yoga day 5 | yoga to the people

I stumbled across an article in the New York Times that featured Greg Gumucio’s studio, Yoga to the People.  Their philosophy is simple and refreshing: “Yoga to the People is a unique yoga studio with the goal of recapturing what we consider to be the essence of yoga… simply put, yoga made available to everyone.”  I was intrigued, and coupled with the fact that they offer “hot” yoga, a style I had yet to review, I decided to head down.

Location: Yoga to the People 27th St. & 6th Ave. 115 W. 27th St.
3rd Fl (3 locations in NYC. Also located in Berkley & San Francisco)

Cost: Only $8 + $2 for towel rental (or bring your own).  Their declaration is affordability and accessibility, utilizing a donation based fee structure for some of their classes. 

Venue:  Inviting and comfortable.  Yoga studio floor was somewhat cushioned, which I loved.

Class: Traditional hot yoga

Class size:  Not certain of exact number but not over crowded. Mostly women but a handful of dudes were in the class as well.

Level: “Our classes are accessible to everyone, regardless of your flexibility or level of fitness.”

Description: This is not “gentle yoga”… it is yoga with awareness. We do not encourage pushing, muscling and fighting to get into poses. Rather, we encourage you to explore your own edge mindfully as you grow your practice, strengthen your body, expand your heart and free your mind.

Summary:  I was incredibly impressed. Somehow Greg has managed to deliver 5 star yoga, at a 2 star price – making it accessible to everyone.  I was most impressed with the instructor, Liz Houck. She is extremely smart and intensely focused. She delivered instruction with the precision of a neurosurgeon. For someone like me, who needs help in the proper alignment area, it was a dream. I’ve apparently been doing triangle pose wrong my entire life!? It was a simple correction, but made a difference and no one has ever noticed. She gives 110% and picks up on the tiniest details. The class was tough but flowed quickly and smoothly. The room was hot as hell, but that’s the point! I must have sweated out 5 lbs of water. I feel bad for the folks that had to share the subway ride home with me.

I chatted with Liz after the class – I had to tell her how impressed I was. I filled her in on my yoga odyssey and asked for some recommendations. I admire her method and figure she'll point me in the right direction. She suggested I take a class with Elena Brower at Vira Yoga, and Dharma Mitra, of Dharma Yoga.  Both are now on my NYC to do list. If she likes them, they must be GOOD. She also suggested I take a class with Katite Gumucio at Pacifica Yoga when I hit San Francisco. 

“Yoga to the People: There is no judgment, no fashion show, just a great workout and great people!”  (Word)