5 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS AFTER YOUR FIRST BARRE CLASS

We know after your first barre class you might be a bit sore. You may even be feeling some muscles you didn’t even know you had! Here are our best tips for feeling great after your class so you can come back for more.

Take a Bath

Epsom salt contains magnesium, which helps your muscles relax and contract. Baths are also a relaxing way to get in some self-care. For an extra boost, add lavender essential oil for relaxation.

Massage

If you can get to a good massage therapist, let them work out the lactic acid in your muscles so it doesn’t build up. If you can’t get a professional massage, ask your spouse or family member to use their magical hands to work out your sore muscles. Using oil with arnica is a great healing way to work those muscles out in a massage. You can also book a massage with our therapist at the studio. Email us or ask at the desk: hello@soulflyte.com

Sleep

Getting a good nights rest is the key to healing your body after any hard workout. 7-8 hours is the recommended amount. Try not to use any screens for at least 1 hour before bed –that includes phones, tablets and tv. Read a book or magazine, get your bedroom really dark and you’ll be setting yourself up for a super great night of sleep.

Peppermint Essential Oil Rub

We suggest using a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil then mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil, it’s strong so you don’t need a lot. Rub the mixture onto your sore muscles and wait for the cooling sensation. Peppermint is a natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. *Make sure not to touch your eyes.

Come back for another class!

After you rest for a day, the best way to heal your soreness is to come back for more! Make sure to stretch and work out using different muscle groups. Can’t wait to see you again at the studio.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: CHELSEA FRATI

We are excited to announce Chelsea Frati as our newest Student Spotlight! She's been coming to the studio since November of last year and her practice has grown immensely throughout that time. We love watching the progression of her flexibility and strength, and the bliss she feels and exudes after each class! Read our interview with her below:

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?

I lived in Congers for a year, and now I live a few blocks down on South Broadway. I frequented Main Street and Art Cafe often during that time, so I would always pass by and I watched as the new storefront was built. It piqued my curiosity right away because of my interest in barre. My life at that time was super busy, I commute far to work and I was in grad school, too... so it took me a few years to actually show up and try it out, despite that I had been wanting to even as it was being built!

What’s something you can't live without?

I think movement. I feel like a shell of myself if I’m not moving my body in some way on a regular basis.

What brought you to try your first class at SF?

I was having a hard time adjusting to my life in Rockland after living in Astoria for many years where I lived next door to my best friends, walked everywhere I had to go, and loved my gym being down the street. I needed an activity that kept me moving and also mentally supported my transition into a new community and lifestyle. I thought I would really like barre since I have a dance background, but I signed up for the new student special and gave fundamentals a try since I had the unlimited. I was hooked immediately. Soul Flyte gave me everything I needed and so much more!

What’s your favorite time of day?

I’m definitely a night owl and will stay up until all hours of the night if I don’t watch myself, but no time of day is better than an early morning drinking coffee with sunlight coming through the window.

Do you have a favorite pose at SF?

I love bomber and bird’s nest! It took me a long time to get those and they make me feel so strong and powerful every time I can pull myself up there and invert!

What’s the best meal you've eaten?

This amazing lobster dinner I had at a restaurant in Costa Rica called Coco Loco.

Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?

So many things! The friendly community, the support without judgment that allows you to feel comfortable with where you are but also really motivated to keep improving. The smell!

Would you recommend it to others?

I am like the Soul Flyte poster child. Any time I make a new friend in the area I’m like ‘omg do you want to come with me to Soul Flyte?!’ Right now I’m working on getting my fiancé to come to fundamentals or stretch and restore.

Favorite/best place you've traveled to:

I went to Costa Rica this summer and beyond the very delicious food it was just a breathtaking place. Everyone is so friendly and the volcanic mountains and beaches are incredible.

What's your favorite book? Movie?

