Class Descriptions

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is not a specific type of yoga, but rather encompasses all of the asana, physical posture, systems. Like all Sanskrit words, “Hatha” has many meanings, including “force” or “effort” as well as “sun/moon” (“ha” – sun + “tha” – moon); that is, the archetypal uniting and resolution of opposites. In the context of modern asana practice, the general term Hatha has come to be used in the specific, describing a more classic approach, a one-pose-at-a-time style class, with focus on alignment, anatomy, body mechanics, and mindfulness.

In our Hatha classes, expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease, a pursuit of effortlessness even as we work out the body’s kinks. Relaxation is paramount as we make a full circuit of the body’s range of motion with standing postures, twists, backbends, forward folds, and hip openers.

Level I – No experience required. Come learn the basics with a mixture of students: beginners and experienced yogis looking to go back to basics – always a good thing to do periodically in this practice. We will practice the most basic asana, learning fundamental techniques and discussing the many benefits of the poses. Regular practice relieves stress, improves mood, and deepens appreciation for all aspects of life by bringing health to the body and peace to the mind.

Level II - A slightly more intense exploration of a classical Hatha practice, developing strength, balance, poise, and flexibility. Many of the same postures as Level I, but a bit more of a challenge. This class is appropriate for experienced Hatha yogis who enjoy a classical practice or for newcomers interested in a bit more physical challenge.

Level III - Dig still deeper into your practice and understanding as we continue to follow the basic Hatha class structure, but stretch out into more challenging territory, including arm balances, hip openers, inversions, and backbends. Previous experience required.

Hatha Flow / Vinyasa Flow

“Vinyasa”, meaning to place your attention in a special way. Vinyasa practice is characterized by fluid movement linked to the breath, and an emphasis on alignment. Our Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Flow classes are designed to cultivate heat in the body with creative sequences involving sun salutations, standing and seated postures, back bending, arm balancing, and a strong focus on the power of breath awareness. While classes reflect the distinctive personality and background of each of our teachers, all follow the principles of transformation and embodiment that define Vinyasa Yoga.

Viniyoga Inspired

Come discover the therapeutic and healing effects of this ancient system of Yoga.  “Vini” literally means “placement” in Sanskrit, but it is understood to mean adaptation or modification.   Different from Classical Hatha Yoga, Viniyoga incorporates conscious breathing as well as specific breathing patterns, some repetition of poses, and “user friendly” variations of classical postures.  Viniyoga is graceful and flowing.  This is excellent for students with some physical limitations or for those who seek a deeply mindful practice.

Yin Yoga

There are two major types of yoga – Yin and Yang. Yang yoga is what we are traditionally used to – heat building poses that take muscular energy to support them. In contrast, a Yin practice consists of cooling poses with the focus being primarily on the joints. It is about stretching the connective tissues in the joints to bring them healing chi energy. We nourish the joints (as well as our muscles and internal organs) in a yin practice by coming into the poses non-aggressively, being still and muscularly soft, and holding the poses for an average of 3 – 5 minutes. These longer holds allow time to surrender to the pose, to observe the body in the pose, and to fully open the meridians which brings healing chi to the joints, muscles and organs.

Yin Yoga is a very gentle practice that allows any practitioner (the beginner as well as the very advanced) to go deeper in poses than they ever imagined they could.

Yoga for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

This gentle Viniyoga-style class is designed specifically with those who suffer from Fibromyalgia, and chronic physical or emotional pain (often a result of  illness or injury).  Johanna uses deep relaxation techniques, guided meditation, and gentle asana practice to bring range of motion to the major muscle groups and joints.  You will leave class feeling relaxed and centered.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga is designed for relaxation. You will experience deep, rhythmic breathing accompanied by simple stretches in a safe and comfortable setting. When the mind quiets down and your body resolves patterns of tension, then harmony and well-being are naturally restored.

"We Deserve This" Yoga

Whether you've spent your day working at a desk, chasing a toddler, or attending classes...you deserve to relax. Whether you've been reading textbooks, story books, or emails...you deserve to stretch out the kinks. It isn't selfish to take time for yourself...it's healthy, necessary, and wonderful! It's the end of the day: take a break from your chores, put aside the books, and let someone else put the kids to bed tonight. Join Anna for this All-Levels class.