Any yoga studio recommendations for an out of shape couple? It's the
usual story - we fell in love and, well, got lazy and fat! We're back to
running (mostly, walking at this point), but would love to find a good
yoga class for beginners. I know there has been recommendations
before, but we're looking for a true beginner class (out of shape, going
to be laying on the floor half the time at first). I have done both yoga and
pilates in the past, but he has not.
COMMENT 381234
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2013-03-04 12:26 PM |
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You should both try the Yoga classes that are offered by Adult Ed. New classes will begin next month. You'll spend a lot less money and get a chance to decide if you like it. All classes welcome new students and I haven't had a bad instructor yet.
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COMMENT 381236
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2013-03-04 12:34 PM |
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RussaYog is perfect for beginners (as well as advanced people). The UCSB Leisure Review has a beginner class where you commit one or two nights per week for 10 weeks and you learn all of the classic poses.
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COMMENT 381239
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2013-03-04 12:38 PM |
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The YMCA on Hitchcock has several beginner classes to get you started with and after you start to feel a little more comfortable with the poses, they have several All-Level classes as well. I started doing yoga about 7 years ago and couldn't come close to touching my toes (ever in my life) and it took me about 2 years of yoga before being able to touch my toes, but now I'm feeling much more flexible and strong! Enjoy!
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COMMENT 381244P
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2013-03-04 12:52 PM |
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Holly Hungett's 3:30pm Yoga for Seniors Monday and Wednesday at the Wake Center on Turnpike in Adult Ed is perfect for beginners. Once you get beyond that you can switch to her 2:00pm Monday and Wednesday classes. She is terrific and there are couples in the classes. Classes are in progress now, but registration for the Spring Quarter should be starting some time at the end of March.
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COMMENT 381257P
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2013-03-04 01:13 PM |
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Just make sure that you join a class that focuses on science based exercise. I quit a class when the leader enjoined the class to "breath in with your eyes." Saturday morning cartoons are for silliness, not exercise classes.
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COMMENT 381263
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2013-03-04 01:25 PM |
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You can't really exercise those pounds off. Exercise does change your metabolism, but a cheeseburger requires eight hours to work off. Look at your diet and make appropriate changes.
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COMMENT 381264
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2013-03-04 01:26 PM |
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257P, you may want to research yoga a little.
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COMMENT 381266
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2013-03-04 01:36 PM |
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OP here. I figured I may get a few snarky comments, but that's to be expected on here. Just to slightly defend myself, I'm not sitting around eating cheeseburgers all day and I can touch my toes. In response to the diet changes, I am working with a nutritionist. In particular response to 238, you are the reason people feel uncomfortable at gyms. I don't know why you would even be looking at someone you deem fat and gross if you are focused on yourself and your workout. To all the others, I appreciate the great recommendations! It looks like we may be going back to Yoga Soup (my original studio) at this point.
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COMMENT 381267P
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2013-03-04 01:37 PM |
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-264
Why? Does yoga grow lungs in your eyes?
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COMMENT 381270
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2013-03-04 01:48 PM |
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OP, I'm so sorry that you got some horrible answers here (238, I'm lookin' at you!) Yoga Soup has a beginner's class. I'm not sure when it starts, so it might be mid-way through the series right now. When I was getting back into exercising a few years back I went to Montecito Yoga, just off Coast Village. They had some beginners classes. They were so nice and welcoming there! Also, I feel like with yoga (particularly if you can touch your toes already and are working on other aspects of getting fit and back into fighting shape) you will end up progressing really fast so if you can, try and find a place that offers a series of advancing classes so you don't end up paying for stuff you aren't benefitting from in just a few months. Good luck! :)
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COMMENT 381277
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2013-03-04 02:02 PM |
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267, with your attitude... no. Your lungs will be your lungs, and your eyes will be your eyes, and the world will be rather unsatisfying. OP, as for the yoga studio, Yoga Soup is my favorite... great atmosphere and diverse classes. But don't rely on yoga alone - your diet has more to do with your weight than anything, assuming you're not completely sedentary. Yoga helps though!
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COMMENT 381279
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2013-03-04 02:06 PM |
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OP here again, I'm on a roll with posting (ha!) I should have clarified that we weren't looking to do yoga for weight loss. This was something I previously enjoyed doing and found that it significantly changed my mood and anxiety levels. That being said, I cannot go back to the level I was at before my weight gain. I have been in previous competitive style classes (by that, I mean everyone trying to one up each other with fancy moves) that suited me then, but are not what I need nor am looking for now. Thanks!
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COMMENT 381303
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2013-03-04 03:30 PM |
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Actually, OP I would argue that you absolutely CAN go back to the level you were before your weight gain. What you are on the scale has very little to do with how flexible, fit and strong you can be. Even if you lost no weight you could absolutely be the most flexible person in the room! But if you're looking for relaxation and anxiety calming, definitely go with any class at Yoga Soup. Been going there a while and I love it!