A Wrinkle in Time & Harry Potter are my childhood favorites. As an adult I read so much for work I feel like I never get to read for leisure. But there is this book about mindfulness called The Book That Takes Time... it’s interactive and is like my little buddy that I turn to when I need to decompress and want to feel creative. Favorite movie is and forever will be Clueless.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

Probably when I brought a tuning fork into my classroom and started offering vibrational healing to alleviate test anxiety for my students. NOT because that’s crazy, but because I knew most of my coworkers and possibly my administration would think I was nuts. But guess what! Now my students ask me for the tuning fork throughout the day and it has really helped some of them regulate. Sometimes crazy pays off!

Anything else you want to share?

Just that joining Soul Flyte has been such a positive change in my life and I’m filled with gratitude for the deeply caring and committed staff, instructors, and community of students. I always leave feeling better than when I walked in, and I‘m so happy to be on this journey that I didn’t know I needed until my tush hit the hammock for the first time. I want everyone to commit to doing something they’re not immediately good at on a regular basis. It’s so rewarding to watch how just consistently showing up for a challenge can allow you to grow leaps and bounds over time, and you surprise yourself along the way. thank you Soul Flyte!! 🙏🏻🧘🏻‍♀️

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: MOLLIE PRIEST

We’re so excited to introduce our newest Barre instructor - MOLLIE PRIEST! She'll be teaching Barre on Monday mornings at 8:30am. This awesome dancer, Mollie, fell in love with her first Barre class - then she got certified to teach it! Join her each week as she combines fitness, dance and yoga in her barre classes. Her first class will be on March 11th don’t miss it! Check out Mollie's interview below!

How did you get into fitness?

Personal fitness has always been a part of my life. I started dancing at a young age and continued all the way through college. After I graduated, I started teaching barre classes.

What’s your background?

I started dancing at a young age, learning ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. I graduated with a BA in Dance in 2012. After college, I trained and became a barre teacher.

Why barre?

I enjoy the results! Sculpted lean muscles, increased flexibility and range of motion. I love learning new exercises and really feeling my muscles working hard. I have fun in class, listening to the music and challenging myself to push a little further each time.

Any comments to your future students?

It’s your 60 minutes to let the outside world go away and focus on yourself. Let the music and the movement get you into your zone. Have some fun and know all the hard work you put into class, will payoff with some amazing results!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: DONNA MCGARRY

We are excited to announce Donna McGarry as our newest Student Spotlight! She started coming to Soul Flyte just a year ago (November 2017) and is already about to hit her 350th visit! Seems like she's got the Soul Flyte bug and is officially hooked! Read more about her and how she has learned to shine brightly in her Antigravity yoga practice! Happy Soul Flyte anniversary, Donna!

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?

Maria, the owner of the restaurant I work at, Roost, was all, “Have I got a workout for you!"

What’s something you can't live without?

I love eating, so working out helps me ward off the flab! But more importantly family, friends, nature and peace.

What brought you to try your first class at SF?

The introductory price was winking, and when the aforementioned Maria was so positive I would groove on this new approach, I ventured in.

What’s your favorite time of day?

Sunrise

Do you have a favorite pose at SF?

Skirted star is my favorite, but Vitruvian man, iris, and dew drop are all strong contenders. I can’t get me enough awesome possums either!

What’s the best meal you've eaten?

My brother is a wonderful cook, plus he insists on doing the dishes, so any one of his Thanksgiving dinners (except the ones he scorches) is a feast.

Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?

I love all the teachers. The anti-gravity was daunting to me at first and if Jenevieve and Laurie hadn’t been so patient and nurturing (I actually made a mini spectacle in Jenevieve’s class coming down from my first Vitruvian), I wouldn’t be flipping about with Robyn, Kate and everyone else. I also love the camaraderie and support of other students. Just last night, Erika, a flipping pal, synchronized the whip with me in an effort to help me overcome my fear. Thank you Erika and everyone!

Would you recommend it to others?

I have to many people. Maria and I talk it up a lot at work and I’ve seen many of the patrons here. A few of my friends have come in and given it a whirl as well.

Favorite/best place you've traveled to:

My travels are usually to astrology symposiums. There was a great one in Patzcuarro, Mexico. It was chock full of stimulating cerebral banter as well as raw, unbridled passion. (Let’s just say the authorities were called in).

What's your favorite book? Movie?

