Yoga Classes at the Rec Center Get a Make-Over

It's not that they needed a make-over. From what I've heard, lots of people really enjoyed the yoga classes held at the Rec Center. However, there's a new teacher running the show now, and she wants to get the word out about her more vigorous classes.

The short of it is that on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 PM, you can drop by the dance room (left hand side of the rotunda) for some serious yoga. You must be a member of the Rec Center, but at $50 a year, if you go two or three times for the yoga alone, you're already breaking even.

Here's the long of it, straight from the teacher's keyboard:

Suryasta (Sunset) Yoga in Sunset Park Rec Center (Dance Room)
Tue & Thurs @ 6.15 pm
Open Class with Jenya Andrianova

Jivamukti Yoga method is a combination of vigorous physical and intellectually stimulating practices leading to spiritual awareness.
Open class is open to students of all levels.

Every class promotes educational aspect of the practice giving students the source of where ideas have come from.
Sanskrit chanting, readings and references to scriptural texts;
Playing uplifting music during the class (From Beatles to Classical);
Asana sequencing and yogic breathing exercises (postures linked with breath);
Meditation instruction and practice at the end of each class.

Less Personality, More Universality.
Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati

Yoga, Beer, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Walking on the other side of the street is truly informative.

After attending the Spanish story-time and sing-a-long at El Pequeno Artista, my neighbor and I crossed 5th Avenue to walk down to Eagle Provisions and check out the plants. Before we got there, however, we dawdled in front of a gallery gone yoga studio called Under Minerva (presumably because if its proximity to Green-Wood Cemetery's Minerva). As we turned to go, a young woman (Sorry, I don't remember her name. Blame it on sleep deprivation.) jumped out of a car and asked if we were interested in yoga classes. After letting us know that there is a "bring a friend and you both just pay $5" deal, she told us there were classes almost every day of the week.

According to the postcard she gave me, Under Minerva is an Art Gallery and Event Space. We were admiring the chandelier in the window and the style of the logo on the storefront while we dawdled, so I'm sure the rest is worth an actual stop. They have an Artist's Den (which makes me think of a nook that's carpeted from floor to ceiling) with 24 hour access and a Wifi lounge (weren't we just wondering about that?). It also hosts meditation, yoga, children's classes - there's even a book club.

The website isn't the easiest to navigate or most informative I've seen, but I'm sure a phone call would help. I have an email in asking for prices and more information; stay tuned.

Continuing on 5th Avenue, we went to Eagle Provisions where the plants looked good, but the beer got bought. Happily, I didn't go nuts in the chocolate section of Eagle because I was about to discover my new favorite Green-Wood Heights Happy Place.

Laurentino's Pasticceria Caffe (with an accent over the e) has been open since October, but since that's also when I had a baby, I guess I've been a little out of it. I had passed this place by a few times, but never crossed the street to check it out. What attracted me this time were the chairs and tables in the window. Then we got a whiff of the baking inside. Oh. My. Goodness. Take a look at the chocolate covered strawberries.
I didn't buy one. I can't believe I didn't, but I didn't. They were only $1 each, but I resisted. I did, however, buy their pignoli. (I know, so much more naughty.) Having lived on the outskirts of Bensonhurst for several years, I was skeptical about whether or not these cookies would be worthy of being called pignoli. Let's just say I'll be purchasing some for when I need a treat for visiting miei amici. Next time I want to try one of the cheesecakes. My neighbor bought one of the blueberry mini-pies. She wanted to take photos, so hopefully she'll let me post those up when she's done.

The women who waited on us were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they encouraged us to check out all the pastries. They weren't annoyed by our many questions and paltry purchases. There are several cozy tables for sitting while you snack and have a cappuccino. There aren't yet any high chairs, but there is enough room to stash a stroller in the corner.

In the summer months they make their own gelato and ices. Oh yeah.

Check out Laurentino's on 5th Avenue between 20th and 21st. They do "cakes for all occasions" and they are looking forward to serving you treats and coffee.

World Yoga Day is Tomorrow

Feeling stressed about the economy? Feel like you can't afford a really great yoga class? Willing to go to Bay Ridge? Tomorrow is your chance to relieve some stress for less than most yoga classes - and your $10 donation (you're welcome to give more!) goes to help the people of Zimbabwe. Win. Win. Win.

Michelle, of Shanti Baby Yoga, is hosting a World Yoga Day class at 7905 7th Avenue. The one hour class begins at 9:30 AM. See below for specifics and to reserve a space. Please bring your own yoga mat.

It's open to all levels of experience, and even children ages 8 and up. You can register here, and pay by PayPal or bring your donation to the class.

Yoga In The Park is On for Tomorrow

Hopefully the weather won't interfere with tomorrow's scheduled Hatha Yoga class in Sunset Park. The class ran last week, and it will hopefully continue tomorrow night. The class is led by a Sunset Park resident and yoga teacher, and it is an informal Hatha Yoga class every Wednesday evening in Sunset Park. It will be an open-air class, and all levels are welcome.

The details follow:

Time: Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 for single drop-in and $10 for each class when purchasing a 3 class card.
Location: We will be practicing by the Sunset Park recreation center entrance, on the 7th Avenue side between the sycamore and oak trees.
What to Bring: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket (for you ashtangis).

Yoga in Sunset Park

A local yoga teacher will be holding an informal Hatha Yoga class on Wednesdays in Sunset Park. It will be an open-air class, and all levels are welcome.

The details follow:

Time: Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 for single drop-in and $10 for each class when purchasing a 3 class card.
Location: We will be practicing by the Sunset Park recreation center entrance, on the 7th Avenue side between the sycamore and oak trees.
What to Bring: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket (for you ashtangis).

Wednesday is supposed to be lovely weather at 74 degrees F. If it rains, the class will be cancelled.