Samiah Rahman
September 30, 2019 19:15
Despite being power yoga, the classes at UEC are perfect for all levels and whatever mood you're in. The instructors will always remind you to check in with yourself first and foremost, and encourage you to challenge yourself when you want to or to take it easy on yourself when you need to. I'm amazed by the real community UEC harbors, with beginner to experienced practitioners all practicing together without either one feeling out of place. Now I actually really like that they don't have differentiated classes, because it's completely up to me what pace I want to go at, which allows me to show up every day. The teachers are so in tune with the mood of their classes that they will meet you where you are.
I initially joined UEC for the yoga, but the owners, instructors, and members in general are so warm, welcoming, and FUN to be around that I eventually started taking their spin and bootcamp classes too. Such a good workout and so much support!
The customer service at UEC is also the best I've experienced. I still don't know how but somehow all the teachers knew my name, some before I had even taken classes with them. It was really welcoming, and I think it really goes to show how the instructors/owners really care about making you feel valued and part of a community.
The spin bikes are an integral part of what makes this studio so unique. The RealRyder bikes are so cool, they lean side to side (you control the lean) and it makes the classes--and your core--so much more engaged!
Because I can't shut up about this place, I'm going to say a little bit about what I especially love about each instructor's class.
Britt - Britt's flows are poetry! I love how her sequences are so smooth and often times almost feel like a dance. I am always dead after class because it is POWER, but I feel dead and beautiful haha. Her classes are a great reminder of the necessary balance of strength and grace.
Cassie - I know all instructors encourage you to take what you need, but I really appreciate how Cassie will really make a point to say we can do what variations we want apart from her cues. I always felt very free and encouraged in her class!
Catherine - I love how Catherine really gets you out of your head by taking some unconventional detours during the vinyasa! I remember a few times she had us do this push and pull thing, and at first I was so confused, only to realize later it was exactly what I needed.
Kayla - ESSENTIAL OILS. Stories! Peak pose flows! Often times Kayla's classes will build to peak poses, which is really nice because the class will also incorporate drills, kind of like you are in a workshop. The theme extends to a little background story she might give on the pose and some essential oil use!
Loren - Loren's classes are all HEART. Heart, because your heart rate will definitely be up up up! But not only that, heart because Loren will somehow know exactly what you need to hear to help heal whatever has been weighing on you. I have cried during savasana in her class. Whatever.
Meagan - Meagan's classes were the perfect antidote to the fear I mentioned earlier that all the classes here are power yoga. While she definitely serves up the tough power yoga style (with an AWESOME playlist), she often will check in with the class to see if they are more interested in a slower or even a full yin style class. She's the perfect Sunday morning teacher.
Sarah - Sarah is a sweetheart, and she also is very supportive and warm throughout class. Unfortunately because of my work schedule I was only able to make it to her class once, but it definitely made an impression and I wish I could have gone more.
Sharon - Sharon's classes are the perfect place to grow and get comfortable with being uncomfortable--in the most comfortable way! It's exactly what you want out of a yoga class-- challenge, support, and FUN. She leads you through unique and challenging transitions, but with no pressure and so much fun along the way! She'll always be there to remind you "it's just yoga."