That’s a tough one. The most enjoyable book I read recently is T. C. Boyle’s Water Music, the most haunting Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi. For non-fiction I often refer to Sue Tomkins Aspects in Astrology.

Movies- I have so many but I’ll say Romance and Cigarettes. It has a great cast. Christopher Walken, Steve Buscemi, Kate Winslet, Susan Sarandon, Bobby Canavale. Directed by John Turturro. Christopher Walken sings Why, Why, Why Delilah and hardly anybody’s seen it!

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

The stupidest, crazy thing I ever did was run away from home to Hawaii when I was 17. Mayhem ensued, but a product of wild youth I’m relatively stable now.

Anything else you want to share?

When I’m not flipping, flailing and grunting, I write and illustrate whimsical children’s books on astrology. I’m currently working on Colly Capricorn’s Karmic Climb, the tenth book in the Zodiacts series. The books are available on Amazon and iTunes.

I’d also like to thank Shira for building this fabulous community haven and all the teachers for their warmth and energy. This year has been such a joyful, as well as challenging and peaceful way for me to strive towards fitness. Thanks again!

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: LEANNE DIRESTA

Meet Leanne DiResta - the newest addition to the Soul Flyte team! We're stoked to add her to our schedule of classes. She's a rockin' teacher, so don't miss the opportunity to take her class - it’s our new yoga class called Flow Fit and it’s on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am! Here's an interview telling you a little bit more about her. Check it out and don't miss her first class on October 10th!

How did you get into fitness?

Fitness has always been part of my life since a young age. I grew up playing soccer and softball. Once I stopped playing, I found myself searching for new ways to stay fit.

What’s your background?

A few years ago, I decided to leave my corporate job to pursue a career I am passionate about. I became a 200hr RYT Yoga instructor as well as a Personal Trainer to help others discover their own strength through movement. I find that Yoga and fitness movements compliment each other so I incorporate both in my classes.

Why yoga?

I decided to give yoga a try over 5 years ago. After my first class, I feel in love with the practice. The union of movement, breath and the mind made Yoga feel like home to me. The practice has brought so many benefits to my life, helping me cope with difficult times. I love how there are so many different types of Yoga that anyone can find what works best for them.

Any comments to your future students?

I am looking forward to meeting the Soul Flyte community and to be part of your fitness journey!

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: SHANNON REILLY

We couldn't be more excited to welcome Shannon onto our teaching staff at Soul Flyte! There's nothing like adding some new teachers to an already awesome group of rockstar instructors. Catch her on the schedule on Sunday's at 9:30am. She officially starts on October 7th! Sign up and show your support. Learn more about her in this interview below:

How did you get into fitness?

I was always involved in a sport growing up - I was a swimmer through college and, after I stopped swimming competitively, I was constantly looking for a new fitness routine. I like to mix up my fitness routine - sometimes I swim, do barre, restorative yoga, and of course I always mix in yoga and antigravity!

What’s your background?

I started teaching yoga in 2015, and until this year, I worked full time and taught on the side. I have an advanced degree in international affairs and thought I had to use it - but since January, I've only been teaching and I've never been happier!

Why yoga?

I started practicing yoga to relieve stress as a grad student, and it quickly became my go to exercise and a place where I could truly release. When I miss a day on my mat, I can feel that in my body and mind, I need that time on my mat to reconnect to my breathe and body.

Any comments to your future students?

Listen to your body and let go of the fear. I try and create a supportive and safe environment in all of my classes so that students can be comfortable taking pauses when they need to, but also encouraging to want to push themselves to try something new.

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: ANDREA MAXINE FRADE

photograph by OMAYARI.org

We are beyond excited to welcome Andrea Maxine Frade into our weekly teaching community! She'll be teaching Vinyasa Yoga on Tuesdays at 10:00 - 11:15am. She officially starts TOMORROW October 2nd! She's an incredible teacher, so don't miss the opportunity to take her class! Check out Andrea's interview below:

How did you get into fitness?

In my twenties, I suffered from anxiety and I was looking for a way to support myself. Yoga was my first entry into fitness and provided me with a very accessible, daily practice, by which I was able to transform the effects of anxiety into greater states of peace of mind.

What’s your background?

