Yoga Press

Brooklyn Yogini in the Press

Time Out New York - Brooklyn Yogini was reviewed in the Vinyasa Yoga Article from the Winter Fitness Issue - December 2009

"Brooklyn Yogini
(Body and Mind Builders, 78 Reade St between Broadway and Church; 212-587-1099, brooklynyogini.com) • (Yoga People, 160 Montague St between Clinton and Henry Sts, second floor, Brooklyn Heights; 718-522-3113). Single class $15, packages available.
Types of yoga offered: The Brooklyn Yogini, Julia Haramis, teaches vinyasa, incorporating some anusara techniques. She also teaches “Core Yoga,” which uses the vinyasa poses to strengthen core muscles. Haramis leads both individual sessions (she’ll even come to your apartment or office) and weekly group classes.
Name of class: Lunchtime Open Level Vinyasa
Length: One hour
What to expect: The only chanting happened during the breathing exercises at the start and end of class (exhaling with “om”). The first few poses were held a little longer to stretch muscles. Then the poses began to flow into sequences that were repeated a couple of times each (right and left, etc.), and usually the last pose was held for a little while. There were no dogmatic speeches. Haramis explained each pose (discussing placement of feet, hands, knees and other parts) as we went through each pose/sequence the first time, and then she walked around the class to correct form. She also told funny, related anecdotes while we were holding poses, making everything very informal and encouraging. Plus, the background music was very low-key.
Level: Yoga newbies can do it.
The verdict: This small, mellow class is great for clueless beginners. Initially I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but Haramis was very clear and supportive in explaining each pose, and we were able to move at our own pace. The other students (only four of them) were more advanced, but Haramis structured the class so that everyone was challenged. It’s an awesome way to spend your lunch break, and I left the studio feeling energized.—Moira Brazier"