Class Styles

Alignment Based Hatha (Iyengar Influenced)

Verbal, precise and actively corrected, Iyengar Inspired Alignment classes will make you aware of misalignments and how to correct them, improve your posture, and encourage being in the present moment. 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 (Sthiram Sukham Asanam).

Iyengar is a precise and progressive method of Hatha Yoga based on the teachings of the brilliant B.K.S. Iyengar. He developed the use of props, which help each student experience the maximum benefit of the yoga poses.

These classes can be for beginner, intermediate or advanced levels, and vary in intensity from moderate to vigorous, and will specify.

Alignment & Flow

A little alignment (see above) and some flow (check out Ashtanga description below) we'll move and breathe, but with time to pause and feel, observe and adjust. Mindful movement with breath, as well as longer holdings with active alignment cues and corrections, followed by more observing and breathing. Sun Salutations will be practiced, followed by standing poses, inversions, floor poses (forward bends, twists, backbends, arm balances, etc.). Cool down with Sarvangasana and Savasana. Enjoy....

Open to All Levels. Practice will be moderate to vigorous. Modifications will be given. Take good care of yourself ~ ENJOY!

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 Salutations, 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 in Ashtanga for more advanced students.

This class is appropriate for intermediate and advanced students. Be prepared to sweat. Vigorous.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga is for people who want a more restorative pace... those with overall stiffness or limiting physical conditions or seniors. We will practice seated positions on the floor combined with forward and side stretches, standing balance poses and breathing exercises. There will also be a short meditation to restore the body, release tension and rejuvenate from the inside out.

This class is appropriate for beginners, seniors, or just plain stiff students. Gentle and nurturing.

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 alignment. 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 their individual bios.

The best way to decide if a class is right for you is to try it, 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.

Kids

Kundalini Yoga                                                         

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. 

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

Restorative Yoga

Therapeutic and restful, this style of yoga utilizes props to make it easier for the body to get into certain poses, and thus, surrender to the pose. Practicing poses using props provides a completely supportive environment for total relaxation. The more your body is supported in the poses the deeper the sense of relaxation.

This practice soothes your nervous system, helps you quiet your mind and invites you to release deeply held tension.

All levels are welcome and encouraged. Intensity level is gentle, though some poses will provide a strong stretch, and your level of mental and physical relaxation will be significant.

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.

Joanie Schwarz Photography

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

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Vinyasa flow is a fluid yoga practice based on the Ashtanga system of yoga, focusing on the integration of body movements with the breath in a continuous flow. Moving with the breath and mindful awareness through sun salutations and basic postures, vinyasa is a dynamic practice emphasizing strength, flexibility and alignment.  Like a moving meditation, this class will help quiet the mind and leave you feeling calm, balanced and rejuvenated.

This class is appropriate for intermediate and advanced students. Be prepared to sweat. Vigorous.

Yoga for the Inflexible

Want to try yoga but think you are not "stretchy" enough? Intimidated by pretzel people in the classes you have tried? There is a yoga for every-body. Take this class to learn about that ache in your lower back and releasing those tight hips and hamstrings while improving your posture and ease of movement. We will start with the basics and move on from there using props and patience--with a dollop of fun thrown in for good measure. With practice, you will gradually build up your strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.

Yoga is challenging and athletic, yet discerning and contemplative. Unlike most exercise systems, yoga is not an automatic or repetitive callisthenic. It is a discipline that increases awareness and control over the interplay between strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. It is a natural stress-reducer with proven benefits. Yoga practice maintains the health of all body systems and encourages a more balanced integration of body, mind, and breath.

This class is geared towards real beginners, intermediate beginners and even advanced beginners. Gentle to moderate for the most part. There may be a few vigorous moments and you'll definitely get to relax!