Class Styles

ALIGNMENT BASED HATHA YOGA (Iyengar Influenced)

Hatha is a classical form of practice where there is longer holding of yoga poses. Classes will include warm up exercises, sun salutations (a graceful series of poses performed as one fluid movement, coordinated with the breath), and postures to encourage flexibility, strength and balance, as well as relaxation. There will be a strong focus on alignment inspired by teachings from Iyengar Yoga.

You will explore basic poses more deeply, as well as practice intermediate and advanced poses. By repeating poses and staying in them longer, you have time to discover a deeper level of understanding of both basic and more refined levels of alignment: inner and outer, shape and direction, form and function. Being still in a pose will become effortless and joyful.

Beginner to advanced, moderate to vigorous intensity.

ARCHETYPAL FLOW YOGA

“A balance of structure and flow, repetition and change, stability and mobility.”

Using the unique framework that is you, we’ll move in ways that are informed by the nature of who you are. Working with the fits and folds of archetype, learn to use measure and structure to enhance your stability, mobility and strength. Infused with Katonah yoga and tantra, class will blend hatha, flow, and breath work to incorporate different facets of the practice. We’ll explore the patterns of the body and uncover ways to truly support ourselves.

GENTLE HATHA YOGA

This gentle class introduces the fundamental principles of alignment and breath work in a flow of postures linked together by the breath.

Students will be invited into yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. Emphasis is placed on student safety and stability within each pose.

Hatha Yoga is a classical form of practice where there is longer holding of poses than in a vinyasa style. This gives time for students to learn and understand how to get into and out of poses safely and hold them more comfortably, with stability.

Students are encouraged to practice at their own level of strength, flexibility and endurance. Classes can be geared towards beginners to advanced students.

INTEGRAL STYLE HATHA YOGA

This classical form of Hatha Yoga integrates the various components of traditional yoga - Asanas: physical postures and stretching; Pranayama: breathing techniques; Yoga Nidra: deep relaxation; and Dhyana: meditation. During the class, each student is encouraged to practice at his/her own level of strength, flexibility and endurance. This style of Yoga was developed by Swami Satchidananda of the Yogaville Ashram in Buckingham, VA and Integral Yoga Institute in NYC.

Beginner to intermediate levels, intensity varies from gentle to moderate.

IYENGAR YOGA

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precise body alignment and follows a safe, systematic progression of learning. Developed by yoga master Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar, it is suitable for every age, body type, and fitness level. Iyengar Certified Instructors are rigorously trained, demonstrate poses clearly, and give detailed instructions.

Poses are held longer and done one at a time to deepen the students’ experience and intelligence. Individual corrections and adjustments are made as needed, often by the use of props. Iyengar Yoga is a complete approach to life, intended to create and maintain physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being.

Suitable for all levels, moderate intensity.

KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION

Kundalini Yoga is a great way to recharge your body. It stimulates the nervous and immune systems, improves strength and flexibility, centers the mind and opens the spirit. Kundalini Yoga develops your relationship with your mental potential. You learn to use 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 stay young. Everyone can do it!!!

Sometimes called the yoga of awareness, Kundalini Yoga combines all of the traditional tools of mantra, breath, and meditation in a unified conversation with the body, using the yogi’s inherent wisdom and personal comfort level to achieve healing. Taught in the form of Kriyas (sets of exercises that target the needs of the body, mind, and soul...there are thousands!), yogis use individual awarenesses and comfort levels to [process], release, heal, and expand through exercise while always meditating and breathing...a practice that follows from the mat to the world.

All levels are welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous.

PRE & POSTNATAL YOGA

REIKI HEALING CIRCLE (Monthly)

2023, from a numerological perspective, offers an invitation for a deeper exploration of all aspects of our selves as well as the world at large.

Number 7 is the number of the mystic, the seeker, the wise one, who does not accept what the surface offers as the true reality.

The monthly Reiki circle is an opportunity to tap into this aspect in each and everyone of the participants.

By creating a sacred space together, on a regular basis, we will each have the opportunity to unfold into deeper truth.

From that place, when gazing back at the world, we might feel more able, more accepting, more forgiving and more joyful.

The format of the circles includes a meditation  tailored each month for the needs of the group,  followed by Reiki transmission and healing.  Reiki healing is given for the second portion of the circle.

All are welcome, complete beginners and Reiki practitioners alike.

SLOW FLOW VINYASA (Breath Centered)

This class will slow down the more vigorous pace of a traditional vinyasa class. Suitable for all levels, we warm up the body to slowly increase flexibility and strength, transitioning from asana to asana with ease and grace. Some restoratiave poses may be practiced as well.

The breath is the focus of the practice. Emphasis is placed on synchronizing breath with movement, with the breath pacing the movement and setting its tempo.

All levels welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous. Each student is encouraged to practice at their own level of strength, flexibility and endurance. Yogis can embrace modifications for poses, as well as explore advanced options as needed.

SUNRISE YOGA

A one-hour early morning yoga practice designed for yogins of all levels who want to get their yoga on, but have busy days ahead of them. Typically, the Sunrise Yoga practice starts with a few moments of seated breath work, followed by sun salutations to warm up the body and an ever-changing sequence of postures including standing poses, hip openers, shoulder openers, inversions, twists, forwardbends, and/or backbends.

You will leave Sunrise Yoga feeling relaxed yet energized and ready to start your busy day with a clear and quiet mind and a spring in your step, ready to face the challenges of the day with a positive outlook that will improve your productivity, efficiency and concentration.

All levels are welcome. Intensity level is moderate to vigorous.

TAI CHI

Class is being held in Maplewood's Memorial Park near the ball park area under a big tree off of Dunnell Road, near Oak View.

We will hold class in studio when it rains, and when it gets too cold.

The first half of class is QiGong practice. We will get back to basics after a long break, continue working on the 8, the 24 Style Yang Movement, and the 40 and with swords...

ALL are welcome.

YOGA @ 50 & BETTER

Especially designed, but not exclusively for, the 50 and better practitioner.

This class will benefit muscle tone and strength, with a focus on breathing and postural alignment, promoting better balance and more self-confidence.

Copious use of props will enable people of all levels to enjoy a deeper understanding of and access to yoga practice.

Please Welcome

Deborah DeGazon

to Shakti's Roster of Healers