Happy Thursday! If you read my last post, you would know that I attempted a yoga class last night! I took yoga once before and hated it but really wanted to give it a second chance. I could really use some relaxation in my life and would also like to become more flexible and toned! I received a newsletter from Vital Juice a few weeks ago with 2 guest passes to a yoga class that seemed like one I might enjoy!
The VitalJuice Newsletter said:
Yoga That Will Kick Your Asana
Discover a down-to-earth studio where the instructors are fierce about getting fit.
Most yoga instructors won’t play a mix of Guns N’ Roses, Violent Femmes, and Nina Simone during their class. In fact, almost no yoga instructor will. That is, unless they’re Sadie Nardini and Shannon Connell, co-owners of The Fierce Club.
The atmosphere here is laid-back and boisterous compared to more traditional studios. Still, you’ll get a no-nonsense workout. Their Core Strength Vinyasa class ($17) combines cardio and muscle toning with an emphasis on firming your middle.
But don’t expect instructors to focus solely on “finding your center.” Fierce teachers aren’t shy about bemoaning tourists on the subway or relationships that ended badly. Hey, as Sadie and Shannon say, it’s real yoga for real people.
After an hour of heart-pumping poses, the class winds down with the standard stretching and savasana. Of course, at the Fierce Club, you might hear Patty Griffin’s Heavenly Day during those final minutes. (Have a song request? You can email the instructors with your picks.)
We guarantee you’ll feel right at om…
Mention Vital Juice to get your first two classes on the house.
Sounds fun right? The first yoga class I tried was very slow paced with soft boring music. I know that might be the whole point but I had no patience! This class turned out to be completely different!
I was pretty nervous to try the class but took it with Dori so it made me feel a little more comfortable to be with another beginner. The studio was very artsy. It was a white room with a few cool paintings along the walls. We were instructed to grab a mat and a block. We told the instructor it was our first time so she had us move our mats near her so she could help us with our form.
We started out with some poses that targeted our abs. My abs burned right away from these moves so I knew it was going to be a good workout. Each pose lasted for a few seconds and we moved right to another pose. I loved this because it was so fast paced that if I couldn’t hold a pose, it was over in a few seconds!
The teacher was extremely helpful and nice. She came over quite a few times to make sure Dori and I had the correct form. She was also very motivational with some of the things she said. I liked that she said the names of the poses but it was still okay if I did not recognize the names. We chanted “om” several times and even got to yell to get out our frustration. It felt great to let loose and relax.
The class seemed like a strength class which I loved! I broke a sweat since it was so fast paced! Everything from hip hop to alternative was played which also kept it interesting for me. I woke up extremely sore today! So great!
We ended the class by doing hand stands against the wall. Well not me…I am not up to the point yet but I tried! Other people in the class were upside down for a few minutes! Very impressive. We got to lay down for a whole song with our eyes shut and relaxed for the last couple of minutes. We chanted “om” one more time and the hour was over just like that.
The best part was the chocolate bowl on the way out. It is always nice to end a good workout with a Hershey kiss! I left feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. I am already craving another class. Luckily I get to go to that studio one more time for free! I can’t wait!
I am so happy I gave yoga another try. I still think I may not like traditional yoga but it is good to know that I am a fan of Vinyasa yoga! I actually won a one month guess pass to Yogaworks from Vital Juice about a month ago so I am very excited for my pass to arrive in the mail! I may try another yoga class at my regular gym too to see how I like it.
I got home around 9 pretty starving! I wanted to use my new Barney Butter so I decided on a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
I used an Arnold’s Sandwich Thin, Strawberry Preserves, and Creamy Barney Butter!
I also had Kay’s Naturals Kruncheese on the side!
With a vodka and Fuze too 
Nice simple dinner!
I also snacked on half an orange for something sweet.
About an hour later, I was not completely satisfied so I had some edamame as well. I guess it is better than ice cream right before bed!
This morning as I was walking to the subway, I noticed a bunch of people standing in front of Tierra Sana, a vegetarian organic restaurant in Queens. I never ate there but I plan to very soon because their menu looks so healthy and delicious!
