Class styles

Many people have preconceived notions of what yoga is. Some of the facts are that yoga is not a religion but rather it is one of the earliest forms of group exercise recorded, as there were even yoga poses seen in the cave drawings of early man. It did originate in India, which is why the original language of yoga is ancient Sanskrit.

A yoga participant concentrates on his or her own body as it breathes, moves, and balances through the different postures, or asanas. The instructor will demonstrate to the participants and talk them through a series of asanas, or a vinyasa, during the class. Each vinyasa incorporates both movement and periods of stillness, intended to activate and balance the various systems of the body while clearing and focusing the mind. The ultimate, holistic goal of yoga is to integrate the body and mind into a peaceful, higher understanding and acceptance of self.

Anyone can participate in yoga regardless of size, age, or ability. Each asana is achieved step by step. Over time, each student will notice improvements in flexibility and strength and will realize muscle repair benefits. The participant will further learn to relax within the self, enabling advancement to the next step of one asana after another. Each participant will have some postures that are easier or harder for them to achieve. Yoga is not a competitive activity but rather a self-fulfilling discipline.

It is strongly recommended that new students consult their medical practitioner before beginning any new exercise regimen. Bring a bottle of water and your yoga mat to each class, or buy it at the studio. Remember, as with any physical activity, to drink plenty of water before and after class. A hydrated muscle always works more effectively.

Traditional Yoga.

Hatha yoga that starts with breath work or pranayama. Letting students focus on the breathe brings life and centering to the practice. From pranayama we then move into seating or reclining poses designed to slowing heat the body up. Once warm the standing poses begin. Then the practice moves back to the floor, moving into various twist, prone and supine poses or asanas before the class ends in total relaxation. This class is designed for all levels of fitness.

Restorative Yoga.

This class style of Hatha Yoga is often referred to as “beginner” yoga or relaxation yoga, and its benefits are well suited to the experienced practitioner as well. Students attending restorative classes will focus on breathing exercises, realizing the full benefit of the discipline of yoga as they invigorate their cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, flushing toxins from the body. Simple, slow stretching postures activate all the muscle groups throughout the body, energizing the participant’s body and releasing endorphins in the brain that calm the mind.

This class is appropriate for students at all levels. The beginning or end of the day are ideal times to practice restorative yoga.

Astanga Yoga.

Astanga Yoga is one of the systems of Hatha Yoga which has the Sun Salutation as it's core. These series of poses, or asanas, working simultaneously with rhythmic breathing to heat the body internally, allowing greater flexibility and strength, which will produce a purging sweat that detoxifies the muscles and organs. This class is taught with modifications and advanced options so that anyone from the beginner to the expert can experience the class to each person's fullest potential.

Any time of the day except right before bedtime is good for this type of yoga, as it is an invigorating experience.

Hot Yoga.

This class uses restorative Hatha Yoga poses, or asanas, that are held fixed in a room that is heated, in order to maximize muscle flexibility, strength enhancement, and muscle repair. Each pose is held in place for up to two minutes.

This class is appropriate for students at all levels. CAUTION: Students with any physical condition that would be of a health concern, or who have a previous lack of physical activity, should seek permission from their medical practitioner before taking this class. Students should bring water, a waterproof mat, a large towel and a couple of smaller ones to this class, or they may purchase these things at the studio.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a meditative discipline — or a system of meditative techniques and movements — within the yogic tradition that focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body's potential for maturation. The practice of Kundalini Yoga consists of a number bodily postures, expressive movements and utterances, characterological cultivations, breathing patterns, and degrees of concentration. The concept of life-energy - pranotthana - is central to the practice and understanding of Kundalini Yoga. It also gives special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system in the understanding of yogic awakening (Sovatsky, 1998). Recently, there has been a growing interest within the medical community to study the physiological effects of meditation, and some of these studies have applied the discipline of Kundalini Yoga to their clinical settings (Lazar et.al, 2000; Cromie, 2002).


Pilates

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With a systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased with regular practice of Pilates exercises. It will be performed on a mat and is a perfect compliment to yoga, cardiovascular exercise, sport, rehab and life!