A Yoga Class at Grand Central – How Cool is That? #ZenCentral #NYC

Yesterday, September 29th, Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station was transformed into #ZenCentral! (I wrote about this a few weeks ago, see Free Yoga Classes).  There were classes throughout the day.  The one I registered for began at 7:30 a.m. so, I took the subway early, and arrived at Grand Central around 6:30 a.m.  It still felt like night-time!

They were first laying down the Yoga mats (care of Vita Coca – the coconut water company), and the vendors were first setting up their stalls.

I proceeded to the New York Sports Club, to check my clothes in a locker in the adjoining MetLife Building (fka the Pan Am Building), passing this sculpture honoring Pan Am Airways and it’s founder in the hallway:

I did a quick mile warm-up on the treadmill.

I walked back through Grand Central, passing by some guards and their dog.

I’m never quite sure if this scares me or makes me feel secure.

People were arriving, and I even saw some friends.  We set up our mats and got some coconut water compliments of Vita Coco (have I mentioned that I love coconut water?).  The class was conducted by an instructor from Pure Yoga, and there were many other from Pure Yoga walking around helping us with our yoga positions.  The class was fabulous – at times a little advanced for me, but excellent nonetheless.

You cannot believe how amazingly cool it was to be taking a class in this environment!  Can you imagine doing a Downward Facing Dog or Warrior Pose and looking up to see the incredible light fixtures of Grand Central?

After the class, the participants were each handed a goody bag, from Athleta, filled to the brim with great products.  On the other side of Vanderbilt hall, the Expo was already buzzing.  After all, it was now about 8:30. and people were busy on their way to work.  There were lots of great booths and I made my way around before heading back to the gym to shower and then go to work.

Juice Press (you must try the watermelon juice!)

Yogabela (I spent some money here!)

Cereal samples

Aveda

Headbands

Lisa at the Vita Coca refreshment lounge

MAC Cosmetics

Tanya b Yoga Apparel

Oren’s Coffee

Athleta

And, in case you’re wondering what was in the goody bag, here it is:

a very good goody bag!

What a great day!  I love events like this .  Thank you, Grand Central, Pure Yoga, Vita Coco and all of the other sponsors!