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July 21, 2008

Free Yoga with Tara Stiles

You gotta love New York City.

Where else could you find a Ford-model-slash-yogi offering free weekly yoga classes (FYI: the best way to score a bikini bod like Jennifer Aniston)?!  Even better, you never know with whom you'll be downward dogging.  Everyone from software CEOs to fashion models to reality TV stars have stopped by for a collectively chic "om."

Nike_pigeon


Classes are usually on Thursday nights in Central Park, but the lovely Ms. Stiles likes to keep things fresh, so be sure to check out her Facebook group page for exact times, dates and locations.

I recommend Tara Stiles' instruction not just because she knows her craft, but also because she's not a freaky yoga person.  I asked her to explain her philosophy, and here's what she told me:


"Yoga is for everybody, not just "yoga people" or people who dress like them.  Certain yoga traditions can feel as exclusive as those high-school clicks.  You don't have to become a Hindu or quit your job and move to an Ashram.  I won't read out of my journal or instruct you to become one with the earth.  You will sweat and improve your strength, flexibility, balance and feel great.  I don't preach spirituality. It's not necessary. It's a big area of confusion that you have to have certain spiritual beliefs to practice yoga. When you start yoga, you get stronger, health improves, and things get more obvious. Nothing mystical, it just happens."


And did I mention the classes are FREE?  Beat the recession, stay in shape and rub toned shoulders with Manhattan's elite beneath a canopy of green trees.  Run don't walk!


psst...got a recession-proof activity to recommend??  please share!

I still love the Water Taxi staycation...

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cliques

Posted by: anne | August 19, 2008

I took one of first of these classes back in June when I was in town for a few days from London. Tara is awesome, the setting in Central Park was amazing and I made some cool new friends. Highly recommended!

Posted by: Chris Longden | August 15, 2008

This saturday in the park was great!!

Posted by: Michael | August 11, 2008

i've just joint these new yoga classes and i feel great..! i love reading articles like this..:)

Posted by: Gaya | July 30, 2008

I can feel tendons and muscles pop just thinking about yoga. Next time I'm in NYC, heck try anything once. I do agree, I enjoyed the taxi ride staycation as well. Nice job!

Posted by: Jimmy D | July 23, 2008

I definitely want to take a class. I am ready for something new and fresh and Tara seems to be providing just that. Looking forward to it!

Posted by: Antonio | July 22, 2008

I've had yoga classses by Tara before. She's really a good teacher and knows her yoga. It was great and I'm a beginner.

Posted by: Steve | July 21, 2008

Tara is a wonderful, down to earth person who really knows her stuff. You won't be disappointed.

Posted by: Chriselle Tidrick | July 21, 2008

it's fantastic! tara is amazing and the location and vibe can't be beat!

Posted by: jenn | July 21, 2008

Oolongo's Tips & Tricks

1. Shoot to get there early. As of this writing it's still a somewhat intimate group. If it's your first time and your'e solo, it will behoove you to introduce yourself and socalize a bit etc.

2. No mat required because it's on the carpet-like grass of the green between the Turtle Pond and Great Lawn, but if you're one who has an itcy reaction to whatever they put on the grass to make it so carpet-like, bring a beach towel or something.

3. When the sun is out it's usually not a problem, but when it's cloudy and humid: Horseflies and mosquitoes! Enact your best countermeasures: long pants, bug spray, fly-tracking laser robot.

4. All levels welcome, but keep in mind, Ms. Stiles will put you through some upper-level shiz! Don't hurt yourself trying to keep up with the Stileses.

Posted by: Sidney Oolongo | July 21, 2008

Beautiful location (yoga studios can get a little stuffy in the summer) . . . and she's my favorite yoga teacher!

Posted by: Michael Taylor | July 21, 2008

Oh, this is awesome! I've been following Tara's blog on iyogalife.com (http://www.iyogalife.com/reallifeyoga/index.php) and have always wanted to meet her in person. She seems so down-to-earth and not all "wooo woo" yoga-like. Thanks for letting us know, Katrina!

Posted by: Alli | July 21, 2008

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