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Class Descriptions

Before Coming to Class
Wear clothing you can move easily in - shorts, footless tights or leggings are best. Baggy pants that obscure leg alignment are not preferred. Bare feet are essential. There are changing rooms in the studio. It's best not to eat a meal any closer than three hours before class (a light snack two hours ahead is OK). If you have any physical or medical condition, please consult your physician before starting any new exercise program and also inform your instructor at the first class. It's important to be on time for class. Teachers begin each class with a warm-up, both physical and informational, which prepares you for what follows.

Beginner's Yoga 1
Introduces new and continuing students to the fundamental principles of alignment and breath in the basic standing poses. Emphasis will be on opening and strengthening the shoulders, back and legs.

Yoga 1 Plus
For the student who has completed Yoga 1 or has prior Yoga experience, but prefers the pace of a Yoga 1 class. This class will explore, in greater depth, the standing poses and alignment principles. It’s more than Yoga 1 and less than Yoga 1-2.

Yoga 1-2
For continuing students who have completed Yoga 1 or who have prior Yoga experience. Emphasis will be on refining the basic standing poses while building endurance and strength and introducing Yoga 2 poses and variations.

Yoga 1-2 Plus : NEW
For students who have completed Yoga I-2. This class will emphasize building endurance and introducing Yoga 2 poses. Preparations for inverted poses (headstand, plow, and shoulderstand) will be introduced. It's more than Yoga 1-2 and less than Yoga 2.

Yoga 2
For students who have completed Yoga 1-2 or have prior Yoga experience. Emphasis on refining Yoga 2 pose and variations and introducing revolved and seated poses. Preparations for inversions and inversions may be presented.

Yoga 2-3
For intermediate students who have complete Yoga 2 and would like more detail and instruction in revolved standing poses and preps for handstand, forearm balance and backbends.

Yoga 3: NEW
For intermediate/advanced students who have completed Yoga 2-3. Classes build stamina with challenging, playful and creative sequences. Emphasis on inversions and variations, backbends and arm balances. A regular practice outside class is strongly encouraged.

Yoga 1 - 2 and Meditation
Connect the body, mind and spirit in this class that will explore how Yoga can prepare our bodies and minds for meditation using a flowing yoga practice and a variety of meditation techniques.

Mixed Level Yoga
Class is geared to the level of student present. Variations are added to standing poses and increasing and varying levels of challenge are offered. Not appropriate for the very new student.

Yoga Openings
A class developed specifically to promote deep opening in the body. The intensive use of props aids in slowly opening up tight places. (It is not unusual to spend the entire class lying down!) Recommended for students who have completed Level 1 and above.

Foundation of Meditation
Provides the knowledge and skills to enable students to establish an authentic and sustainable meditation practice capable not only of producing the well-known benefits of meditation but also of transforming your life.

Pranayama & Meditation
Breath is the key to health and wellness, a function we can learn to regulate and develop in order to improve our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing." - Andrew Weil, MD The overriding aim of this class is increased wellbeing and vitality. You will learn the mechanics of proper breathing, several specific techniques for increasing energy and relieving stress, as well as observing breath as a simple and direct introduction to meditation.

Ashtanga I
Introduction to First Series of postures as taught by Pattabhi Jois. A vigorous flow of sun salutations, standing and seated postures emphasizing forward bends, hip and shoulder openers and upper body strengthening. Modifications are taught for all levels of ability. Be prepared to sweat (bring a hand towel), and to have a lot of fun in Ashtanga!

Ashtanga: From the Beginning NEW
Ashtanga Yoga is often considered to be very athletic and challenging, usually because it's taught as a "led" class going through the entire first series. Each student will learn modifications appropriate for his/her fitness level and ability and progress at a pace she/he deems appropriate. Periodically, the class will be led through the series in order to demonstrate pacing and rhythm with hands-on corrections being given as needed. All levels are welcome.

Gentle Yoga
This level 1 class specializes in using props to gently challenge the ability of students to their maximum potential. Gentle yoga provides a slower paced class, emphasizing yogic breathing and stress reduction. Poses are modified to enhance each student's experience of increasing body awareness, flexibility and strength. Suitable for students desiring a less vigorous class and for those with health challenges. Instruction will be geared to the special needs of the individuals participating.

Gentle Yoga/Yoga 1
This transitional class offers a slower and more gentle approach to the primary
poses of Yoga 1.

Prenatal Yoga
(download flyer)
Prepare for childbirth and motherhood with gentle, safe yoga for moms to-be. Classes will be tailored to your individual needs and stage of pregnancy. Moms with high-risk conditions should check with their doctors before taking this class.

Baby & Me
(download flyer)
Utilizing connective exercises (including asana, infant massage, song and mediation) this playful class will provide you and your baby with a wonderful opportunity to build strength and flexibility in addition to nurturing intimacy in these important early developmental months. It addresses basic postpartum needs, such as restoring and strengthening abdominal and pelvic muscles, while promoting a much needed sense of calm. Baby exercises gently stimulate the body, basic motor skills and brain. (For infants six weeks until crawling)

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
Rhythmic and vigorous movements synchronized with the breath generate energy, strength and stamina. Breath work and chanting cleanses and focuses emotions, mind and spirit into a healthy, happy, harmonious whole.

