I'm always a bit nervous when I go to a class I've never been before and don't know what to expect. This Saturdaymorning a lesson at The Shala Yoga House was on my schedule. After breakfast at the Union Square Whole Foods Daphne took off to go to a Free Tours by Foot walk through SoHo and Chinatown. A New York minute later I went through a door on busy Broadway, climbed up narrow steps and found myself in a totally different world.

I had signed up for an "open" class, meaning that everybody is welcome. Experienced or not. Frank Mauro was the teacher and I don't know if it was because a lot of people don't work on Saturday or the fact that he's just inmensely popular, but the frontroom was packed. A mixed crowd - young, old, men, women, experienced and beginning yogis. Frank knows his stuff. His instructions are very clear and I loved his Vinyasa class.

During the Savasana I felt totally relaxed. Wasn't even bothered by the screaming sirenes. Yoga in the midst of Manhattan - I love it!

Kristin Leigh en Barbara Verrochi, founders of The Shala Yoga House

The Shala House is not so big, there are wooden floors and you change behind a curtain. The place has an open feel, laid back and friendly. A single class takes 1,5 hours and costs 20 dollars. Rental mats are available. The Shala Yoga House, located at 815 Broadway, is just a few minutes walk from Union Square. There's also a Shala House in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.