#i.am.you

[omontheroad-blog]

I.AM.YOU Yoga with Lauren Imparato in NYC

If I were to sum up Lauren in a few words, "Rockstar Yogi" immediately comes to mind. I learned about her and her I.AM.YOU studio in the heart of Manhattan off of a tumblr recommendation.  Little did I know Lauren's blog is one of the 'top 15 to follow' according to the infinite sources of tumblr wisdom that be. Being a traveler, I was drawn in by her photos from places like Spain to the Cannes film festival. How does a yoga teacher travel like this? I needed to learn more. 

As fate would have it my travels lead me to New Jersey, an hour train ride form New York City. My mission was to learn more about this I.AM.YOU yoga philosophy and see what 'kick your ass yoga' was all about. I went to the I.AM.YOU website from my iphone and found an easy to navigate mobile schedule and RSVP sign up. It was $25 for the class, a matt and a towel. Perfect! As I didn't care to bring a mat on the train and sightseeing New York city was my second priority and I couldn't be slowed down. 

The studio is located in Little Italy and I found a hostel to stay in just a short walk away in the Bowery area. I arrived with time to kill and spent a few moments confused on how to get in the building. My new york tourist was definitely showing. I did find the elevator and found my way to the I.AM.YOU studio. What a place!! I could live here in a heartbeat I thought. (I learned later that Lauren does live here, when not traveling the world). Brick walls, huge windows and funky art on the walls. My kind of place. 

The mats were all set up in nice rows, this is where that little RSVP button shines. The class began shortly after and I will do my best to summarize the hour and a half of intense flow that followed. The class was certainly intense. We began with some chanting which ultimately lead to laughter when we all fumbled over the words. The class was smaller, maybe 8 or 9 of us in total. The guy on the mat next to me was also at his first I.AM.YOU class, and I'm thinking one of his first yoga classes. We all got our asses kicked but the class is a bit fast paced for a beginner.

We got into a nice flow and the pose sequence built on itself each time we moved through it (there is a name for this, if anyone knows, please share!). Which I find focuses me the most, when I know whats coming it relieves the anticipation. The class had diverse music from indie to electronic to a capella. The soundtrack to the classes is put together by a Resident Mixologist and it shows. Everything is well tuned and it creates a space that allows someone to really get into the moment.

This particular class lead me to a real AHA moment feeling completely in sync and connected. I cannot remember ever feeling more in tune with my breathe and body.  The experience left me feeling so connected, so inspired. I wish I could come to this class more often. Until then I will have the I.AM.YOU tumblr, instagram and twitter feeds for inspiration. I also downloaded two audio classes off itunes and learned that she has now released videos which I plan to get also.

Lauren Imparato is a true rockstar yogi and I feel so fortunate to have been able to take a class with her. If you are in the New York City area, this class is an absolute must, I would put it above Times Square on your tourist to do list. 

[fatbottomslim]

I.AM.YOU: The class that made me love yoga again...

On Saturday morning, at the perfectly reasonable hour of 11am, I was standing in front of a non-descript door in Little Italy wondering just what I had signed up for. I had been hearing amazing things about I.AM.YOU studio for awhile, but have been so wary of signing up for it since every description seemed just too cool for me- and I honestly thought it just couldn’t live up to the hype. I was so wrong.

To get up to the studio, you get onto a creaky elevator that opens directly onto the street and then drops you off in front of a large metal door. I was one of the first to arrive but the hall was quickly filled with a ridiculously attractive crowd, who were all very serious about their I.AM.YOU class. When the doors finally opened, a few of us were new and had to sign in so the crowd behind us surged around, since people really wanted to snag their favorite spots. I ended up in the back row with the two other newbies to the studio - which was nice because I could scope out the studio before the class started. I.AM.YOU is in a gorgeous, open loft and all of the black mats were laid out before all of the students arrived. I LOVE not having to bring a mat to class and when they are already out so there isn’t that weird moment of trying to fit in somewhere. Saturday’s class, though, had more people than expected, so there was a little shifting around of rows.  Everyone was reminded to always RSVP so the class count is right and starting class goes smoothly.

