East Meets West Yoga

East Meets West Yoga Studio - Elmwood

 

            It was not the best day to venture down Elmwood since a portion was blocked off for the Buffalo Marathon. After a series of irritating detours, I found 758 Elmwood. It is in close proximity to Evolation studio which is on my schedule to try. The studio was connected to a lovely delicatessen, all a bright tan color. Warm and inviting I made my way in and up the stairs.  The house was  a blend of Victorian heritage with a touch of  modern and eastern art, truly east meets west.

            It was a little confusing as where to go as a new student. There was no one waiting for students to greet them, but I saw a book and signed in. I grew anxious as where to pay and what to do. You can accuse me of having an A type personality and being a staunch pragmatist at times. I always am eager to get things done and accomplished.  I found some chairs and sat waiting to talk to someone. They had two restrooms with one having a shower facility. The restroom was lovely as a woman always seemingly my first stop.

            It was a small, friendly atmosphere. They offered complementary self serve hot chai tea for students. I witnessed students talking amongst themselves enjoying a hot beverage like old friends.

            I signed up for the Open Flow Vinyasa class. I was not entirely sure about what it would entail. I realized one of the people talking was a teacher so I asked her some questions. She gave me a new student form to sign. I always read and get a copy.

The teacher told me the teacher would be here soon for class and I could not miss her because she was very pregnant.

            I chuckled and waited. The teacher arrived. She approached me in a friendly manner as I screamed newbie and had that fear look. There are a few rooms that act as separate studios for classes. She opened the room and welcomed me in.

            I paid her directly. I was worried at first they did not accept credit cards at their location but they did. From my retail background, I usually look for a business set up and credit card machine. While the studio did not have a business feel, it was incredibly warm and inviting. I chose to pay for a class which was $18. Since I still have time at Bikram and am gallivanting I did not want to use the new student special, though it was reasonable, $25 for a week and $40 for two weeks unlimited.

            The studio was small but cozy. Being in the Victorian setting mixed with Eastern statues it was just beautiful speaking to the artistic culture of Elmwood and of my art history background. I have never been one for small, enclosed spaces but I was relaxed. They had shelves in the back to put your belongings. The teacher asked me to turn off my phone. The students were all friendly and a woman instantly chatted with me singing the praises of the yoga studio and all of the teachers. I soaked in every word.

            I unrolled my mat. My mat is a Lulu lemon, designed for hot yoga. It has taken a beating and looked as such. My vanity always dictates me getting made up before going out in public so it has taken a lot of beatings from make up drench.

            The class was not heated. The windows were open. It was just like Power Yoga with a few variations, it was a vinyasa. (Duh) without the heat, a wonderful change. I had told the teacher I had only a few classes to avoid a long story.  I felt guilty after because I was more than familiar with the postures and it was obvious. The flow felt like a home coming to me.

            The teacher was warm and humorous and gave me corrections. My shoulders in downward dog never roll inwards. She was even good natured because I am a visual learner and I have a hard time sometimes listening and translating that into action in my body without repetition. By the end, I felt so happy. It felt like home but I am not ready to settle down yet. I have more yoga studios to try but I will go back.