assume the position
Shaping up for bikini season, bypass the traditional
salad-and-gym routine in favor of an ancient excersise that disciplines
both mind and body. Whether Ashtanga, Ayengar or scary Bikram — life is
short and there’s many a yoga party to crash.
PHOTO GEORGY IVANOV/TEXT ALESIA GEORGIOU feedback
It is natural that as the temperature rises, we begin to shed our
clothing the way the attractive employees at Moscow’s finer nightlife
establishments do. It’s only normal that during the course of winter
we’ve packed on some extra weight, like the teenagers at a Star Trek
convention. Exercise is the obvious answer, but if treadmills and
Stairmasters bore you there’s another option you may not have
considered, and no experience is required.The ancient practice of yoga
has made it’s way into town, and is beginning to emerge as the exercise
of choice among local fitness buffs. Yoga involves synchronizing the
breath with a series of progressive postures, known as asanas, and is
performed on a nifty rubber mat. It’s easy to begin, as you don’t need
any special gadgets, toys, or fancy shoes. Whether
or not you’re a newcomer to the sport, if you head over to NYM Yoga and
Spa, you’ll find the mecca of Ashtanga yoga. The owner, Katya Kushner,
is a New Yorker of Russian heritage who has returned to her roots here
in Moscow. Familiar with the pressures of city life around the globe,
she has created an environment that is prepared to help you deal with
living in an urban jungle. Located conveniently on the Sadovoye Koltso,
this intimate studio offers lessons six days a week for every possible
type of student. The particular type of yoga that’s taught here is
often known as “power yoga,” commonly studied by athletes who want to
build strength and improve muscle tone. The studio itself employs seven
instructors who are extremely well versed in the art of Ashtanga, and
are very patient with those who aren’t. Improving your balance is
particularly crucial after a hard night of drinking, and this tranquil
spot in the center of the city is exactly what you’ll need for the
morning after. Yoga sessions are known to bring on state of relaxed
bliss, without the aid of expensive narcotics. Classes are available in
both English and Russian, and they also offer yoga for women who are
pre-and post-natal. Can’t find a babysitter? Sign your child up next
Saturday, and it’s sure to build a lifelong respect for flexibility.
One session is 800 rubles, but encourage yourself to get back into
shape with a package of ten (6,600 rubles), or an unlimited monthly
deal (8,000 rubles). If you’re not sure what to bring, just
bring yourself- everything you’ll need is available here, from bath
towels and yoga mats (120 and 1,800 rubles, respectively) to comfy
American Apparel clothing for both men and women (prices vary). Spend a
few minutes in their cozy tea room, and let your problems melt away for
awhile. The studio features one main exercise room, two smaller spaces
with cockatiels chirping quietly in the background for private lessons,
and a comfortable massage room toward the rear. The importance of
ambience is not forgotten here, with scented candles, dark woods floors
and Nepalese furniture enhancing the mood. Aside from the physical
health benefits, yoga is form of meditation and an excellent way to
relieve stress. It’s impossible not to feel relaxed in this space, but
it can be a little intimidating to try something new. If you’re
nervous, sign up for an individual lesson (4,500 rubles), or just wear
a lot of baggy clothing. To complete their image of an urban oasis, NYM
also offers various massage and facial treatments. Begin your morning
with a traditional Thai massage, and you won’t even notice the rush
hour traffic. One must admit that Madonna looks pretty good for
47, and she owes it all to Ashtanga yoga, with some odd Kaballah
practices thrown in on the side. If her style isn’t appealing, don’t
let that stop you from giving this type of exercise a try. Moscow is a
city rife with opportunity, and what better way to become acquainted
with yoga than experimentation? Many different forms are practiced here
in town, and there are studios to accommodate all levels and styles.
Ayengar is the most common form of yoga found in Moscow, and it’s ideal
for beginners and those who haven’t touched their own feet since they
were in diapers. It employs props such as chairs, straps, blocks,
pillows, and even sandbags to compensate for lack of flexibility. The
Ayengar Studio on Arbat has classes seven days a week in both Russian
and English for adults, children, and those with special needs. One
lesson is 300 rubles, and monthly offers are available as well (1,000
rubles and up). Another form of yoga known as Hatha is commonly
practiced at resorts in the West, and focuses on performing simple
poses at a comfortable pace. This gentle exercise is very beneficial
for lower back pain, and is good for those who just aren’t as mobile as
they’d like to be. The Traditional Hatha Studio has two convenient
locations in the center if this seems more your speed. A one month
membership includes eight classes, and is very affordable at 2,000
rubles. Harboring a secret penchant for the bizarre? Kundalini yoga
incorporates mantras (hypnotic chanting), mediation, visualizations and
guided relaxation. The Moscow Federation of Yoga specializes in this
slightly kooky practice, and both its studios are easily accessible
within the Ring. Prices for monthly classes vary from 1,200 rubles and
up. Given the Russian history of banya culture, it’s only a matter of
time until Bikram yoga blazes a trail into town as well. This style is
performed in a hot room with an average temperature of 45°C, and is an
excellent way to sweat out the toxins while contemplating suicide at
the same time. The late, great James Dean once said, “Live fast,
die young, and leave behind a beautiful corpse.” Perhaps if he’d
learned to perfect his downward facing dog, he’d have figured out that
with regular exercise you can still look pretty hot during a midlife
crisis. |
