New to Yoga
Yoga is for Everyone. You don't need to be young and in top physical conditioning to practice Yoga.
The great advantage of Yoga is that it can be practiced by anyone, irrespective of age, sex, and physical condition.
Yoga helps to integrate the mental and physical aspects of our bodies, leading to a sense of inner and outer balance. Unlike other forms of exercise which strain muscles and bones, Yoga gently rejuvenates the body, leaving a sense of calmness, peace and a body and mind free from confusion and distress.
The practice of Yoga helps us to overcome imbalances in the body and mind. Asanas (physical movements) or poses, can cure physical ailments, increase flexibility and help bring balance to the body. Asanas tone the whole body by strengthening the bones and muscles, correcting posture, improving breathing, and increasing energy. Practicing asanas helps to cleanse the body by increasing the circulation of fresh blood which helps to clear the body of diseases and toxins caused from unhealthy habits, poor posture and inactivity. Regular asanas and pranayama (breathing) practice help to restore physiological and psychological disorders, and have a positive impact on the effects of stress and disease. Yoga's many healing qualities benefit people with diabetes, asthma, osteoarthritis and high and low blood pressure.
Yoga also brings emotional stability and clarity of mind. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj which means 'to join' or 'to yoke'. This translates to the union of the individual self with the universal self. The union results in a pure and perfect state of consciousness. The aim is to calm the chaos of conflicting impulses and thoughts. In the Yoga Sutra 11.28, Patanjali writes" The practice of yoga destroys the impurities of the body and mind, after which maturity in intelligence and wisdom radiate from the core of the being to function in unison with body, senses, mind, intelligence, and the consciousness'.
Yoga generates energy and does not dissipate it. With Yoga one can look forward to a satisfying and healthier future. The ancient sages called Yoga a therapeutic as well as preventive science.
Types of Yoga
HATHA |
Traditional asana (postures) are held in accurate alignment. Emphasis is placed on core strength, flexibility, balance, concentration, and breath control. Based on physical postures, deep breathing, mindfulness, and listening to the body. HATHA FLOW | This class will teach the practitioner to build skills into flowing sequences with a focus on combining breath with movement. Students will learn to refine postures and move beyond the limitations of the body and mind. GENTLE HATHA | Incorporates restorative asana into a slow, meditative, calm practice. Perfect for beginners or advanced students to welcome soft openings and mind-body awareness. VINYASA FLOW | Also Bhakti Flow, Radiant Flow and Mellow Flow. A dynamic system of practicing asana, linking breath to movement. Builds heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration. Sequencing is often built around sun salutations. ANUSARA | Anusara classes blend a spiritual context to awaken and celebrate the heart with the Universal Principles of Alignment, which bring the body toward its optimal muscular, skeletal, and energetic blueprint. ASHTANGA | This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures–a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. MYSORE STYLE ASHTANGA YOGA PRACTICE | This teacher-supervised, self-paced class provides the opportunity for students work and learn at an individual pace. Students learn the Ashtanga system one pose at a time. Adjustments and guidance are given by the teacher and assistants. Prior exposure to the Ashtanga Primary series is recommended but not mandatory. RESTORATIVE YOGA | Restoratives are meditative poses in which the body is supported with props and held for extended periods of time. Both soothing and regenerating, restorative poses help bring balance to our demanding daily lives. PRE-NATAL | This gentle class is designed to reduce the aches and pains which accompany pregnancy, in a nurturing and supportive environment. We will focus on special breathing techniques, opening the hips, and preparing the body for birth. IYENGAR | Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Learn proper alignment. Emphasis is placed on core strength, flexibility, and balance as well as breath awareness. Includes vinyasa, restorative, and the use of props. ACROYOGA | This partner yoga and acrobatics fusion includes circle meditation, seated and standing partner asana flows, partner flying series, spotted inversion work, and Thai massage. Level 2/3 requires headstand/handstand practice. JIVAMUKTI | A challenging form of Hatha Yoga taught in a vinyasa style, which incorporates chanting of Sanskrit mantra and weaves spiritual teachings from source texts into the physical instruction of the asana. |