Yoga for everyone found in a fitness club

October 11, 2:18 PMPortland Yoga ExaminerMandy Eguma

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www.coloradoathleticlub.com

Fifteen minutes before class, the yogis, with mats in tow, climb the stairs to the group fitness room in the northeast corner. This is not like a traditional yoga class held in a yoga studio where the scent of sage lingers in the waiting area. Instead, a young reception attendant named Mike swipes membership cards and greets guests with, “have a good workout”. While the general ambiance of this yoga session carries an exercise-pop feel, the quality of the yoga class is not compromised.

As the prior class ended the line of about forty yogis poured into the lightless room. The light cascaded through the wall of windows, subduing a group of hip, young students. The softness in the room did nothing to weaken the intensity of Brian’s yoga class. Immediately his voice called yoga sequences that seemed to speed up as exhaustion grew deeper. Never did downward dog feel like a resting posture as it did that evening. As the class ended, it became clear this instructor’s story needed to be heard.

It turns out Brian has been teaching solely yoga for seven years now. “Some of my first students still attend every week,” Brian added. His background is in Group Fitness for fifteen years, having taught everything including Cycle, Bootcamp, and S.E.T (a weight lifting group fitness class). His teaching-style became clearer. It was a blend of yoga flows with Bootcamp intensity and yogic philosophies embedded, as we were consistently reminded to return to the breath.

The attendees of this yoga class “may never set foot in a yoga studio”. They may not believe they are “that serious about yoga”, a yoga studio may be intimidating, or many other factors. Brian’s goal in teaching yoga is to create an experience for those who may never step into a yoga studio, while still preserving the integrity of yoga. From one yogi to another, Brian has accomplished this goal. He shares his passion of yoga with his wife, Mirchond, a Yoga Fit Master.

Brian teaches at 24 Hour Fitness in the Pearl, located on NW Johnson between 12th & 13th.

Find times Monday through Wednesday. Classes are free for members and $15 for non-members. The $15 Day-Pass includes access to the entire gym. Free guest passes may be available. Please contact a sales representative for details.