Yoga - with a little Attitude
By Stephanie Fortener-Atwood |
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For years, I had contemplated practicing yoga. Now, I can be a procrastinator, but years of pondering? This was extreme, even for me. I really liked the idea of yoga - I pictured myself centered, calm, balanced, flexible, graceful... pretty much the opposite of my current self (I'm skilled at running into obviously inanimate objects such as walls and sofas).
At first, I satisfied my desire to practice yoga by doing a lot of yoga research. I could tell you the names of just about any Columbus area yoga studio - I even drove by a few (though I only walked inside on a few very rare, semi-confident days). I just never took the next step and actually attended a class. Why? Well, I've determined the reason is two-fold. First, despite my conceptual love of a tranquil yoga environment, I wasn't sure it would work for me. I'm full of energy, I get bored easily, and I imagined staring at the clock, dreading the impending moments of silence. Assuming, that is, that the prerequisite tranquil environment could permit such blatant reminders of the outside world. Second, I was intimidated as hell.
Yoga at V Power Yoga downtown
Photo: Christopher Atwood
Until I stumbled upon V Power Yoga.
Hidden on the third floor of an unassuming building in Columbus' warehouse district hides, this yoga studio is different. It communicates the benefits of yoga, but in its own language. "Hi, sunshine!" says owner Julie Verhoff as I enter my first class. Unlike the solemn monk from the mountain I had conjured, Julie's energy is truly infectious. Quite simply, Verhoff makes people smile.
The class starts atypically - with a blast of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal." Julie quickly leads us into a flow of poses coupled with conscious breathing, focusing on several Vinyasa series to create heat (you will sweat), moving forward into a variety of standing poses, balancing poses, inversions, and seated poses. A few minutes into the class, Verhoff addresses us: "No one cares what you look like. You're here to breathe, sweat, and have some fun!"
And it is fun. It's challenging and high energy, all within a welcoming environment. Each pose can be modified, allowing for - and embracing - students' individual abilities and comfort levels. I was no longer preoccupied by the thought of messing up, looking silly, or sneaking glances at the clock in silence. Instead, I moved through the poses, focusing on my body, my breath, and rocking out to some good tunes.
V Power Yoga attracts dancers, athletes, teachers, attorneys, mothers, and yes, even men. There is no typical student, just a shared appreciation for Julie's creative take on yoga.
Class schedules are available on the V Power web site. Choose from beginner, mixed-level or advanced. See you there - and bring a towel and lots of water - you're going to need it!
V Power Yoga
250 N Fifth St.
Suite 380
(614) 228-9642
www.vpoweryoga.com
For more local work-outs, see A Personal Approach to Training
Originally Published: August 1, 2009
