YYoga

231-1233 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Northshore Elements Studio: "Hot Fusion"

Teacher: Melanie

Drop-in: $15.00-20.00+(extras)

Intro 2 week unlimited special: $30.00

SUMMARY: Hot Yoga is very effective for developing strength, discipline and flexibility rapidly. This class was no exception. There wasn't much originality but what was offered was solid; challenging but not exasperating.

SETTING: The location was in a great new integrated shopping centre off Lynn Valley Road. Live music was playing outside and there were lots of family friendly businesses. The 'northshore elements' studio is one of a comprehensive network of YYoga yoga studios in Vancouver. The features of this corporation include multiple classrooms and styles at each location, infra-red sauna and boutique.

STYLE & PACE: The attitude of the class I attended was demanding but not overbearing. The heat did not seem as overwhelming as other hot yoga classes I've experienced either. The teacher was understanding, encouraging and staunch. Modifications and level 1/level 2 variations were encouraged. The postures were mostly focused on individually (instead of in a series) and held for long periods of time. The series was similar to Bikram's (maybe copyright infringement? :oP).

SCENE: Lots of young ladies with lulu lemon brand allegiance, about %25 middle aged women and three middle aged gentlemen. Yoga's pretty seductive to young women who aren't afraid of spandex. This stylish, modern location is definitely a place to be 'seen'.

MY EVALUATION: In my experience, there is a post (day after) hot yoga energy high that is hard to beat. Sometimes you pull a muscle a little bit, sometimes you are wicked sore, but all in all the benefits of rapid results are very pleasing to the 'live fast' American palate. The aspect of corporate yoga culture has some benefits but does not yield a personal, heart-warming aura.