Yogalates is an exercise technique that merges the ancient Indian practice of Yoga with the Western practice of Pilates. Combining the yogic focus on enhanced mind and body awareness, strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, with Pilates techniques to improve posture, creates a strong and stable foundation for movement. These low impact classes focus on strength and endurance through sets of 20 (not the normal 8) repetitions. However, you will not leave class sore or hurt thanks to the stretching techniques that are incorporated throughout the class.
Vinyasa, commonly referred to as ‘flow’ Yoga is a style of Yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using breath. Classes often involve increasing body heat — and sweat — and building strength. Each movement is synchronized to a breath, which acts as an anchor as you move from one pose to the next. The literal translation of Vinyasa from Sanskrit is ‘connection’, and we can interpret this as a connection between movement and breath or as the connection between poses in a flowing sequence.
Hatha Yoga is designed to align and calm your mind, body and spirit. It refers to the practice of physical yoga postures. Although, depending on your fitness level, you might break a little bit of a sweat, Hatha isn’t meant to get your heart racing, instead it intends to focus on breathing and channeling your energy. It is a slower form of Yoga, more gentle and relaxing, but you’ll often find yourself in common poses like the different Warrior variations, Downward and Upward Facing Dog, Bridge poses and Triangle.
Slow Flow, also called Gentle Yoga, as a yoga style is a hidden gem. Though it is appropriate for a wide spectrum of practitioners, classes aren’t necessarily easy. It moves at a slow and steady pace. Asanas, or poses, are primarily floor-based. In general, poses will be held for a short length, with props available for assistance. You will work, but at a low-intensity level. The moderate pace creates an accessible environment for students with less Yoga experience. That said, continuing yogis will also benefit as we seek to refine poses bit by bit, and the more deliberate rate of Gentle Yoga can lead to new insights.
Yin Yoga is a quiet contemplative practice. Floor postures are held for several minutes in order to access a safe and positive ‘stress’ on the deep layers of connective tissue in the body. Yin yoga is based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang. In the body, the relatively stiff connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia) are yin, and Yin yoga works on this Yin tissue, which responds best to a slow, steady load. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a yin pose for a long time, the body will respond by making them a little longer and stronger – which is exactly what you want.
Restorative Yoga (*) is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. A restorative Yoga sequence typically involves around five poses, held for 5 minutes or more. It is a unique feeling because props, rather than your muscles, are used to support your body. Restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle back bends. Most practices are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Props will be abundantly used to support your body as you sink into bolster and mat, often covered by blankets, completely letting go of all the tension you store. (*) These classes are mostly offered as private sessions.
Stretching & Meditation classes focus on the stretching of muscles that tend to become tense, continuing with relaxation and guided meditation to start your weekend in a positive manner. The stretching exercises help keep your joints flexible and prevent stiffness. Learning to meditate is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Short, regular meditation has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure among other things. But science aside, meditation just makes you feel better.
Pranayama (*) are breathing exercises intended to clear the physical and emotional obstacles in our body to free the breath and thus the flow of ‘prana’ or life energy. Our breath is very important. Daily stressors, tensions and physical habits can create obstacles in our bodies, and without even noticing it our breathing can become gradually more shallow or stilted, and we develop unconscious breathing patterns restricting the flow of breath and prana. Pranayama has the effect of energizing, relaxing and healing the body, letting everything fall into place. (*) These techniques are included in the Gentle Yoga classes.
Yoga Nidra (*) or yogic sleep is an ancient technique from India of deep relaxation. It is a sleep like state which yogis report to experience during their meditation. The practitioner following the verbal instructions systematically and with increasing awareness gets into a state of mind between wakefulness and sleep that opens deep phases of mind. Yoga Nidra creates deep relaxation for health, mental peace and higher awareness. (*) These sessions are offered as workshops.
Candlelight Yoga (*) is exactly what it sounds like. You enjoy your regular Yoga practice by soft, calming candlelight. It is especially great just before bedtime. The movement is gentle, the music soft, and you can really unwind at the end of the day. The focus is on stretching and mindful breath. The warm glow of the candles helps you slow down, focus inward, relax, and prepares your body for sleep. In fact, you might find that Candlelight Yoga earns you the best sleep of your week. (*) These classes are offered periodically.
Moon Salutation (*), known in Sanskrit as ‘Chandra Namaskara’, is a series of poses performed in a particular sequence to create a cooling flow of movement. Each pose in a Moon Salutation is coordinated with your breathing: inhale to extend, and exhale to bend. Unlike Sun Salutations, which are heating and stimulating, Moon Salutations are cooling and quieting. They are used to calm the mind and draw your awareness inward. (*) These classes are held periodically, outside with full moon.
Sound healing is an ancient meditative practice that uses different musical implements to create healing vibrations around the body in a meditative state. Musical implements such as the Tibetan Singing Bowl, Quartz crystal bowls and Gong, are tuned at strategic frequencies for healing different parts of the body and mind. These vibrations can have a positive impact on your physical, emotional and mental well being. Some of the benefits of sound healing are: lower stress levels; increased focus; more energy; think more clearly; and relieve headaches.
Kundalini yoga is a science, also called Yoga of awareness. Kundalini yoga utilizes movement, sound, breath, and meditation to relax and restore your mind and body while improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. This powerfully effective form of yoga stimulates the immune, nervous, and glandular systems, helping to bring you back into true harmony. It is a sacred and scientific technology that enables you to access and realize your own creative energy to unlock your potential and elevate your consciousness.
Reiki (*) originated in Japan in the early 20th century and is a a healing technique based on the principle that the practitioner can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being. The Reiki practitioner doesn’t cause the healing, nor are they the source of that healing energy; they’re a channel for the energy – similar to the way a garden hose acts as a channel for water. (*) Reiki sessions are offered as private sessions (one on one).