Here’s Why Doing a.M. Yoga With 100 People Is Weekend #goals

February in New York City is not exactly a mecca of good vibes, to state the obvious (shout out, drizzly, dreary weather!). So, together with CorePower Yoga, we set out to create one ourselves.

And at Tavern on the Green on Saturday, February 4, hundreds of Well+Good readers showed up to do just that. The result—an atrium filled with droves of amped-up yogis (think: 100-plus people in each of the two separate classes), despite the freezing temps—goes to show the power of kicking off your weekend with a mass sweat sesh.

"The more people you bring together, the higher the vibration, the bigger the energy, and the stronger the support—even if you only feel it through subtle energy," says CorePower Yoga's NYC area leader Melissa Hernandez, part of the team who led the packed yoga party.

And trust: The benefits were felt by all. "Starting your day with yoga is a fantastic way to elevate your mood, raise your energy level, activate your brain, and curb cravings for unhealthy foods and sugar dips in the afternoon," Hernandez notes. "Not to mention, your skin glows like you just had a 60-minute facial." File under: Score.

The best part? In anticipation of CorePower Yoga's arrival in NYC this spring, the wellness powerhouse donated all proceeds to Central Park Conservancy, dedicated to preserving New Yorkers' favorite outdoor playground.

Scroll down for all of the gorgeous photos from the feel-good day—AKA definitive proof that yoga for the masses is a total mood-booster.

Excited yogis braved the freezing forecast and made it to Central Park in time to chill before class—and the vibrant, all-glass atrium at Tavern on the Green was a warm welcome.

The room eased into the hourlong workout with spine-stretching child's pose.

Hundreds of weights stood ready for CorePower Yoga's signature Yoga Sculpt method.

Leggings upon leggings—and some impressive three-legged downward dogs.

Hernandez and the CorePower team canvassed the room to dispatch form-perfecting advice.

Meanwhile, the burn-factor amped up with squats, mountain climbers, and planks.

Muscle-sculpting moves are always better when done together, right?

Assistant studio manager Chelsea Scott modeled pro form for the group.

And the weights went up!

Arms up and legs in a deep lunge, with a little help from CorePower Yoga's Lara Gobins.

Saturday mornings call for warrior pose (bring on the power vibes).

While the session wound down, Hernandez, Scott, and Gobins channeled mega-mindfulness.

The endorphin-filled cool-down during savasana.

High five!

Post-workout, guests rehydrated with Juice Generation elixirs...

...and refueled with seriously delicious Greek yogurt cups.

The day definitely called for selfies.

Attendees all wrote down their #WhyIYoga reason and posted it to a visual mood board. "I especially loved watching them hang their #WhyIYoga mantra cards," Hernandez says. "But even more so that most wanted to keep their cards for themselves."

Everyone was treated to a jam-packed Well+Good gift bag...

...and chocolate from Elements Truffles (sea salt and turmeric, rose and cardamom, and raspberry and beetroot, to be exact).

Readers hung out in the atrium post-workout to continue to soak up the day (basically, no one wanted to leave).

For real. Cheers to all the yogis who stretched it out!

CorePower Yoga is coming to New York City's Upper West Side late this spring (get excited!). To learn more, go to corepoweryoga.com

Top photo: Barbara Corella for Well+Good