I have a new dream job: professional workout tester and reviewer. Does that exist? Seriously, how cool would it be to try every workout in town and write about it? Why it took me so long to come to this realization is beyond me, after this summer of ClassPass and all.
What spurred this idea? Y7 yoga.
I went to a late morning vinyasa flow class at Y7 called “WeFlowHard.” The description says it all:
“We flow through our sequences with intention, braiding postures together that will open, stretch and restore your body from the inside-out…We will peel back the layers through a smart and safe yoga sequence, carefully choreographed to music that ranges from The Weeknd to Stevie Wonder. We ask that you come with an open mind, stripped of any and all expectations you carry of yourself, and take an hour long vacation of body exploration, transformation and movement.”
I described it to my mom as “yoga Beyonce would do” because I just got that Queen Bey vibe. (I’m not cool enough to say that sentence so let’s quickly move on…). It was a heated, candlelit class with slow, powerful music. Think songs with a beat like “Take Me to Church” by Hoizer. The instructor choreographed smooth sequences with a variety of postures.
I asked them to turn the lights on so I could take a picture. Only candlelight during class.
Speaking of choreography, something that stuck out to me was that the instructor led us through a (somewhat long) sequence twice on each side and then left it up to us to go through twice more. When it was our turn, she blasted the music and we just moved to the beat. I loved that. We didn’t hold any one pose for too long, other than half pigeon at the end. Very flowy and vinyasa-y.
It felt like a trendy workout but it lived up to the hype.
Later at night I was lucky enough to see Manhattanhenge. Manhattanhenge, named after Stonehenge, is when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the grid in Manhattan, lighting up the north and south sides of every cross street. Honestly, it never dawned on me that this didn’t happen all the time, but it makes sense now. After tonight (Monday) this is the last time Manhattanhenge will happen until next year.
Of course, my photos didn’t come out great (reason to upgrade to iPhone 6?), but Google Images makes up for my lack of skill.
Whenever the cars were stopped at a red light, people would flood the crosswalks to get a picture. It was back-and-forth from sidewalk to crosswalk.
I can’t say this was better than watching a sunset on the beach or on the dock near my home (my personal favorite), but it was blindingly beautiful. Literally.
Wow that’s an amazing sunset! I can’t say I’ve ever seen that, sunrise is more my thing ;) I don’t know if I’ve ever practiced yoga with music, but as long as the music wasn’t irritating I think I could go either way.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Running and Yoga Recap Plus Taylor Swift
This was such modern (and loud) music that it was a different yoga-experience for me. But still felt relaxing at the same time.
Why can’t professional workout tester actually be a legit job? Because I would so be on that!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…How I Run {Running Survey}
I’m declaring it a job now. Now to find someone who will pay me for it…
Now this may be one form of Yoga that I’d like. Can’t stand listening to slow music & holding poses for half the day… okay I may be exaggerating about holding it for half the day. You get my point though :)
Haha I completely understand! This was very flowy but not so fast that I couldn’t keep up. Best of both worlds.
Y7 sounds like a yoga class I would really enjoy. I’m not much of a yogi, but with some great music I think I could really get into it. Best place to watch the sunset = widows walk on my house in Nantucket.. you can see it slip away right over Madaket harbor. Definite happy place :)
Jamie recently posted…Wondrous Weekend
I wish I had gotten a copy of their playlist because it really made a difference. None of the traditional “put you to sleep” stuff.
That sounds like a great yoga class! It reminds me of my centergy class at my gym..we move to music and it’s pretty fast tempo. The songs are older though, so it’s probably not cool enough for Beyonce. Maybe a few notches below her.
Yes, that sounds exactly like it! I think if it’s a cool enough vibe Beyonce would still love it ;)
Such a pretty sunset! Obviously, the beach is a wonderful place to see a sunset, but I think there’s also something to say about the sun setting in the mountains :)
MK recently posted…Feel Good Post!
I actually don’t think I’ve ever seen a sun set in the mountains. Guess I need to head out west for a vacation!
I like yoga without music, but I don’t mind it either (if it’s nice music) haha!
The studio I go to in Miami doesn’t play music so I go without it most times.
I like your new job idea, and you would be so perfect for it! ;) I think I have commented about this before, but I love how adventurous you are with your workouts. For me, I stick pretty much to running or ellipticals. But you always inspire me to branch out!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Top 10 Ben & Jerry’s Flavors
It really makes exercise much more fun! But after this summer I’ll likely go back to my regular ol’ runs and basic yoga. I’m having fun while it lasts :)
I love trying out new workout studios. I went to a class at a place in SF this morning called Core40 – the megaformer machine looked like a torture device but was a great workout!!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks recently posted…Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad with Pistachios
The megaformer is such a great workout! Random muscles (that I didn’t know I had) were sore after taking the class.
Sunsets are my favorite. Gotta say Ithaca had some of the best and they lit up the lake beautifully. We were up on a hill so the view was unreal. I miss that place oodles.
What an awesome sounding class! You should create a series dedicated to reviewing classes! People totally want to know honest reviews before shelling out cash and I’m sure studios would love it too.
Georgie recently posted…Strawberry Coconut Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
Sunsets on any type of water are my favorite. It just brings such a calming feeling.
Oh and I’m seriously considering it :)
What a fun job idea!! Seriously, that should def be a real thing!! Also, beautiful pictures!! SO pretty!
Cailee recently posted…Saturday Superfood- Cherry Tomatoes!
Right?! Let’s invent it!
Sunsets always on the beach! It depends, but sometimes I can go either way with music in a yoga class. Just like with running, sometimes a a peaceful run with no music is a great way to reconnect with yourself, just like with a yoga class.
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…You HAVE A Choice…Part I
Perfectly said…sometimes I want a peaceful yoga class, but other times I want a “wake up” type of class that’s energizing.
Haha great post! That yoga class sounds awesome. I’m so jealous you were in Manhattan for that sunset!
I’m so glad I was too! I probably should have gone farther downtown to get a better picture, but the view here was still priceless.