Class Review: I.AM.YOU.
Class: I.AM.YOU. Yoga
Class Location: I.AM.YOU. Studio (132 Mulberry Street)
Instructor: Lauren Imparato
Class Description: “I.AM.YOU. classes strive to provide a 360-degree sensorial, personal, and exclusive kick-your-ass yoga experience that will rock your mind and body. Classes link breath with creative and athletic movements that are designed for all levels. Each session features music curated by I.AM.YOU’s Resident Mixologist, vintaj, and is influenced by rock&roll, hip-hop, salsa, flamenco and other rhythms from around the globe.” (from the I.AM.YOU. website).
Reviewer:Liz
Favorite things about the class:
- 1. I am BETTER physically mentally and spiritually after class
- Toe-tapping, smile-inducing music
- Killer workout that also keeps me fit for the other ways I wreck my body (running, boot camp, Pilates)
Least favorite things about the class:
- Really, nothing
- I’d like there to be more Laurens and IAMYOU classes
- The studio is amazing (did I mention how freaking gorgeous and hip the space is?) but it’s a hike from whence I come (ahem, Upper East Side)
Additional Comments: I.AM.YOU maintains the lessons and traditional movement of yoga (Indian and Tibetan), but makes it work for A-Type NYers who like to SWEAT. Lauren makes yoga accessible, fun and challenging in a completely addictive hour and a half class. The opening breathing and chanting let me settle in from the hectic NYC world. Next we maintain a somewhat restorative posture for a few minutes (don’t be fooled we are only gearing up for the hard work to come!) and listen to Lauren speak. I think of this as a yoga “homily” – and feel instantly connected to my practice and the world around me. THEN the beat drops and we start to move. Fun, creative and demanding vinyasa ensues for an hour led by Lauren’s smooth and strong direction. Her adjustments are ridiculously accurate and corrections just what my body needs (how did she know?!). By the time she is telling us to close our eyes, think of our dedication and “forget what just happened,” my arms are shaking, I’m sweating and am so ready to slow it down. For the last 20-ish minutes of class we are led through longer standing and seated poses (still challenging to this girl) which I swear have saved my hips and back from total destruction.
Since attending classes at IAMYOU, my idea of yoga has been turned on its head (while I learned to stand on my head). I’ve NEVER been to satisfyingly sore in all my D1 lacrosse playing, marathon running, barre class and boot camp attending life. I’m also CERTAIN that IAMYOU saves my body for marathon running because I feel the repercussions when I can’t go as often as I’d like. Bonus: the music during class is amazing. Tunes compliment Lauren’s fast, athletic style yoga while the beats seem to keep up with our vinyasas. I can’t explain how inspiring Lauren is and how amazing I feel every single time I walk in the studio and even more amazing I feel every single time I walk out.
Overall class rating: 5 0ut of 5 stars
