Class Descriptions

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Ashtanga:  Ashtanga is an energetic style of Hatha yoga given to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 1900′s by Krishnamacharya, often described as the most influential teacher of the modern era, responsible for spreading Hatha yoga as it is known today.  This method involves synchronization of the breath with a set series of poses that produce internal and external heat, which purifies the body by detoxifying the muscles and organs.  The result of Ashtanga is improved circulation,  a light, strong body, and a calm mind.

Chair Yoga: Have you avoided taking a yoga class because of the difficulty in getting down onto the floor or because of challenges with balance? Chair yoga is a gentle yoga class for seniors, people recovering from injuries, or those with limited mobility. Students will be lead through various seated and standing poses using a chair for support and stability. Instruction will include adaptations of gentle Hatha yoga asana, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. No prior yoga experience or flexibility necessary.

Create Your Life!  with Certified Life & Spiritual Coach, Bryan Jordan
This class is designed to help you discover a new perspective on life, and to give you the tools needed to tap into the energy, joy, and drive you carry inside in order to create the magical existence you deserve. Life is waiting for you. Live it fully.  Bryan is also certified in the following healing practices:  Massage, Chi Nei Tsang, & Reiki; and performs live tranquil concerts with crystal singing bowls.

 Core Stability and Hip Mobility:  This class helps develop or increase awareness and strength in your core while opening and strengthening the hips.  We will use classic Hatha poses combined with more innovative and fluid sequences drawn from a variety of disciplines to build strength increase range of motion and deepen awareness of how to move from out of your core. Results include: greater stability, improved balance, better endurance in other poses and activities, and increased sense of power in your body.
Classical Hatha Yoga:  Hatha yoga describes any physical practice of yoga.  This class will include basic and classic poses, such as trikonasana, and is great for new students and experienced practitioners.  Hatha classes tend to be slower-paced with longer holds, which enables you to feel and learn the alignment of the poses, basic breathing techniques, and philosophy of yoga.

 

Gentle Flow Yoga:  Heal your body through movement and rest. Reduce stress and feel more alive by following your own expansion and contraction. Class includes guidance in Level I & II Hatha Yoga, connecting to your authentic movement, strengthening, and mindful relaxation. Beginners are welcome.

 

Fluid Movement:  Following breath and body sensation we will move, stretch, dance, bend, and twist.  This practice creates healing blood and energy flow, softens tension, and promotes relaxation.  Class will provide guidance in Authentic Movement and be inspired by 5 Rhythms and Continuum.  No experience necessary.  This class is based on studies in Somatic Psychology and Movement Therapies. Kathryn has trained in Psychosynthesis, studied Dance/Art Therapy at Tamalpa Institute, participated in the Continuum Movement Practitioners Training, and has a MA in Counseling Psychology Creative Expression, and a BA in Studio Art.    www.kathrynrone.com

 

Foundations of Flow:  This class is designed for yoga students of all levels. For beginners this class will help to build a solid foundation for a vinyasa style class. For more advanced students this class will draw your attention back to all the little tweaks we need to make in our bodies as we move from pose to pose.

We will explore sun salutations in depth, taking a close look at the body alignment in each pose. We will also move into various poses, again exploring the alignment for each pose and taking a close look at which muscles need to be engaged in order to achieve the pose.

Classes will be tailored to fit the group of students present at each session.

 

Introduction to Yoga:  Perfect for students brand-new to yoga, or for those who would like to learn more about the philosophical and practical foundations of yoga.  We will discuss Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, with an emphasis on pranayama, alignment within asana, and meditation.  Learn how your practice can be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle, and how to use your yoga practice to grow both on and off the mat!

 

Pilates Mat: Taught by an instructor steeped in the lineage of true Pilates, take this class to strengthen your core, flatten your stomach, improve your balance, lengthen your muscles, and move with grace.

 

Power Flow:   Michael’s classes are specific, varied and built around philosophic themes drawn from Vedas and Sutras, Buddhist and Sufi teaching and contemporary poetry. All classes move from asana to asana in a thoughtful, purposeful way.

