When Big Joe Turner sang "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," he probably didn't think that 50 odd years later R&B music would be aligned with the vinyasa flow yoga.
But Sweat & Soul Yoga, at 1032A Commonwealth Ave., lives up to its name when the smooth sounds of soul music fill a room heated to 85 degrees.
All aboard the yoga soul train
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Friday nights at this tiny studio above a coffee shop take the practice to a whole new level. From contemporary hits such as Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" to oldies like Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," the class, called Yoga Soul Train, undoubtedly has a different vibe from traditional yoga.
"The music really brings the hips into it," said the instructor Lori O'Doherty. "The music captures the essence of the lower body and the chakras."
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The practice may not be for traditionalists, but for those who have trouble quieting the mind or just want to do yoga a bit more casually, adding music keeps the class moving along. And when the legendary Marvin Gaye comes through the speakers, it's hard to stop your hips from swaying.
While Yoga Soul Train doesn't quite have the seriousness of regular yoga, the upbeat atmosphere makes for a good workout that's sure to get you pumped.
"I kept tapping my toes and singing in my head," one student said. "I couldn't stop."
