russayog with ropes | ann arbor, michigan

During my 'google' search on yoga studios in Ann Arbor, i stumbled upon RussaYog. With all of the ropes dangling from the ceiling, it looks pretty cool. I need to try it! 

Location: RussaYog 215 S. State Street | 2nd floor | 48104

Cost: $10 for class (teacher/owner did not seem remotely concerned about collecting. I paid after class, but i got the sense it's similar to the 'Yoga To The People' philosophy).

Venue: Colorful, bright, inviting, fun.

Style: Vishram

Class size: 9 students (5 girls, 4 guys)

Level: Beginnger/Intermediate  

Description:

The RussaYog experience is a unique, muscular yoga using ropes and fabric. RussaYog embodies the strength and power of a weight-training workout, the inner calm and outer awareness provided by yoga. Your body and mind become light and alert.

RY strives to create holistic wellness by using: 

Pranayam (breathwork), 
Kriyas (movements), 
Asans (postures),
Vishram (release and rest) a five-layered holistic fitness based on: 
Flexibility: reach, open, bend, twist
Strength: hold, pull, press, squeezeStamina: give sustained effort
Balance: focus the body and mind
Release: rest and reflect

Summary:  You definitely need/gain upper body strength taking this class. With the use of props (rope and dora), you utilize your own body as resistance for intense strength training and deeper flexibility. I'm definitely going to be sore!

Class was awesome and unique. Everyone was so incredibly friendly and the teacher, Jasprit, had an incredibly inviting ease about him. He also scored major points for allowing a little spectator into class! Lulu sat and observed (it was funny).

I pulled my lower right back either driving or at Bikram... probably a combination of both. Jaspret could tell I was hurting. After class, during the mingling session (with snacks!), he offered me a free private yoga class the next day to work on my chakras, which will help my back. YES! Sign me up! 9am! So excited.