 

Restorative/Gentle Flow: Great for people new to yoga or experienced students who want to de-stress and improve physical, mental and spiritual wellness. This class will incorporate basic techniques of asana, pranayama, and meditation that is appropriate for the end of the day, starting with some slow flows connecting you with your breath, and ending with gentle and extended restorative poses. May incorporate Yoga Nidra if there is interest.

 

Restorative/Yin Yoga: Yin yoga places the focus on longer holds to stretch the connective tissues of the body.  Restorative yoga uses props such as bolsters and blankets to support the body in yoga poses designed to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.  Come to relieve stress and tension and give back to yourself.  All levels welcome.

 

Tai Chi/Chi Kung: Chi is the Chinese term for energy, which is equivalent to Prana in the Indian tradition and Japanese Ki.   This ancient Chinese martial art is taught as a system of slow, meditative physical exercises designed for relaxation, balance, and health by  unblocking the energy lines of the body and moving stagnant energy.  These classes are designed to cleanse and calm both the body and mind.

 

Viniyoga, Levels I & II: Enjoy the timeless teachings and healing tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya. Viniyoga is for all levels and all body types, though Level I is recommended for beginners or for people with health conditions and Level II for students with some experience. The Viniyoga class will use a small basket of postures (Asanas) as tools. To first bring awareness to the breath, once we have awareness of the breath then we can focus on movement. As we allow the breath to connect our awareness to movement we will focus primarily on the spine and creating Axial extension (lengthening and straightening the muscles of the spine) and from the spine out to our extremities (Legs, arms and head).

Through the Viniyoga approach we will explore and begin to understand your individual body, as we apply various adaptations to the Asanas that apply specifically to your body and intension of your practice. Krishnamacharya believed the Asanas our tools to understand, explore and heal the body. As you set an Intention, keep awareness, focus on the breath and allow the breath to connect awareness to movement. We can start to use the practice to strengthen and heal the body.

During the class we will also share the Yoga Sutras as written by Pantanjali.

 

Vinyasa Yoga: In Sanskrit, vinyasa means “to place with care.”  In vinyasa, or “flow” style classes, focus is placed on connecting yoga poses with each other through the breath.  While alignment is still in focus, more attention is placed on yoga as a moving meditation.  Classes will include asana and pranayama, maybe mantra and meditation.  This class is suitable for all levels, although some yoga experience is encouraged. Experience mandatory for Level +++.

 

Yoga Basics: Yoga Basics is an alignment-based yoga class focusing on the foundations of building a yoga practice.  This class is suitable for all levels, from students brand new to yoga, to advanced practitioners and yoga teachers looking to deepen their connection to their asana practice.

 

Yoga for Pregnancy: Whether you are in your first trimester or last, new to yoga or an experienced student, first pregnancy or third, this class is for you! We will discuss the benefits of yoga during pregnancy; identify which poses are safe and which are not; and strengthen key muscles related to pregnancy and childbirth. You may feel like your body is being taken over by the baby within, so tune in and maintain your sense of self, while fostering the connection between you and your child! Afterwards, learn how to accept the changes that occur with motherhood. It’s important to nurture the mind-body-spirit connection in order to maintain a healthy sense of Self and to be the best parent possible.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the benefits of yoga during pregnancy:

  • Improved sleep
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth
  • Decreased lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches and shortness of breath
  • Decreased risk of preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction — a condition that slows a baby’s growth.

We will cover simple Pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) that will help keep you calm and focused, asana (yoga poses) for strength and flexibility, and methods of relaxation to conserve and restore your energy levels. As we recommend to all of our students, it’s a good idea to discuss any new exercise regimens with your doctor before beginning.

 

 Want to see a specific type of wellness class on our schedule?  Please email us with comments and suggestions:  mindmatevents@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

Private sessions available.  Please email or call (808) 356-9618 for more information.