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Champagne & Chaturangas

Happy New Year, yogis!

As the year draws to a close, I want to reach out to each and every one of you and send a big sweaty thank you for your presence in the studio. We talk a lot in yoga about being present. About showing up to our mats, and infusing each pose with the deepest of breath. About taking this attitude off the mat so that we can experience each precious moment to its fullest. And we speak about the most difficult expression, being present through life’s challenges. I think if you’ve practiced at YogaSpark, you know the benefits that come from a super challenging, intense, juicy yoga practice that leaves you feeling physically cleansed, mentally clear, and totally present -- if even for a few moments. Together at YogaSpark we work on increasing the time spent in those moments, and decreasing the intervals between them.

But I find more and more that although meditation and yoga are on the rise globally, the world we live in constantly encourages us to NOT be present. To always be wanting more, striving for more, looking ahead to what’s next – the next vacation, the next job, the next house, the next baby, the next 5 pounds we need to lose…as if there’s something waiting for us at the end of that journey other than another journey. How long do we have to live our lives to recognize this pattern of behavior? What if we could switch it up – and instead of always looking ahead, just be present to what’s happening right now, without regard for the outcome? Is it possible that we might find a little more happiness every day? This is what yoga teaches us.

So in class as we encourage you to go to your edge, try new things, and push yourself to deepen your practice, please know that while we absolutely LOVE it when it happens, we could not care less whether it does, as long as you are being present…which includes being honest, happy, and mentally peaceful while you are doing it.

This is also why you will never see a message from YogaSpark about losing weight after the holidays. Will you lose weight when you have a consistent hot yoga practice and make smart choices (i.e., being present)? Probably. But this is also dependent on a number of other factors including metabolism, genetics, stress, etc. The point is that life is about balance and having fun! Beating yourself up for that is counterproductive at best, and self-hating at worst. Recognize the pattern. Stop using your yoga or fitness practice as a means to an end. Enjoy the journey, and be happy with who you are today. I promise you’ll be healthier in the long run for it.

All this talk about being present aside, as we come up on our second anniversary, I do have to reflect – I’m human after all. I’m overcome with emotion when I think about how much I truly love and appreciate each and every soul that has graced YogaSpark. Deepest gratitude to the community and especially to the instructors – new and old – who simply bring it every day. Of course I’m looking ahead to 2015 and beyond, and I’m so excited for the future of YogaSpark. But this moment right now is so beautiful…isn’t it?

Champagne and Chaturangas,

Lauren Porat Owner YogaSpark Insta: @laurenporat

PS – Shout out to my dear friends and colleagues at lululemon, who made this awesome video earlier in the holiday season about “giving presence.” If you haven’t watched it, I know you will enjoy it.

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What is Gratitude?

Anyone who has ever happened upon a class of mine at YogaSpark probably knows that the theme of gratitude is one that is really important to me. But it’s hard in a 60-minute, hot, sweaty, intensely-physical power yoga class to really explore these themes in depth. My hope is that, in taking class, you walk away with a nugget that you might ponder on your own, consciously or subconsciously. But since today is the ultimate day of thanks, and since a blog post allows me a little more freedom, here goes a little more depth on the subject.   It’s so important and beneficial for you and those around you to simply express gratitude for all that you have in life. It’s also helpful to try to do this all the time, not just on Thanksgiving. When we walk around fully appreciating our health, family, friends, and material possessions; as well as basic things like shelter and delicious food, it’s possible to just be happier. Try it and you will see.   This relates to the concept of really living and breathing in the moment, which we talk a lot about in yoga. When we remove ourselves from the struggle of always wanting something more, from over-analyzing the past and anticipating the future, we can step back and appreciate what we have right now – a little bit more. We can hang on to life's precious moments for longer, breathe into them, and enjoy.   But there’s another form of gratitude that can be even more powerful. This Thanksgiving, can you see if you can be grateful even for your challenges? – grateful for your setbacks, your adversaries, even for your physical injuries?   Our challenges have the power to make us stronger, to teach us something. A bad day at work can help you become more productive. Mean people give you a chance to rise above. An injury can teach you how to be gentle with your body. Setbacks are part of your unique journey, they present opportunities to you, and they can be your teachers if you listen close enough. So try and have gratitude for them!   A Thanksgiving message would be remiss without giving thanks to each of you. Every person – instructor, staff, or student – who has ever walked through the door has contributed to make YogaSpark a special place. When we opened, I envisioned a fitness studio. But it has turned out to be a community where friends meet, practice and encourage each other. So today, especially, I thank each of you.   But I am thankful not just for all of you, for the hot room that I am lucky enough to practice in, for my incredible instructors and staff, and for the energy that is YogaSpark. I am thankful for the contractor who doesn’t return my calls. I am thankful for the overpriced repair of a broken appliance. I am thankful for both the hectic and the slow days. All of these daily trials present me with opportunities to live and breathe in the moment, to grow and evolve in my journey.   Namaste, everyone. Now let’s eat!   Lauren Porat Owner YogaSpark

