Karma Kids

Karma Kids Yoga


On a recent cold winter Saturday, I trekked down to 14th Street from the Upper West Side to check out Karma Kids’ Parent and Child yoga class. I called ahead and was advised to reserve for the Saturday classes since “they tend to fill up quickly.” When I arrived, I was greeted by a flight of stairs with no elevator in sight. I decided to let my almost 2 year old up walk up the stairs while holding her hand and using my free hand to carry the stroller. My frustrations at the commute and stair climbing ended there.

We walked into a beautiful open space divided into the “front office” and yoga studio by inviting big colorful flags hanging from the ceiling. In the yoga area, the mats were all laid out in a circle - but the big disappointment was that we were the only ones who showed up for class. Thankfully, 15 minutes later, another mom and child, between 2 and 3 years old joined us. (The instructor speculated that the small attendance that particular Saturday was probably due to the long holiday weekend and a special event at the studio later that afternoon that had drawn many of their regulars.)

The class was a fun mix of song, yoga poses, movement, puppets, and activities geared toward strengthening the child’s fine motor skills. There was never a dull moment. Eveb the colorful stuffed flowerpots surrounding the window sills, were used as class props. The last 5 minutes of class were dedicated to relaxation. The children rested on their backs with fun flower pillows at their heads. The instructor gave foot massages and the class ended with a “namaste”.

It was certainly a fun and relaxing experience and we will be back. Hopefully the instructors/owners will get to know us as they seem to know all the other kids walking through the studio. .


Number of rooms: 1
Number in class: 2
Music: Yes
Chanting: No
Getting hot in here? No
Adjustments: No
Sweaty workout scale: 1/10
Feel it in the morning: 1/10
Studio Cleanliness: 10/10
The scene: Young parents and their hip kids
Take a class with: Sherry or Genine
Changing room: One room with cubbies for shoes, benches, a changing table and a sink; separate tiny closet door houses a toilet

LEVITATE

780 Eighth Avenue (48th St) 212-974-2288

Try to keep your om as you enter this corporate-looking building in midtown above a Staples and across from Bennigens. You need to remain in mediation as you go up the elevator and through the hallway that looks like it never fully finished it's construction. However, as soon as you open the door to Levitate, and walk into the warm and funky environment, you will realize that it's not only chic but also a beautiful and inviting space to practice. The decor looks initially like you are stepping foot into a West Elm catalog, but on closer inspection, you will see that a lot of thought has gone into the design of the space. The floor is dark (grounding color) and made of cork (save the trees). The studios have a horizontal stripe in the middle of the soothing green walls to remind yogis to lift up in practice. Candles are lit along the windowsills and there are beautiful eyepillows for savasana that have words of wisdom sewn into the silk. The owner, Conni, couldn't be a better hostess as she engages you in conversation and gives you a mini-tour of the space. Hang your coat, change comfortably behind the funky red curtains and if you have to go to the bathroom, she'll even lend you slippers since it's in the hallway (don't worry - you don't have to carry a clunky key with you).

LAUGHING LOTUS

Laughing Lotus Yoga Center
59 West 19th St Off Sixth Ave, 3rd Fl 212-414-2903

Entrance around the corner from the huge Bed Bath & Beyond on 6th Avenue. Turn the corner and on the north side of 19th you’ll see a pink flag adorned with a dancing lady (the LLYC logo/trademark). LLYC is on floor 3. Sign in with the stogy door-man downstairs. When the elevator opens on the ground floor, incense pours out, (you know there is either a yoga studio or a Roman Catholic church upstairs). Elevator opens to a long wooden corridor, and LLYC is at the end on the right. Push the door open and be prepared for sensual overload. Pinks, oranges, incense galore. Laughing Lotus has two large studios both with windows opening onto 19th. Gorgeous colored glass chandeliers adorn the ceilings. Paintings of gurus and Hindu goddesses smile down at you. Laughing Lotus laughs. The place is well named. Classes are non-conformist to say the least. You might find yourself ‘flowing like a river’ in a class where the focus is on twisting. You’re encouraged to listen to your body and to lead yourself. The vibe is happy. Dana (Co-Founder) calls it HOME. The place is CLEAN. Spotless I’d say. In fact, I used the bathroom and noticed that paper towels were running out. By the time I made it back after my class, they’d been replenished. The students are very well practiced. I’m sure they’ve all had their fair share of conformity and were ready for what I can only describe to be the Alice In Wonderland yoga studio of NYC. Go for a laugh. Try the tea. It’s complimentary.

Number of rooms: 2
Number in class: 10
Music: No
Chanting: No
Getting hot in here? No
Adjustments: No
Sweaty workout scale: 6/10
Feel it in the morning: 6/10
Studio Cleanliness: 10/10
The scene: Other teachers (experienced yogis), downtown hipsters, Chelsea locals
Take a class with: Dana (Co-Founder)
Changing rooms: Nice (relatively spacious). Shower is available.

