The Class: I took the hour-long Ashtanga class at 9:15 a.m. on a Tuesday at Super Yoga Palace in East Dallas.
The Appeal: Ashtanga yoga is an original lineage practice that’s considered a modern-day take on classical Indian yoga. It synchronizes breath with movement which makes for a mentally and physically renewing workout. It’s the type of workout that would be perfect to start or end a long and fast paced day.
The Instructor: Jessica Jordan (SYP’s owner) was the instructor for this class. She’s been been practicing Ashtanga since 2005 and became an instructor in 2009. Her love for the practice and teaching of healing inspired her to open her own studio. She had a calm, yet motivating vibe about her, which made yoga (something I usually don’t do) fun and rewarding.
The Space: The one-room studio is on the second floor of a shop, so you have to go through the front door of the shop to get to the studio but you’ll know you’re in the right place because the staircase has a cute little saying: “Namaste Right This Way.” The room has a simplistic bohemian feel to it—an ideal environment for practicing yoga.
Who’s There: Both men and women in their mid-thirties. Some attendees, like myself, were beginners, and some were experienced yogis.
What to Wear: All you need for this class is clothing that you can move freely and comfortably in and a yoga mat. The entire class is done barefoot, so no need to bring your sneaks, and if you’re new to this type of class and are giving it a try, you can rent a yoga mat at the studio before deciding to buy one.
How It Went: Like I mentioned before, I am not an avid yogi, but in comparison to the classes I’ve gone to, this one takes the cake. Rather than mindlessly going through the movements of each sequence, you are constantly engaged and focusing on your breathing. In each sequence there were a few movements that I was familiar with like chaturanga, downward facing dog, and warrior one, but many that I had no idea how to do. I was a bit lost at times, but that’s typical for trying out a new workout or studio. When we finished the closing sequence we laid on our backs with our eyes closed as Jessica came around with essential oils to help us achieve an even deeper relaxation.
The Aftermath: The feeling you have after you get a really good massage is what I would compare to the feeling I had after completing this class. Your mind and body are both so relaxed, putting you in a state of what feels like meditation. My arms do feel a little bit Jello-like after the multiple chaturangas, but that’s just a sign of a good workout.
Loved: The vibes in the studio are positive and uplifting, and I am all about feng shui and having a balanced lifestyle, so I was a huge fan of the atmosphere.
Didn’t Love: Because the room is small, I had a hard time seeing Jessica illustrate the movements, so I would look around to see what other people were doing.
Difficulty Level: Within the first 15 minutes I was breaking a sweat, but I wasn’t dying of exhaustion. There is basically no time for rest between sequences, so you are constantly going until it’s over. It was hard, but a different kind of hard, especially for someone who doesn’t do yoga often.
Bottom Line: Super Yoga Palace is a must try for anyone who is interested in combining a muscle toning and stretching workout with mental clarity and relaxation.
