The Scoop
Once upon a time I chatted on the phone with the owner of Y7 Studio for a blog post I was working on at my old job. They had just outgrown their original space in Williamsburg and were moving to a much larger studio. Flash forward two years and Y7 has not only expanded to 3 locations, but has also become one of the most talked about studios in this city. Not too shabby.
I have to admit, I’ve been a bit apprehensive about checking out them out. There’s definitely this aura of cool that exudes from their marketing and the people I know that are regulars there are far more trendy than I. Me, cool? Nah. Despite these lame fears, curiosity got the best of me and it was time to visit their Flatiron location for a sweaty Sunday flow.
The Studio
I can only comment on the Flatiron studio and don’t know much about their Williamsburg and Soho outposts.
The studio, located on the 2nd floor, features the infamous “Drake Stairs” pictured above. There’s a small lobby out front with cubbies and a retail section. The space around the cubbies was super hectic in between classes with all the people coming and going.
Everything is super spot on with their black and white vibe I noticed on instagram. I don’t often buy clothing from studios, but instantly fell in love with this crop top.
The rest of their clothing was equally as awesome and featured hip-hop references to songs I don’t know because the only hip-hop I really listen to is the cast recording of Hamilton. Which really doesn’t count.
Around the corner there’s a “freshening up” station and changing rooms. Important to note that there are no showers which is a downer because the class is SWEATY.
The actual yoga room is heated to create a toasty, warm vibe but not nearly as hot or humid as a bikram yoga class. I ended up stripping down to my sports bra with my crops immediately because I’m not a fan of sweaty tanks. The dress code in the room varied, plenty of other sports bras but also a ton of women still in tank tops. Of the few males I spotted 1 was wearing a shirt, the other was not. For all 2 males that read this blog 🙂
The only light in the room was from lit candles bordering the classroom. I felt like I was at a Soul Cycle yoga class if that makes any sense. I arrived maybe 6 minutes early and was surprised to see the room was already packed and there was just enough space for me to squeeze in between 2 mats in the middle row.
I had been warned by other bloggers that the room would be dark and even still it came as a bit of a shocker after walking to the studio in bright sunshine.
The Class:
Y7’s vinyasa class, aptly named “We Flow Hard”, is the only one of it’s kind I’ve experienced. It’s definitely an athletic, challenging and sweaty vinyasa flow.
At the beginning of the class we set an intention and warmed up with some simple moves like most vinyasa classes I’ve encountered. Instructor Courtney even did that awesome thing when yoga instructors ask people to note if they don’t want adjustments. I love me some adjustments, but always appreciate when instructors acknowledge it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
After the warm up bit it was go time. The class is comprised of 3 sequences which you go over 2-3 times as a group. The final time through you do the moves on your own and Courtney turned up the music. You’re given the okay to modify, add what you want, skip the parts you don’t like and do you’re own thang.
In all my years of taking yoga classes, I’ve never guided myself through a flow. It was freeing and a bit scary at the same time. I liked having the freedom to pick and choose what I wanted / needed in the moment. Side plank? No thank you. Extra side stretches? Yes please. The structure of the class made it fly by and before I knew it, the third sequence was over.
We finished up with some stretches on our back and, of course ended with a well deserved shivasana.
Besides the unique structure and opportunity to flow on your own, what made the class special was the focus on music. I personally prefer yoga with not only music but good. Courtney clearly put thought and effort into the playlist and made sure it meshed well with the mood of the class in the moment.
Bottom line:
Totally dig it. Y7 may be much cooler than I, but I still really like what they are doing and think they are doing it well. I left class wondering when I could sign up again.
Warning for yoga newbies: this class isn’t beginner friendly due to it’s sweaty nature and the self guided sections. I’d recommend having a basic knowledge of yoga poses beforehand for your own safety and so you can fully enjoy the class.
Y7 Yoga Studio – Flatiron
25 W 23rd St // New York, NY
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I’m so glad you liked it! We’ll have to flow together soon!
yes please!!!