My background is in Fine Art and Creative Writing. In 2005, I graduated with a Masters of Fine Art from the Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow Scotland. I am a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, E-RYT500, YACEP, Reiki Master, Craniosacral Therapist and Akashic Records Practitioner. 

Why yoga?

Yoga gave me the embodied experience I longed for in order to express the spirit of my creativity. It returned to me an inner knowing and gave me a safe and sacred place within which I could ground, connect, and come home to who I was in any moment.

Any comments to your future students?

"Between the head and feet of any given person is a billion miles of unexplored wilderness.” - Gabrielle Roth

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: LAUREN COZZA

We couldn't be more excited to welcome our newest Barre instructor - LAUREN COZZA! This amazing dancer was so inspired by Barre at Soul Flyte, that she got certified to teach it! She looks forward to sharing her love of this blended dance, pilates, and functional fitness based program with you! Check out Lauren's interview below and don't miss her first class on September 30th Sunday @ 5:15pm!

How did you get into Barre fitness?

After having my second son via an emergency C-section 2 years ago, I had a lot of trouble recovering. My core strength was gone and my back pain just kept getting worse. We had just re-located to Nyack, from Fort Drum, NY. I knew I need to start “working out” but I wanted something new, fresh, and dancers body oriented. I found Soul Flyte and the rest is history.

What’s your background?

I grew up as a competition dancer. I pursued a BFA in theater and a dance and acting career after that. I danced for two NBA teams and earned my union cards in theater and TV. But a huge part of my passion was passing on my love of the arts and I have always taught dance to tots-teens and also got certified to teach Zumba, Yoga, and now Barre.

Why Barre?

I love that Barre fuses Ballet, Pilates and Functional Fitness for the ultimate full body workout, yet it is still technically a low impact workout. Although, your sweat and muscles will try to tell you otherwise.

Any comments to your future students?

I’m grateful to join the Soul Flyte squad and I’m looking forward to meeting you. We will sweat, laugh, and inspire each other one rep at a time.

Saturday Aug 4!!

So one of my favorite local(ish) artists is coming to Nyack this Saturday Aug. 4th. I am encouraging all of you to get yourself to one or even two of the morning classes at Soul Flyte, and this way you can feel guilt free when you come out to Casa del Sol on Main St. in Nyack grab a drink and move your feet. The duo is called the Nellybombs, and this Saturday they will actually have a full band with them. They have some awesome covers and great originals, even some new songs that they have been working on which I am super excited to hear. The show is going to start at 9:30pm, so like I said, start your day off right with a class at Soul Flyte and then head on down later in the night to jam out. See you there!

XO,
Rachel

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MARY RAMOS

Get to know the wonderful Mary Ramos — our newest Student Spotlight! Mary has shown a real dedication to her AntiGravity® yoga practice and experienced the growth and change in her life since practicing at the studio. Recently, we interviewed Mary to find out a little bit more about her and her experience at Soul Flyte - check it out!

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?
I had heard of one in the city. I thought there must be one in Rockland County; that was about two years ago. To my surprise, it's in my hometown of Nyack. I am still here.

What’s something you can't live without?
My children, grandchildren, besides sibling, family, friends, and of course Soul Flyte, their instructors and receptionist. It has become in some way a home with friends.
 
What brought you to try your first class at SF?
My injuries. Alleviating body mechanics. Because of the way it approaches body structure with the hammock. You are using your own body weight.
 
What’s your favorite time of day?
In the evening when I see my children and in the morning because it's a start of a new day.
 
Do you have a favorite pose at SF?
This question is one of the hardest to answer because all poses have some kind of pressure release. I could say for me it is when I am hanging upside down; it brings the child out of me.
 
What’s the best meal you've eaten?
This question brings me back to my childhood when I visited Puerto Rico in the town of Villalba - it’s located in the region northeast of Juana Diaz. My grandmother would make the simplest food like rice and beans with fried chicken and salad. Not even my mother’s cooking could measure up and believe me my mother’s cooking is awesome.
 
Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?
Instructors welcoming you, embracing you, encouraging you, and being compassionate. The receptionist greets you like they knew you for a long time.
 
