Class: Y7 LA Pop-Up

Location: Rebecca Minkoff store on Melrose Ave, current permanent Y7 location is at 8270 Melrose Ave in Weho, 90046

Work-out: Hot Yoga

Difficulty: Level 3.5

Next day soreness: 2

Duration: 60 min

Sweat Level:   Sweaty

Parking: Metered street parking

Amenities: Mats available if you don’t bring your own

Requirements for class: Bring water!

Who would’ve thought that hip hop and yoga paired so well together? When I initially heard about hip hop yoga, in my mind it was more rap heavy and less melodic, but in Y7’s hip hop yoga class, the beat flows with the vinyasa. I like my yoga classes high energy, and this was a high energy class that motivated me without being too aggressive (in movements and in music). It was a good mix of throwbacks and top 40 hip hop and the music was low when the instructor guided you through the movements, and then cranked up when you flowed at your own pace. We did about 3-4 flows, first couple of times with the instructor, and then we got a few minutes to flow on our own after we learned each sequence. Like all good workout classes, we started with a warm-up and cooled down with a stretch.

Kristen was a great instructor and pushed us without being too difficult. The particular class I took had a lot of balancing sequences. The space was small (since it was in a back room of Rebecca Minkoff’s flagship), but functional. The ambiance was very calming, even though the class was energetic. Fake candles lined the walls and the room was kept dark throughout class, which I really enjoyed. The vibe was definitely a little edgier and cooler than your average yoga class. Y7 is a New York favorite, and they’re hoping (and so am I) that with enough love from LA, they can have a permanent home here as well. The pop-up goes until Sunday and you can sign up via ClassPass or here.