Classes

Please no water (except for pregnancy and/or other medical conditions).  Please no shoes, no baseball caps, no chewing gum and no cell phones in the practice room.  Students more than 5 minutes late will not be admitted into class. If a class is full, grace period admittance will not be possible. Late students will need to wait for end of opening remarks, chanting and/or seated meditation before entering.

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Ashtanga (Mysore Practice)

A Mysore-style class is a specific format for teaching and practicing asana (postures) in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga tradition. It is distinguished from other class formats in that students practice at their own pace while the teacher offers individualized attention in the form of hands-on assists and supportive cues. A student learns a sequence, one pose at a time, one day at a time, with the teacher supervising the quality of the practice. The teacher stops the student at the posture which is most challenging yet manageable for the student. If you do not know what Mysore-Style Ashtanga Yoga is, please go to FAQ'S about Mysore for more information.

Ashtanga (Led 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. For more information about Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, please click here.

Ashtanga Basics (Led Class)

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 chaturanga 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.

Bollywood Dance

Bollywood Dance derives from India, specifically the Indian Film Industry of Mumbai (or Bombay), which is called Bollywood.  This type of dance is becoming very popular throughout the world.  It consists of a fusion of many dance styles including--Indian Folk Dances, Semi-classical and Classical Indian Dances, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Flamenco, Modern, as well Contemporary Dances. Many Bollywood songs have meanings of varied human emotions.  When danced to, the performer uses myriads of facial expressions, body movements and gestures (both hand and body) to reveal the lyrics of the songs.  Bollywood Dance is a lot of fun, full of energy, and a wonderful way to maintain great shape, health and well-being in Mind, Body and Spirit. 

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 Open

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 with co-founders Sharon Gannon and David Life.

Whether you're a beginner, deciphering the difference between vrksasana (tree) and sirshasana (headstand) or an advanced yogi who can put both feet behind their head, the Jivamukti Open class welcomes you, as it is open to practitioners of all levels.

You work at your own pace, following the teacher's verbal as well as hands-on guidance. Asana options will be provided for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

A typical Open class incorporates the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga:

• shastra (scripture)
• bhakti (devotion)
• ahimsa (kindness)
• nada (music)
• dhyana (meditation)

An Open class presents classical yoga teachings as relevant to one’s life on and off the mat, drawn from the Focus of the Month essay, supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands-on assistance, relaxation and meditation. All Open classes include 14 points—asanas, meditation and spiritual teachings—in a sequence creatively designed by the teacher. Exuberant, eclectic music plays an integral role: you might practice to a shifting soundtrack of ragas, global trance, hip-hop, spoken word, George Harrison, Sting, Krishna Das, Donna de Lory, Michael Franti, Bill Laswell, Alice Coltrane and Mozart.

The class is called “Open” because it is open and suitable to all levels of practitioner. Even so, beginning level students should know that there will not be much detailed “how to do” descriptions; for that a student is advised to attend a Basic or Beginner Vinyasa Class. The length of an Open class may differ at different centers, so please check the schedule for the center you are attending.

We always respect the student's desire to not be assisted or not to have the china gel or lavender lotion applied.

Jivamukti Basics

Each Jivamukti Basic class is part of a four-week fundamentals course that explores a different theme each week:

• week one: standing asanas
• week two: forward bending asanas
• week three: backward bending asanas
• week four: inversions, meditation and "putting it all together."

Whereas in the Beginner Vinyasa and Open class vinyasa is emphasized, in the Basic class alignment is the emphasis. Students are taught “how to do” asanas as well as the use of props. The Basic Class provides the underlying structure to help a student be able to eventually enter into an Open class intelligently and safely. Beginners are encouraged to take all four weeks of the Basic course. Intermediate and advanced students will also benefit from exploring the alignment essentials presented in these classes. It is advisable that a student register for the full 4 week program starting with week one, but a student can also drop into any class at any time during the month and can also take as many classes as they want each week. This class is suitable for beginners, but open to all levels of practitioner. The length of a Basic class may differ at different centers, so please check the schedule for the center you are attending.

Review the Basic class curriculum.

Lunchtime Yoga

This class offers a well-rounded practice that includes a warm-up and 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. This is 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 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.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a type of low-impact, weight-bearing, and aerobic -yet relaxing- practice that is referred to as "moving meditation." It can be performed slowly for health, as well as vigorously for martial arts training and self-defense. The sequences consist of movements that emphasize fluid motion, an erect spine, abdominal breathing, and natural range of motion over the center of gravity, with calm focus, and attention to philosophy and aesthetics. Tai chi and Qigong are combined to describe systems that cultivate and balance life energy.

Vinyasa All Level Flow

All Level (New to Intermediate Students)
Intermediate Level (Intermediate to Seasoned Students)

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 more intermediate level  sessions. A typical Vinyasa practice will also include standing postures, balancing 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 (Yang Yoga) for more long-held passive poses (Yin Yoga) later. A typical Vinyasa practice will also include standing postures, balancing 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, including pre-natal.

Sunrise Yoga

An all level flowing vinyasa morning yoga practice focusing on awakening the body through the setting of an elevated intention,  dynamic breath synchronized movement including Sun Salutations, vinyasa sequencing and breathing exercises. Appropriate for all levels, including beginners transitioning from entry level practices to vinyasa classes.