Would you recommend it to others?
I will recommend Soul Flyte to anyone who may have an injury or coming out of giving birth courses with the doctor's ok. I would encourage people of all ages, all sizes, male or female to come to Soul Flyte.
 
Favorite/best place you've traveled to:
This is a very difficult question to answer. Around the world, there are so many beautiful places to visit, but I would encourage anyone to go and visit Puerto Rico. It brings sweet memories to me. If I have convinced you, I would encourage you to visit all the little towns.
 
What's your favorite book? Movie?
Book: Everything Happens for a Reason: And other Lies I’ve Loved written by Kate Bowler
Movie: Hotel Transylvania - all of them.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Soul Flyte! But the benefits outweighed the craziest. It’s a different way of workout. You are using your own body weight.

Anything else you want to share?
Soul Flyte is an awesome place to be at to workout. Excuse my bias. I speak for my experience working out here.

Happy 4Th of July

Happy Fourth of July! Hope you enjoy whatever it is you will be doing later today and tomorrow. Please remember that today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) Soul Flyte has a modified schedule in order to ensure that our amazing staff has time for the most important thing of all, FAMILY AND FRIENDS! I hope that you get to take some time and feel the love around you.

I will be working on my tan by the Tallman pool with my besties as well as painting yoga mats to release some creative energy!

Don’t forget: tonight at Memorial Park in Nyack, there’s live music from the band Dead Meat and tomorrow at the same place are Nyack’s famous fireworks.

Hope you have a fun and safe holiday with the people you love.

Most of all remember that not everyone gets to be with the people they love. Tomorrow is our day of Independence - don’t take that for granted. Enjoy and be grateful for all that you have and when you can, make someone smile.

XO,

Rachel

HOT HOT HEAT

It’s finally feeling like summer, and a hot one at that. When it gets super hot remember a few months ago when you were saying to everyone “I’m over this cold!” Well, the cold has finally left the building and here is the heat! With the heat though comes a bunch of awesome summer events and activities. One of the awesome events that happens every Tuesday night in Nyack is live music at Memorial Park.

I’m working on a new Tuesday routine: to take Robyn’s Flying Fitness or Diane’s Pilates class at Soul Flyte in Nyack at 6pm and then head on down to relax under the night sky with some awesome local artists. This Tuesday, a few friends of mine are playing in a really awesome band called Dead Meat (Grateful Dead cover band) these guys are super talented artists with amazing skills. Every Tuesday, it will be perfect to get a workout in first, then grab a blanket or lawn chair to chill under the Nyack night sky.

Jam out! See you soon!

XO,

Rachel

Halloween in June?

I’ve been organizing myself to do more things on my days off: new things, old things, all sorts of things! I’ve gotten back into running, or what most would call walk jogging, haha. I’m also trying to fill my schedule with classes and get back into shape. I‘ve realized that being in shape for me is not about the body image but about physically feeling ‘good’. When I binge and hang on my couch I can feel my body stiffen up and somehow, I’m more tired than when I’m active. So this Friday I’m planning to try my first Stretch & Restore class with Shira at Soul Flyte in Nyack, NY. Hopefully I can also make the Yin Yoga class in the morning with Laurie, because I really LOVE that class after a long week of running around. This is one of Soul Flyte's mat yoga classes that’s open to all levels and it holds poses for much longer than you normally would. IT FEELS AMAZING and makes me super relaxed! Plus it helps to calm my overly active gemini mind.

This Friday June 30th, I’m going to a pretty cool event that Rivertown Film is putting on - it’s called: Historic Hauntings of Rockland. I’m excited for the evening that's being led by one of the region’s leaders in paranormal investigations. I don’t know about all of you but I love a great ghost story. Rockland County has a rich history of places where sightings have been reported. I can’t wait for the event! Friday will be a pretty epic day, join me!

Hope to see you this week at Soul Flyte and maybe even at the Rivertown event.

XO,

Rachel

The Monday Struggle is Real

We all deal with the Monday struggle - with the weekend ending and the beginning of the work week. Summer time makes it harder to get back into the groove. Starting your day/week off the right way will often set the tone for the rest of the your day/week. We all have our guilty pleasures and we all like to indulge a little (or a lot), but by setting your day off in a positive way it makes indulging guilt free.

