Class Descriptions

 

Chanting

A one hour class which introduces students to Nada Yoga or the Yoga of sound.  Nada Yoga is concerned with the power of sound to transform our consciousness/being.

By exploring sound, both chanting and listening to various types of music we affect the various koshas or ‘sheaths’ of the body, as sound carries a vibration or energy which has a harmonizing effect on the whole being. 

By chanting mantras or the repetition of certain sounds, the mind attempting to meditate is prevented from it’s aimless wandering and is given a focus to aid it’s concentration. Once we can learn to quiet the inner ramblings of the mind we can begin to hear the inner sound beneath, behind and within all sounds. 

Our natural voice expresses who we truly are, and is a reflection of our soul; our unique vibration.  When we sing we are connecting with our innermost being.

  • We will learn to chant
  • Shanti Path (opening and closing prayer)
  • Gayatri Mantra (Universal Mantra)
  • Mahanrityunjaya Mantra (Shiva Mantra)
  • Explore extended sessions of Om chanting and the meaning of Om. 
  •  No prior experience of the Sanskrit language is necessary all pronunciation and basics will be covered.



Kundalini Flow

Kundalini Flow yoga incorporates rhythmic movements of the body and meditation emphasizing the flow of breath and your awareness to it. Individual  kriyasdynamic yoga exercises are practiced with the intention to bring about a specific metabolic change. The practice strengthens the nervous system, cleanses the skin, detoxifies the organs and rejuvenates mind & body. Be prepared to sweat.
Kundalini Yoga will help balance all the chakras and systems of the body. Class will finish with a few deep relaxing floor stretches, and a long
relaxation or yoga nidra(sleep).

 

Hatha Yoga (All levels)

This class includes a combination of traditional yoga postures in both a yin (relaxing) and yang (stimulating) style to promote balance. Emphasis is on breath, alignment, and the movement of prana (energy) to various areas of the body through a gentle and relaxing practice. Relax, refresh and rejuvenate.

 

Intro to Yoga (Beginner Yoga)

Perfect for those with little or no background in yoga. Physical postures (asana), breathing and relaxation techniques (pranayama), and meditation are all taught at a slow and easy to understand pace, in a safe environment. Asana methods are drawn from Ashtanga, Iyengar and Scarvelli. Benefits of the class include, but are not limited to; strength, flexibility, balance and learning to still the mind. Alex recommends bringing a notebook to class.

 

Kids Yoga (ages 6-11)

Introduction into the postures of yoga through yogic games, creative movement and play as well as various art modalities. Children learn to move and stretch their bodies in a easy and natural way which:

Improves and promotes good posture and body awareness, promotes relaxation, creativity and imagination, increases flexibility, strength and balance, builds self-confidence and self-esteem, develops concentration, focus and self discipline.

Yoga is a wonderful asset to any sport and provides a healthy way for children to alleviate physical and emotional tension from their bodies and minds, as well as attuning them to their true potential.

No prior experience of yoga is necessary.

 

Mommy/Daddy & Me (2-5 Years)

Introduce yoga to your little one. Learn fun and playful postures during this one hour class. Both mommies and daddies are welcome.

 

Peaceful Warrior 30 Day Yoga Challenge

A 30 day yoga challenge incorporating hatha, vinyasa flow, restorative and yoga nidra each week, giving the participants a balanced and challenging experience. Suitable for any body whether your goal is increased fitness and flexibility, peace of mind or self awareness, this 30 day challenge will develop discipline, focus and create an opportunity for goal attainment. An added benefit is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are seeking balance of body, mind and spirit.

Warrior Rules:
Complete 30 consecutive days (630-745am) and receive next 30 days free. Participants can miss 2 classes but must make-up the classes prior to end date or show proof of attendance at another yoga studio. All current pass cards will be frozen during the challenge. A private viewing of the movie "The Peaceful Warrior" will be shown prior to start date, where participants will set their intentions for the month. Valid for downtown studio only. Limited registration.
No drop-ins for this class!

 

Pilates (All levels)

Joseph Pilates' precise movements are designed to stretch and strengthen without adding bulk. Pilates is designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body. Deep postural muscles are targeted within the body through a series of exercises aimed at building muscle strength and re balancing the body. Excellent for improving posture, strength and flexibility and aligning the body correctly, pilates also teaches coordination, concentration and control of the body. This method of exercise works for everyone regardless of age or condition. Pilates has been popular among professional performers and athletes for over 80 years.

 

Post Natal Pilates - Mom & Baby (Up to Crawling Age)

This class focuses on the form and function necessary to align your body properly for maximum comfort and stamina when managing your little one. Pilates helps to re strengthen abdominal muscles , increase circulation and redevelop muscle strength and flexibility after pregnancy. Natalie will help you develop a flatter stomach and better posture while carrying your baby. Find your center, relax and connect with your baby. Special attention is given to realignment of your body with emphasis on your tense shoulders and aching back. During this class, you will have the option of including your baby in the movements by holding him/her or having your baby stay close to you on your blanket. Babies should be 6 weeks to crawling age. No previous experience needed.

