Even though I have fitness ADD, I have loved yoga for a very long time. I may not practice as often as I’d like but whenever I do, it’s like going home again in more ways than one. When I’m back in NYC, I have a few favorite studios like Laughing Lotus (my original kula) and Prana Power Yoga but in Los Angeles, I’ve found my West Coast kula at Stadium Fitness Yoga in Pasadena.
Image: StadiumFitnessYoga.com
Even though SFY is part of the Stadium Fitness (as in Rose Bowl Stadium) family from last week’s 5 LA Fitness Experiences I’m Dying To Try post, this post is NOT sponsored. I just love SFY.
There’s something fantastic about the connection of body, mind, sweat and soul in a heated vinyasa yoga class but they are not easy to find in the San Gabriel Valley! I love Core Power Yoga but driving on the LA freeways to and from the San Fernando Valley for a yoga class may have me looking like this after awhile:
Image: Cayusa
In case you’re not familiar with heated vinyasa yoga, it is NOT a 90 minute, 26 posture sequence done in a 105 degrees heated room like a Bikram Yoga class. I know people LOVE their Bikram yoga but I find it militant. The same 26 poses in the same order and the fact that you can’t touch water before a specific time just plain sucks IMHO.
The Heated Power Vinyasa Flow class at SFY is Core Power Yoga inspired (varying yoga poses to music with focus on core stability) in a room heated to 85-90 degrees with a “go at your own pace” vibe. Other studios that offer heated vinyasa classes vary time, temperature and the yoga pose sequences.
SFY is a unique because of the community fostered by owners (and Lululemon Ambassadors), Jodie Liston and David Liston. This married couple are so warm and down-to-earth and can often be seen taking yoga classes. Jodie and David have chosen instructors, Katie Brunelle and Jennifer Gunnes that share the same warm philosophy. Attendees are often recognized by name and given hugs upon entering the studio after just one or two visits.
L: David & Jodie Liston
R: Me with Katie Brunelle
Community means more than the stadium or the studio to Stadium Fitness. They have partnered with Lululemon for the last two years for the Love.Yoga.Give Event that helps provide physical education programs in local elementary schools and regularly hosts fitness classes for special needs children.
SFY is hosting a very special flow class with DJ duo Mental Physix on Nov 6th at 7:30pm. If you can’t make the DJ class, find a class on the Stadium Fitness Yoga schedule and check out this unique boutique yoga studio. First class is FREE (except if it’s the special event class) so what do you have to lose except some sweat? I’d be happy to join you!
I couldn’t agree with you more about Bikram. I tried it a few years ago. A combination of the heat in the studio and a very hot summer day made me feel like I was going to pass out. I attempted to take a sip of water, and got scolded for doing so. No thank you
Wheatman!!!! Thanks for your post and the support!
I love bikram yoga when I was doing it regularly. (If you need a studio, try Bikram La Canada. They’re nice there. and you can drink water whenever you want. What are they going to do? Take it away? Haha!)
Thanks for the review of STadium Fitness Yoga. I appreciate knowing a friend has reco’d certain studios before I do my Yelping/research.
I love heated vinyasa yoga! Especially in the winter. I used to go to Prana with a friend but it is kind of out of my way so I don’t go without her but the studio is great. I actually can’t believe I have not been to Laughing Lotus. What is wrong with me!?
I’ve heard good things about Core Power and hot yoga that isn’t quite bikram. I’ve been wanted to try but am scared. lol. I don’t even know why.
I absolutely love heated vinyasa yoga (and not so much bikram, sorry!) and I used to practice 3x a week *before* the boys were born. I even went up until I was about 35 weeks pregnant and I knew all the modifications. Of course, I wasn’t running during that time so…
I miss it tremendously! “Someday” I will return to my favorite studio and take up my practice again. Right now, I’m pretty much looking like the guy in the photo:-(
Chris, with Stadium Fitness Yoga and Core Power around, I never need to revisit Bikram. If you haven’t tried a CP class, it will kick your ass. Let’s make an ass-kicking date. Maybe we can get Jen from SFVMom to join us?
Brittany: You must go to LL one of these days. See if you can go when Dana is teaching – she’s amazing! If I can swing it, I’d love to go with you. BTW, I think there is a heated yoga studio not far from you on the UES (Earth Yoga?) if you haven’t tried it. I know PureYoga is up there too but, who can afford a membership there (not me!)?
Tiffany: You should most definitely try CPY! It’s energizing but kick-ass at the same time. Although the heat can trick you into thinking you’re more flexible than you really are, it’s worth it. We should make a LA-dy Health Bloggers date for something like this – Core Power, Stadium Fitness Yoga or even Moksha in LA?
I love that you went to yoga until you were 35 weeks pregnant with twins – of course, you did!!!! You are a runner at heart but maybe with the colder weather approaching and the cross training you’ll need for your upcoming Ragnar, you’ll find your way back to yoga? One never knows….