Pilates Level 1
This approach involves working the body and the mind as a whole according to the teachings of the late Joseph Pilates. These specific exercises will be sequentially taught in a neutral elongated spine uniting the mind and body to become long, lean and functionally improved. You will learn Pilates in the classical method of the art of contrology. (mat class)

Pilates Level 1-2
This class works on refining the exercises learned in the Level I class. Increased attention will be paid to the participants’ alignment, breathing and quality of movement. Students who have taken beginner Pilates (at The Yoga Center or elsewhere) are welcome.

Pilates Level 2
The Level II class works towards learning the complete intermediate mat sequence, including the transitions between the exercises. The result will be a smoothly flowing workout that will increasingly challenge the participants' concentration, control and stamina.

Pilates Level 2-3
This fast paced class for the experienced Pilates student will add on to the full mat work. The class includes more inversion exercises, challenging variations of upper, lower and full body exercises as well as more balance and flexibility movements.

Power Flow Yoga*
A fun, moving yoga practice based on the vinyasa flow sequences of Ashtanga, Kundalini and Kripalu. You will learn simple sequences, some hard and challenging and some soft and restorative. Joy is the natural outcome when you learn to orchestrate the intensity of the practice by listening to your breath, by playing the edge between pleasure and challenge; and when you find
balance, strength and flexibility among the body, heart, mind & spirit.
*Class is available to registered student drop-ins only.

Power Yoga
Ashtanga-style flowing sequences drawn from many traditions. More emphasis will be placed on upper body strengthening. This class will be ideal for those interested in a powerful yoga workout. Music will be used to create a meditative environment.

Medical Longevity QiGong
Rooted in Chinese tradition, QiGong is a series of gentle movements synchronized with breathing that promote energy movement through the body. It is the foundation for Tai Chi and provides gentle movements that improve health and well-being. When energy moves freely and openly, the body can operate in a healthy and balanced state.

Therapeutics
Taught by Heidi Pardue, PT RYT 500, this class is appropriately paced for those students with injuries and other health challenges, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, MS, and chronic lower back and neck issues. Working within the framework of each student's limitations, poses will be modified on an individual basis. For more information, please contact Heidi at shppardue@msn.com.

Yoga for the Deaf:
(download flyer)

This is a multi-level Hatha Yoga class that is taught using American Sign Language (ASL) by interpreter and Yoga Instructor, Moira Sweeney.

Yoga and Abs:
Want to find your inner strength and power? In this class we will connect to our core and apply the workings of the abs to our Yoga Poses. Connecting to the core we will find not only strength but a sense of empowerment, lightness and ease in our Yoga. Discover the difference fof"ab"ulous!!!

Kuan Yin Standing QiGong
This graceful set of 10 movements is designed to open the heart and honor the quality of compassion. The Kuan Yin Standing Qi Gong form is from the Sheng Zhen Wufi Yuan Gong System, described as an approach to Qigong “that deepens a student’s connection with heaven and earth, strengthening the body, balancing the emotions, and opening the heart.”

Breathe Into Meditation
Meditation is your highest vibrational state of Being- whole-heartedly alive and awake! Meditation is the “peace that transcends all understanding.” The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide a clear, concise roadmap to arrive at this magical state; we will follow this roadmap through yoga asana, breathing techniques, guided savasana and concentration exercises to arrive naturally in “Sat-Chit-Ananda,” the state of Being, Consciousness and Bliss. Breath techniques- Pranayama- will be emphasized as the most simple and direct doorway to meditation.

Hot Vinyasa Flow
Experience the powerful detoxifying effect of practicing Yoga in a heated room – muscle tension melts away allowing for greater flexibility, that junk food you ate for lunch is sweated out, your spare tire gradually dissolves as your arms, legs, and abs become firmer. Challenge yourself to find the balance between effort and ease, learn to compete only with your own expectations, find inner peace with each final singing bowl meditation. All levels welcome to work at their own level of ability.

Yoga for Athletes
Better balance, increased range of motion and greater flexibility give athletes an edge in their sports. Yoga poses included will target sport specific problem areas: hamstrings, hip flexors, shoulders, pectorals and more.

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Classes
Beginner's Yoga 1
Yoga 1 Plus
Yoga 1-2
Yoga 1-2 Plus
Yoga 2
Yoga 2-3
Yoga 3
Yoga 1-2 and Meditation
Mixed Level Yoga
Yoga Openings
Foundations of Meditation
Pranayama & Meditation
Ashtanga 1
Ashtanga From the Beginning
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga/Yoga 1

Prenatal Yoga
Baby & Me
Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
Pilates 1
Pilates 1-2
Pilates 2
Pilates 2-3
Power Flow Yoga
Power Yoga
Medical Longevity QiGong
Therapeutics
Yoga for the Deaf
Yoga and Abs
Yuan Yin Standing QiGong
Breathe Into Meditation
Hot Vinyasa Flow
Yoga for Athletes