A dear friend of mine became so much dearer after she got me to do a Saturday retreat at Yoga…read moreUnderground! It was WON-DER-FULLLLLL!!!!
While I was drawn to Indian religions in hs and college (taking courses in it), I never made it around to yoga. I tried it once at a Club Med, long before it came into its current fad, and I really dug it then (out on the sand, under some palms). Then, tried it again a few years ago, but the approach of the studio where I tried it was all physical, with no explanation of the philosophy, nor psych/emotional work that traditionally accompanies it.
Well, third time's a charm! My experience at Yoga Underground the other weekend got me enthused about doing more!
Yoga Underground is located in the Chadds Ford Barn Shops. Danielle is the studio owner, who does some instruction, but Susan was our Yoga instructor for the rigorous morning session that day. I was mom-frazzled getting there at 8:30am on a Saturday, and forgot my mat. No problem, they have all kinds of accessories right there for anyone to use. Susan likes heated yoga, so the heat lamps were on. OMG, that makes it harder, IMO! I appreciated the challenge, and everyone was so nice, saying I did really well for my first time. Even the seasoned ladies there said it was a workout. My friend was balancing like a pro, could stick her leg straight up in the air like a ballerina. I was all over the place, BUT, I steadied myself after a struggle, and I could not believe what positions I was able to do. Maybe the heat helps? Or, they have mad positive vibes going on here! Maybe both!
I recommend being somewhat in shape before attempting yoga if you want to get the most out of it. I have been jogging 4-6 miles as many times per week as my mom-schedule allows, for a few months now. I am okay with my fitness level, but I still don't have my pre-preg body back yet, so the more fit you can be, the better. But this studio is so welcoming to any level of experience, and instructors and classmates alike, took me under their wings. Such a good feeling!
After our yoga workout, we did a written manifestation exercise, setting positive intentions for life improvement. The exercise was developed from books on Dharma, and was so well done! Perfect therapy!
Our included lunch was al fresco, at the adjacent Chadds Cafe. It was a huge, delicious salad with spinach, squash, sweet potato, peppers, orzo, and other awesome stuff. Absolutely delicious. The chef, Pam, came out with a bowl of watermelon chunks and mint. Then, also zucchini muffins with lemon curd to douse all over them. Amazing food!
After lunch we had a nature walk with a yogi named Mason, who knew all kinds of interesting horticultural and earth science stuff. Mason brought us a local Pawpaw fruit from the nearby farmer's market. He offered samples to everyone. It tastes like a cross of banana and mango. Mason's nature walk really helped me feel more settled and in tune with my surroundings.
After that, we returned to the studio for Thai yoga. Thai yoga is a partnered massage exercise, which was the perfect cool down for the day. Danielle led us through this exercise, giving each partner 45 minutes as giver and taker of the massage. It was amazing to me how relaxed you can get on a yoga mat with all your workout gear and sneaks on, I was just as relaxed as I'd be on a table/derobed/oils, etc. As masseuse, I was so pleased that my partner said she had just as relaxing of a massage! Danielle led us through each motion, with excellent instruction, and we even walked on our partners using the hanging bars they have for aerial yoga. I learned such cool techniques and tricks! Worth so much right there!
We also had a visit from a local woman who makes/sells holistic tinctures. I forget what mine was (my brain was in vacay mode by the end of this fabulous day), but it was powerful and I felt good afterward!
To close the retreat, they had a little wine, cheese, and other hors d'oeuvres at a table just outside the studio. I am not a wine drinker but everyone else loved it. The hors d'oeuvres were great quality. It was the perfect close to the day!
The whole day was $165, and it was money well spent. They offer the tools for you to make so much of your day, physically and emotionally, and you take away a great sense of balance and direction. LOL, I've kind of lost my "buzz" of those feelings, but I think that's why people go back for more! I'll be back!
Yoga Underground offers Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Hatha yoga, as well as Aerial sessions (very cool)! They have regular classes, with package deals (monthly unlimited classes for $95!), also private sessions, and training programs if you want to learn to instruct. Join their email list, and you will get offers for very cool retreats, both local at the studio, and international week-long yoga getaways!
Note: Sorry I have only a couple pictures. This was a totally unplugged day, in the best of ways!!!
