still interested in trying out other places as well...
posted by lackutrol at 9:51 AM on March 28, 2008
But I am going back today. Still interested in trying out other places as well...
posted by lackutrol at 9:51 AM on March 28, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by nicwolff at 11:01 PM on March 25, 2008