This weekend was a quiet one. Literally.
It seems that “silent” workouts have become all the rage here in New York City. This weekend I was treated to two workouts where the instruction was given to the class over headphones with accompanying music pumped in. It’s not silent to those participating, but if you happen to be watching from the sidelines, I’m sure it looks a bit nutty with everyone wearing glowing headphones and moving to the same beat.
The first event was on Friday evening at BFX in Chelsea. Ketanga Fitness hosted a quiet spin class with two real-time instructors, which gave students the luxury of switching between their audio feeds throughout the class. Don’t like that instructor #1 is making you climb a hill? Switch over to instructor #2. Hate that song? Switch the channel and change it.
The event was hosted as a fundraiser for First Descents, an incredible organization that helps those affected by cancer go on active vacations. The energy in the room was so positive and uplifting, but I couldn’t help but wonder how the class itself was going to go. I’ve never heard of a silent spin class before, let alone one with two instructors teaching simultaneously. It sounded like chaos.
I am happy to report, however, that I was entirely wrong. It wasn’t chaotic, it was awesome. Truly awesome. Hands down one of the coolest fitness experiences to date. I loved having the flexibility to customize my workout by picking which instructor to listen to, and when. I loved watching the instructors battle it out on the podium for our attention. And I loved looking around the room to see a bunch of glowing headsets bobbing blue and green, then green and blue as we all switched back and forth between teachers.
Ketanga Fitness, can we please do this again? I’m obsessed. For those who aren’t familiar with Ketanga, they offer lots of fun fitness events and trips just like this, so check out their website to see what’s up next.
The next morning I woke up, bundled up, and headed off to the Reebok Yoga Hunt – a mini scavenger hunt that led us to a secret location where Pop Up Yoga NYC would treat us to a silent yoga experience.
Our first clue was to find our “down dog” at the Grey Dog Cafe in Chelsea, where I ran into Brian Jarrett from the P.E. Club for our next clue: head toward Chelsea Market. This is where I got a bit lost as I was supposed to go inside the market, but instead I followed a big chalk arrow that said “Reebok Yoga Hunt” and pointed south. I followed the arrows to the Gansevoort Hotel, our final destination, and headed up to the penthouse for class.
The views of the Hudson and NYC were incredible. What a setting for some Saturday morning yoga! I know Pop Up Yoga NYC hosts classes all over the city so I can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeves in the future.
Exhale Spa’s Yesenia Lebron led us through an hour of the most relaxing flow. The class was held in a big space but because of the headphones, it sounded like we were each in our own little private class. Sound Off’s DJ Panic played nature sounds and eastern-inspired music the entire time, which only added to the totally zenned-out vibe. I loved doing chair pose to the sound of rain or chaturangas to rumbling thunder claps. It was incredibly surreal.
Thank you Reebok and Pop Up Yoga NYC for totally upgrading my typical sweaty Saturday routine. This was a one-of-a-kind experience I won’t soon forget!