Personally, my guilty pleasure is delicious food, so I always try my hardest to start my week off with a Barre class to work off my weekend indulgence. Nyack’s Boutique AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, Fitness & Barre Studio on Broadway, is just the ticket to getting a full workout in one place. Best part is, Mondays are packed with a full schedule and a range of classes for all levels and all different types of workouts. If you are like me and want to sweat it up and be wide awake for work, then the 8:30am Barre class is the way to do it. Too early for you? The next class at 9:30am is our AntiGravity Fitness class, which will also whip you into shape and help take some pressure off of your lower back and spine - (for advanced levels only.)

Come check out our awesome Aerial Yoga & barre studio, get into shape and fly into the work week the right way. The Monday struggle is real, but with the right state of mind and the opportunities at Soul Flyte, you can feel great all week long AND see the amazing changes it helps bring into your daily flow.

Signing off. Join me later for our after work classes starting at 6pm!

XO,

Rachel

Rise With The Sun

I’ve begun to realize that rising with the sun, (although difficult at first) has so many amazing benefits. I love working at Soul Flyte in the mornings because I get to watch the town, Nyack, NY, wake up. I’m now able to enjoy aerial yoga & barre classes every morning at the studio and it’s gotten me back on track to where I want to be both mentally and physically. I have been learning to become more connected with my daily tasks, and in doing so I have also become more connected with the town I’ve lived in most of my life. Nyack has always been a very supportive, connected community, that stands together in difficult times.

Scrolling through social media today, I came across an article proving how connected and unified our community really is. There was an incident in our main parking lot, the next block over from Soul Flyte, that was vandalized with words of hatred.

On Friday afternoon over three dozen towns people of all ages came together to prove that we won’t stand for hatred in this town. They decided to paint over the words with the African American flag, which will help spread more love and prove that hateful words and actions have no place here. It makes me happy to be able to work and live in a town that stays connected with what is going on and supports all of our neighbors.

Signing off, and staying connected with my fellow AntiGravity yoga peeps for the 10:30am class @ Soul Flyte. Like our town, everyone is welcome! Come join me!

XO,

Rachel

Father's Day in Nyack

Breakfast in Bed!

There are so many awesome things to do with Dad everyday, but why not try something new for him and yourself? This can mean dog dads too! Today I decided to get together with my brother and his adorable puppy to grab brunch at the Hudson House in Nyack. Before brunch I thought we would try a first ever siblings Aerial yoga class at Soul Flyte, 13 South Broadway in Nyack, NY! The class was amazing and was exactly what I needed after a long work week of running around to get “summer ready.”

Speaking of getting “summer ready” - thanks to the barre classes at Soul Flyte, I am feeling great about all the cute new bikinis I just got in the mail! I can definitely say that those classes are a FULL BODY workout and will get you working on all parts of your body that you didn’t realize were even there before!

Signing off now, and heading to eat some awesome food! Join me later tonight for the 5:30pm AntiGravity Fundamentals class, everyone welcome!

Xoxo,

Rachel

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: GUILLERMO RABIELA

We are excited to announce Guillermo Rabiela as our newest student spotlight the month! Guillermo has shown a real dedication to his AntiGravity® yoga practice and experienced the growth and change in his life since practicing at the studio. Read our interview with him below:

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?
Through Yelp.  My very first experience with aerial yoga was in a workshop at a Scarsdale yoga studio, and I liked it so much that I looked for a place where I could do it more regularly.
 
What’s something you can't live without?
I don’t want to go all esoteric on you and talk about tanha and dukkha, so let’s just say that I am incredibly grateful for every minute that my wife, mother, and sister are in my life.
 
What brought you to try your first class at SF?
I liked aerial yoga so much when I first experienced it in a workshop at a regular yoga studio that I looked for a place where I could practice it regularly.  And SF had gushing reviews, so I rushed to take my first class.
 
