During my visits to my in laws for the holidays, I frequent the local Ymca. While I was working out there, attempting to do some Ashthanga (a method of yoga that requires a lot of core and upper body strength, things I'm lacking!) an attractive obviously fit young lady approached me and asked me if I was working on Ashtanga. Her name is Miranda and after chit chatting with her for several minutes, I learned that she taught at a local yoga studio up the road. She informed me that the studio offered Mysore Ashtanga as well as other forms of yoga. I figured that was an invitation to go check it out.
The building is located in a strip of shops and I went on a Sunday morning so there was ample parking. I walked in a few minutes prior to class and was greeted by Miranda who checked me in. As I was waiting for class to begin, she showed me where the bathrooms and "community mats" were located as well as areas to store your things. (There were no lockers, but the studio is locked while class is in session. Also, they don't charge a rental fee for the community mats.) There's a small coffee table with magazines and couches for you to wait and if you don't want to wait in the studio. The bathroom is clean and has one shower. The studio itself is spacious and is equipped with bolsters and blocks. There is a large mirror to the left side as you walk in so you can check out your form (or those yogis and yoginis with nice derrieres without being too obvious!)
I attended an "Ashtanga fusion" class with Miranda which was a combination Vinyasa class with several traditional Ashtanga moves mixed in throughout the session. The class was a good work out, yet all levels of practitioners could adjust and modify poses as needed. It cost me $10 for drop in rate. If you want to do a traditional Ashtanga or Mysore class (which they offer almost every morning, but not Sundays), the drop in rate is $15. They take cash or credit cards. There are also items from Nepal for sale such as mala bracelets and necklaces. They have their schedule as well as a description of the classes and instructor bios online. You can schedule classes through the Mind and Body app or just show up and register there. Thank you Miranda for introducing yourself and for leading a much needed session! It's too bad I met your towards the end of my vacation. Definitely check out The Yoga Room if you're into Ashtanga and even if you're not, check it out anyway if you like yoga or if "you're not into yoga" as the song goes, then hit Clearwater Beach. It's not too far down the road. read more
