Class Descriptions
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All Level
| These classes are truly for all levels. Some classes, like Yin and Gentle, focus on sweet and completely relaxing movement. Other classes are more physical practices but offer options for all levels. |
| Beginner | For those new to yoga, recent graduates of the Intro Series and anybody who would like a gentle practice, Beginner classes offer breath practice and instruction and movement through basic postures. Movement is at a pace slow enough for the body and mind to process the experience. Beginner classes are aimed at strengthening, opening and bringing balance to the body as students safely prepare for Level 1 and Level 1-2 classes. |
| 1 | Expanding on Beginner classes, Level 1 classes include longer held postures and add additional postures. Students build strength and endurance in preparation for level 1-2 and Level 2 classes. |
| 1-2 | Level 1-2 classes add additional and more advanced variations of postures. Students are introduced to arm balances and modified variations of inversions and backbends. Students are given alternate options and invited to use props to make postures more available to their unique body. |
| 2 | Level 2 classes add deeper backbends, inversions, arm balances, binds and other challenging postures. Students fine-tune postures and build strength in preparation for Level 2-3 classes. |
2-3
| Level 2-3 classes add more advanced variations of postures learned in previous levels. These classes challenge the body, open the mind and awaken the spirit through tapas (building heat, energy and endurance). Students are encouraged to listen to their body and make each pose fit the needs of their body, not make their body try to fit a pose it might not be ready for. |
Vinyasa: Vinyasa (Sanskrit for "breath-synchronized movement") is a faster-paced, heat-building class in which all movements flow from one to another on an inhale or exhale. Postures run together and become like a dance, with the breath guiding the way. Movements are based on the Sun Salutation and include a variety of sequences. There are many different ways to practice Vinyasa yoga, but the common theme is that the practice is focused on continual, fluid movement. For that reason, an understanding of Sun Saluations and breath technique (taught in the Intro Series and Beginner classes) are helpful.
Hatha: Hatha (Sanskrit for "sun/moon") focuses on finding balance between effort and ease in a slower-paced, cooling class that combines the strength of core postures, relaxation of muscle stretches, fun movement and quiet moments of stillness. Students are encouraged to access their inner and outer strength and focus while at the same time practicing the art of letting go and chilling out. Props are used to allow for each student to find their unique expression within a posture and special attention will be given to back care.
Hatha Exploration: Energize and bring the essence to poses as you open new doors of exploration in your practice. Poses, breath work and meditation will be dismantled to improve symmetry and balance in your Vinyasa or current practice. Modifications and props are introduced to benefit your body type and needs as progressive sequencing targets body zones to develop strength and endurance.
Sattva: Some classes on the schedule combine Vinyasa or Hatha styles with Sattva Yoga. By infusing class with kriyas, mantras and powerful messages, students are guided on a journey of transformation that awakens each student to their own experiences of truth. These classes will continue to offer the same Vinyasa or Hatha style students know and love, while adding the layer of Sattva Yoga students find so magical.
Yin: Yin is designed to gently stretch connective tissue by holding a pose for a long time. The body will respond by making these tissues longer and stronger. Although connective tissue is found in every bone, muscle and organ, it's most concentrated at the joints. If you don't use your full range of joint flexibility, the connective tissue will slowly shorten to the minimum length needed to accommodate your activities. A Yin approach works to promote flexibility in areas often perceived as non-malleable, especially the hips, pelvis and lower spine. You can bring balance to your life and body by adding a Yin practice into your current yoga practice or fitness routine at least once a week.
Gentle: This class combines gentle postures, yin postures and restorative postures to let go of the stress of your day. Open deeply into spaces that are known for carrying tension and tightness in the body while allowing time for slow deep breathing and untying knots through allowing and letting go.
Yin/Yang Fusion: A gentle Vinyasa class incorporating yin postures makes for a lovely, soothing class. Yin + yang = yum!
Rise and Shine: An but invigorating Vinyasa class incorporating twists, folds, flow and breath work to get your motors running for the day.
T'ai Chi Chih w/Eric: This beginner T'ai Chi Chih class uses simple movements to flow with energy and help bring about a very relaxed state. We gradually build energy and awareness and work into more powerful flows, building into a few simple self defense martial arts moves. We then slow to a peaceful meditative pace, finding our center between inner wisdom and warrior.
T'ai Chi Chih w/Beth: This is a form of Qigong, a moving meditation, unlike the martial art form T'ai Chi Chuan. The intention is to cultivate Chi or Prana and to stimulate, circulate and balance. Performing the movements will help the practitioner achieve calm and eventually move him or her into deeper meditation, awareness and knowledge of the self. T'ai Chi Chih has only nineteen movements and one pose which are easy to learn. The movements flow slowly and continuously with repetition and mindful attention. The form can be easily modified to one's physical ability or range of motion. No special clothing or equipment is necessary.