Yelper Yoga Elite Event at Maruka

This was my first Unilocal Elite event and I had a great time. I must admit that I have tried a couple yoga classes before — once in college, once after college/​pre-​grad school. Maybe even once in grad school… can’t really remember now. But it never got me all too excited about becoming a yoga-​enthusiant. Yoga just seemed very slow and rather on the boring side for me. Therefore, I never felt like I did more than sit around on a thinnly padded mat for an hour and stretch a little bit.
I saw the invite for this event and thought this sounded like a neat opportunity to finally meet some of the Unilocal community in person and give yoga another try. Boy am I glad I signed up. First off– everyone was really nice and I am looking forward to another Unilocal elite event that I’m going to be in town for. Second– this time, yoga was not only not-​boring! but I felt the burn! I was sore until at least monday morning. I’ve never felt sore from yoga before. Third– Daniel (the instructor) was a blast to have as our teacher. He learned and remembered everyone’s names within the first few minutes of class, he started the class off with some easy stretching and gradually made it more challenging, and all the same time threw in jokes and funny comments that kept us all entertained.
The 60 minutes went by quickly and we cooled down and then were treated with fruit salad, drinks (water, juice and even mimosas), cupcakes and some quiche.
Maruka/​Daniel have given me a whole new perspective on yoga now. I just might have to give yoga another try. =)

For my first elite event (YAY!) this was perfect! I had such a great time! I love yoga and have been looking for a place to go every once in a while and I think I may have found it! Our instructor, Daniel, was great. He was laid back and made everyone feel comfortable no matter what skill level they were at. He often had us laughing so much we lost our balance and the position!
Afterward we had delicious quiche and cupcakes and fruitsalad that was perfect after an hour of twisting of stretching and very nice of them to provide. The boutique downstairs is very cool. Jewelry, oils, art, and some clothes make this place very unique and very cozy.
This is the type of place that people will remember your name and you can become part of the ‘family’ very quickly.
I had a great time!

I have to agree this event rocked the house! The yoga was fun and didn’t seem too taxing, but now my whole body is sore! I want more!
The studio was pleasant, the owners were gracious and the instructor was amazing. Daniel Hickman, is a very pleasant instructor and funny to boot! The class was giggling and smiling quite a bit and knocking ourselves off balance. Thankfully, I was next to a wall that I could lean on! We became good friends. The yoga moves were simple enough for beginners, but sure to get us all a good workout. I loved the easy to follow routines and all the good stretching. The last meditation part was so relaxing I nearly fell asleep.
It’s been a good 4 years or so since I’ve been to a yoga class because I didn’t care for it. This class totally changed how I feel about yoga. Now, I’m trying to plan my next trip back for their free yoga class next Saturday at 12pm.
We were spoiled after wards with some treats like cupcakes and mimosas, but there were plenty of awesome healthy choices like green tea, the best tasting quiche in the world, fresh fruit and almonds. I have some regret that I didn’t try a cupcake, because they looked divine.
This event surely made me feel Elite and has hooked me on yoga — a well-​deserved 5 stars. Let’s do it again!

What a great Unilocal Elite event! I had an amazing time at Maruka with my fellow Unilocalers.
It’s been a couple months since I’ve practiced yoga, but Daniel refreshed my memory with a few of the poses. I’m used to practicing yoga with a serious and focused instructor. However, Daniel made this yoga class a lot of fun. I loved his metaphorical jokes. He made one joke about wrapping your arms like overcooked angel hair pasta, which kinda made me hungry.
Speaking of food, such as the quiche and red velvet cupcakes were delicious! What a nice way to treat the clients after a session.
I would love to come back to Maruka, and maybe check out the studio’s workshops. The jewelry in the downstairs boutique are gorgeous.

I was a little stressed when I got to Maruka this morning to meet my fellow Unilocalers for Yoga class. I had been waiting for over 20 minutes for the metro. But once signed in and gear stowed away we all grab a mat and got ready to strengthen our mind and bodies.
I have never done yoga before and I think there were only three of us in the class that had not taken a yoga class but I can now say this I am hooked! This was the first time in weeks that I have been able to lay on my back for any length of time and I can’t tell you how good it felt.
Learning to center myself and breathe was just so amazing, I can’t say THANK YOU enough to Daniel Hickman of Silk Road who taught the class, you will be hearing from me soon!
So after stretches, downward dog, warrior, and many other poses I can’t remember but know that I never thought my body would be able to do but did so at time even laughing. I will tell you that I feel amazing my body and soul have never been so warm and flexible but most of all feeling as one.
When class was over we got treated to some wonderful goodies. Cupcakes, quiche, juice, water, and herbal tea from a great place across the street there was even Mimosas downstairs in the space with some great artwork.
The main level of Maruka holds some wonderful shopping promise for me. I will be back when I have some more money to spend as they had some great pieces I would like to add to my collection of jewelry.

I’m sure feeling relaxed and bendy after a session of Unilocaler Yoga alongside Kevin L., Miriam W. and a crew of elite Unilocalers at Maruka this morning. Our instructor, Daniel Hickman of Silk Road Yoga, was superb, leading us through stretches, downward dogs and warrior poses and keeping us laughing throughout. My spirit and body were re-​energized over the course of 60 minutes.
Maruka houses the yoga studio upstairs and boutique downstairs. The boutique features beautiful jewelry, active wear and body products. The studio is intimate and tranquil.
After Unilocaler Yoga, we were treated to water, juice, almonds, fruit and, of course, cupcakes! Great to meet so many elites and thanks to Kevin, Miriam and the lovely staff at Maruka for throwing this event. Namaste.

It’s my first time doin’ it downward dog style!
What a way to get introduced to yoga, with such an expert instructor like Daniel Hickman. Not only was he great at teaching the various poses, transitions, and spiritual concepts of yoga, he made us all laugh throughout the entire session. If nothing else, I learned that the knee is supposed to end up over the ankle!
We started off with some stretching and loosening before moving into more strenuous activities, which I think are of the ashtanga style. I definitely broke a sweat with all of the hovering, cobra-​ing, and downward dogging we did! The meditative resting poses toward the end of our class felt so rejuvenating — I almost didn’t want to say that last «ohhhhhm.»
Also, a big «thank you» to Debra of Maruka, where the studio is. It’s such a gorgeous light-​filled space upstairs. What a wonderful treat to be offered creamy quiche, lemon icing cupcake, and fresh fruit salad after that workout! I was more than happy to imbibe a glass of mimosa that Denise was preparing downstairs, too. Hey, I detoxed earlier, right?!
What better way to spend a steamy summer morning than «bringing the eagle to roost» with a bunch of awesome Unilocalers.
P. S. For anyone who didn’t get a business card, don’t forget to check out Daniel’s website —