The class starts off with a 10 minute section of visualization and chanting. I really hate chanting usually, as those of you who have read my previous posts know, it just completely sets me on edge.  But this class was the first time that wasn’t the case. Lauren Imparato has a deep, sexy, melodic voice that was just amazing to listen to - the chanting sounded more like singing. Even when people answered her, they tried to match the melody of it and it was absolutely beautiful. Lauren then told us a wonderful, relatable story about intention and learning before putting on the music and beginning the flow portion of the class. The first song that came on was a rap song and you just knew you were in for a VERY different kind of yoga experience. I.AM.YOU’s flow is challenging, non-stop and so very, very good, set to an amazing, energizing playlist. Good music always helps me in a challenging class and this class was really challenging. I loved every minute of it even though it was hard. Lauren’s adjustments were so sure and helpful – you just knew you were in good hands. By the end of class I was wiped out and blissful and fully in love with the I.AM.YOU experience.

Lauren and the I.AM.YOU studio really are just as good as everyone has said. For the first time in ages, I have found a yoga class that I can’t wait to go back to and I am grateful for that.

(photo: via I.AM.YOU website)

[thestandard]

All the Retreats at The Standard Miami

There’s something magical about The Standard Spa, Miami Beach which makes it the ideal place to slip away for a weekend of yoga, hydrotherapy, relaxation, and fun! With several upcoming retreats by some very distinguished yogis, there’s a perfect retreat waiting for you.

Solset Labor Day Weekend Retreat with Todd Crews, September 2 – 5 Todd Crews originally from hot-lanta but now Bermuda yogi, will lead invigorating yoga sessions that may result in you "Aligning with the Divine". These two hour sessions will have you exploring the elegant Anusara system of yoga through opening your heart with blissful backbends, unleashing your creative life force during hip openers, and experiencing freedom through hand balances. More information

I.AM.YOU with Lauren Imparato, September 30 – October 2 I.AM.YOU is back for the second retreat at The Standard, Miami. I.AM.YOU. classes strive to provide a 360° sensorial, personal and exclusive kick-your-ass yoga experience that will rock your mind and body. I.AM.YOU. is Urban and Natural. Heels and Kicks. Flamenco and Punk. Grunge and Suits. Tutus and Hoodies. 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 and roll, hip-hop, salsa, flamenco and other rhythms from around the globe. With a mixture of I.AM.YOU.’s ancient yogic traditions and modern life experiences, juxtaposed with the unique setting and serenity of The Standard Spa, and start to change you from both the outside, in, and the inside, out, away from your studio, home, city...and at a true escape. More information

But we don't need to tell you, we'll let the regulars do the talking:

 “I.AM.YOU. at The Standard is the perfect getaway, with a fabulous setting, and a wonderful balance between yoga, sun and music. Not to be missed.” - George

“Perfect balance of New York City’s sexiest elite yoga studio and Miami poolside decadence”  - Katie

“From tranquil morning yoga overlooking Biscayne Bay to the funky disco evening session in the lounge, I.AM.YOU retreat at the Miami Standard made me sweat, dance and bliss out for 3 days. Lauren manages to pull off a rare feat on a retreat, cultivating an ethos of work hard and play hard. My yoga practice improved and I had a blast.” - Coco

Jock Yoga with Michael DeCorte, October 27 – 30 Join Michael DeCorte for the wildly popular Jock Yoga’s first annual “Boot Camp Retreat.” Michael DeCorte is the founder of Jock Yoga.  Michael was an avid body-builder and marathon-runner, often turning to intense exercise as he struggled to recover from substance abuse in the mid-90’s.  Becoming an internationally certified personal trainer and then discovering his ultimate passion in life: Yoga. Taking his vast knowledge of exercise physiology and his passion for yoga and spirituality, Michael used his education to develop Jock Yoga— a contemporary, athletic-spirituality, with an emphasis on perseverance.  With a universal appeal to both men and women alike, Jock Yoga is helping to inspire and re-ignite the inner athlete and fighting spirit in his students.

Begin and end each day with Bayside workouts, feast on fresh seasonal food and recharge in our indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy baths. Leave feeling irresistibly optimistic, inspired, and lighter! More information

Also, stay tuned for dates for Tara Stiles next retreat and Wanderlust 2012! In order to be the first to know, don't forget to follow us.

To Register for any of The Standard, Miami’s upcoming retreats contact Spa + Wellbeing Coordinator, Renea Perry at [email protected] or call 305.673.1717