CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: Classes are listed in alphabetical order
Ageless Yoga
It’s never too late to practice yoga! This class uses breath integrated with movement to make yoga an enjoyable and new experience to the more senior students as well as the beginning student by using modifications, props and techniques that makes yoga accessible to people of all ages and variety of physical conditions.
Baby and Me Yoga Class
This class will develop and strengthen the bond between baby and caregiver. The benefits of doing yoga with your child are not limited to bonding though. For mom, dad or caregiver the benefits are the same as a regular gentle yoga class including increased flexibility, concentration, relaxation and muscle tone. For baby the benefits are the same! Babies begin to work their eye muscles focusing on mom or dad's face as they are gently moved up or down during the poses. Stretching and opening in classes is followed by relaxation, helping the baby's brain to make the connection between the importance of being both active and inactive to maintain balance. Stretching also awakens baby's senses and stimulates the mind, making them more alert. Each class will include breathing techniques to help mom, dad and caregiver center and regroup their energy, a gentle yoga class with poses appropriate for baby to participate passively (held by caregiver while caregiver is in a pose or gently placed in pose by caregiver), poses appropriate for caregivers of any yoga level, and finish with deep relaxation.
Babies may begin participating in classes at 6 weeks. Appropriate for babies up to 2 year old. Moms should be 6 weeks post natal; please check with your doctor before begining any form of exercise. Older siblings may also participate but please speak with the yoga teacher before bringing older children to class.
Balancing The Senses
A Meditative Practice...
In this class we will focus on slowing down from the hussle bussle of life and focus on going inward to find peace, comfort and a sense fo relief. We will review skills that we can use everyday throughout our days to relax and to not get caught up in the craziness that life offers each day, and throughtout our day. Each class will have a different theme or focus but each will be invigorating. Class will begin with centering and finding the stillness inside. We will have a gentle asana/yoga practice to relieve tension or stress we may have brought into class with us. We will focus on some breathing exercises, which will slow us down even more and then we end class with a guided meditation leading us into savasana/final relaxation.
Beginner's Yoga Class
This class is a good place to start if you have not taken a yoga class before or it has been a long time. We will guide you through breathing techniques, asana/postures and final relaxation. A yoga mat will be needed, if you do not have one there are extras at the studio to borrow for the class. You will want to wear comfortable fitted clothing and a small towel maybe helpful as well.
Core Yoga
Our core is an essential part of our yoga practice. In most of the asanas/postures that we do during class our core is engaged but usually we are unaware of it. Strengthening your core helps you protect and strengthen your low back, and actually takes you deeper into your poses. Focusing on your core during class helps create heat/agni in your abdomen which helps the body stay warm during practice which enhances our flexibility. We will balance the practice by focusing on counter poses to allow for lengthening our core muscles as well. The practice will be a very balanced leaving you feeling energized and strong.
Gentle Yoga
A soft flowing class using deep rhythmic breathing and a balanced stream of postures that are connected in gentle manner, easing into each yoga asana in a moving and meditative state. Gentle sun salutations, inversions, forward bends, back bends, twists and standing postures among other positions will be introduced. Sure to leave you with love in your heart and peace in your mind. Suitable for all levels.
Hot Yoga
This class incorporates Hatha Yoga postures into a “Vinyasa” (continuous flow) style with an emphasis on breath awareness. The yoga room is heated for safe, deep opening and plenty of cleansing sweat. A great way to detoxify your body and mind. We encourage practicing mindfully, and will offer modifications throughout the practice. Bring a rug and/or towels and plenty of water. Familiarity with Sun Salutations and basic standing poses recommended. This class is not recommended for someone new to yoga.
Modified Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga
This class is an introduction to the Primary Series of Ashtanga. This is a fast paced class which emphasizes strength, endurance, flexibility and continual movement. We will learn and practice the postures (asanas) that are in the standing, primary and finishing series of Ashtanga. One should have some knowledge of basic yoga poses.
Prenatal Yoga Class
Yoga is the ideal, safe exercise during pregnancy and is highly recommended by doctors and health professionals as a way of keeping fit, preventing unnecessary weight gain, calming the mind and preparing for childbirth. Becoming a mother is a very personal adventure. Although your healthcare provider monitors your health and your baby's growth through pregnancy: yoga brings a calm strength and inner balance that enables you to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead. Whether you are an accomplished yogini, a gym addict or new to exercise, you will find that yoga is a wonderful and valuable asset in pregnancy
Yoga Basics
Have you ever wonder how you can go deeper in a pose? Are you curious about how to use props in a yoga class?
This class is designed for the beginner as well as the experienced yogi .
An open style class that will combine discussion and practice of yoga poses using props, learn proper body alignment, and modifications of yoga postures.
When possible we will explore postures using a partner.
Class will begin with a brief gentle asana practice to get juices flowing and create heat, then
explore a select number of yoga postures and discover how to go deeper or modify poses
based on your individual needs at the time. The class will end with final relaxation, svasana.
Yoga 1
In this class you will flow through a variety of yoga poses (asanas). The class will focus on breath awareness and how we use the breath to relax in the poses (asanas) and take us deeper into our practice.
Class will begin with some gentle stretching ,and possibly some abdominal work (agni vinyasa). You will learn a variety of sun salutations, standing poses, twists, gentle back bending, forward folding, and possibly some inversions or arm balancing. Modifications as well as advancements are offered for all the poses (asanas). Challenge yourself but always be comfortable in your pose (asana), most importantly enjoy and relax.
We will end class with some breathing exercises (pranayama). Focusing on breath control helps us to stay present and not let the mind wander which helps the body and mind prepare for meditation.
This class is suitable and open to all levels.
Yoga Level 2
Yoga level 2 is suitable for people who are familiar with most basic yoga poses. We will invite you to go deeper within the poses. We will also introduce some advanced poses, and offer a systematic way to flow into the pose. As always, modifications will be offered. This is a great way to go deeper with your practice. The class will encourage challenging your practice but doing so mindfully. Remembering always that comfort in a pose and breathing deeply is the utmost important part of the practice. The focus will be working on each individual and your body's strengths and challenges, respecting and accepting our bodies and where are at in a particular day. Join us in seeing where you go with your practice…you will be surprise!
Yin Yoga (Practiced in our Candlelight Yoga Class & Yin/Reiki Class)
A restorative yoga class that uses long holds in passive postures with relaxed muscles. This healing practice works to rejuvenate deeper tissues, allowing time for finding individual comfort in poses and is a great preparation for seated meditation. Yin yoga works the connective tissues, joints and the deeper tendons for more mobility and wide range of motion.
Note: Please call (937-477-2241) or e-mail question to info@leelaayoga.org if you have questions.