At a Glance:

Website: http://www.liberationyoga.com
Address: 124 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
Class length: 90 min
Price: 1 class/$15, 10 classes/$130, month unlimited/$120
Sweat Scale: low
Energy level: low

The extent of my yoga practice is taking a class or two at my old gym in Memphis where the crowd was definitely a bit older. It was always too slow for me and the positions made my head hurt (it also could’ve also been the six hours with 25 screaming children that was responsible for this pain). I decided to suck it up and give yoga another shot, signing up for a level one class at Liberation Yoga.

Pre Sweat

The studio is located on La Brea where there is a ton of metered street parking, but you can’t park during rush hours. I parked at a meter on 2^nd St., which was only $1/hour. There is also parking in the neighborhood but be very aware of the permit signs.

When I walked in, I could tell that this was a place with a ton of regulars. I signed in and let them know that I was new. After filling out a form, I asked for a yoga mat. While your first yoga mat is free, they are $1 each time after (I’m sure 99% of the people bring their own). I struck up a conversation with a fellow yogi and she helped me gather the props I would need (we ended up not really using any but a pillow thing). The instructor asked if anyone was new, I raised my hand, and she went on a long, but appreciated, tangent about how wonderful new people are because they have no reference point. I already loved how honest and insightful she was.

Sweat

Now I finally understand why people go to yoga—it is a calming therapy session in a pleasant environment with some poses mixed in. Throughout the class, we moved seamlessly between downward facing dog, half sun salutation, plank, cobra, child’s pose, uttanasana (forward fold), utkatasana (chair pose), and a variety of lunges. The most difficult pose was when we leaned forward from a deep squat until our legs came off the ground.

Quinn instructed us to do whatever we could, noting that the practice of yoga is never ending and every pose sets up for a more difficult one. We ended in savasana (corpse pose) with the lights turned very low. Quinn came around and massaged our temples with a wonderful scent. Lastly, we came to seated and had an “OMMMM” moment followed by Quinn’s final remark–“Namaste, the highest intelligence in me recognizes the highest intelligence in you”…I felt so legit, like a real yogi!

Although I still think that the workout was a little too gentle for me, I will absolutely be back here. Quinn had so many great things to say that made me feel grounded and appreciative. She talked in depth about the importance of letting go of the past and any negative thoughts, living in the present, overcoming obstacles, being positive, and loving yourself. I left the studio feeling like I had just been through a wonderful healing event and a mini Sanskrit lesson.

Post Sweat

Shopping: Check out Buffalo Exchange on the next block to find your favorite brands, used, for less!

Food: Sugarfish across the street if you’re in the mood for sushi or Trader Joe’s if you need groceries.

Coffee: The trendiest looking coffee place I’ve seen, Graffiti Sublime Coffee, is on the corner. Full disclosure: I haven’t been here and it got bad reviews for being snobby…but it’s definitely worth a look inside at the contemporary white walls and cozy fireplace.

Tricks of the Trade

• They have a gorgeous garden in the back; sign up for a class that is held out there!
• This is such a great place for beginners. Everyone was very warm and friendly in the level one class.
• Take a class with Quinn! She was quirky and fun in the best way!