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in support of lululemon athletica.

By Lauren Porat, Owner of YogaSpark.

10 years ago, I lived at 63rd and Broadway when the first lululemon athletica store I had ever seen opened up at 65th Street. Back then, I didn't care what I wore to my hot yoga class. It was me time, I never ran into anyone I knew, and functionality didn’t really cross my mind. So I continued to wear cheap cotton capris from not-to-be-named major retailers as yoga pants for years, until my husband bought me a gift certificate to the store. The quality, design and fit were unparalleled. My tush had never looked better! I was hooked. (I still have that first pair of pants. They are in perfect shape after years of wear.)

Fast forward a few years to January 2013. I had just opened up my own hot yoga studio in the NY suburbs. The word had started to get out about the studio, and several women from lululemon approached me to have lunch. The topic was about elevating yoga and well being in the Westchester community. We talked for an hour and a half about spreading yoga and making it more available within our area before they asked me to be an ambassador for a new lululemon store that was to be opening in White Plains.

Since then, this what I have seen from lululemon:

The company is a pioneer in high quality, well-designed yoga clothing. Have there been some issues? Sure. But were it not for the existence of the company, we'd all still be wearing cotton capris to hot yoga (at least I would). Their technology advancements have pushed the entire industry forward, and their approach to color, cut and style is unrivaled. Furthermore, they've essentially created an industry! I don't think other cutting edge brands like Onzie and Hardtail would be as popular as they are had lululemon not paved the way.

Their understanding of product functionality goes really deep, and it starts with real people. The company understands in intricate detail the best use of each product (i.e. which pants or mat towels would be appropriate for Bikram vs. hot power...a distinction I don't think many other retailers have made). They solicit product feedback from teachers that goes straight back to the designers so that they can continue to improve. 

The employees are totally focused on serving their local communities through complimentary events including yoga and other fitness activities. They open up their stores every week to the community and they arrange for local teachers to host classes. They work with studios like YogaSpark to promote complimentary classes for the public. They help make fitness more accessible to everyone.

The culture is totally focused on mental well being and positive self image, no matter what your size. They support individual fitness goals by organizing cheer stations at marathons complete with signs that say things like, “you’re the sh&t.” They encourage us ambassadors to look as natural as possible in our photos, and they barely retouch them - to my initial dismay, but I get it. The conversation is never about size or looks. It’s about healthy spirits and healthy bodies.

The company supports small businesses - whether it’s through their store ambassador program or through their in-store promotion of local studios. lululemon’s employees are explorers, and they like to try out what’s available in their communities. They come to your studio, take classes, and ask questions. This is why they are more knowledgeable than most, and why customers at lululemon stores often ask store employees about local fitness options. As a small business owner, this word-of-mouth support is priceless.

The company stands behind their product and takes responsibility for any issues. Just the other day I returned two items that had problems that not only didn't have tags, but had been through the wash multiple times. I can't say that for any other retailer. 

