ATHLEISURE LIST | Y7 STUDIO

When it comes to working out, there are as many methods as personality types which is a great way to target what makes you feel your best you. Hot yoga has been around a number of studios but time and again, we always hear about the cool vibes of Y7 Studio and with their recent launch of their newest location in Williamsburg, BK we knew we were going to get a significant workout here.

Y7 Studio combines a vinyasa yoga (which is all about flowing and repeating movements in a fluid movement) with hip hop and beats that keep you focused while sweating your butt off in a candlelit studio. It's during each movement, that you realize that your body can seriously push past its limits to stay in sync and that the moves become central to your core. 

Y7 has a number of locations that you can get your sweat on and those who attend the classes swear by their mantra of "A Tribe Called Sweat" and "We Flow Hard". 

Co-Founded by Sara Levey, Y7 has two kinds of classes which include WeFlowHard™ which is a fast paced vinyasa class while Slowburn goes deeper into your tissue and allows you to hold the poses for a longer period of time. Both allow you to have a very successful sweat as you work out in their specially infrared rooms which make you feel like you have walked into a sauna but also ensures that you will be dripping.  Music for WeFlowHard™ focuses on hip-hop and driving beats while Slowburn is more typical of yoga music and is condusive to the movements and vibe.

Although you can rent mats and towels, we suggest bringing your own as it's a good idea to have the mat that works best for you when you're doing the workouts. We definitely suggest laying a towel down on top of your mat as it definitely gets slippery.

Check your location for full amenities as all Y7 Studios have refresh spaces, but Soho has a shower while the Williamsburg location does not.

We also love that Y7 carries its own line of apparel which is great to wear when working out or after the gym. Their line includes their key phrases and definitely makes you feel like you're part of the cool set when you're entering/leaving the studio or wherever you're going next.

Most importantly, it's worth noting that the instructors really do operate on a "do what you can" mentality so as you're taken through each movement, if your body is not comfortable doing something - there are no judgments whether you pause or sit in the other pose. 

You'll find that as you move and see those around you doing so that as a beginner, you pick up what is going and and begin to get into sync with the group.

Although it's suggested that beginners should do Slowburn first, you can also go right to WeFlowHard™.
 

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Y7 STUDIO

NY

Willamsburg - 170 S 1st St
Flatiron - 25 W 23rd St, 4th Fl
Soho - 430 Broome St, 2nd Fl
Union Square - 58 E 11th St
UES - 1459 3rd Ave, 4th Fl
Lab - 262 Bowery, 4th Fl

CA
West Hollywood - 8270 Melrose Ave

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List | Y7 Studio in mag.
 

AALIYAH X MAC

We wlll always be fans of Aaliyah who was an icon in R&B and hiphop in the 90/00's. Whether you loved her music, dancing, lyrics, music videos and more - she had a charisma, grace and of course she was beautiful. MAC Cosmetics announced that next summer, we'll be able to get our hands on their capsule collection of this entertainer! There are very few details but we're already thinking about next summer!

We're hoping for glossy nude lip hues, wine color lip stains and great smokey shades for the eyes! We'll keep you in the loop on this one in a million collection that we're already imagining in our collection.

IN THE STUDIO WITH Y7'S SARAH LEVEY

Athleisure Culture is all about how the different lifestyles come together and it lends itself to some pretty amazing mashups. We took a moment to chat with Y7's founder, Sarah Levey who has merged yoga and hip-hop together through her classes which have a great following of enthusiasts, who enjoy studio classes on the west and east coasts! In addition, she is a part of Cole Haan's StudiøGrand campaign,  so it was the perfect time to talk with her about her involvement in this collaboration, how she came about creating Y7 and how she keeps it together. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you came to be involved in the Cole Haan StudiøGrand campaign? 

SARAH LEVEY: As a young and self-funded woman I know every step I take needs to have meaning. Cole Haan reached out to me and pitched their StudiøGrand campaign concept… I knew immediately it would be a fit for me and the Y7 Studio. And it’s certainly been fun!

AM: What is StudiøGrand? 

SL: StudiøGrand is a versatile women’s lifestyle collection born out of a need to fit the active on-the-go woman from the studio to work and everywhere in between. Making every step count, the collection features understated minimalist silhouettes and items such as outerwear, shoes, bags, water bottles, yoga mats - it’s a complete lifestyle collection.

AM: How does this campaign align with your brand and way that you go about your day to day? 

SL: StudiøGrand is a great fit for Y7 as the collection offers style and function. So often my clients are trying to squeeze so much out of their day (work, kids, dating, etc) and this collection makes it possible for them to make the most out of every step. The collection is both stylish and comfortable, so you can wrap up a great yoga session at my studio and then head off to brunch with the girls.

AM: Tell us about Y7 Studio and what made you create this method of fitness. 

SL: I love music. It is so powerful. For me it can elevate, motivate and relax my mood depending on the beat or song. I thought why not take two things I love and put them together. There are no rules for this. It's an opportunity for the client to work on what they want to focus on. If they want to make the flow harder and add in poses great, if they want to take it easy that day that’s good too. It's all about giving our clients the freedom they are craving in that moment.

AM: What should we keep our eye out for as we go into the spring in terms of new offerings that will be available at the studio whether it's a new location here in NYC, class etc?

SL: We are trying to take over! You can expect a ton of new merch collections dropping monthly, plus we will be opening more locations in NYC and LA.

AM: How do you stay balanced in the midst of running a business (especially with your significant other - which we understand that very well), being a Boss Babe and leaving time for yourself?

SL: It’s definitely challenging. I am almost always overwhelmed with emails, meetings and check-ins with my staff. What has been a game changer for me is putting our corporate team in place. Alex (Director of Operations), Melanie (Retail Coordinator), Natalie (HR) and Stephanie (Teaching Director) are incredible and really help keep me focused and hold me accountable. I also recently set a bedtime and do a nightly meditation routine just so I can take some personal time. It’s not much, but I am working on taking more time for myself so I can be the best possible person for my team.

AM: What are your favorite pieces from this StudiøGrand collection?

SL: The StudiøGrand Bomber for sure! It's the perfect weight and easy for layering. And to top it off, I got to wear it in the campaign shoot! The shoes are so comfortable and stylish as well. The entire collection is extremely versatile.

See additional notables that were tapped to be a part of this campaign including: New York City Ballet's  Principal Dancer Sarah Mearns and Model, Entrepreneur and Author Coco Rocha.

Read more from the Jan Issue.