01/24/09

Great place to start your hot yoga pratice

by roymalai

I decided to return to yoga after long hiatus which includes my dabbling in pilates, hip hop and belly dancing. At first, I did yoga in the same studio as my other classes then a friend mentioned Sunstone yoga's introductory program.

Initially, I didn't know what to think about SY since I was more used to the free-style yoga classes where you never know what comes next. I wasn't sure that following a fixed routine would be mentally challenging enough.

However, it soon became apparent to me that the sequence of poses were carefully designed such that each pose is followed by an opposing pose (where you stretch one set of muscles and then the opposing muscles -- I'm sure there is a technical term for this). Then once I remember the sequence of poses, I was able to focus more on my breathing and my balance instead of trying to anticipate what the next pose is going to be. As a result, I am much more relaxed after each class. And the repetition also helps me to better gauge my progress. Yet, there are enough variety (different types of classes) to keep me engaged.

And I was pleased that SY uses efficient energy and provide filter water for people like me (who don't want to increase landfill with plastic bottles) although I wish I could figure out if they also use eco-friendly detergent and cleaning supplies.

In any case, I highly recommend trying out Sunstone yoga and find out if it is the right practice for you.

08/28/08

I have never felt so good about everything and had so much energy during the day.

by yogieo

I have been practicing at Sunstone Yoga for about 4 months. When I first started, I had never done any kind of organized exercise program or any type of yoga. Luckily I found Sunstone Yoga's website and decided to try the 10 days for $10.00. As it turns out, this has been the best $10.00 I have ever spent in my life. I tried yoga because I love to scuba dive and I thought it would help me with my breathing: learning to control my breath would mean more time underwater. Everything has turned out so much better than I ever expected.

First, every single instructor has just been absolutely wonderful. Second, and most unexpected, is the amount of weight I have lost without even changing my diet. When I started I weighed 198lbs. 60 classes later I weigh 173lbs. That's 25lbs - what a nice surprise. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of trying Sunstone Yoga to go ahead and do it, because you never know; it could also be your best $10.00 investment ever. I have never felt so good about everything and had so much energy during the day.

I would like to thank all of the instructors for the great job they do by making it a very enjoyable place to practice. You have all made a very big difference in my life. Good luck to all who try.

Marc Weems

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: nothing

08/20/08

I went from about 210 lbs to 190 lbs, where I've stayed for the past two years.

by Bettieo

I went from about 210 lbs to 190 lbs, where I've stayed for the past two years.

I had worked out with weights for 20 yrs and was kind of burned out on the whole thing. I had previously done Iyengar Yoga for about 2 years and while it offered all of the great benefits of yoga, it didn't offer the same kind of workout benefits that I would like to experience.

Once I started going to Sunstone, it became apparent really quickly that at Sunstone, you got the best of both worlds - the mental and personal benefits and challenges that regular yoga offers along with an incredible physical workout. Once I started going to Sunstone, I replaced all of my other exercise routines with my Sunstone practice.

I've also found that Sunstone offers a great amount of instruction and practice on the "yoga-side" of things, which I like. You just have to try out different classes and teachers to find out about it. It?s not just about sweating.

Another great benefit is since I started going to Sunstone, I went from about 210 lbs to 190 lbs, where I've stayed for the past two years. Overall, I think I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and I know it's because of Sunstone.

Kim Fredenburg

• Pros: Fantastic place