We live in a society that values thinness. lululemon did not create that society, but it is a product of it. We are all guilty of "using" yoga for its physical benefits while disregarding the mental. From what I've seen, the company does everything in its power to shift the dialogue from one of physical fitness to one of mental well being. I think they understand that all the physical is irrelevant if you don't feel good about yourself. And with their positive energy and infectious spirit, I think they are doing everything in their power to change the game.

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There's Never a Good Time to Do Teacher Training.

You love yoga.

You want to learn more.

You think you might want to become a teacher but you're not sure.

You're scared about failing.

You've got other responsibilities and people that need you.

You've got a busy schedule and are not sure how it's going to fit in.

These are all totally valid reasons for not investing in yourself. For not giving yourself something that you think might really be great for you. 

But do you want to look back and feel like you missed out on an opportunity?

Life is short. There will never be a good time to add something like yoga Teacher Training on to your plate. It will always be a lot of work. It will always be something that other people will need to help you out with. But just like getting on your mat, sometimes you are better served when you invest in yourself. Sometimes it's worth the risk. Sometimes it's worth it to other people to make the sacrifices necessary to make it happen.

If you are someone who has spent a long time serving others, is it time to serve yourself?

If you are someone who's got a crazy busy job, might deepening your yoga practice in an immeasurable way - to the point that you can develop a personal practice - help you in the long run?

There will be more Teacher Trainings, but you might look back and realize that there never was as good a time as now.

YogaSpark's Teacher Training is still enrolling. Train with the best. Learn more here.

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What the Jay-Z / Justin Timberlake Concert has to do with YogaSpark Teacher Training.

Last weekend I attended "Legends of the Summer", a self-congratulatory but accurate enough title for the Jay-Z / Justin Timberlake concert tour. It was amazing on many levels, but I am not going to get into the details of the performances. What it really did was showcase the difference in the pure genius and infectious charisma of Jay-Z vs. the refined polish and showmanship of Justin. And I could not help but draw some conclusions about the YogaSpark Teacher Training based on this experience.

Stay with me...

1) Energy.  Jay-Z actually looked tiny up on that huge stage at Yankee Stadium. He doesn't dance - he barely walks around as he is rapping. He simply holds his hand in front of his body and kind of pumps it up and down with the beat. But despite his lack of flashy presentation, every single time he came onstage, the crowd went nuts. His mere presence has the ability to elicit this response in people. He had the energy, and he helped us create our own energy that we gave back to him. It was a 2-way street. As a yoga teacher, this is so hard to obtain. But this is a big difference between a good teacher and a great teacher. Most Teacher Trainings don't explore this. At YogaSpark we want to help you to find your distinct energy so that you can harness it and use it to your advantage.

2) Power.  Every familiar lyric that came out of Jay-Z's mouth felt so genuine - as if it was the first time he was saying it. The delivery was so powerful. Every syllable had meaning, and the way that he spat those lyrics out gave each phrase significance. Now, the point is not to spit out yoga dialogue like a rap song. The point is that we are all here for power yoga, not classic vinyasa. You are going to explore the differences and find a power in your body and your voice that you did not know you had.

3) Holding space.  Jay-Z held that audience in his grasp until each moment he left the stage. When Justin was up there alone, the audience felt the difference. At one point the whole stadium sat down during a Justin song, and he even acknowledged it and said, "Yah, sit down, take a load off." And then Jay-Z came back and we were on our feet again. This is what we call in yoga "holding space". It has to do with your command of the room. It is crucial. You can't afford to lose your class as a teacher. Especially a power yoga teacher. At YogaSpark we will make sure you won't.

4) Skills.  You could take it all away from Jay-Z - the stage, the costume, the lights - and he would still have everything he needs: his skills. You may not like rap, but no one can deny, especially after watching him, that it is unbelievably hard to do what he does. Part of this is raw talent and genius, but part of it is a lifetime of learning, growing, collaborating, and surrounding himself with like-minded people. This how he has honed his skills. This is exactly what we are doing in YogaSpark Teacher Training. As a group, we will learn a ton about our bodies and our personal practices. We will physically practice a LOT and we will practice teaching each other a LOT. We will also arm you with a toolbox that you can draw upon for more knowledge in the future, including mentorship opportunities at YogaSpark.

