Yoga Class descriptions

Restore & Renew Yoga

The one thing you have complete control of in this world is your breath. There is tremendous power in the breath. Breathing techniques such as pranayama have been used as healing modalities for thousands of years. Fast shallow breathing stimulates the brain causing stress levels and blood pressure to rise, muscle tension and anxiety. Slow deep breathing triggers our parasympathetic nervous system allowing the body to relax and calm, creating mental clarity. 

Just a few minutes of meditation daily have been proven to reduce heart disease by 80% and cancer by 50%! There are many forms of meditation and we will explore guided meditation, silent meditation, journaling meditation and more allowing the brain to focus either on a singular one pointed thought or perhaps tuning out all thoughts and simply breathing. 

In the gentle movement portion of the class we will stretch the neck shoulders and back where we tend to hold so much stress. We will use the aid of bolsters and blocks to relax fully and comfortably. This is a time to release fully and let go of the chaos of the busy world.

*In addition to being a great way to reduce stress in your life, this class is also good for anyone new to yoga, recovering from an injury, suffering from PTSD and for people who are experiencing limited movement in parts of their bodies. 

Rocket Yoga

This class we offer modifications for all level but will build you up for a full Rocket Class. The beginner will be given modifications to work toward arm balances and inversions in a safe way. For example, in preparation for side crow, the beginner would simply practice twisting and opening through the ribcage. Everyone will be doing something different while the instructor leads it in a way to stay organized yet allow individuality. 

Rocket Yoga is a dynamic and fast-paced flow of Ashtanga yoga designed by Larry Shultz. Dani Burlison of the New Bohemian Magazine says; "Rocket yoga promises to get students to fitness nirvana faster." The structure maintains that of Ashtanga Vinyasa, consisting of a warming up (Suryanamaskara A + B), after which we continue in the standing poses, seated poses and ending with the traditional closing series. The Rocket intergrates more challenging arm balances and inversions into daily practice. Another key quality of the Rocket Yoga System is what they call the "Art of Modification". Students are encouraged to make their own interpretation of the traditional asana and can remove or modify binding postures that tend to cause students to get stuck in the traditional series. This allows the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method to be accessible by the general population and even those who may have structural disabilities who would otherwise not be able to practice traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga methods. Rocket has three major components: split series, core strengthening, and arm balances & inversions that even a beginner learns to build into with the modifications mentioned previously.

Larry was traveling with The Grateful Dead leading traditional Ashtanga Yoga. Bobby Weir wanted to "do the cool stuff" so Larry formulated this set sequence that was safe for all levels. Bobb Weir named the Practice The Rocket.  Larry asked why and Bob answered because, "The Rocket gets you there faster". The story is great and the practice is even better, so come give it a try! 

I also offer private, group and corporate yoga classes, yoga workshops and classroom yoga for schools.

Additional YOGA Classes that I offer

 Beginner Ashtanga Yoga

Introduction to Ashtanga: Ashtanga Yoga is a 5,000 year old set sequence, brought to the United States by Sri Pattabi Jois, of postures designed to bring incredible, strength, flexibility and endurance to the body and a sense of stillness to the mind. This strong intro class will teach the fundamentals of ashtanga yoga, sun salutations, ujjayi breath, energy locks and vinyasas to prepare the student for the full primary series of ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga’s intensity can also invoke positive life transformations off the mat, helping you to live fully, with a deep sense of Self, in your daily life. The Ashtanga (“eight limbs”) system is a deeply spiritual practice helping you to connect to your body, mind and spirit! The series begins with sun salutations, then moves into standing and balance poses, then seated poses and finally finishing stretches. Great practice to add in addition to biking, swimming, running, and golf! All you need to do is show up. You do not need to be flexible, or fancy clothing.  Just wear shorts or pants you can move freely in.  You will be barefoot.

Beginner Rocket Yoga

This class we offer modifications for all level but will build you up for a full Rocket Class. The beginner will be given modifications to work toward arm balances and inversions in a safe way. For example, in preparation for side crow, the beginner would simply practice twisting and opening through the ribcage. Everyone will be doing something different while the instructor leads it in a way to stay organized yet allow individuality. 

Healing Yoga for PTSD

More and more people are faced with massive amounts of stress and turmoil in life. When the stress is so severe, or you have experienced a deeply traumatic event, you might develop post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). Symptoms include chronic headaches, tension, chest pain, irritability, sleep problems, changes in sex drive, upset stomach and restlessness among other things. Often PTSD goes undiagnosed. In addition, you may be concerned that self reporting these symptoms as possible PTSD may adversely affect your career.

 If you have suffered any tramatic event, high stress job, or just want to relax in a safe environment where we practice full acceptance and non judgement, this is the perfect class. We will tune into your specific needs and be sensitive to the triggers that release traumatic memories (i.e. sounds, smells, certain types of touch). You will let me know if you want hands on adjustments or if you prefer not to be physically touched. All requests will be respected as I know the healing process is highly individual. 

This will be a gentle class intended to allow you the space you need for the healing process to take place. The awareness created on the mat allows the parasympathetic nervous system to physically slow down through breathing exercises, movement and meditation. These yoga practices are scientifically proven as a way for your body to physically slow down and relax. These techniques also allow you to clear the mind giving you a sense of peace. Finally, through our breath we find control and this is one area in particular where PTSD patients tend to struggle. So learning to control your breath will allow you that sense of being back in the drivers seat. 

There is no need to be flexible. If you are recovering from an injury, I can modify all postures, use a chair and props when needed and will work to provide you with the best experience possible. 

Click on the resources below to learn more about PTSD and healing yoga:

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - National Center for PTSD

• Helping Veterans Ease PTSD Symptoms - ABC 2 News - WMAR (YouTube video)

• Yoga Journal - Healing Life's Traumas With Yoga

Jaba Yoga (Gentle)

Jaba is the Bulgarian word for frog. Frogs are known for intuition and as a symbol of growth.  Jaba Yoga is designed to release your natural intuition and open the gateway to inner growth. We will work predominately the 6th chakra to encourage the intuitive growth by practicing our pranayama ( breath), balancing postures, and forward bends. We will end the practice with both meditation and restorative savasana to quiet the mind and bring us to a deeper consciousness. This is a GREAT class for beginners and anyone with back, hip and knee problems.  It's also great for anyone suffering headache and memory problems. It is very gentle and relaxing.

Vinyasa Flow

Vinyasa flow is a way to flow through postures by linking your breath with your movements. This will create heat in the body allowing more flexibility and burning toxins. Modifications can be made to make this a perfect practice for all levels.

Yoga Fit

1/2 yoga 1/2 fitness. We will warm you up with gentle yoga stretches to prepare you for resistance & cardio training to tone, sculpt and build muscle.  Every exercise can be modified to fit each individual. The last 15 min we will practice more yoga postures to lengthen muscles, relax the body, and cool down gradually. Great class for seniors or anyone needing to maximize your time!

Yoga Fit CORE

This is a yoga fusion class focussing on the core. The core of the body is responsible for our balance and stability. It is essential to keep it strong and engaged. Core strength and flexibility is also very helpful to cross train for other sports. Perfect for all levels. We will work on flexibility, balance and strength through a series of exercises including planks, Dolphins, hand weights, and lots of core challenges.