What’s your favorite time of day?
Early morning – and don’t ask me how early, as it’d just confirm your suspicion that I’m a bit strange…
 
Do you have a favorite pose at SF?
Robin Hood.  I like the entire sequence, from Tom Sawyer to Mummy to Robin Hood.  I still haven’t quite figured out a graceful way to come out of it, though!
 
What’s the best meal you've eaten?
The meals at a yoga retreat in southern Arizona.  It wasn’t a yoga vacation but rather a formal retreat: basic accommodations, no phone or TV, observing silence for the first half of each day.  It was uncomplicated vegan food, prepared by a chef from nearby Nogales, but every meal was absolutely delicious.
 
Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?
I always feel welcome, and I know that I’m in for a fun workout.
 
Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely!  I have recommended it to many friends and colleagues.
 
Favorite/best place you've traveled to:
Bhutan, a small country on the eastern edge of the Himalayas.  I loved the landscapes and the culture.  I was there for a week about five years ago, and haven’t lost hope to visit again.
 
What's your favorite book? Movie?
Reading is my favorite pastime (right along with yoga, of course).  There are a couple of recent books by Huval Noah Harari I found fascinating: Sapiens and Homo Deus.  They are both quite wide-ranging; one is about the history of humankind, and the other is about where we are going.
 
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
That would be getting in a small plane with a friend who, to put it kindly, overstated his flying time and skills.  I joined him while he worked on perfecting (again, putting it kindly) his landing.  When I finally got out of the plane I fell down to my knees and kissed the ground!
 
Anything else you want to share?
Thank you, Shira, for creating Soul Flyte!  It is a special place that goes beyond a beautiful space and a crew of fantastic instructors.

NEWEST INSTRUCTOR: SARAFINA ORBE

We’re so excited to introduce our newest Barre instructor, Sarafina! She'll be teaching Barre on Monday evenings at 6pm. Expect to feel energized, gain strength and lengthen your body. Check out Sarafina's interview below and don't miss her 1st class on September 11th!

How did you get into Barre fitness? 
I got into Barre fitness about two years ago when it started to become popular. I tried multiple studios in Florida where I was living at the time, and then finally found my favorite. The teachers there always gave me a killer workout with a combination of stretching and lengthening, it was everything I needed. After a few months, the they pushed me to get certified as an instructor.

What’s your background?
I have always been a mover. I was a ballet dancer from the time I was about 5 years old, until 16. I stopped because of an injury and then found yoga. I fell deeply in love with the strength and poise needed to execute the asanas. A few years later, I graduated with a bachelors degree in Exercise Science, as well as a yoga, Pilates, and Barre Certifications under my belt. With my degrees, certifications and innate understanding of the body in motion, I became a full time fitness and yoga instructor. I like to incorporate many different aspects of fitness programs into my classes to keep my students on their toes (pun intended).

Why Barre?
I love barre because of my background in ballet. I also love the uplifting music and light heartedness the class holds. Don’t forget the killer legs, butt, and abs that come alongside of it!

Any comments to your future students?
Have fun! My classes will always be a space where you can let loose while tightening up your whole body. Please feel free to laugh at me and yourself!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: DAPHNEE MOMPEROUSSE

Get to know the wonderful Daphnee Momperousse — our newest Student Spotlight! She started coming to Soul Flyte April of this year and is already about to hit her 100th visit! Seems like she's got the Soul Flyte bug and is officially hooked! She is a sweet soul that you'll want to meet in this lifetime. We are so lucky to have her as part of our tribe. We recently sat down with Daphnee to chat a little bit more about her and the role AntiGravity yoga has played in her life since her first class — check it out:

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?
I found Soul Flyte after researching yoga studios in Rockland County.

What’s something you can't live without?
I can't live without chocolate, blueberries, traveling, and music!

What brought you to try your first class at SF?
I came to Soul Flyte after doing African dance and developing tendonitis.  I was looking for a great workout that was low impact and would allow me to stretch out my legs and feet.

What’s your favorite time of day?
I absolutely love dawn! Sunrise is beautiful, and it is the coolest temperature during the day.  It's so quiet, and I get my best ideas at that time.  Everything is refreshed after much-needed rest.

