It’s Not a Contest!

About This Class

This 101-minute vigorous flow class with Bryan Kest opens with an extended settling period in child's pose, establishing deep nasal breathing as the through-line for the entire session. The main body builds through two warm-up series: a foundational six-movement sun salutation flow (downward facing dog, forward fold, flat-back lift, plank, cobra, back to down dog) and a more demanding 21-movement series that layers in crescent lunge, runner's lunge, and warrior pose. From there the class moves into one-legged balancing sequences (warrior III / airplane arms), knee-to-elbow core work, one-armed down dog, side plank variations, deep hip-opening poses (pigeon-style with forearms down), twisting lunges, a bound side angle, hero pose, low lunge with quad stretch, and a bow pose hold for the count of 15. The floor-based cool-down includes shoulder stand, plow, supine twists, and a supported knees-to-chest compress before a final savasana. Bryan consistently frames the class as non-competitive and deeply personal, encouraging students to modify freely, back off when strained, and treat the breath as the true measure of the practice. Thematic monologues on self-acceptance, non-comparison, and the mind-body connection run throughout, giving the session a strong mindfulness and meditative character alongside its physical intensity.