Yoga Class Descriptions
There are many different classes that incorporate yoga techniques, meditation and other kinds of movement. Learn about them below. And then check out our current class schedule to find which ones we're offering now.Better Body and Balance
Better Body and Balance is a little yoga, a little resistance and a lot of core! Boost metabolism and build lean muscle mass as you move to upbeat tracks during this dynamic practice. Combines yoga-like movements and cardio to intensify your workout, while mixing in strength-training moves like squats, lunges and pushups. Better Body and Balance combines conditioning (to build lung capacity) with resistance (to build muscles). Connect deep with your core, strengthen your balance and heighten your overall body awareness.
Hatha
Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all forms of yoga and translates as the yoga that brings union of the pairs of opposites - ‘Ha’ meaning sun and ‘tha’ meaning moon. Students are encouraged to concentrate on the inner experience of the various asanas (poses) so the steadiness of mind and body becomes evident. This practice helps foster a grounded framework for expansive growth and change. Students move into the asanas learning to focus on alignment and breath and then releasing more deeply, while simultaneously energizing subtle channels. Because Hatha moves at a deliberate and mindful pace, it complements a more vigorous practice and can aid in healing from injury. Hatha Yoga is suitable for all levels.
MELT for Yoga
The MELT Method™ is a revolutionary approach to pain-free longevity that helps you stay healthy, youthful, and active for a lifetime. This pro-active self-treatment system is backed by science and acclaimed by thousands of devoted MELTers. New research has revealed the missing link to pain-free living: a balanced nervous system and healthy connective tissue. These two components work together to provide whole-body support, protection, and mind-body communication. Using specialized techniques, a soft body roller and four different small balls, MELT loosens and rehydrates the connective tissue and restores space to compressed joints to help increase comfort and mobility and relieve stress. MELT is suitable for all, especially those who are injured, sedentary, or experience chronic pain. It’s also great for those who want to achieve optimal performance without debilitating physical wear.
Nia
Nia is a sensory based movement and lifestyle practice that leads to whole body wellness. A holistic practice by design, Nia empowers people of all backgrounds and fitness levels by connecting them with the voice of the body: sensation. Classes are danced barefoot to customized music that blends Eastern and Western instrumentation and sound. Nia draws from disciplines of the Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts. Every class offers a unique combination of 52 moves that correspond with the main areas of the body: the base, the core and the upper extremities. Nia is adaptable and therefore appropriate for almost anyone. Beginners and highly fit athletes alike can adapt Nia to meet their needs by choosing from three intensity levels. Each invigorating Nia class offers cardiovascular conditioning in a lively, noncompetitive environment, and most of all you leave feeling vitally energized, yet grounded and ready to mindfully step out into your day.
Pilates
Pilates is an accessible way to improve posture, encourage flexibility, and strengthen muscles and joints. Using controlled, focused movements, this practice stretches the body and increases overall endurance. Rest assured that you don’t have to be a body movement expert to join in on the practice! Beginners are encouraged to participate, as our instructor works with your level of strength and flexibility to ensure that you’re getting the most out of each session. If you happen to be a seasoned athlete, or already have an advanced fitness routine practice, Pilates is a great addition to all workout routines, and can be tailored to your specific needs and fitness level.
Piyo
PiYo is a hybrid, athletic workout, which combines the mind/body practices of yoga and Pilates, as well as the principles of stretch, strength training, conditioning and energetic movement. During a PiYo class, you will find yourself standing in a yoga pose one minute, and down on the floor in a Pilates pose the next! This fun and challenging class incorporates dynamic strengthening sequences (including plank and other core exercises). Burn calories, tone muscles, improve balance – all while getting a great stretch. This class tends to be more cardio intensive, but is adaptable for all levels.
Power Flow
Power Flow is a great class for those who are looking for the workout of a Power Vinyasa class, but do not have the years of experience and practice to feel at home in a Power Vinyasa class. Power Flow is the perfect “in-between” for Vinyasa and Power Vinyasa. This class incorporates elements of Ashtanga Yoga, and encourages practitioners to synchronize breath with movement. Power Flow tends to be more energetic than Slow Flow, in that practitioners will be guided through flowing sequences that inspire more rapid physical activity and the production of internal heat. Generating this heat from within helps with detoxification, cardiovascular and overall fitness.
Power Vinyasa
Power Vinyasa is a vibrant, inspiring practice that leaves you energized. This style of yoga is demanding; incorporating traditional Ashtanga poses along with deep and fluid breathwork. In this flow style of yoga you detoxify your body, improve digestion, stimulate your metabolism, and normalize hormones, which results in more restful sleep. Also referred to as ‘meditation in motion,’ Power Vinyasa clears the mind and eliminates stress and tension that collects in the body. Compared to Vinyasa, this is a more intense form and requires at least 10 prior Vinyasa classes. The studio is heated to between 80 and 90 degrees.
