I especially find the experience of this class with live music to be truly liberating and grounding. The musician is just one woman, Amber Field, but it sounds as though an entire ensemble is playing. Amber, who is trained in Indian classical music, tailors the rhythm of her voice and the instruments to the class itself. She follows the energy of the class and along with chanting and singing uses instruments from all around the world. If we’re doing a pose that requires more energy or stamina like bridge or backbends she’ll beat on the Cajon or Djembe, (African drum). Or if we are in a pose that requires something more soothing, like a hip opener, she will play the Didjeridoo (Australian wind instrument) or the Esras (Indian bowed stringed instrument).
And Les is the perfect instructor for someone like me who was looking for a welcoming environment. It doesn’t matter your age, background or ability, Les is there with open arms. He has an outstanding sense of humor and for the entire hour and a half he takes you on an extremely fulfilling physical, mental and spiritual journey.
When I first started to go to yoga class on a regular basis I was looking to diversify my athletic routine, but now at 51 I think it’s important to balance out my body. Running takes a toll on joints and muscles, and I’m not as strong of a swimmer as I used to be so it’s nice to have another form of physical activity to mix up my exercise routine. I believe that all athletes should be doing yoga; it revitalizes and nourishes the body, alleviates muscle pain and stiffness and it helps with all types of repair that the body needs.
No matter how old I get it’s comforting to know that yoga will always be there for me. I may not be able to run or swim as much, but I will have yoga.
Written Yoga Tree SF Yoga Studios
The Music’s In Me
Written by Beth Rifkin
(in the voice of) Mike Gaitley
Friday afternoon rituals are notorious for unwinding and letting the past week wash away. For me that means my favorite Vinyasa yoga class, which features live music, and is taught by Les Leventhal at the Yoga Tree studios in San Francisco.
I do yoga several times a week, but the incorporation of live musicians makes this class an entirely unique experience. You can feel the energy the second you walk into the studio; close to 100 people are happy, relaxing and letting all worries and stress fade away for the next little while.
The first time I walked into a yoga studio was eight years ago at the age of 43. I’ve always been active – I run and was a competitive swimmer when I was younger and being physically active is an important part of my life. Up to that point I was under the impression that yoga was a somewhat passive activity, but I have been surprised – and thrilled – that yoga is just like any other activity that gets the endorphins going, makes me feel great and gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
pictured: musician Amber Field playing live during a yoga class (above) and
yoga instructor Les Leventhal leading a class (below)