 

Post Natal Yoga (All levels)

Post natal is a mommy and baby class for babies up to crawling age. It is an interactive class in which the baby practices yoga through limb manipulation. Baby massage is also incorporated into the class...a bonding time for mom and baby. Please inquire if interested in a mommy and me class for older ones.

 

Pre-Natal (All levels)

The Pre-Natal Yoga Sessions are designed with the health and comfort of both you and your baby in mind. The poses will help to reduce pain in the lower back, hips and legs in addition to helping you maintain good posture throughout your pregnancy. These gentle stretches will also help you prepare for the birth by toning the pelvic floor, allowing for a more controlled delivery with fewer complications and enhanced post-natal healing.

 

Restorative Yoga (All levels)

This nurturing class is about gently opening the body and achieving deep relaxation. Blankets, blocks, walls, straps and props are used to support the body in poses for several minutes at a time. The result is a soothing practice that leaves you feeling nourished and restored. A great complement to a regular yoga practice, or for times when you feel tired, stressed or weak. Also great for seniors.

 

Satyananda Yoga Nidra (All levels)

Satyananda Yoga Nidra was devised by Swami Satyananda Saraswati from traditional Tantric practices and has had a major impact on the world of yoga. Satyananda Yoga Nidra is a pratyahara technique in which the distractions of the mind are contained and the mind is allowed to relax. This practice has had a profound transformative effect on practitioners.

People feel that they are relaxing when they collapse in an easychair with a cup of tea or coffee, have a drink or a cigarette, read a newspaper or watch television but this, in fact, is merely sensory diversion. Twentieth century research into sleep has proven that even entering into this traditional haven will rarely banish stress. True relaxation is an experience far beyond all this. For absolute relaxation, one must remain aware. This is Satyananda Yoga Nidra: the state of dynamic sleep.

Satyananda Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. During the practice, one appears to be asleep, but the consciousness is functioning at a deeper level of awareness. Full details are set out in the book "Yoga Nidra" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

 

Shake Your Asana

Groove to the beats as you flow with your breath through this power practice fusing the synergy of music with body, mind and soul. If you like vinyasa flow or power yoga and music, you will love this class. A new teacher each week!

 

Sunrise Yoga

In this class, we will take a journey inward. Asana (physical posture) and prananyama (breath control) are used to create openings in the body. Meditation techniques are taught at the beginning of each class. Strength, flexibility, and balance are benefits. Asana methods are drawn from Iyengar, Scarvelli, and Ashtanga. What a beautiful way to begin your day! All experience levels welcome. *Note: You will benefit from experiencing classes with various teaching styles from the Lotus Soul family.

Strength and Flow

Vinyasa Flow yoga with a twist. A more playful class and series led to the beats and rhythms of popular music. Verbal instruction and audible cues will normally be lessened so as to allow the practitioner to enjoy the tunes. Prior experience with Vinyasa classes would be of benefit but not mandatory. Students are invited to bring music that they would think fitting a yoga class. Come move to the music and shake your asana.

 

Teen Yoga (ages 12-18)

Introduction to the basics of Raja Yoga (the 8 limbed path).  Teens will learn asana (physical postures of yoga) including sun salutations, standing balancing postures, and seated floor postures along with pranayama techniques (breathing practices) to balance the body.

Discussion of the other limbs of yoga will include ‘ethics’ or right conduct, introduction into meditation and other aspects of yoga. We will also incorporate a final shavasana which is a 10 minute guided relaxation experience at the end of each class, where students are encouraged to develop their own positive affirmations or ‘Sankalp’.

Benefits of yoga for Teens include: Increased self confidence, balance, flexibility, concentration, awareness, stress relieving techniques and much more. No prior yoga experience is necessary.

 

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (All levels)

Sometimes referred to as "Power Yoga", this practice is fun, energizing and stimulating. The dynamic yoga postures are systematically linked with breath and fluid movements. Modifications are given to beginners and more intense postures are encouraged for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Be prepared to sweat.

 

Yoga Boot Camp (All Levels)

Yoga Fit Boot Camps are 10 Day functional fitness programs integrating yoga with strength & conditioning training designed to fit your schedule, Monday through Friday from 630-745 am.

The Yoga component incorporates a combination of yoga postures for balance, flexibility, suppleness, core strength, muscular strength, coordination, concentration and cardiovascular endurance.

The Strength & Conditioning training improves core and muscular strength, power, and cardiovascular endurance. It involves resistant training using props and fitness bands.

Yoga Fit is for anybody and every body. All levels welcome.

WHY a bootcamp?
  • A full energizing 2 weeks of hands on training and education with a certified Fitness Trainer/Yoga Instructor
  • Designed to get you fully operational for a fit, healthy and enjoyable lifestyle
  • Resistance bands for camp required but not provided by studio.

Yoga for Runners (All levels)

In this 6 week series of 60 minute classes, participants are led through yoga postures designed to strengthen and stretch key areas for runners including: hamstrings, hips, core strength and breathing. Additionally, if participants have specific injuries or areas of concern, those are worked on in this class. The pain that runners experience is often not from running itself but from the imbalances that running can create within the body. Bring your body back into balance with yoga so that you can continue to run long and hard for years to come. This class is suitable for runners and endurance athletes with or without yoga experience.

 
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