Class Descriptions:
*GENTLE YOGA - Gentle warm up stretches and movements – This class is designed to improve flexibility by releasing tension in the muscles and by strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints. Individually modified to your needs, we work with various props to support the body and improve spinal alignment. Breathing exercises are emphasized for improving circulation and restoration of vitality and energy.
*BEGINNER YOGA – Basic Hatha Yoga Asana and Pranayama – This level offers a simple approach to the basic yoga postures and introduces rhythmic breath control. The five basic principles are introduced with emphasis on postural awareness. This class is generally a slower practice with an emphasis on 5-6 poses each week including use of props and time to ask questions.
INTERMEDIATE YOGA – For students who have a regular practice – More advanced variations of basic poses are introduced with an emphasis on structural alignment and coordinated breathwork. This level provides a higher level of movement and synchronization as well as new Pranayama techniques. Traditional strengthening and stretching poses as well as one-legged balance postures allow the student to enhance flexibility and cultivate stability and inner balance of the spine.
*OPEN CLASS -ALL LEVELS- A variety of postures offering the opportunity to explore at your own level – Class styles will vary according to the needs of students attending class. This class is recommended for all fitness levels. There is a strong emphasis on opening the hips, stretching the inner thighs and lower back and includes a variety of passive movements with props to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
*ALIGNMENT FUNDAMENTALS- This class begins with the use of props, including the BackMitra, to relax the muscular structure before moving the body into more challenging asana practice. In addition, this class will assist the body into coming into its proper alignment and increase the capacity of the lungs in pranayama. In this practice, the relaxation of the outer most muscles, meant for movement, and the strengthening of the deep inner muscles, carriage muscles, the body and mind will be re-energized and bring proper alignment and coordination to the spine and body. Restorative This class is great for relieving tension and re-establishing alignment they may have deminished as a result from stress, Repetative Strain Injury (RSI) and other muscular and skeletal injuries and pain.
TAPAS YOGA – An active and faster paced class practiced in a heated room (80 to 90 degrees). Heat helps to detoxify the body, add suppleness to the muscles and may assist with weight loss and successful management of body weight. In Sanskrit, tapasya, literally means “heat”, and refers to a personal endeavor of discipline, undertaken to achieve a goal, and can be applied to any field or context. BRING WATER AND A TOWEL!
YOGA STRENGTH- ALL LEVELS- This class combines traditional yoga postures and optional use of light hand and/or ankle weights. The additional weight to yoga postures will increase your ability to build strength and stamina, tone and sculpt the body, improve flexibility and feel great! No weight lifting or body-building experience is necessary. A LIMITED SUPPLY OF 1-3 LBS. HAND WEIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE, SO IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU BRING YOUR OWN. ANKLE WEIGHTS OF 1-3 LBS. MAY BE USED BUT ARE NOT SUPPLIED.
*MEDITATE & RESTORE- A class composed of a combination of restorative yoga postures, pranayama and meditation practice. This class offers you a great way to end the week! This class will feature yoga asanas supported with props and controlled breathing techniques designed to bring relaxation to the body and breath, preparing both for meditation. ALL LEVELS WELCOMED.
PRIVATE LESSONS – BY APPOINTMENT – In a private session, the attention is devoted entirely to you and only you, to gently help you release tension stored in the body. Sessions are safe and confidential. We use breathing techniques, yoga poses, many assisted partner stretches, flowing movements, meditation, and relaxation. Every session is unique, depending on your needs. Together, we tailor a yoga routine for you and find ways to free you from tension and care for your well being.
*Denotes classes great for all levels of practitioners, especially beginners.