Yoga/Pilates for Cyclists: January 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Yoga/Pilates for Cyclists: coming to an Otello room near you!

Following our sold-out Yoga/Pilates for Cyclists Sampler class in Jan 2011, Karin and I have found a cozy space to continue the series. Judging by the feedback the New York Cycle Clubbers found our class very interesting and beneficial. (OK, we did hand out 85% dark chocolate with the anonymous feedback sheets). Here's a movie tour of the space:

Tour around the space above - and apologies - I couldn't help but tickle the ivories a little, despite a traumatic childhood involving piano lessons and a book of mindless Czerny Etudes that resulted in teethmarks on the piano ...

A musical space indeed: a 72nd St location - with cushy new carpet - for around 8-10 participants
(when we stack the chairs)

"What a tangled web we weave ... "

It's called the Otello room, normally used as a recital and practice space by musicians and opera singers. Signed photos of famous warblers, and even a signed score, decorate the walls. In a corner, a small baby grand sets off the space but doesn't intrude too much into it. The location is right above the 72 St subway on Broadway. Very central and convenient (Trader Joes right opposite), freshly painted with a cushy new carpet.

The view towards Broadway - and signed photos of famous opera singers on the wall.

There's a nook for students to store mats and pilates rollers to save schlepping. Alternatively, we can provide some that you can rent each time you come.

Aaaaah, using the foam roller (pilates/MELT technique). Once you've tried it, you gotta have one.
More pictures on my GalfromdownunderYoga Facebook page

Feedback welcome in the comment field below. Details of our sequel to the series coming soon.

Very useful (and artsy!) feedback from participants. See more.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

LYNETTE CHIANG - YOGA FOR CYCLISTS INSTRUCTOR:

Lynette is a certified vinyasa yoga teacher offering an energetic, movement focussed class geared towards cyclists, runners, and anyone who spends too much time sitting in front of a computer (raise your numb hand!).

She's practiced yoga, ballet and Vipassana meditation for more than 20 years. Her cycling background includes pedaling the world solo and self-supported for five years, authoring a New York Times reviewed book, The Handsomest Man in Cuba : a bicycle escapade, single-handedly shooting and creating bicycle adventure films about Route66 and Peru and a 9-year stint as the Customer Evangelist for Bike Friday.

Currently she teaches yoga to private clients, volunteer teaches at Chelsea Recreation Center and introduced yoga at the Hudson Guild Community Center, where she hosted an inspiring presentation by "super senior" members of the New York Cycle Club Five Borough Bike Club.

Galfromdownunder Yoga Webpage
GalfromdownunderYoga On Facebook

KARIN FANTUS - YOGA FOR PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Karin teaches how to become stronger and more flexible as we age. Clients come to her with joint issues (ankle/knee/hip/shoulder/back/neck, etc.), which get better as she teaches them how to use their bodies better.

Karin's done PILATES for about 20 years, and been teaching since 2002. She runs a her own, fully-equipped PILATES studio, and teaches at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. Once-upon-a-time, Karin was a TV news producer for the major networks and nationally-syndicated shows.

Karin is one of the few Pilates instructors also certified to teach M.E.L.T. (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique). It's a self-help treatment, to release deep-rooted tension throughout the body.

For more years than she cares to mention, Karin's been an avid road cyclist, riding ultra-distance events (Paris-Brest-Paris 1991 & 1999), and crewing for them (Race Across America 1987 & 2003). After 150,000+ miles of cycling, she attributes her healthy knees, back and hips to PILATES.

Karin on LinkedIn