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COMMENT 381336
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2013-03-04 05:33 PM |
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I would STAY AWAY from Yoga Soup. Try The S.B. Yoga Center, a studio with integrity. They have a terrific beginner's program.
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COMMENT 381365
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2013-03-04 06:50 PM |
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I've heard good things about the instructors at the Santa Barbara Athletic Club (and you have the advantage of other classes/equipment).
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COMMENT 381409P
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2013-03-04 09:52 PM |
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Where's the 238 comment that everyone keeps referring to?
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LALALALA
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2013-03-05 06:22 AM |
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Heather Tidens at the Yoga Center or Yoga Soup offer excellent beginning classes. You learn the correct form of postures from the very beginning, essential to avoid injury.
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COMMENT 381430
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2013-03-05 06:30 AM |
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the best deal in town is SBCC, $90 for three months, and in summer five days a week two hours!
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CLAWMARKS
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2013-03-05 06:41 AM |
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I figure you're probably in SB, but there is a nice new and still small studio in Goleta called Better Days Yoga (near Ellwood). I have been enjoying their Nia class and have done a couple yoga classes. Check out their schedule online. They also just sent out a 25% off coupon through e-mail, so I'll bet they would offer that if you ask.
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MOOSE
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2013-03-05 06:46 AM |
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BEST studio and teachers: Go to Santa Barbara Yoga Center and learn from Kat Connors, or Heather Tiddens. Take "Intro to Yoga" which prepares you feel comfortable in any yoga class.
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COMMENT 381445
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2013-03-05 07:16 AM |
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I go to a small class held at the Unitarian Church at 5:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Average age is probably 60, and the class size allows for individual attention. Lark, the instructor, will work with you to modify movements to suit your ability and any physical limitations. There are several couples who are regulars. She charges $10 per class as a drop-in or you can pay $50 for the month. I've been going for years and still consider myself a beginner.
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MIELEMAI
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2013-03-05 07:42 AM |
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I second Heather Tiddens at the Yoga Center. I took her intro to yoga class as a complete beginner, and it helped set the framework not only for doing yoga correctly, but also for listening to my body to avoid injury in any athletic endeavor.
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KATYDID
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2013-03-05 07:50 AM |
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Yasa Yoga on Mission Street is wonderful. I recommend it highly. They often have coupons for new participants, too.
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KATYDID
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2013-03-05 07:56 AM |
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Also second Holly Hungett's Adult Ed classes! 445, which Unitarian church for your yoga class?
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COMMENT 381471
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2013-03-05 07:57 AM |
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YMCA has great classes and membership includes the yoga classes - nice clean yoga room - plus it is a gym with showers and sauna and jacuzzi - so it is more than some room that is just a yoga studio - I hate going to a yoga studio just for that alone - getting in the car, going in for an hour or so, and leaving - what a hassle - why not combine yoga with other excercise activities - weights, aeobic exercise, spinning, swimming, etc. YMCA!
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COMMENT 381476P
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2013-03-05 08:22 AM |
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Oh gosh, just joined in and hope I'm not too late adding a small question. I've tried several local classes; don't like "competitive" yoga or feeling like I'm in basic training, but am still looking for someone who reminds participants of the need for correct breathing throughout a pose in terms of its allowing you to go deeper into that pose and also the benefits of deep breathing as a major stress reliever all by itself.
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ESL TEACHER
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2013-03-05 12:12 PM |
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Try an introductory class at Source Yoga (Mission and De La Vina just past McConnells) and then move on to more advanced classes. They offer a wide variety at moderate prices and the atmosphere is pleasantly low key.
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COMMENT 381641
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2013-03-05 01:31 PM |
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I like Yoga Soup. Great space. Three things about yoga (its all different). One, find a teacher you like. Two, find a space you like. Three, find a style of yoga you like. This all takes time as well as trial and error. There are some beginner classes at Yoga Soup.
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COMMENT 381663P
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2013-03-05 02:30 PM |
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OP, you're a trooper and kind! Have fun getting back into it & good for you.
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COMMENT 381673P
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2013-03-05 03:01 PM |
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663 here. Just for fun! Still a favorite movie of mine. "And remember, big guy, the rose goes in the front." Those in the know tell me it's all about mindfulness and attentiveness. Flexibility sure doesn't hurt. “I want you to breathe through your eyelids, like the Lava Lizards of the Galapagos Islands.” "You know something, Annie. You can't breathe through your eyelids. "Of course you can't breathe through your eyelids. Whoever told you such a ridiculous thing?"
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COMMENT 381675P
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2013-03-05 03:05 PM |
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Oops. "Bull Durham" I meant to add, for those who don't recognize it.
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HDB
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2013-03-11 03:18 PM |
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Source Yoga Monday and Wednesday nights from 7:30-9 w/Jamie is perfect for beginners!
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