Class Descriptions
ANUSARA YOGA PROGRAM
We offer a wide range of Anusara Yoga classes to accomodate students at every level from very new beginners to advanced students. We suggest that students progress through these levels at their own pace and move on to the next level when they feel ready for a new challenge. These class descriptions will give you a general idea of what to expect at each level, but instructors do tailor the classses to match the level of the students in the class.
New Beginner
This class provides students with a thorough introduction to basic yoga postures, the use of breath, and to the philosophical and alignment principles of Anusara Yoga, focusing on one of the five Universal Principles of Alignment each week. We recommend that students new to yoga or to Anusara take at least five of these classes before progressing to Gentle Yoga or Beginner 1. Students are also invited to stay at the New Beginner level for much longer to establish a very strong foundation before progressing to other levels. This class was formerly taught as a "series", but you may now attend these classes anytime without pre-registration.
Gentle Yoga
This class includes gentle stretches, breathing, relaxation, and simple movements to increase range of motion of the major joints. Gentle Yoga is appropriate for seniors or for students who simply prefer to move at a slower pace. Individualized instruction and modifications are given to accommodate students with chronic symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, stiffness, weakness, or fatigue.
Beginner (with Meditation)
This is a Beginner class with 10-15 minutes of seated meditation at the end. Students receive sound, real-world guidance to make meditation a do-able practice.
Beginner
This class focuses on standing poses, basic hip openers and backbends to strengthen and stretch the legs, back, and shoulders and may include box pose to build upper body strength and awareness. Beginner (with Meditation) incorporates 10 - 15 minutes of seated meditation at the end with sound, real-world guidance to make meditation a do-able practice.
Intermediate
In addition to refining the standing poses and basic seated poses, this class focuses on strengthening and opening the arms and shoulders for inversions (including handstand, headstand, forearm balance and shoulderstand), basic arm balances and backbends (including wheel pose). It is recommended that Intermediate students be familiar with the Anusara Yoga principles of alignment and be ready to move beyond the Beginner 2 level.
Intermediate Flow
This is a vigorous Vinyasa-style yoga class, in which breath and movement are connected as students flow through the poses. It incorporates Anusara alignment while keeping the tempo of the class challenging. Less time is devoted to demonstration and instruction of poses, so Intermediate Flow students should be comfortable practicing at the Intermediate level or above.
Advanced
This class introduces more challenging standing poses, back bends and seated poses and includes the regular practice of arm balances and inversions. Advanced students should be able to kick up unassisted to handstand at the wall and push up unassisted into wheel pose. A regular yoga practice outside of class is strongly encouraged.
OTHER OFFERINGS
In addition to our comprehensive Anusara Yoga program, we offer a variety of other specialty classes.
Beginner / Restorative Yoga
A Beginner level practice is followed by a final 1/2 hour of restorative yoga in which students use blankets, bolsters and other props in supported postures that are held for several minutes to allow the body and mind to relax deeply.
TriYoga - Trinity Practice
TriYoga is a kundalini-inspired yoga system founded by Kali Ray. The Trinity Practice has a threefold emphasis on posture, rhythmic breathing techniques and meditation. Please note that TriYoga is not a part of the Anusara system, though a working knowledge of Anusara alignment principles would compliment this lovely flowing practice.
Tai Chi and Qigong for Health
Fluid, graceful, circular movements make up this gorgeous practice to allow qi (chi) to flow unimpeded. This is a great practice for arthritis which strengthens and mobilizes the joints in a gentle way. No prior experience is necessary and you may join the class at any time.
Yoga for Pregnancy
In this class, mothers-to-be in any stage of pregnancy learn yoga postures and relaxation techniques to alleviate the common discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. New mothers are also encouraged to return to this class as a great way to transition back into a regular yoga practice after childbirth. This is a very gentle yoga class, and no prior yoga experience is needed.
Mommy and Me Yoga
For moms (or dads) and their little ones. Mom or dad actually gets a chance to do some yoga! Babies and young children are welcome to come as a small portion of the class will be interactive with dancing, singing and stretching for the babies and parents together.
Happy Hips, Twists and Forward Folds
This mixed level class is offered to help you release tension with hip openers and twists and will encourage you to dive into forward folds to settle the mind, calm the body, and free your spirit.