Rooftop R&B Yoga. A relaxing escape in Los Angeles during the pandemic
Yoga, R&B, and a view of Downtown Los Angeles.
Lauren Spearman, 27, is the owner and instructor of R&B Yoga based here in Los Angeles. Lauren began practicing yoga at the age of 14 as a way to destress and integrate what felt good for her during the transformative period of adolescence.
She earned her yoga teaching certification through The School Yoga Institute. The training is a month long, and students are taught through an immersive experience, which includes adhering to a vegan diet, disconnecting from excessive technology use, and daily mystical yoga practices.
R&B Yoga was first founded in her hometown of Chicago back in 2017. Her inspiration behind starting R&B Yoga was to make doing what she loved more inclusive with her other interests. Spearman began teaching a small group of friends and family, but her classes quickly grew popular and her students expressed how her classes felt less intimidating than a traditional yoga class might feel for new students.
“ I’ve always liked yoga, but upon entering the yoga world, I realized it was super white…at the time, I didn’t feel comfortable teaching the way people wanted me to teach…so I started R&B Yoga because it’s me.”
Taking this traditional practice originating from North India and incorporating elements other people like herself enjoy, Spearman has designed a program that is truly for all yogis.
The classes do follow traditional yoga sequences and poses, but the R&B playlists help create an inclusive environment and encourage yogis to take their own approach while practicing yoga.
As a black owned small business, Spearman felt first hand pressure to adapt her business to the world’s new conditions.
“ At first everybody went straight to virtual classes and I don’t like it…I don’t connect the way that I would in person.”
While Rooftop Yoga has been an overall success, operating a business of this nature has had its challenges. After proper planning and six months of not being able to teach class, Rooftop Yoga classes began last October, once L.A. County was cleared to allow outdoor activities. Class capacity is held at 30 students to ensure students are comfortable and have enough space between them.
Isabella Laidley, 21, started attending class at R&B Yoga as an activity for fun and relaxation.
“Yoga centers me, and this week has been super stressful because of college finals so being here helped me let go.”
“ I enjoy classes like this because being in a group setting is more motivating for me. When I’m working out alone at home it’s much easier for me to get distracted and I tend to just stay in my comfort zone, but I like being able to push myself in these classes.”
Laidley regularly attends the rooftop classes and says she plans to continue attending class even as the gyms in Los Angeles reopen.
With the physical and mental stress we have all endured throughout the past year, finding a daily routine that incorporates physical activity is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
According to Medline Plus, the benefits of practicing yoga can include: reduced stress, lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, increase flexibility, and improve overall fitness.
While some people practice yoga for specific health benefits, there are various other advantages and reasons for practicing yoga.
As California continues to take steps towards resuming life before Covid-19, Spearman says she plans to host more collaborative classes. She recently partnered with Le Parc Suite Hotel in West Hollywood, and after class students had access to the rootop pool and bar.
Classes are held Saturday mornings from 9AM-10AM in Downtown Los Angeles. For information about upcoming classes, private bookings, and more vist rnbyoga.net or @rnbyoga on instagram.
