| rev:text
| - I have practiced yoga for over 20 years, all over the world. My last 9+ years have been mainly Bikram style (heated room, same 26 asanas and 2 breathing in same order every time, etc). My review is based on one visit, in which I was fortunate enough to be taught by the creator of Sumits Yoga, Sumit Banerjee.
Keep in mind that this is an 80 minute class in a 104/5 degree heated room. It is not laying around on pillows. That being said, there was an old (at least 70!) year old man next to me for most of the class (he did leave early). Most of the folks were in the 20-50ish range, but I think that anyone could do this class if they are in good health (or at least check with their doc) and take it EASY to get used to the heat.
You will sweat. A lot. A very very very lot.
+ 1 Star - Cleanliness. I have a thing about sweaty/hot yoga - I love it, but the smell still, after all this time, makes me queasy. So how nice it was to be at a studio with little to no stink. Wood floors in the practice room helped. Staff seemed very conscious about cleaning up quite often (steamed windows were wiped, drips on floor were mopped etc)
+ 1 Star - Showers. It is important to me in practicing hot yoga that there are showers for after. Granted, there are only two in the ladies (and I would assume 2 in the man's) but that is better than many and, from my experience, The average amount. You need to BYOT (towel) as they have no towel rental (!!!??!) available.
+ 1 Star - Big changing room for ladies. I can't speak for the fellas, but there was plenty room for all us gals to do our thing. I am usually frustrated at whacking elbows with my fellow yoginis both before and after class so this was a nice, welcome change.
+ 1 Star - Room size. The asana room was spacious - there were easily 30 people in my class but could have fit 20 more with no problem at all. Mirrored all but the back (door/wall) sides to help with alignment and focus.
+ 1 Star - Air. It is a pet peeve of mine about hot yoga classes that they usually have still, stuffy air. I start to feel a bit suffocated. This studio was especially nice in that there were ceiling fans, so though it was hot (104 degrees more or less), I didn't feel suffocated.
+ 1 Star - The class style. I wish Mr. Banerjee had studios in LA!!!! I enjoyed this style class immensely. It was a combination of some flow, some traditional standing postures and some Bikram-styled asanas/combinations. It was possible to modify and do more or less strenuously depending on your day/energy level. I cannot rave enough about how wonderful the flow was mingled with the static poses; the transition to the floor postures was even ok and not too abrupt.
+ 1 Star - Music. I liked almost all the music that was played (mainly in flow portions of class). Could have skipped that Bruce Springsteen song, but it was likely in there to appease the more "rocker" types! other than that, lovely tunes that fit the mood.
+1 Star - Teacher. Yes, it was Mr. Banerjee teaching the class, so it was the "creator" himself. But what better way for my 1st class to go! He is a wonderful teacher, supportive, driving, challenging, engaging, but also nurturing and not a martinet (hear that, Mr. Choudry?). I genuinely felt pleasure in his tone, word choice and energy. Obviously a person who believes in what he says/teaches but also is not snooty!
+ 1 Star - Parking. Although there is a McDonald's in the front of the lot (temptation! hello!), the rest of the lot is very open with lots of easy parking. Nice!
+ 1 Star/ -1 Star - Staff. The front desk gal, although she was Very Helpful and loaned me a mat and towel for free seemed to be grumpy or sad or just ?? As she was the only other person other than Mr. Banerjee himself with whom I interacted, I was not charmed by her at all. Lighten up, honey! Geez!
+ 1 Star - Retail area. A few things to buy, including water for class if you forgot yours/want more. Really liked the yoga clothing collection. Some good stuff here.
All in all, I am sad that I don't live near one of the 6 Sumits Yoga in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. I found this class and studio to be perfect for me.
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