Black Light Yoga at Back Bay Yoga with Goldie Kaufenberg

I haven’t been to a formal yoga class in a long time because I’ve mostly been using YogaGlo.  Last night I ventured out to Back Bay Yoga for a special occasion….black light yoga with Goldie Kaufenberg.

I feel like Goldie is infamous with a huge following.  The class filled 50 seats in almost 8 hours!  That is like Boston Marathon registration 2 years ago!  So as you can imagine, the class was PACKED and I was actually one of the very few in that class that hadn’t been to one of her classes before!

Because this was a special kind of class, it called for some special music.  Goldie played music that she described as “not hip hop but kind of like techno with some sexy beats” (or something like that!). I think she described it pretty well and the music definitely added to the experience rather than take away from it.  She asked for any song suggestions and I might actually send her some!

As for the actual workout, it was challenging but inviting for those of all levels.  But Goldie was about having the practice be about you and your mind with the great workout just being a great side effect of the process.  I think this is a great mentality and I tried to focus just on that-calming my mind and practicing with intention!  As the class progressed, you really heated up your body, worked the core, your arms, my most favorite-THE HIPS!  I enjoyed being challenged to try an arm balance that I have never tried before and the 5 minute segment where you practiced on your own. When I first went to a yoga class and they did the 5 minutes on your own, I felt a little lost but I have come so far in my practice that really enjoyed it this time.  I even felt a bit elegant flowing through different poses!

With the room being heated and our practice having good movement, I was literally was dripping in sweat.  The heat helped my muscles get really loose and it felt great since I haven’t really worked up a sweat like that since my Boston Marathon hip problems kicked in.  It was nice to feel strong throughout the majority of the workout, but I could tell that my left hip is still weak.  Some of the side angle poses with arm binds I could do on my right side but not the left.  I liked that I am able to quantify the strength of my hips so when I come back to this pose another time I can gauge if I have made progress or not!  It is a good sign that I still need to take it slow with getting back into running.

After shavasana, Laura introduced me to Goldie and also Goldie’s boyfriend Brogan.  That couple is pretty much the most adorable couple ever! Brogan co-founded the November Project which is a workout group they started to stay fit for free (uh-free is ahhh-mazing!).  They go by the concept of working out with a buddy will get you up early because you won’t want to let them down.  Totally works!  Once I am in some better running shape I am hoping to make it to a November Project workout. But for now, I’ll be getting my yoga on with Goldie!

Even though I got home past my bedtime I am super pumped that I experienced this class.  It was really cool to be in the dark with everyone’s clothing lighting up the room.  It made it almost more peaceful but in a weird club kind of way.  It also reminded me why I still enjoy going to a studio for a class as opposed to just using online service for yoga videos.  It is just an amazing feeling to be surrounded by other people who have such a passion for advancing their practice and a real life instructor there to help you properly get into a pose.  If you ever get a chance to check it out I would!! And wear white or neon so you stand out!

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Do you ever workout late at night?

I usually work out early or right after work.  I kind of like to relax on the couch late at night so I can get up early!

Do you mind going to crowded workout classes? 

I don’t mind it but sometimes I do want a less crowded class.  It all depends on my mood that day!

Have you ever done any other black light workouts?

Melissa from the Mouthwatering Morsel said there is black light zumba!!