Two weeks ago I took my first Class, as in The Class by Taryn Toomey. The Class is made up of repetitive “calisthenics and plyometrics” — aka a lot of jumping jacks, squats and leg lifts — and is set to a killer playlist. The Class also focuses on the mind-body connection, combining the spiritual journey with fitness.
I visited the studio in Bridgehampton and to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect for the first time. The class was completely full as I got to my mat and took a seat. I didn’t know it at the time, but Taryn was teaching my class. Part of me thought I wouldn’t be able to do anything, and I was pretty impressed that I could do just about every move — except for the 100 or so jumping jacks. (After three babies, those don’t really work for me. So I did my modified version.)
I really liked it, especially the message: Be present. Taryn told us, “Don’t look around you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Stop judging.” It was something I worked on for the whole class. It’s so easy to look around and think, “Oh, she’s tall. She’s thin. She’s better at this than I am.” By the end, I really let go.
People had said there would be screaming and crying — and there was some of that, but only if you felt like. I did have a little tear in my eye at the end during the meditation. I looked around and had a real moment of gratitude.
I was still a little sore a few days afterwards, especially in my calves, but I’m going to take the class again. That is, if I can get a spot.
The Class by Taryn Toomey has studies in New York City, Bridgehampton, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Sign up and learn more here.
