The Yoga Studio

Sonnie Trotter Photography

Green – Recommended for Beginners and also people wanting to pause, slow down and break things down.   Blue – All Levels (Great for Beginners!)

Red – Some Experience Recommended. Black – Some Vinyasa Experience Necessary

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga:

Ashtanga yoga brings about a vibrantly healthy body and mind. This class is a gateway to understanding the practice. Teachers will focus on foundational primary series postures, breathing and meditation techniques to increase strength and mobility in your body and balance the nervous system. Teachers will adjust the students and provide alignment assistance through verbal cues.

Ashtanga Yoga: For students with some experience with Ashtanga Yoga this class provides a flow through different parts of the Primary Series. The flow will create internal heat ,which will cleanse toxins out of the body and calm the mind. Teachers will adjust the students and provide alignment assistance through verbal cues.

Ashtanga Level 2: Students should be familiar with the Ashtanga Practice. This class will synchronize the breath with the movement. Purifying sweat is to be expected in this class. As much as the Primary series as possible will be covered as well as different techniques and assistance in back bending

Mysore: Mysore is a city in South India where the Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice originated and was taught by the late Pattabhi Jois. In Mysore style students learn the order of postures using a specific movement-breathing technique called vinyasa krama. Through vinyasa, there is continuity via the breath from postures to posture. In the Ashtanga sequence, each posture builds from the previous – and prepares for successive – postures. This class will be focused on helping the student to develop a personal Ashtanga Practice. The teacher will work with students individually, and address specific needs. Benefits include learning to memorize the practice, the power of a silent room, working at your own pace, plenty of physical adjustments and the opportunity to work more intimately with the breath count. All levels welcome!

Yin: The desired effect of this class is to go deeper than the muscle tissue and affect the connective tissue (fascia, ligaments, tendons) in a gentle effective way. The long holds and downtempo of these sessions leads to a very relaxing and meditative yoga class. All levels. Good for Mature bodies. Thanks to Paul Grilley www.paulgrilley.com for his commitment to bringing this style of practice to the world.

Core: A balance between flexibility and strength helps to keep the body supple, steady, and the mind clear and calm.  This class is devised to wake up and fortify the core lines of the body, prevent injury and minimize back pain. We are exploring and sharing work from the “Tensegrity Series” from the teachings of  Gioia Irwin. This series is a back repair series that is designed to bring the body back to it’s original state of bouyancy and alignment. Excellent for re-awakening the innate intelligence of your own body and brilliant cross training for any other physical discipline.

At Ease: A Yoga class devised to exterminate stress and alleviate pain. With the use of props and lengthy holds in postures, a deep sense of calm will be induced. Gentle sequencing will help cultivate circulation and energy. Great for everyone, and for mature and/or injured bodies. Contrary to the implied relaxing effects of this class it is also a highly energizing practice.

Explore: This class is a Vinyasa class. The sequencing will be a creative, intuitive and insightful offering from the teacher. Sequences may be challenging and it is advised to have some experience with the Vinyasa movement and breathing practice. Every class will be framed by the Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice or the Vijnana Yoga practice – the lineages that we follow and practice. New Class Descriptions as of Sept. 7th 2010 These new descriptions are a way of honoring what we are sharing now, as it flows through us from the Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vijnana lineages. We are grateful for the transmission we receive from our teachers Gioia Irwin and Richard Freeman, and for the quiet place within us that speaks.

Lydia and Sarah

Foundation: This class will take the beginner student on a safe and detailed exploration of the foundational asanas (postures) and the breath work that accompanies them (pranayama). An introduction to quieting the mind through movement and stillness. This class is also wonderful for an intermediate or advanced student who enjoys breaking the practice down into bite sized pieces in order to begin to assimilate the endless intricacies that live within.

Level 1: This class will flow with the understanding of vinyasa – linking breath with movement. We will begin to explore inversions more frequently.

Level 2: This class will flow with the understanding of vinyasa – linking breath with movement. We will begin to explore hand balancing poses more frequently.

Self Practice with Teacher Adjustments: Sarah or Lydia will be available during this hour and a half time slot to offer assistance for the self practice that you choose.

Enjoy working at your own pace and customizing your home practice for you, with support.