Prenatal Yoga
Addresses the special needs of new moms and moms-to-be. Prenatal yoga encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques can help reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and support you through contractions during labor. Gentle stretching and postures encourage strength, flexibility and balance.
Slow Flow
Slow Flow is meditation in motion. Incorporating elements of Vinyasa and Yin, Slow Flow inspires a unique and beautiful balance between strength and grace. This class guides you mindfully through a flow that encourages the practice of slowing down – moving with more internal awareness and connection. Learn how to “dance” with your breath, with slow, graceful movements, to inspire more strength and understanding in your body – and a deeper relationship with your practice and yourself. The slower nature of this class makes it tremendously therapeutic for both experienced Vinyasa practitioners and beginners to yoga. Slow Flow offers the space to listen to your body, to recognize why we move with breath and to explore why and how sensations arise. Each class focuses on what is needed on that day – with the intention to move deeper within one’s subtle energy body … and to move towards a more balanced self.
Restorative
This class targets the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow down and regulate the entire nervous system. The instructor works with poses that help reduce fatigue, create better range of motion in the joints, and more mobility in the muscle fascia. This class is slower in nature, with many resting poses done on the floor. It is suitable for all levels.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health, balance and unity of mind and body. The essential principles of this include: deep core relaxation, control of movements and breathing, generating internal energy (chi) flow, mindfulness and serenity. Tai Chi improves muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. It improves immunity, relieves pain and improves overall sense of well-being. The pace of this class is such that it appeals to novice and experienced practitioners alike. Each class involves foundation instruction on stepping, weight shifts, and body placement while also involving more advanced applications and techniques. Tai Chi is infinitely adaptable to fit the goals of the individual student. Students who wish for a pulse-pounding workout can practice right alongside students who want light movements as a conduit to inner peace and wellness. Fun and safe class incldues a standing meditation, warming the body, light stretching and a variety of poses.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa Yoga has been described as a ‘state of grace.’ It is a dynamic practice that integrates breath with flowing movement, to increase concentration, muscular strength, and inner grace. Classes are accompanied by music which helps rejuvenate and balance the practice. Our teachers incorporate their personal expertise and creativity making each Vinyasa class a unique experience. This is a non-heated class and is offered for practitioners of all levels.
Yoga Foundations
Yoga Foundations is a fun and safe class for new and seasoned yogis alike to focus on the fundamental aspects their practice – including alignment, proper breathing and balance. Each pose is broken down in detail and special attention is given to refining transitions between postures. This dynamic practice integrates breath with flowing movement to increase concentration, strength and inner calm. The slower pace of this class, as well as the detailed instruction on proper alignment, allows you to delve deeper into each pose – with a heightened awareness of what’s going on in your body, mind and breath. If you’re new to yoga, Yoga Foundations is a great place to start. And if you’re a more advanced student, this class allows you to fine-tune the mechanics of muscular engagement, alignment and breath in each posture.
Yin
Yin consists of relaxed postures that are held for several minutes at a time, resulting in a calming and restorative practice. It emphasizes the health of joints and connective tissues, which are common areas of injury that tend to decrease in mobility over time. Yin is ideal for stress relief, provides an excellent balance with other forms of yoga and exercise, and is effective in preparing practitioners for meditation. Appropriate for beginning and seasoned yogis alike, Yin postures are easily adapted to fit the individual.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy is a systemic approach to self-exploration, self-transformation, and healing. You recognize the asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation techniques from other yoga classes but they are used in a very safe and very targeted way to rebuild body, mind, and spirit. A meditation from motion to stillness, this gentle class takes you through slow flows and luxurious ways to retrain your movement patterns, increase your strength, flexibility, and stamina – while reducing your pain and stress. Yoga Therapy is great for both beginners and experienced practitioners and is adaptable to all skill levels. These classes are taught by licensed Yoga Therapists – who have extensive and comprehensive knowledge of sports medicine and science, combined with the values of yoga. Where a physical therapist looks at a client’s injury and prescribes movements to rehab the injury... and a yoga instructor offers a different set of movements, a yoga therapist is able to offer a unique marriage of these two modalities in a holistic way. Yoga therapy seeks to empower the student to be their own best healer.
Youth Yoga
Through the exploration and practice of yoga poses, relaxation and meditation, children develop physical strength and stamina, greater emotional stability, more body awareness and a positive body image. Through simple and silly asana sequences, play fun and challenging yoga style games, students learn simple partner poses. They also learn skills and techniques for self-calming and stress relief. With the introduction of themes such as gratitude, peace, respect, and acceptance, this class provides a fun-filled way for young yogis to cultivate self-esteem, community and body awareness. The goal is to help develop strong bodies, minds and spirit to take care of the whole child. Parents can partake in the class, if desired – but not necessary. Youth yoga programs are geared toward elementary-school-aged children (ages 5-10), with the intention to help them learn healthy life habits. And it's a great way to help your child unwind after a long school day.