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Bio
Media/Press
Mademoiselle
November 1990
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FAST TRACK YOGA
Classic Movements at a Contemporary Pace
The new approach
Fast yoga...it sounds like a contradiction in terms. Yet that's exactly what it's all about—the graceful,
methodical moves of an age-old technique done at a quicker, more '90s pace. The result is a workout that will
appeal to even the most fanatic speed demon. In fact, women in cities across the country are now dropping into studios
that have opened up special "urban yoga" classes, primarily because they're designed to keep up
with an action-packed lifestyle. And in addition to solid fitness benefits, there's also the traditional stress-releasing
perks: "The real success comes when people start applying yoga's principles of breathing and slowing down to the way they live,"
says Noll Daniel, of Urban Yoga at Crunch Fitness, in NYC. "They become more centered and focused."
Although the format varies from studio to studio, class to class, the basic Daniel workout which emphasizes
careful, controlled breathing throughout (in on upward movements, out on downward)—goes something like this: You
spend a few minutes on floor work—slow, static postures that warm up the muscles; then go into an intense 20- to 40-minute
series of interconnected dancelike aerobic maneuvers while listening to jazzy, upbeat music; and follow up with about 30 minutes
of standing/strengthening exercises to tone legs, arms and shoulders. (The traditional Sun Salutation is one example.)
The program winds up with about ten minutes of flat-on-your-back, eyes-closed, lights-dimmed relaxation; try the technique along with some soft music or new-age
recordings of wind chimes or the peaceful sound of the ocean.
As in traditional yoga, the goal is improved flexibility, a better sense of balance and increased strength—particularly along the spinal column, which, of course,
helps keep everything in line. "You use your body as resistance," Daniel adds. "The results are similar to
what you might expect to get with aerobics or weight lifting, but without risking any damage to the muscles."
(Excerpt from the article.)
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