They were giving out little coffee and egg burrito samples!
The burrito was delicious! It was organic eggs with ham and cheese in a whole wheat wrap. They are having a daily special for a coffee and burrito for $1.99! I have to remember to leave a little earlier in the morning so I can take advantage of this!
I got to work ready for a real breakfast! I brought Kay’s Naturals Apple Cinnamon Protein Cereal.
I also brought a plain Oikos.
Along with a banana and Barney Butter!
Delicious!
The only ate half of the banana since it was a little old as you can see! Still so great with that Barney Butter!
I have a special afternoon post so I figured I would show you lunch now!
Turkey, Ham, Laughing Cow Cheese, Mustard, Cedar’s Hummus, Cucumbers, and Lettuce on an Arnold’s Sandwich Thin!
I also brought some Kay’s Naturals Crispy Parmesan Protein Chips for the side!
All together…
Do you notice a little pattern in this post? Yes, I had a Kay’s Naturals product with every meal! Stay tuned for a product review and giveaway this afternoon!!
Related posts:
that yoga class sounds really cool!
can’t wait to see the reviews and info on the Kay’s products!
[Reply]
Hi Missy!
This is my first visit to your blog and I love the set up….especailly your header!
Thanks for posting the info ob the Polar HRM. I haven’t had trouble with mine, but don’t want to start. I’ve often wondered if I could throw the strap in the machine. Also, I didn’t know that keeping the transmitter attached killed the battery!
Keep up the great work on the blog!!!
[Reply]
i just got my barney samples, im really excited to try them, what did you think???
[Reply]
Krista: Thanks for the compliments! I had no idea leaving the transmitter on used up the battery either! Great to know!
Elise: I loveeee the samples! They are so creamy and perfect. I now understand the Barney Butter obsession going on in every blog!
[Reply]
Hey Missy,
I love your blog and your reviews! I’m an avid yoga fan and I practice a couple of times a week. I am so glad you gave Yoga another chance. I just wanted to let you know that Vinyasa is traditional yoga also. Vinyasa means flow and refers to a class that’s flowing and constantly moving from one pose to the next. I would also suggest trying hot vinyasa yoga. It’s done in a heated room and can burn serious calories! It’s an amazing workout. Yoga has really helped to tone my muscles and it really gets the heart rate up. I suggest trying Hot Vinyasa instead of the regular Bikram(also hot) because in my opinion Bikram is kind of boring. In Bikram you do the same 26 poses twice every SINGLE class. It’s not as fun as hot Vinyasa. Anyway I know I went on and on but Yoga is amazing! Good Luck with it and enjoy!
-Amanda
[Reply]
Amanda: Thanks for the information! I heard about hot Vinyasa from some other blogs and it sounds great! I would definitely love to try it!
[Reply]
Hey Missy! Please let me know when you’re going to your next class as i’d love to go with you! I can’t wait for your giveaway because those look awesome!
[Reply]
Shut UP! Tierra Sana was giving away food?! And I wasn’t there to get it?! Well I guess that makes sense since I live in Brooklyn, BUT I am going to dinner there with the boyf tonight, no joke! I am telling him about that b’fast deal right now. He lives and dies for Tierra Sana.
I must try that yoga class!
[Reply]
the protein chips sound really cool! yoga sounds AMAZING!! i wish we had a studio here so badly
so many things i love in this post- oikos, edamame, barney butter…
have a great day!
[Reply]
That yoga class sounds great. I really need to give it another chance. Lord knows my body needs the break and my mind. Thanks for the info
[Reply]
I just commented on Dori's blog about this AWESOME yoga class!!! I can't believe you got to take a class with Sadie! She's basically my idol. She has videos on youtube and I made a bunch of playlists – http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=magpie707&view=playlists. She is SO SO good. Gahh, I'm jealous!
[Reply]
Man, I wish they had a yoga class like that here – that sounds awesome! And, um, chocolate? Yeah, that was seriously a nice touch at the end. Who doesn't like to leave things on a chocolate note??
I <3 Arnold ('s sandwich thins).
[Reply]