Class Descriptions

Vinyasa Flow

The content and emphasis of these classes will vary using vinyasa/flow style as a framework, linking movement with breath. Classes are open to all levels although some beginner classes are recommended before starting mixed level classes.

Beginners Vinyasa

Introduction to the fundamentals of posture practice, breathwork, and vinyasa. Focus will be on developing a strong foundation on which to build a practice.

Dynamic Vinyasa

While this is a mixed level class and can certainly be worked at your own pace, the Dynamic Vinyasa flow tends to be vigorous. Sun salutations, Mandala Namaskars and other vinyasa generally incorporate additional choreography and are typically set to eastern inspired grooves. High energy core work is a routine component of class, and is accompanied by pop, techno and electronica music. The intention is to mix a challenging, warming vinyasa practice with loud joyful music, so that students can work harder and stretched deeper while having a light-hearted, fun time.

Level 2 Vinyasa

This is a rigorous vinyasa class incorporating creative sequencing with more advanced postures.  For Int/adv students looking for an physical and mental endurance edge.  Please no beginners!

Mellow Yoga

A gentle yoga class for those that want a much slower pace and less vinyasa. This class will incorporate more mat work and fewer standing postures than a mixed level class. A basic knowledge of yoga postures is recommended, as this is not intended to be a beginners’s class.

Yin Yoga

Most styles practiced today emphasize muscular contraction and are considered yang.  By contrast Yin Yoga targets connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments in the legs, hips, spine and shoulders.  yin postures are practiced on the floor and are held in a relaxed non-muscular way for 4 to 6 minutes.  The goals of yin yoga are to lengthen and strengthen connective tissue to promote skeletal health by stimulating the production of sinovial fluid in the joints and to use the breath to quiet the anxious mind.  Suitable for those students interested in the principles of yogic stretch and injury prevention as well as those interested in yoga for stress reduction and as meditation.

East/West Flow

A posture oriented class that uses a simple side to side flow instead of sun salutations to generate the type of muscular activity expected in a vinyasa class.  Suitable for those who enjoy moderate to intense physical activity.

Yin with Yang

Passive non-muscular Yin postures to help lengthen and strengthen connective tissue are paired with active Yang movements to complete this early morning class.  The Yang movements can come from any number of disciplines – traditional yoga postures with a vinyasa flow, simple chi lel gigong energy pulls, or taoist yoga flows like warrior advances and retreats, dragon lifts it’s tail, and the golden seed.  Suitable for all levels.

Ashtanga

The first series of Ashtanga Yoga as taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. A dynamic sequence of postures and breathing that works to systematically throughout the body to build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. There will be modifications offered. Some mastery of yoga is required.

Restorative Yoga

A gentle class that promotes healing and relaxation through meditation, breathing techniques and a nurturing sequence of opening and strengthening postures which honor and restore areas of physical challenge or compromised function.Classic yoga stretches and postures are modified to be less strenuous.No prior yoga experience required.

Slow Flow

This class is open to any student wishing to take their practice deeper. Often lunar in nature, this downtempo class will focus on the transitory spaces between hip-opening and heart-opening postures, linking them with Chandra Namaskar vinyasa, otherwise known as Surya Namaskar C. The flow is meticulously decelerated so that a deeper technical understanding of the postures can be explored and greater attention can be paid to the psychosomatic experience therein.

Maha Shakti

In these classes, you will experience a full well rounded yoga experience taught in the classical lineage of Yoga master Dharma Mittra.  Classes include instruction in proper breathing to maximize the benefits of the yoga practice, concentration techniques to bring about a calm and centered state of mind, a dynamic flow of postures designed to heat the body and warm the spine, deeper work with stationary poses including backbends, inversions and preparation for inversions, balancing poses, twists and forward folds.  Classes will always conclude with a full body deep relaxation experience.  Students will come out of class feeling not only energized, but with a growing understanding of where this energy comes from in the body and mind, and how to cultivate it off the mat.  This practice is open to all levels, and students are encouraged to discover their own variations within the framework of the flow as a practice of deeper self discovery.

Maha Shakti Gentle

This class contains all of the same elements of the classic Maha Shakti class, but moving at a much slower pace.  Designed for those who are either recovering from an injury, completely new to yoga, or just honoring the body’s request for a softer, more gentle practice, this class will include a warm up of simple sun salutations, but will then spend more time exploring stationary poses, floor time, and simple stretching that can be worked at either restoratively or at a deeper level depending on each student’s needs and abilities.  Students are encouraged to explore their own variations within the framework of the class.  Every class will conclude with a full body deep relaxation, instruction and practice of calming healing breathing techniques, and a short guided meditation/relaxation from an upright seated position or lying down on the mat.  Students will walk away from class feeling relaxed, refreshed, and peaceful.

Sunday Sadhana

This class is similar in feel to a vinyasa flow class, however greater tie is spent cultivating the group dynamic through seated meditation, breath work and moving as one unified sangha (community).  Various breathing and cleansing techniques (kriyas) are also expolored.  Mixed level asana, core work and lengthy shavasana round out this longer, fuller and more complete body, mind, spirit experience.

Core Yoga Fusion

This is a high-powered, 45-minute class to develop a greater awareness of the body’s center – the core.  We will blend conventional exercises with the deep core work found in yoga poses.  This class will focus on peeling back the layers of the core to access deeper muscles and create a powerful, stable foundation for a safe vinyasa practice.

Gentle Yoga

This a very slow class geared to beginners and those wanting a less rigorous experience.  Attention will be paid to form and alignment as well as cultivating compassionate mindfulness to each student’s physical and emotional needs.

Led Meditation

This class will be semi-guided, with intermittent instruction to help with general cadence of practice and antidotes to common obstacles. There will be time for Q & A after the seated meditation.

Asana Clinic

This is a workshop oriented class focusing on form and alignment. Each week we will focus on different postures and techniques in order to demystify the physical practice while gaining entry to the deeper practice of inner transformation. Clinic is open to all levels and is especially constructive for beginners wishing to hone their technical skills. This is a non-vinyasa class, but do expect to stay warm and challenged and by all means bring your questions and requests.