4) Voice.  There’s vocal projection, and then there’s finding your voice. No question, Jay-Z has found his, he is 100% consistent. This is another area you will explore - who you are as a teacher. You will find your voice.

5) Reinvention. I feel like I've dissed on Justin a little here in my adoration of his colleague. I feel so bad! Make no mistake - he is an incredible talent and I adore him too. Moreover, he’s the king of reinvention - he’s gone from Mickey Mouse Club child star to boy band leader to pop star to comedic actor and back again. As a teacher you will be constantly changing with the times, as your body ages, and with your own personal exploration. The world of yoga is vast. It’s a life-long practice. Teacher Training is your starting place.

YogaSpark Teacher Training registration is underway. It will be weekends (Fri night / Sat day / Sun day) in the fall from Sept 27 - Dec 15 (no class Thanksgiving weekend). Our senior teachers - Jillian, Nikki, Francesca and Mariel - are hard at work putting the curriculum together. We will also be bringing in expert teachers from outside YogaSpark. Your personal practice will change in an indescribable way, as will your connection between mind, body and spirit. 

For those of you considering Teacher Training because you want to teach: yoga studios are always looking for great power yoga teachers.  Yoga in the West is making a gradual shift to the physical, because busy people want to spend their time efficiently. At YogaSpark you will get a well-rounded approach. We aim to tie the spiritual in with the physical so that you understand how they can work together. Additionally, with the YogaSpark emphasis on hot yoga, you will have a big leg up because hot yoga teachers are in high demand right now.  

As a studio owner, I’m bombarded with teachers who want to teach here, because our community and our studio are on fire. But I only hire people who have the Spark. Do you have it?

To learn more, click here.

Or if we have you convinced already, email info@yoga-spark.com and request an application. Once it is reviewed, which takes 1-2 business days, we will notify you. Cost is $2,600 before 8/15 and $3,000 before 9/27. At that point, payment options are as follows:

Pay online (credit card only).

Pay by in studio (cash/check/credit card).

Y to the Izzo, G to the Izzay…that's the anthem get'cha damn hands up!

~ Lauren Porat, Owner, YogaSpark

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What is YogaSpark?

Imagine if you could spend 60 minutes a day in a workout that is always fun, productive, and efficient.  You don't even notice the minutes tick by because the music is so awesome.  You don't even notice the sweat dripping off your nose because you're working so hard - but really enjoying it at the same time.  And at the end, you're energized, strong, and focused.  

This time has come.  Correction: it will be here in January 2013.

YogaSpark is a new kind of yoga studio.  We heat the room to a toasty 90-95 degrees.  Just enough to get your muscles warm - so you don't have to spend 20 minutes warming up - and so you can go deeper into postures.  

We play awesome music.  Hip hop, top 40, stuff you love, maybe even some stuff you'll ask about after class.  

We mix it up.  We do a power flow class, and it's not the same sequence every time.  You'll never get bored in body or mind.  It's efficient: cardio, strength training, and centering all in one. 

We love kids, but we know their place.  We have childcare during peak class times.  We have kids classes in the afternoon with grownup classes at the same time.  

We are clean.  Our showers and bathrooms are spotless and modern.  Our studio is well ventilated, and our flooring is a super-hygienic material designed for hot yoga.

We think about the details.  We include a special yoga mat towel in the price of class, because we don't want you slipping and because it's more sanitary.  We offer free mat storage.  And we smell good.

We want you to be successful.  We don't do fancy inversions or poses that only a teacher would know.  We don't use any sanskrit.  Our classes are challenging at all levels.  You go to your own personal edge. 

Get ready, Westchester.  YogaSpark is coming.  January 2013.  

YogaSpark will be located at One Depot Plaza in Mamaroneck, NY 10543.  Behind Smashburger in the former Wine Vault & Storage building.  Please email info@yoga-spark.com for more details.

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