Our Classes
Gentle Hatha
A slow yoga class focused on breath and meditation. This class aims to create space within the body by lengthening the muscles in various postures. “Hatha” is often used to describe any physical yoga practice. In Gentle Hatha, the body is slowly guided through a series of poses. Various meditation and breathing techniques are intertwined throughout the practice. Meditation is an important aspect of yoga, aiding in relaxation and healing. With these techniques, we move to balance the mind, body, and spirit. This style of yoga is wonderful for people of all ages and experience levels.
Vinyasa
A rhythmic flow of movements guided by the breath. Smooth transitions between poses create a seamless evolution through the practice. Vinyasa is derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means “to place,” and the prefix vi, “in a special way”. This practice increases the flow of prana or “life force” energy within the body, cultivating awareness on our mats that transcends into our lives. Vinyasa travels through a string of poses to stretch, strengthen, and create balance. This practice is energizing while also stress relieving.
Power
Full body experience of strength building poses with intermittent restful poses to stretch the muscle. Stretching lengthens muscle tissue and increases flexibility. Limber muscles have a higher capacity to build strength. When joints have full range of motion more muscles are targeted during strengthening practices. An emphasis on breath and increasing blood circulation decreases muscle fatigue and increases strength. This is how Power Yoga restores balance throughout the whole body.
Restorative
Poses are held for several minutes with the intention of fully relaxing the body. The longer a pose is held the deeper the muscles can stretch, creating memory cells for next time the pose is done. Props such as pillows, bolsters, blocks, blankets and straps are used to help yogis get comfortable and fully release into these positions. This practice brings yogis into a deep meditative state. Body scanning, music, mantra, poetry, and breathing techniques are used to create a space of peace throughout this practice.
Prenatal
Yoga is an amazing way to prepare for childbirth. Yoga helps release fear, stress, and tension, which is essential for a peaceful birth. During pregnancy, the body releases an abundance of a hormone called elastin. This hormone is released to help the hips open for childbirth. Due to hyperflexibility and an offset center of gravity, it is important for pregnant women to stay especially mindful during their yoga practice. Some poses are not safe to practice during different stages of pregnancy. It is important to practice with a Yoga Teacher that is experienced in Prenatal Yoga.
Meditation
Meditation is a powerful and sacred tool. This mindfulness practice is done by clearing the mind of outside thoughts and being present. Meditation itself is very simple, but it can be very challenging to do. Body scanning, imagery, mantra, affirmations, mudras, music, and breathing techniques are some tools that can be used to aid in meditation. Meditation can be used for many different purposes including, stress relief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma release, and enlightenment.
Breathing Techniques
Consciously changing the breath for a desired goal. Pranayama is the yogic practice of focusing on breath. In Sanskrit, prana means "vital life force", and yama means to gain control. Breathing is the only body function that is both automatic and voluntary. We breathe all day long without paying much attention, but if we want to we can hold or change the pace of our breath. 4-7-8 breath, alternate nostril breathing, cleansing breath, breath of fire, and lions breath are examples of different breathing techniques.