Classes

Ashtanga (Primary Series)

Ashtanga, which means ‘Eight Limbs’ in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga based on the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a devoted student of Krishnamacharya. Based in the sun salutations and with a set series of poses, the Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one posture into the next  (Vinyasa) using  Ujjayi  breathing (yogic method of inhalation and exhalation to link postures) and drishti (focused gazing points). It is the practice style from which most modern day flow, Vinyasa or power yoga classes are based.  By building a strong internal heat, it promotes detoxification through increased perspiration. Ashtanga often appeals to athletes and those who enjoy high-energy exercise. This fixed sequence gives students an opportunity to master each pose and develop a steady practice from which progress will inevitably come.  All levels welcome, although familiarity with Sun Salutations and chaturanga dandasana is strongly recommended.  Not for absolute beginners. In keeping with the traditions of the Ashtanga practice, water bottles are not permitted in the practice room.

 

Ashtanga Basics

This class is designed to introduce yoga students to the fundamentals of Ashtanga yoga (Primary Series), as based on the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Based on the sun salutations with a set series of flowing postures, this practice prepares students for the very physically demanding vinyasa (linking of breath to movement) ashtanga sequence with a particular focus on chatturanga dandasana (the yogi push-up), Ujjayi breathing (yogic method of inhalation and exhalation) and drishti (focused gazing point). This style of yoga also prepares students for the strong internal heat built up in the faster-paced Ashtanga practice and without the use of props. The introduction to a fixed sequence also gives students an opportunity to build a foundation to master each pose and develop a steady practice. This class is appropriate for beginners seeking a challenging yoga practice. It is not designed for students recovering from injuries, pregnancy or those seeking a more static and gentle practice. In keeping with the traditions of the Ashtanga practice, water bottles are not permitted in the practice room.

 

Beginner’s Vinyasa

The beginner Vinyasa class is designed to introduce new students to the fundamentals of a flowing yoga practice through breath synchronized movement. Including yoga basics, it offers a strong emphasis on learning transitions (high to low yogi push ups known as Chaturanga Dandasana ), while giving more seasoned students the opportunity to rediscover and refine their asana practice with a deeper exploration of proper alignment and Ujjayi breathing.

 

Forrest Yoga (NEW!)

Forrest Yoga is renowned as an intensely physical and internally focused practice that emphasizes how to carry a transformative experience off the mat and into daily life. This style teaches you how to breathe deeply, connect in feeling with your body, use the power of breath to bring aliveness into every cell of your body and ignite your passion for living.  Forrest  teaches you to connect to your core, to be strong and centered. The intense pose sequences are designed to help you develop the skills to awaken each of your senses. The long holds help you progress in the poses and go deeper. Aided by the use of heat, your body is freed from toxins; the deep breathing  oxygenates and rejuvenates every cell in your body. The room is heated between 80-85 degrees.

 

Hatha Yoga

This is a general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. However if a class is described as Hatha style, it is usually a slower paced and gentle practice suited to all levels and emphasizing alignment and longer held poses versus moving quickly. In order to obtain maximum benefits and avoid injury, this practice encourages the use of props such as blocks, straps, yoga blankets to support the body and offer variations for each pose. It provides a good introduction to the basic yoga postures and is suitable for beginners.

 

Integrated Alignment Practice

Discover the ultimate prop with this Wall based yoga practice. Focused on developing a strong sense of alignment, strength and balance, this class incorporates standing postures, balancing series, inversions, back bends, hip openers and restorative postures often using the wall along with other props including blocks, straps and blankets.

 

Jivamukti Yoga

Derived from the Sanskrit word jivanmukti that means “liberation while living,” this style of yoga emerged from one of New York’s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders Sharon Gannon and David Life take inspiration from their asana guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga with an emphasis on music, Sanskrit chanting, readings, mediation, yogic spiritual teachings and yogic breathing practices. The classes are physically intense and focus on the ancient spiritual traditions of yoga  Students can expect hands-on adjustments in postures, as well as application of Jivamukti China Gel before class and of Jivamukti lavender lotion during final resting pose (savasana).  While these are important components of the Jivamukti experience, we always respect the student's desire to not be adjusted or to have the china gel or lotion applied. Please, no water bottles in the practice room.

