Our Classes
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures and breath control. It serves as a foundational practice for many other styles of yoga and is known for its slower pace and focus on alignment and balance. Typically, Hatha yoga classes include a sequence of postures designed to stretch and strengthen the body, paired with breath control techniques to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Originating from ancient traditions in India, Hatha yoga is often practiced as a means to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit words "ha," meaning sun, and "tha," meaning moon. Together, they symbolize the balance of opposing forces, emphasizing harmony between strength and softness, activity and passivity within the practice of yoga.
The practice can vary in intensity and can accommodate different skill levels, making it accessible to beginners as well as more experienced yogis. Overall, Hatha yoga aims to cultivate a harmonious relationship between the body, mind, and spirit, encouraging mindfulness and well-being.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and flowing style of yoga that emphasizes synchronization of breath with movement. In a Vinyasa class, postures are linked together in a sequence, creating a continuous flow that transitions smoothly from one pose to another. This practice can vary in intensity and pace, depending on the instructor and the level of the class.
The term "Vinyasa" translates to "to place in a special way," which reflects the careful arrangement of poses and transitions. Each class typically begins with foundational poses, such as downward-facing dog and upward-facing dog, before progressing to complex sequences. The flow is often guided by breath, inhaling during upward movements and exhaling during downward movements.
Vinyasa yoga also has a meditative quality, as the rhythmic nature of the practice encourages mindfulness and concentration. It can enhance flexibility, strength, and balance while providing both mental and physical benefits. The flow can be adapted to suit individual needs and experience level, making Vinyasa accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Overall, Vinyasa yoga is an engaging way to cultivate awareness, vitality, and well-being through movement.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that emphasizes passive stretching and deep relaxation. It focuses on the connective tissues of the body, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia, rather than the muscles.
Poses are typically held for extended periods, ranging from three to five minutes, allowing practitioners to explore their physical limits while promoting greater flexibility and joint mobility. The practice is meditative, encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness as individuals connect with their breath and sensations in their bodies.
Yin yoga is suitable for all levels and is often recommended for those seeking stress relief and a deeper understanding of their physical and mental states.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a therapeutic practice designed to promote relaxation and healing through the use of props and supported poses. This style of yoga includes poses that are held for longer durations, typically around five to fifteen minutes, to encourage the body to release tension and enter a state of deep relaxation. The focus is on calming the nervous system and restoring balance, making it accessible to individuals of all experience levels, including those recovering from injury or dealing with stress.
Poses are often modified with bolsters, blankets, and blocks to ensure comfort and support, allowing practitioners to find a state of ease and tranquility. Restorative yoga fosters an environment for introspection and rejuvenation, aiming to cultivate a sense of peace and well-being.
KidsYoga
Kids yoga is a modified form of yoga that incorporates fun, engaging activities for children, including games, music, and stories, to help them learn and practice yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. It aims to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness in a playful and non-competitive environment.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a modified yoga practice that utilizes a chair for support, making poses more accessible for individuals with limited mobility or balance. It allows individuals to experience the benefits of traditional yoga while seated or with the support of a chair, focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that has been utilized for centuries across various cultures for its mental and spiritual benefits. The benefits of meditation have been backed by scientific research providing a clearer understanding of its impact on the brain and body.
Meditation improves brain function. Studies using neuroimaging have shown that meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain. For instance, regular meditation practice has been associated with increased gray matter density in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in executive functions such as attention, decision-making, and self-regulation. Furthermore, the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and emotional regulation, has also been shown to enlarge with consistent meditation practice.
Meditation influences brain activity as well. It has been found to reduce activity in the default mode network, a collection of brain regions associated with mind-wandering and self-referential thoughts, often linked to feelings of anxiety and depression. By diminishing activity in this network, meditation can foster greater focus on the present moment, enhancing mindfulness and reducing rumination.
Meditation can elicit a relaxation response in the body, leading to physiological changes that promote overall well-being. Research has indicated that meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, decrease heart rate, and improve immune function. These changes contribute to a reduction in symptoms of stress and anxiety, offering both immediate and long-term health benefits.
Moreover, meditation practices, such as mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation, have been linked to improved emotional regulation. These practices encourage a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings, which can enhance compassion towards oneself and others. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated increased activity in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, such as the anterior insula and the anterior cingulate cortex, during these meditative practices.
Meditation can be practiced for various lengths of time and in various ways (standing, belly down, moving, sitting etc.). Regular practice has been associated with numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional well-being, and enhanced concentration. It also serves as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, allowing you to cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and your place in the world. It helps you connect with your higher self.
Springboard Pilates
Springboard Pilates is a form of Pilates that utilizes a springboard apparatus, which provides added resistance and support during workouts. This method integrates traditional Pilates principles with a unique focus on strength, flexibility, and body awareness. The springboard features adjustable springs that offer varying levels of resistance, making it suitable for practitioners of all fitness levels.
In a typical Springboard Pilates session, participants perform a series of exercises that target multiple muscle groups. The use of springs allows for a dynamic range of motion, enabling users to engage their core more effectively. Springboard Pilates emphasizes controlled movements and proper alignment, fostering improved posture and balance.
This method can aid in rehabilitation, enhance athletic performance, and promote overall physical fitness. In addition to strength building, it also emphasizes breathing techniques that can aid in relaxation and mental focus. As such, Springboard Pilates appeals to individuals looking for a comprehensive workout that combines physical conditioning with mindfulness.
Book a Class
We don’t have any classes scheduled at this time. Please check back for upcoming classes once we open on August 1st.