JIVAMUKTI

Studio, perhaps unintentionally, as chic in the yoga
scene as the address, Lafayette, tucked quietly
between Indochine and Downtown Serafina. Look for the
Jivamukti sign ¾ of the way up the building on the
west side of Lafayette. Enter the relatively unmarked
door below and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
(More experienced yogis take the ground
floor-accessible stairs.) Enter into a long room/gift
shop/ sign-in area. To the right find the coat room.
Hang up your coat and SVP remove those shoes! The
place evokes a 70’s era yoga love den. Incense, rich
purples, altars, and ornate fabrics adorn the walls.
Beware the dust bunny that will surely nip at your
toes as you trek down the long wooden corridor to one
of the two large studios. Windows open onto Lafayette.
If you always dreamed of being on stage, Jiva is for
you. You’ll have the opportunity to sing/chant for a
healthy 15 minutes prior to each class. Both studios
could hold upwards of 70 students, and the back studio
boasts a large stage, where you’re encouraged to place
your mat and practice (count to 5 in each pose)
amongst the celebs and yoga gurus who you’ll be sure
to spot at this iconic studio. Practices are
challenging, and the solid reputation of the studio is
well-founded.

Number of rooms: 2 large studios
Number in class: 50+
Music: Yes
Chanting: Yes
Getting hot in here? Oh yeah!
Adjustments: Yes
Sweaty workout scale: 9/10
Feel it in the morning: 7/10
Studio Cleanliness: 4/10
The scene: Downtown locals, dedicated yogis
Take a class with: Paisley
Changing rooms: 1 cramped room, tiny shower. No privacy.


Paisley:
1 - 10
Emphasis on spiritual aspect: 9
Emphasis on technical: 8
Incorporation of challenging poses/ sequences/
originality: 9
Hands on (adjustments): 10

Jivamukti 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Though slender and soft spoken, Paisley Thompson is a yoga powerhouse. Throughout her classes, she bestows her profound knowledge of yoga, (marrying alignment, challenging postures and spiritual focus). Paisley has an accomplished personal practice and extensive experience as a teacher. She is trained both in Anusara style and at Jivamukti. Despite a large class, Paisley is able to adjust almost every student. And she’s good enough to remember if she adjusted you on one side, because no matter if she’s ventured across the room, she’ll be back to make sure you get as deep on the second side. Paisley is also able to address students individually while maintaining attention on the entire class. For example, I took the wrong side in seated spinal twist, and despite an overwhelming 65+ class plus the momentum of being ¾ of the way through the practice, Paisley had time for one-on-one humor. “Is there something you’re not telling me Louisa?” She whispered as she indicated that I had taken the wrong twist. Sheepishly I quickly changed sides, laughing at myself. Only after class did I learn that pregnant women are encouraged to take the 'wrong' side. Thanks Paisley!

EXHALE

980 Madison (76th St.), 2nd FL 212-249-3000
150 Central Park South, 59th St 212-249-3000
2411 Main Street, Bridge Hampton,
Boston and Los Angeles


Features: Vinyasa and Ashtanga classes, Core Fusion, Spa, Workshops and Retreats

Enjoy it while it lasts, as this lush spa/yoga center is one of the most beautiful environments in which to practice in the city and the gig has got to be up soon. Clearly either the robed spa goers or wealthy Core Fusion devotees are those funding the space (and thus your yoga class) as the locations are on the best streets in the world, the hallways are wider that most New Yorkers bedrooms and the attention to detail in decor must have cost a million Zens. I did not feel a single ounce of guilt, however, enjoying all the acroutements that Exhale has to offer: clean and spacious locker rooms with shower and sauna, complimentary lush towels and thongs, and several extraneous rooms to enjoy a tea in peace. The yoga class is taught in a room that fits 50 but is usually only attended by 5-10 people, leaving you many opportunities to get an excellent adjustment by by one of the Shiva Rea trained teachers. The style is vinyasa flow and the vibe is uptown chic so put on your best pair of lululemons yoga pants, your newest nike black yoga top and book a few hours out of your day so that you don't rush the experience.

Number of rooms: 1 yoga, 1 Core Fusion
Number in class : 5-10
Music: yes
Chanting: No
Getting Hot in Here: room is too big to work up a sweat
Adjustments: yes
Sweaty workout scale: 4/10
Feel it in the morning: 4/10
Studio Cleanliness: 10/10
The scene: Upper eastsiders and travelers
Take a class with: Isaac or Amy
Changing rooms: Sweet!

