Your Body Center - Yoga

01/30/12

Yoga & Pilates for your body mind & soul!

by RockZenBalance at Citysearch

I simply love this place, and I know my friends have gotten tired of me always talking about it, so I figured I'd share my thoughts here.

You've heard of "Couch to 5K"? Well I did "Couch to Hot Yoga"! I started attending hot classes back in October 2010, and the fact that I still attend classes on a regular (and more frequent basis now) is testament to how much I've grown and continue to grow (and how much my body has gotten smaller!) I’ve recently started mixing in some non-heated classes and it’s really added new dimension to my workout routine.

YBC is competitively priced and affordable, especially if you get to where I am where you’re packing 4-6 classes in a week. They also offer a variety of massage therapies that I am looking forward to taking advantage of.

Overall the instructors are very knowledgable and very encouraging. Just about every class (heated or non-heated) is for all levels, so you never have to feel that you aren't "ready" for a class, OR that you'll get bored and won't be challenged enough. This is one of the main reasons I love yoga as a workout, it grows with you.

Yoga Alignment: WOW! I just started doing this class a few weeks ago with Ernesto (the owner of YBC) and I have learned SO much in improving my poses. You would think based on the title that it’s more geared for newbies, but once again, it is suitable for all levels. I highly recommend anyone adding this class to their weekly yoga routine. I have seen so much improvement in my poses just in 3 weeks, and this improvement carries over into all the other classes I take.

Beginner Yoga: I always appreciate other instructor’s point of view on yoga. I have been using these classes as a warm up before the Yoga Alignment and Band Pilates classes and love them. Kay’s Monday class really helps me work out the kinks from the weekend and start fresh!

Yin Yoga: A completely different experience than the other classes. This is definitely the most meditative class I’ve taken at YBC. It’s much slower and more about holding poses (mostly sitting) and really getting into them. Your body is able to stretch deeper and in a way that is almost transportive. Can’t wait to do more!

Band Pilates: Another amazing class by Ernesto, he is known for saying he got his muscular arms doing this class and I believe him! Fast-paced with the music pumping, that hour just flies by as you work every muscle in your body! My goal is to have rockin’ triceps by this summer and I am well on my way!

Your Hot Body: This is the standard hot routine that they offer, there are minor variations in some of the poses, depending on the instructor, but you can count on a consistent flow. This is the most "Bikram" that YBC gets. Very laid back atmosphere and the theme is definitely "listen to your body" and do what's best for you. I have worked with all of the “Hot” instructors that currently teach this class and they all have their unique way of helping you learn more and feel comfortable doing it! If you’re brand new to yoga, I recommend Gayle or Sukaina since they are both really good at verbal cues that keep you from having to look at the mirror all the time.

Hot Hatha: I’ve taken this class from Nick and have really enjoyed the slower and more “zen” pace of the class. Honestly my favorite part is that he starts and ends in “stillness” and you really are able to focus and be more in the practice.

12/29/09

Amazing

by RebeccaTX at Citysearch

I have been practicing yoga and pilates for years. Due to my travel schedule, I am forced to find classes and instructors in cities all over the world. I sampled several studios in the Houston area, and this one is hands down the best . While I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the classes, my personal favorite has been Erenesto's pilates ball class. He is a highly motivated instructor, and pushes everyone to stay motivated and squeeze every bit out of your workout. If you are looking for an all around amazing total body workout (and don't mind being a little sore!) don't miss it!

12/17/09

A workout I hate to miss!

by jennifertx at Citysearch

I've been going to YBC for a couple months now and have sampled a few of the various evening classes. Each class/instructor is a little different, but overall, all of the instructors I've experienced have been friendly, helpful, and offer alternative movements so participants of all levels can enjoy the class. Since I have a background in dance (back in the day!), Arielle is my personal favorite instructor. Arielle is a trained dancer, and I personally find it very easy to relate to her, understand her explanations, and apply what she says to better my practice. However, you do NOT need to know anything about dance, Pilates, or yoga to enjoy Arielle's classes. (For example, I had never practiced yoga before YBC, but I do now!) Arielle's upbeat, positive personality combined with her helpful descriptions will allow you to enjoy her classes whether you are a beginner or a veteran. I definitely recommend YBC, and sample different classes and instructors to find the best combination for you. It's a great workout - one I hate to miss!

• Pros: Class variety, friendly staff, later evening class times
• Cons: None I can think of!

12/15/09

Worst group pilates class ever.

by scooter98 at Citysearch

I was very excited when I found Your Body Center online because I have been looking for a studio that offered group pilates classes at an affordable price for several years. I practiced traditional mat pilates with a private instructor in college, and continued at a group class when in law school, offered by the school (taught by an instructor who has since moved on to other things). I have been practicing alone ever sense, but wanted to get re-motivated and remind myself of some of the poses that I have just stopped doing. I am so disappointed. The "power pilates" class at YBC is NOT pilates. It seemed more like a step class. If I wanted to go to a step class, I would have. The instructor also incorporated "downward dog" yoga positions into the routine, which, again, are not pilates. If I had wanted to go to a yoga class, I would have. One of the many reasons that I prefer pilates to yoga is that it does not incorporate such positions, which are impossible for me to do due to a debilitating shoulder injury. The few true traditional pilates movements that were performed were performed so quickly that it defeated the entire purpose. The point of pilates is to do fewer reps more slowly, thus emphasizing form, control, and substance, not willy nilly hurling one's body all over the room at ridiculous rates of speed. In addition, the instructor completely violated my personal space during one of the non-traditional movements by coming over and performing an "adjustment" by full-hands (both of them!) grabbing my bottom and squeezing while also pushing down. I have been adjusted dozens of times over the years, and never once has squeezing my bottom been involved. A simple hand with a light touch is perfectly adequate. Anything more is a complete personal violation (yes, even if it is not done in a sexual manner/with sexual intent, which I am certain this was not), and the only reason I didn't complain at the time is because I was so shocked that I didn't even know what to say. All in all, I will not be back, and I fully regret the $25 dollars and hour of my life that I gave this place.

• Pros: Clean facilities
• Cons: Aerobics/step masquerading as pilates

11/29/09

The BEST ball pilates

by BarbaraBK at Citysearch

Ernesto's ball pilates class is a great workout. He's a fabulous instructor. The class moves quickly and yet Ernesto makes the transitions easy for all levels. His ability to insruct and to make modifications for all levels is amazing. He is tremendous at building confidence and creating an environment that encourages everyone to be their best!

• Pros: Ernesto and his staff
• Cons: NONE