polar bear yoga?

if you live here in southern california, you know that the past week has been unusually cold. with highs in the 50's and overnight temps barely grazing freezing, that's damn cold!

yeah, i know, everyone else in the northern and eastern states are probably shaking their heads, saying "cold? you don't know cold!"... but i admit, i'm a weather wimp just like all my neighbors. after all, this is LA, where UGGS are the de rigueur footwear for yoginis in wintertime because, honestly, when else are they going to be able to wear them? definitely not in the summer, when they're busy sunning themselves at the beach...

speaking of the beach and the cold temps, i've been receiving email updates from teachers who continue to lead yoga classes on the sand through the winter. and the only class cancellations i've heard about are due to the holidays, not the weather. talk about hardcore!

since these classes are subject to change, it's probably best if you add yourself to each teacher's class update list...

from brad keimach at bradkeimach@gmail.com:

Saturdays in December 10:30-12 (with Sunday, 12/28 instead of Saturday, 12/27)
There will be other dates as well, including some Sundays. I'll keep you posted.
Beach Yoga is down Rose Avenue, all the way to the water's edge. Wear sun screen, even in the winter! Also, since there might be some chilly mornings, dress in layers, which can easily come off and go back on as you need in a progressive yoga class. These are donation classes, and I thank you for your generosity! If you have any questions about it, please feel free to write or call (310-826-6958).

from howard davis at http://www.tenthgateyoga.com/:

First and third Sunday of the month @ 9 AM
YOGA ON THE SAND FOR ALL LEVELS - Will Rogers State Beach - don't eat breakfast, park on Temescal Canyon, and wear layers of clothing - cost $20.

and no, i haven't had a chance to try any of them out. at least not yet. it's been so cold that i've had a hard time dragging myself out from under my warm bed covers to do anything early in the morning, must less to plant my hands and feet into freezing sand to hold a downward dog!

by the way, if the coney island polar bear club can do an annual plunge into the atlantic on new years day, frigid water temps and all, how about a yoga class on the sand to ring in the new year? it's been posted by claudia on the south bay yoga meetup site; i might be willing to give it a shot, all in the name of yogic bonding :)

here are details:

NEW YEARS SPECIAL YOGA ON THE BEACH IN REDONDO BEACH with Claudia Bumuller
SUNDAY, 4 January 2009 from 10.00 - 12.00 pm
Riviera Village at Esplanade Ave/Ave I, Lifeguard Tower Ave H, close to the water
$15 Love Donation or more is gratefully appreciated for 2 hours incl. 1/2 hour self healing workshop. Bring a piece of paper & pen.

We start the new year with some powerful tools, clearing some old energy, pattern, emotions, thoughts, anger, clearing your 7 main chakras and renewing our body is opening your chakras in form of Yoga poses(asanas) and prana (breathing). And renew, recharge, rejuvenate, relax, reenergize our Body, Mind and Spirit.
Be ready to a beautiful new year 2009. You can make anything happen, only if you want to. Make a weekly commitment to your yoga practice.

For more details, call me. Dress warm in case it’s a little bit fresh.
Maybe go for some tea or coffee afterwards.
http://www.feelthebliss.wordpress.com/