SONIC YOGA

51st St. and Ninth Avenue 212-397-6344

Features: About 50 weekly Vinyasa Yoga classes including Kids Classes + Prenatal, workshops and retreats

My boss at the time lived in the neighborhood, and when I told him the address he replied, “What?! That spot is either a sushi restaurant or a condemned building!”. To that I replied, “Yep, If you’re talking ground floor.” Sonic occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors of what is otherwise a typical dilapidated Hell’s Kitchen storefront. Sonic is made up of 2 large studios, one atop the other, large windows facing 9th Avenue. Entrance is up a steep flight of stairs which open into the small boutique / locker room / restroom. The place is simple. Smiles abound. You’re elbow to elbow with those coming and those going. You might even find yourself being hugged by one of the two founders and current teachers, Jonathan and Lauren. Sonic is in the heart of the theatre district and as you’d expect, yogis are dancers, actors/actresses, and some locals. Men are no strangers to the studio, and you can expect about 20% of students to be male (twice the national average of yoga practitioners.) The place is pretty hip, though you wouldn’t be the only yogi donning old sweats or an ex-boyfriend t-shirt. No one’s really looking at you here anyway. Because there are no mirrors (a relief I found after years of stupidly staring at myself upside down and thinking, “Oh, yeah. My Urdva Dhanurasana is tight!”). Thankfully, one of the main tenants of Sonic is “forget about your ego.”

A towel is a must, as the place gets hot because classes are usually packed, and in the winter,clanking old radiators create a steamy heat. But it’s not too hot, as the windows get propped open or fans turned on. The heat only adds to the intensity of the workout. The two main types of classes offered are: Balance (beginner / intermediate), and Energize (intermediate / advanced), but I’ve got to admit, the Balance classes at Sonic are challenging, equally challenging as many level 2/3 classes I’ve taken at Equinox for example. To teach at Sonic, you basically must own an Ipod. Every teacher comes ready with a song-list. The classes literally rock. I’ve heard everything from Snoop when in downdoggy dog to Joni Mitchell. Woodstock era music is characteristic of Sonic. Black mats are laid out, to delineate where to seat yourself, but you’re expected to bring your own. (or you can rent).



Jonathan:
1 - 10
Emphasis on spiritual aspect: 9
Emphasis on technical: 5
Incorporation of challenging poses/ sequences/
originality: 9
Hands on (adjustments): 10

Sonic Tuesday 6:30 PM to 8 PM
I ran blisters on my feet. Flat out from 48th and Park to 51st and 9th. Damn heels, Fricking tourists!! I’d been swearing all the way…This class salvaged my sanity. No small feat!

I guess it’s fair to assume that there’s always a bit of ‘ego’ that a founding teacher brings to ‘his’classroom. The first thing that struck me when Jonathan entered the studio was how genuinely nice he was. A broad smile across his face, he perused the classroom in simple attire (I’d guess Old Navy), made a few jokes, and asked if anyone was new or wanted to
work on something specific. I like that, when a teacher is good enough to be spontaneous. Initially, I thought the class was going to lack focus or fail to challenge me, because he seemed so nonchalant. But as soon as we’d made our intention, and I’d start my first of what seemed like 5,000 breaths of fire in Utkatasana, I realized I was in for a serious yoga class. For 1.5 hours I worked as hard as I have in any challenging Anusara or Ashtanga class except that in Jonathan’s class, the sequences were totally unique. With the aid of an assistant, he managed to adjust everyone in the class (at least 35 of us) at least twice. When Savasana finally came, I felt like I was flying. (Isn’t that one of the reasons we do yoga?!) But I hadn’t felt elation YET, nope, that came with the adjustment/massage in Savasana (which everyone got). Wow. My marathon commute was a distant memory. What blisters? I love tourists! felt like a new person. I’d definitely go back again!!


Number of rooms: 2
Number in class: 35
Music: Yes
Chanting: No
Getting hot in here? Hell's Kitchen, Yeah!
Adjustments: Yes
Sweaty workout scale: 10/10
Feel it in the morning: 7/10
Studio Cleanliness: 6/10
The scene: Theatre district actresses/dancers/some
locals
Take a class with: Jonathan
Changing rooms: limited, two small bathrooms. No
shower

WORLD YOGA CENTER

265 W. 72nd (WEA) 212-787-4908

Features: 15 weekly Anusara yoga with level 1 + 2 classes, satsangs and kirtans, space for rent

My bedroom window faces the World Yoga Center and despite my regular practice, I have never attended. I don't know what has stopped me from walking across the street; either I was intimidated by the perfectly crescent-shaped backbend on the logo or had a repressed vendetta against the ugly futon store in the building. But I overcame. The studio looks as though it's a small apartment that nobody has moved into yet. The Sat 9:30 AM 2-hour class began with an explanation of the meaning of OM, a short chanting, and then the teacher guided us through both basic and challenging balances and standing poses, while giving detailed verbal cues and meaningful, strong adjustments. I went deeper in my poses due to the positive reinforcement ("gorg," she would say often) and those with injuries were cued on alignment to protect themselves. And when it was time for urdva danurasana, she was there to help me create that perfect crescent shape in the logo. Well, almost.

Number of Rooms: 1
Number in Class: 5, but can fit 25
Music: No
Chanting: Yes
Getting Hot in Here? Avg
Adjustments: yes
Sweaty Workout Scale: 2/10
Feel it in Morning: 6/10
Studio Cleanliness: 9/10
The Scene: Upper westside old school yogis
Take A Class With: Julie
Changing Rooms: limited, small bathroom