On Saturday I visited a much-talked about yoga studio, Y7 Studio in Flatiron (also located in Soho and Brooklyn). I’d heard that this yoga studio was different than your typical spiritual yoga, one difference being that some classes have a hip hop soundtrack.
I attended Chloe’s 11:30am class. I got to the studio which is located 4 flights up (I ran 7 miles to the studio so those stairs were a killer!). On the stairs you already get a taste of the studio’s vibe:
I checked in at the front desk and made my way into the studio, which was pitch black; no lights aside from a couple of candles. I didn’t love this because I felt like I was going to step on people trying to find my spot. Eventually my eyes adjusted and I grabbed a spot in the back.
Before class started I wanted to use the bathroom but there were only two and a long line filled with antsy yogis. Because there is no locker room, just those 2 stalls, people were using them to change, making the line suuuuper slow. Eventually we all gave up so we wouldn’t miss the beginning of class. Tip: come to class dressed and ready to go.
Back in the very dark studio, our instructor introduced herself and we got started. The room remained extremely dark and there are no mirrors which makes you more focused on your practice, instead of what you look like doing the poses.
[inside the studio]
The room is slightly heated and things got sweaty. The flow was very fast and a more athletic version of yoga than most, just my style. The soundtrack to our class was Lana Del Rey-ish fem tunes (update- it was actually a Banks themed class! New to me, but I’m liking it).
Chloe’s direction was extremely clear and quick, we moved through various flow routines. We would do a couple of rounds and then Chloe would set us off on our own to continue the flow. The first time this happened I was totally lost. I typically zone out in yoga and do what I’m told but don’t actually think about the poses and order, so when I was told to continue on my own I followed what people around me were doing but also sort of did my own thing, which is what everyone was basically doing. It was very different and made me get into the poses I liked and move at my own pace. Chloe turned the volume up when we were flowing on our own.
After a little bit of time we’d come back together to start a new flow as a group. By the end of the 1 hour class I was sweaty, stretched and felt challenged.
This class, the 60 minute Vinyasa, is good for somewhat experienced yogis but if you’re a newbie, you could also take it, you just might feel a bit lost in sections. Since the instructor is not demoing the moves and it’s very dark, it’s best to take this class with a basic knowledge of yoga. Y7 offers a “Slow Burn” class which is better for beginners.
Single classes are $22 each, first timers can take advantage of $45 for unlimited 2 weeks or $99 unlimited 1 month. Remember to bring your own mat and yoga towel (or pay $6 to rent). Visit Y7 Studio to learn more.
