My first experience taking a ropes yoga class (yoga kurunta) class this past Friday at Artemis Yoga in Watertown was anything but predictable. I had never taken a class like this before and the class quickly became one of my new favorites by the end of the day. We took our skills from the mat and turned it up a notch using the multi dimensionality of ropes. Familiar poses such as planks and forward folds were suddenly levitated as we made our way from the ground to the wall with the aid of the ropes. The use of blocks as well combined with the countless variations of ways to tie the rope into knots and slings allowed for unlimited forms of even basic flow poses. As I put emphasis on the use of the ropes as we moved through our practice I felt that it helped me to become even more aware of where my body was centered. My energy and focus was redirected to very specific alignment in poses such as triangle and tree pose that may have easily been overlooked in a regular flow practice, without the support of the rope. A new sense of depth in many of the poses is unlocked as you learn to use the rope with the movement of your body and breathing in this class.
Our instructor Sue Gormley who is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor (CIYT), was very supportive and welcoming, and her passion and meticulous demonstration made for a very enjoyable experience in something so new to many of us. The members of the class were all excited as we moved through new inversions and styles of poses. I think it is safe to say that every one of us performed at least one variation of a pose that we had no idea was even possible to be done in a yoga class! We all agreed that this class helped us to be more confident in our physical strength and mental trust as we found the courage to try completely new skills.
The Friday ropes yoga class at Artemis Yoga will leave every member with a emerging sense of central energy by the end of the class, more self confidence in one’s ability and an overall newfound way to add to your regular practices. This class caters to all ages and levels of experience as Sue is a very thorough teacher and can help you in modifications or advancements of your poses. As long as you are not afraid to go out of your comfort zone a bit you will find great satisfaction and fresh energy from this unique class on Fridays at 10:30am and 6:00pm. Simply put, this playful class is a great way to end your week and to begin the weekend on an energetic note!