 

Jivamukti Basics

The Jivamukti Basics class is designed to introduce yoga students to the fundamentals of Jivamukti yoga a challenging vinyasa-style practice as taught by Jivamukti co-founders Sharon Gannon and David Life. Each basics class focuses on a specific aspect of the Jivamukti sequence (sun salutations, standing postures, forward bending and seated postures, back bending and inversions). The teachings also introduce practitioners  to the sanskrit names for yoga postures, yoga philosophy, breathing exercises and  meditation.              Please, no water bottles in the practice room.

 

Lunchtime Yoga
This class offers a well-rounded practice that includes a warm-up, the setting of an elevated intention, Sun Salutations, standing postures, twists, balances, forward bends, back bends and inversions, as well as relaxation and meditation, and is designed to be completed in one hour. It is ideal for those who have limited time to devote to a longer yoga practice. Students have the opportunity to progress by committing to a consistent, steady, regular practice. A comprehensive and transformative class that invigorates and energizes, while at the same time grounding and leading the student inward on an exploration of the deeper spiritual aspects of the self.

 

Meditation

Open to both beginners and experienced practitioners, the Buddha B meditation group provides a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for all levels to learn to calm and purify the mind. Through 10 minutes of guided instruction, practitioners learn how to sit and relax the physical body while maintaining in a state of receptivity and attention. Once students have found a comfortable seat, they are encouraged to find stillness and follow the breath, while systematically  letting go of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. This method serves to awaken to the silent witness within. Silent meditation can last up to 20 minutes.

Power Yoga

A fast paced and vigorous style of vinyasa yoga, sequenced to create a strong internal heat and cleansing sweat. Power Yoga was derived from Ashtanga Yoga without the set sequence and popularized in the 1990's by Western yoga teachers Beryl Bender Birch, Bryan Kest and Baron Baptiste. The emphasis of the class is first and foremost on strength and fluidity. Students taking this class should be very familiar with the Sun Salutations, chatturanga dandasana, standing and seated postures. This class is not suitable for beginners, expectant mothers, and people recovering from injuries or surgeries.

 

Vinyasa All Level Flow
All Level (New to Intermediate Students)
Intermediate Level (Intermediate to Seasoned Practioners)

Vinyasa means a breath-synchronized movement yoga practice based on the performance of a series of postures called Sun Salutations. A Vinyasa or Flow class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching later. The Vinyasa sequence will vary from class to class as well as the level of instruction from open to advanced level II/III sessions. A typical Vinyasa practice will also include standing postures, balance series, back bends, seated postures, inversions, final relaxation and meditation.  Not for absolute beginners.

 

Yin & Yang Yoga

 A class mixing yang active postures and yin restorative postures. Starting with a vinyasa or flow sequence, the class will typically include a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more long-held passive poses (yin yoga) later. A typical Vinyasa practice will also include standing postures, balance series, back bends, seated postures, inversions, final relaxation and meditation. Different from yang postures, yin yoga postures are held for minutes (not breaths), use props (to release muscular effort), and are designed to calm the nervous system while safely stressing the fascia, ligaments and joint tissues.
Suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

 

Restorative Yoga

Inspired by the teachings of BKS Iyengar's restorative yoga, this class includes passive postures held for several minutes to calm the nervous system.  Restorative yoga utilizes props to fully support the body in an experience of profound letting-go, regenerating body and mind.  Suitable for all levels.                                                      

 

Sunrise Yoga

An all level morning yoga practice focusing on awakening the body through dynamic breath synchronized movement including sun salutations, vinyasa sequencing and breathing exercices. Appropriate for all levels, including beginners transitioning from entry level practices to vinyasa classes.