Yoga Class Styles
Anusara Yoga
A-nu-sar-a: "to be with one's essence," " flowing with Grace," "following your heart," "going with the flow." Anusara Yoga brings the body, mind and heart into natural and optimal alignment. When all parts of ourselves are in alignment in relation to the whole, we feel good. When we feel good, life becomes sweeter. Tantric Philosophy and elegant Principles of Alignment are woven into each class. Because we seek to align our bodies as nature intended, healing takes place making this system highly therapeutic.

Ashtanga Yoga
This method of classical yoga practice involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive sequence of postures (Vinyasa or Flow) - a process producing internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
Starting with Sun Salulations, the sequence then moves into standing poses, which constitute the warm-up part of the practice. The Primary Series consists of seated forward bending poses with a few backbends at the end. The sequence then moves to the cool down poses, consisting of inversions, cross-legged sitting poses and pranayama. Postures are held for 5 breaths and there is no rest in-between the poses.
Many more poses are practiced in both Ashtanga and Vinyasa, then in Hatha style classes. This is a more vigorous practice than other traditional approaches. There is also a 2nd and 3rd series for more advanced students.
For more information about Ashtanga Yoga, check out the following websites: www.ashtanga.com or www.ayri.org.
Email anna@shaktinj.com with questions or for more information.
This class is appropriate for intermediate and advanced students. Be prepared to sweat. Vigorous.
Gentle Yoga 
In this gentle yoga practice, movements are synchronized with the breath, turning rigidity into fluidity. We do not hold poses, we "go with the flow." We will, however, take periodic breaks where we rest in a passive pose (asana) as the emphasis in this class is on de-stressing the body and mind. Gentle yoga is very therapeutic in nature and is appropriate for "every-body" even those with limited physical abilities.
Appropriate for beginners and those wanting a more restful, restorative practice. Gentle.
Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a classical form of learning to practice and hold yoga poses. Most classes will include warm up exercises, sun salutations (a graceful series of poses performed as one fluid movement, coordinated with the breath), and Hatha yoga postures to encourage flexibility, strength and balance. There will be varying levels of focus on aligment. Some classes may include breathing exercises.
Students may experience new poses or explore familiar poses in more depth, learning how to listen to their body’s needs and respect it’s limitations. A period of relaxation and perhaps some meditation concludes the session leaving you feeling balanced and rejuvenated.
There are many different styles under the general heading of Hatha Yoga. To learn more about the styles that a particular teacher is influenced by, please read thier individual bios.
The best way to decide if a class is right for you is to to try at, until you find the one(s) that feel right to you.
These classes can be for beginner, intermediate or advanced levels, and vary in intensity from gentle to moderate to vigorous, and will specify.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar is a precise and progressive method of Hatha Yoga based on the teachings of the brilliant B.K.S. Iyengar, 92, and living in India. He developed the use of props, which help each student experience the maximum benefit of the yoga poses, and has insisted that his teachers be highly trained.
Iyengar offers a vast repertoire of poses,with initial emphasis on building confidence through a strong foundation of fundamentals. Specific and scientific sequencing are unique to this method that can take students safely to advanced levels of practice. Through attention to detail, postural alignment, and yoga philosophy, students build strength, stamina, flexibility, and understanding of the system of yoga and of themselves.
These classes can be for beginner, intermediate or advanced levels, and vary in intensity from moderate to vigorous, and will specify.
Kids Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Joanie Schwarz Photography

Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., is a great way to recharge your body. It stimulates the nervous and immune systems, improves strength and flexibility, as it centers the mind and opens the spirit. Kundalini yoga develops your relationship to your mental potential. You learn to use clarity of the neutral, intuitive, comprehensive mind.
From your very first class you'll start reaping the rewards, which include relief from back pain, stress, addiction, depression, insomnia, and weight control. Plus, Kundalini Yoga can help keep you young. Everyone can do it!!
Kundalini Yoga differs from the other traditional approaches, in that the focus is on rapid, repetitive movements (called Kriyas), coordinated with a rapid "breath of fire" breathing practice.
For more information about Kundalini, check out www.3ho.org.
All levels are welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous.
Power Hour Vinyasa
A strong power-hour Vinyasa practice with groovy music and a pace that will awaken the body and mind. A great way to start the day!
All levels are welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous.
Release & Relax: Gentle Yoga & Somatics
Bring Somatic awareness to your yoga practice. Through slow, mindful movement explore basic elements of yoga poses in order to improve balance, breath, flexibility, and coordination. The class begins with the basic Hanna Somatic cat stretch, followed by a series of standing and sitting yoga poses using the principles of Somatics. We close with meditation and savasana.
This class is appropriate for complete beginners to more advanced practiitoiners wishing to slow down and feel more. Gentle.
Sunrise Yoga

An abbreviated (1 hour) class in the Hatha Style for students of all levels. The session will include, variably, pranayama (breathing exercises); surya namaskar (sun salutations) and leg exercises; asanas (yoga postures) and a guided final relaxation.
You will leave the class feeling relaxed yet energized, and able to start the day with a well-grounded center, clarity and stillness of mind, and a focus that will improve your productivity, efficiency and concentration. A great way to start the day!
Joanie Schwarz Photography
All levels are welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is based on the Ashtanga system of Vinyasa or flow, but rather than following a set sequence of postures, the class flows with a creativity and energy of it's own.. Integrating breath with movement and strength with flexibility, it brings an awareness to alignment, as well. A continuous dynamic flow of postures, connected through the breath, brings an energized and balanced effect that opens the body's subtle energy channels ultimately creating a sense of peace and harmony.
This class is appropriate for intermediate and advanced students. Be prepared to sweat. Vigorous.
Yoga Basics
This is a soft flow class that integrates various styles of yoga, including Sivananda, Vinyasa, Anusara, and Yin. Through intentional grounding, synchronized breathing, long holds, and proper alignment, this class stretches and restores the body, providing a full workout. Students leave feeling rooted, clear, and relaxed.
Appropriate for beginners and those wanting a more restful, restorative practice. Gentle to moderate. |