Do you have a favorite pose at SF?
I love challenging my body to achieve different poses, like Vitruvian Man and Mermaid, but there's nothing like the feeling of getting into a simple Spiderman.  After a long day of work, running errands, and the drama of raising a teenager, the stresses just seem to rush right out of my head, literally, as soon as I invert.  It's such a wonderful feeling!

What’s the best meal you've eaten?
That's impossible for me to decide! Being of Haitian descent, I've eaten the greatest cuisine all my life!  Being a New Yorker and avid traveler, I have experienced the magic of other cultures' tasty dishes too. My favorites include Mexican, Indian, Jamaican, Thai, Lebanese, Ethiopian, and Kenyan! I suppose if I had to request a final meal, it would be my mom's stewed chicken with lots of onions and sweet peppers with rice and sweet peas.

Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?
My favorite thing may be the really nice people I've met here at Soul Flyte.  From instructors to students to staff, everyone is so nice!  I think it's because of all the endorphins, lol.  I also can't believe how much stronger my body is becoming.  My core strength, which has always been my weakness, has improved tremendously.  I am more flexible.  My hair is growing like crazy too!

Would you recommend it to others?
I have recommended Soul Flyte to friends, family, colleagues, and the world wide web!  My 16 year old son was very reluctant, but now he understands the benefits and likes coming because he feels relief in his back!

Favorite/best place you've traveled to:
Kenya is by far my favorite trip of all time!  I got to visit the city, country, beach, and savannah.  Surprisingly, warthogs were my favorite safari animal! I'm looking forward to going again in 2 years.

What's your favorite book? Movie?
The Autobiography of Malcolm X As Told to Alex Haley is my favorite book.  It teaches us that we are always learning and growing, and that human beings share this world.  We need to work together as global community members!
    
My favorite movie is Coming to America.  I laugh until I cry every time I watch it!

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Sky diving.  I still can't believe I did it.  It was exhilarating, yet soothing, if that's possible.

Anything else you want to share?
It took four months, but I finally achieved Awesome Possum! I celebrated with chocolate.  
I booked a private class for my birthday at Soul Flyte, and I highly recommend it!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: ROSHAUN SAMUEL

We are excited to announce Roshaun Samuel as our student spotlight this month! He's been coming to the studio since December and his practice has grown immensely throughout that time. Recently, we interviewed Roshaun to find out a little bit more about him and his experience at Soul Flyte - check it out below!

How did you find out about Soul Flyte?
I found Soul Flyte through a Google search. I put "yoga studios in Nyack" in Google and Soul Flyte popped up.

What’s something you can't live without?
I can't live without my family AND friends.

What brought you to try your first class at SF?
My first class at Soul Flyte was Soul Flow with Jenevieve Louise. I wanted to experience yoga for the first time.

What’s your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day is around 8 to 8:30 PM. That's when the sun goes down. I love the night.

Do you have a favorite pose at SF?
Yes, my favorite pose is actually the Spiderman pose, due to the fact that Spider-man is my favorite super hero.

What’s the best meal you've eaten?
I try to keep my mind focused on the present, not in the past nor future. So whatever meal I'm eating at the moment is my best meal.

Favorite thing about coming to Soul Flyte?
The positive vibes and the non-judgmental attitudes of the individuals. I also LOVE the herbal tea!!!

Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes, I've already recommended it to my mother.

Favorite/best place you've traveled to:
My favorite place to travel are any one of the Caribbean islands. 

What's your favorite book? Movie?
My favorite book is "The Power of Now" from Eckhart Tolle. My favorite movie is "Troy" staring Brad Pitt and Eric Bana.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
In my early twenties, a beautiful woman approached me mistaking me for someone named Marco, and I went along with it for 3 whole weeks. Until this day, some of my friends still call me Marco. Don't judge me, I was young !!!

Anything else you want to share?
I have been going to Soul Flyte for 6 months, and I can honestly say I'm addicted. I'm able feel and see the changes in my mind and body. Not only Soul Flyte is a great yoga studio, but it's also a great strength class. I feel stronger and happier after every class I attend. To Nicole and all my other amazing teachers, thank you for teaching me how to explore my mind and body!!!