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Introduction to Yoga
This introductory class is intended for those brand new to yoga or those who prefer a slower pace and additional instruction in the poses. Elements of a vinyasa practice are explained more thoroughly – with emphasis on proper breathing, alignment, and mindful movement. Priority is placed on the foundational postures, such as sun salutations, standing poses, and beginning backbends and balancing poses. Specific attention will be given to the alignment cues and actions of the poses to develop confidence and stability in the practice.
Vinyasa 1
In Vinyasa 1, the focus is placed on connecting breath with movement while creating correct structural alignment in the poses. The pace will be slightly quicker than the Introduction to Yoga class, but still paced appropriately to allow for full expression of the poses and time to incorporate props where needed. This class is intended for those newer students starting to expand their yoga practice, and also for intermediate students looking to master the basics of the practice and work deeper in a slower flow of movement.
Vinyasa 2
This invigorating form of power yoga focuses on connecting breath with flowing transitions between sustained pose holds. Students are encouraged to work their edge or back off when appropriate. It’s not always about physical difficulty, but the degree of quietness, gentleness and sensitivity you instill in your practice, even when the body is working intensely! This class is intended for those with some yoga experience and will start to incorporate more challenging sequences and postures, including full backbends and inversions.
Vinyasa 2 / Workshops
This Vinyasa 2 class will have a different theme for the practice each week – incorporating a strong vinyasa flow followed by a focus on a specific set of poses. Currently, the following rotation is in effect for the Sunday class:
- 1st week: 90 minute power flow
- 2nd week: Arms/Abs/Shoulders
- 3rd week: Inversions
- 4th week: Hips
- 5th week: Yogi’s choice!
Alignment 1
This class will use the application of an alignment yoga practice (according to the guidelines set forth by the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar) to develop strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina. The class will maintain a slower pace and have a primary focus on using props such as chairs, straps, and blocks, to allow all students to access the benefits of various asanas, with modifications for any physical limitations. This class will work with students’ specific health and physical challenges that may not normally be addressed in a group class. The goal is to alleviate or reduce symptoms such as pain and muscle tension and stiffness, and also work proactively to restore balance in the body by using presence and awareness as techniques for healing.
Yoga for Healthy Bones
This Alignment 1 class will focus on poses that are safe and effective for building bone mass and preventing or reversing the effects of osteoporosis. Using the guidelines of Iyengar yoga and the work of Dr. Loren Fishman, this class will stress the importance of alignment and muscular activity to stress the bones and build strength and balance.
Alignment 2
In this class, students will learn basic principles of alignment in each yoga posture according to the guidelines set forth by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Although each pose will be approached individually (not within a vinyasa format,) the practice will be challenging and rigorous, and will demand concentration and specific effort from each student. Alignment yoga uses props such as the yoga wall, blocks, straps, and chairs to attain precise placement of the body in the asana to maximize the benefit and therapeutic value. The Alignment 2 class will begin to incorporate more advanced backbends and inversions.
Alignment 2 on the Wall
This class will utilize the yoga wall for entire class, performing variations of the postures using the wall accessories. (Please see the Alignment 2 class description for more information.)
This class is limited to 9 participants, pre-registration is recommended.
Alignment 1/2
In this class, students will learn basic principles of alignment in each yoga posture according to the guidelines set forth by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Although each pose will be approached individually (not within a vinyasa format,) the practice will be challenging and rigorous, and will demand concentration and specific effort from each student. Alignment yoga uses props such as blocks, straps, and chairs to attain precise placement of the body in the asana to maximize the benefit and therapeutic value. This class will be structured to adapt to all students, using multiple variations of each pose for different levels of experience and ability.
Yin / Restorative Yoga
This class will alternate between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga…and some classes may contain both!
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga involves holding poses for several minutes at a time in order to stretch the deep connective tissue around the joints; using gravity to help intensify the stretch. Yin may also include the use of props such as block, straps, and bolsters. The goal of Yin is to bring the body to optimal condition and also challenge the mind to remain still even as the length of the pose becomes challenging.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a very gentle practice that involves holding poses using props to fully support the body. Longer holds are used to passively open the body and achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. The goal of Restorative is to bring the body back into balance.