class descriptions

Classes Ranging from Beginner to Advanced

On a purely physical level, asana is a form of movement and as such we believe that it is important to teach not only the postures and alignments for postures, but also body mechanics and functional movement. We understand that anatomy matters – we are all built differently and bring with us a variety of needs, concerns and/or injuries. We set ourselves apart from other studios in that we strongly emphasize functional movement and help each practitioner design the practice to suit his/her body. Beyond the asana practice, we have a strong focus on the practitioner’s connection with breath and relationship between breath and movement. We strongly encourage single-pointed focus and concentration.

Basics

This is a great class for those who are new to yoga or those who would like to explore a strong foundation of postural alignment ad connection with breath, including connection between the breath and the postures. Moving at a manageable pace, special attention is paid to learning alignment principals so you can progress safely in your practice. Strength and flexibility are not required and will be gained through regular attendance. This class is a great foundational start to developing a yoga practice.

Flow

Flow Yoga offers a more dynamic class where movement from one posture to another is linking breath to movement. This class can prove quite challenging. While there may not be deep variations of postures offered, the challenge is found in the quick flow between postures. This class will build heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration.

Gentle

This class includes gentle postures, breathing, relaxation, and simple movements to increase range of motion of the major joints. This class may also include some functional strengthening postures and functional core work. Gentle Yoga is appropriate for seniors, those who may have certain injuries or for students who simply prefer to move at a slower pace. Individualized instruction and modifications are given to accommodate students with chronic symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, arthritis, stiffness, weakness, or fatigue, among others.

Hot LSD

For these classes the room is heated anywhere between 92 and 102 degrees. Students will warm up with some more active/heat generating postures and in some cases with Vinyasas, followed by more passive poses held anywhere from 1-3 minutes. Movement followed by longer holds allows students to work on their alignment while simultaneously delving into connective tissue. Longer holds in passive postures also helps students create mental fortitude and emotional stability under intensity. This class allows students to explore the depths of their flexibility while also creating restoration and relaxation for major muscle groups and the nervous system. This is a great class for athletes or those using yoga to cross-train with other activities.

Hot Yoga

For these classes the room is heated anywhere between 92 and 102 degrees. The postures and vinyasa offered are similar to those offered in Level 2, but with modifications and variations offered. Hot Yoga can calm the mind, promote mental clarity, and help to reduce stress. Be prepared to sweat and detoxify!

Level 1

This class is great for both those newer to yoga, as well as those with a regular practice, serving as a great transition between Basics and Level 2. Come work all ranges of mobility through the practice of a number of postures and vinyasa sequenced to calm your mind and bring balance to both body and mind.

Level 1: Power Vinyasa

Build strength, gain flexibility and controlled breathing in this class focusing on strengthening and heat-generating primary asana poses, prep poses and a range of movements to focus the mind and build the body. This class is ideal for new and seasoned practitioners looking to develop or refine their practice.

Level 2

Level 2 classes are geared toward those students who have a more regular practice or are looking to evolve their practice to the next level. These classes will vary in their range of difficulty. Postures are explored in greater depth, teaching variations of postures allowing students to be more challenged. More intricate transitions are also offered allowing practitioners to explore a deeper and more challenging practice. We recommend that those newer to the practice try Basics or Level 1 before jumping into a Level 2 class. Modifications are offered.

Performance Yoga / Yoga for Athletes / Yoga for Runners and Cyclists

Our “Yoga For Athletes” Program is one of the best in Charlotte!!! These classes are taught by our more experienced teachers having experience with athletes as well as anatomical and functional movement training. These classes are not “athletic” yoga classes; but instead, teachers offer a variety of postures geared toward increasing range of mobility in hips, shoulders, spine, wrists and ankles, with a focus on functional movement. A regular yoga practice can help to regain balance and realignment to movement. Yoga’s focus on concentration and breath will also help to improve focus and mental endurance. These classes also address any imbalances that may exist through the overuse and repetitive nature of certain activities, assisting in the prevention of overuse injuries. Pace of the class varies – at times it may be dynamic with more of a strengthening component and at others it may be more restorative. These classes can also be tailored specifically for teams, groups or individuals with specific cross-training needs. Whether your sport is golf, tennis, football, lacrosse, soccer, running, swimming, volleyball, Crossfit, you name it, this class will help you to gain flexibility and balance thereby improving form, efficiency and power. Great class for all athletes.

Prenatal

Linking yoga postures with the breath will lead you to new discoveries, bringing awareness to the mind, body and spirit, and also the spirit of your baby. The program, conducted in a calm, peaceful environment will help strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, improve circulation, aid in digestion, exercise the spine and increase overall comfort. Yoga can also alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, constipation, varicose veins, swelling, back pain and sciatica. A safe, open community allows you to freely discuss any issues from discomforts and concerns, to the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing. In this class, we embrace our big bellies!

Restorative

Restorative yoga is a path to mental and physical well being. Its goal is to nurture and heal the body using support and props. Restorative yoga alternately stimulates and relaxes the body and reduces mental stress. Restorative yoga works by integrating all the systems of the body and by balancing all of the energies of the body. The class will consist of meditation, gentle stretches, healing and gentle restorative asanas. This is a great class for those with anxiety, stress, sleeping issues or injuries.

Yin

Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, joints and energetic channels of the meridians, nerves and blood system of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice. Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. One big difference noticed by students of Yin Yoga is the long-held, passive nature of the posture, which gives time for a deeper journey to unfold, a journey into the meditative aspects of yoga. The classroom for Yin will not be heated so dress comfortably.

WE ALSO OFFER

yoga for kids

With kids being exposed to stressors at such young ages, it is great to introduce them to yoga at a younger age. Join Shona and Katie as they create a fun and playful environment to work with kids ages 5-10. Yoga poses will be taught and made fun for all.

Improves Heart Function
Aids Regular Sleep Pattern
Helps Balance The Mind

WE ARE DIFFERENT

alternative classes

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