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. 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 3 to 5 minutes, allowing you to explore your physical limits while promoting greater flexibility and joint mobility. This practice is meditative, encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness as you connect with your breath and sensations in your body.
Yin yoga is suitable for all levels and is often recommended for those seeking nervous system control, stress relief and a deeper understanding of their physical and mental states.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a therapeutic practice that promotes relaxation and healing using props and supportive poses. Developed in 20th century India by B.K.S. Iyengar and his daughter, Geeta, this style involves holding poses for longer periods, usually 5 to 15 minutes, to help the body release tension and relax deeply. It focuses on calming the nervous system and restoring balance.
During relaxation, we may experience a range of feelings that surface, allowing us to confront emotional or physical stress. This practice helps us tolerate emotional discomfort while moving towards calmness, offering both internal and external benefits. Expect a mental struggle before finding peace and holding ourselves in a pose long enough allows for this process and transformation to take place.
This style of yoga was developed to help people with injuries, acute illnesses, and chronic disease. It is suitable for all experience levels especially those recovering from injuries or dealing with stress.
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.
Sound Healing
Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that utilizes sound vibrations to promote emotional and physical well-being. This modality often incorporates various instruments, such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and voice, to create resonant frequencies that can resonate within the body.
The underlying principle of sound healing is that everything has a vibrational frequency, including our bodies. When these frequencies become imbalanced due to stress, illness, or emotional turmoil, sound can help restore harmony. The vibrations produced during sound healing sessions can penetrate tissues, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and facilitating healing.
Participants typically lie down or sit comfortably while the sound practitioner plays instruments or uses their voice. During the session, individuals may experience a range of sensations, from deep relaxation to heightened awareness. Many people report a sense of peace, clarity, and an overall improvement in mood and emotional state following a sound healing session.
Sound healing is often used alongside other alternative therapies, making it a versatile addition to holistic wellness practices. It is important to note that while many find it beneficial, sound healing should not replace conventional medical treatment when needed.
Kids Yoga
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.
Family Yoga
Family yoga is for parents and children to practice together. It combines traditional yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness activities in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way for all family members.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is a low-impact exercise method focused on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing posture through controlled, precise movements performed on a mat.
Using bodyweight resistance and guided breath work, it targets the deep abdominal muscles, back, hips, and glutes—collectively known as the "powerhouse." Ideal for all fitness levels, Mat Pilates promotes balance, stability, and overall body awareness, making it an effective and accessible workout for strength, rehabilitation, or general wellness.
At Studio by Live Better we believe Pilates is about progress, not perfection. We celebrate small wins, personal growth, and the joy of moving—not rigid ideals. We Value inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for all bodies. Our teachers teach with curiosity, patience, and encouragement and believe in meeting students where they are on their journey.
Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold® is a modified, lower-intensity version of the original Zumba dance‑fitness program, specifically designed for active older adults, beginners, those returning to fitness after illness or injury, or anyone who prefers a gentler workout pace.