Class Descriptions

Anusara Yoga - Levels 1,2

Founded by John Friend in 1997 the practice of Anusara Yoga is an elegant, concise set of alignment principles called the “Universal Principles of Alignment™” which is applied to each asana. A central idea within the Universal Principles of Alignment is the 3 A’s: Attitude, Alignment, and Action. This refers to a foundational concept within Anusara yoga in which every pose is infused with a meaningful intention connected to the grand purposes of yoga, awareness of specific postural alignment, and balanced action between stability and freedom. The specific principles include Muscular Energy and Organic Energy, which are the two complementary forces that provide each pose with a balanced action. Movements and actions within every pose are coordinated with the breath. Although there are no set postural routines in Anusara yoga, classes are designed using principles of sequencing. One of the principles includes progressively sequencing poses to help students of all levels advance in their practice.

Easy Flow - Levels 1,2

An easier vinyasa flow to our all levels class. Still a vigorous workout with a more simplified flow. Easy flow will concentrate more on the alignment of the asanas (postures) while working with precise placement of the body through the transitions of the flow.  This class is for you if you are brand new to yoga or vinyasa flow. If you are an experienced yogi this class can deepen your postures while creating more endurance within the poses through slower transitions

Hatha Yoga - All Levels

The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit terms “ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon. Yoga means to yoke, or to join two things together, hence hatha yoga is meant to join together opposites, sun (masculine, active) energy with the moon (feminine, receptive) energy, thus producing balance and greater power in an individual.

Our Hatha classes are more of a slow-paced stretching/toning practice with the use of asansas (postures). A delicate flow of movement links the postures together using simple breath work. The body in encourage to open up deeper while challenging the mind to stay in the poses longer. Gentle easy flow Sun A’s may be used to assist in awakening the body to help warm the muscles to allow the deepening of poses. Hatha Yoga also may include postures for balancing and inversions. This class is perfect for those of us who like to challenge ourselves to deep stretching accompanied by some toning without the intensity of a vinyasa flow class and still experience balancing, inversions, back bends and most of all savasana!

Mindfulness Meditation - All Levels

Zen Master, poet, and international peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, author of The Art of Mindful Living, The Miracle of Mindfulness, and dozens of other books, teaches that our appointment with life is in the present moment, and the place of our appointment in right here, in this very place.  Mindfulness meditation has been developed over millennia as a disciplined practice of unifying our body and mind in full awareness of the present moment. Our classes will focus on the practice of mindfulness rather than on theory, academic analysis, or talking about meditation.  Like yoga, these are practices to be done, not concepts about which to read. In so doing we train the mind to be fully awake, we train both body and mind to be calm, to stop, to be able to concentrate and focus on life in the here and the now. The experience of stress is transformed, our sense of happiness and well-being is cultivated and enhanced, and our ability to live life more fully is enriched. Participants will not be expected to accept a new belief system nor to leave their own religious or spiritual traditions at the door. Rather, we will share a set of tools and practices that have practical application in our daily lives but do not require us to believe or join anything. As author Jon Kabat-Zinn says with regard to his acclaimed mindfulness work at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, “Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist practice which has profound relevance for our present-day lives. This relevance has nothing to do with Buddhism per se or becoming a Buddhist, but it has everything to do with waking up and living in harmony with oneself and the world.” Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. Hyperion Press, 1994, p.3.

Our weekly one-hour sessions will include sitting and walking meditation, coaching and guidance, and questions/answers. No previous meditation experience is required. If you have a meditation cushion or something that can be used as such, please bring it with you.

Kundalini Yoga - All Levels

Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness.  It includes all elements of the ancient teachings of yoga: Mantra (sounds), Pranayam (breathing techniques), Asana (postures), Mudra (hand positions), and Meditation.  These aspects are combines into series of exercises called Kyrias.Kundalini Yoga not only develops more flexible and toned muscles but also strengthens the nervous, glandular, and immune systems.  It increases mental energy and gives you a deep inner calm, strength, and grace.  This ancient system draws upon a vast body of teachings brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan.

Pre-Natal Yoga

The classes provide an opportunity to develop greater vitality and awareness of your body that is now home or two, as well as to deepen your relationship with your baby. Gentle postures, breath work, visualization, vocal 
toning, and meditation cultivate flexibility, calmness 
and confidence in preparation for labor and childbirth. 
This not only makes your pregnancy more enjoyable 
right now, but can ease the birthing process itself, 
reducing pain and possibly enhancing the joy of giving 
birth. Pre-Natal Yoga is also a wonderful way to cultivate community. Being in the presence of other pregnant women almost immediately builds a connection.

Restorative Movement - All Levels

What a great way to end the week and be ready to begin another! Did you know you could possibly find restorative postures in the desert menu if you were out to dinner?

These soothing and well-supported poses offer us the opportunity to linger quietly for a few moments and savor the simple sweetness of life. These postures are usually deeply supported by blankets, blocks, or other props and are held for several minutes at a time. Although they look peaceful, restoratives can be challenging for beginners. Just because the body rests quietly doesn’t mean the mind will settle into stillness too. Be patient, and be prepared for days when every inch of you rebels. This class is also excellent for all you athletes out there who need a bit of recovery after a long hard week or weekend of training!

Vinyasa Flow - All Levels

A series of asanas (postures) that work seemlessly together with breath to build heat within the body while creating endurance, strength and power.  Each posture has multiple alternatives that allow you to choose the most appropriate pose for your body that day, so the practice can be as hard or as easy as you’d like it.  This class is an all levels class, and we do welcome beginners!!!

Vinyasa Flow Intermediate - Levels 2,3

This class is suited for those who might be ready for more challenges.  The flow is faster while the sequencing more complex.  The poses will be similar to those in the above classes with more options to intensities.  We focus less on alignment and more on improving strength, endurance, balance and coordination.  Of course we may throw in a few of those fancy poses for you to experiment with, so no worries if you thought you would never have a chance to become a pretzel.   Remember, this is NOT an advanced class and there is always child’s pose….. so come try it out!