Class Descriptions

Because of the progressive nature of Iyengar Yoga, students with no previous experience in the system begin with Gentle or Level I classes.  Fundamentals of alignment and terminology taught here are needed for performance of poses at more advanced levels. 

Any level may be repeated as often as needed or desired.

Descriptions for all classes can be found on the tabs above. Photos of students in poses are shown for all the Levels classes, Gentle, Senior, and Teens.

 

 

Level I: Beginner

For students new to the Iyengar system.

Standing poses, forward bends and twists are emphasized.  Basic inversions and the fundamentals of backbending are introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose); Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle pose); Vrksasana (tree pose)

Level I/II: Continuing Beginner

Designed for students who have had at least 2 sessions of Level I and feel ready to move on to a few more inversions, basic backbends, and new standing poses. Poses are held for longer periods of time and headstand is introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Sirsasana (head balance); Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (two feet inverted staff pose); Eka Pada Sarvangasana (one leg shoulder balance pose)

Level II: Intermediate

For students with 1 year Iyengar experience who are strong in standing poses.  Along with the refinement of the basic poses, there will be regular work on backbends, inversions and breath. Full arm balance is introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana (downward facing extended one leg pose); Dhanurasana (bow pose); Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward facing tree pose)

Level II/III: Continuing Intermediate

Teacher recommendation needed. Students must be able to do Sirsasana away from the wall and kick up into Adho Mukha Vrksasana at the wall. Daily home practice of inversions and other asanas is required. Sirsasana and Sarvangasana variations, Pranayama, and full backbends will be taught.

Photos from left to right:

Sirsasana (head balance); Urdhva Dhanurasana (upward facing bow pose); Eka Pada Hasta Bhujasana (one hand arm pose)

Gentle

Standard poses are adapted to deal with injuries or conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

For new or experienced students who want a slower pace because of limited mobility or health issues.

Photos from left to right:

Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose); Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle pose); Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog pose)

Plus Size Yoga

Plus Size Yoga is dedicated to the needs of rounder individuals. Yoga poses are active yet gentle and focus on developing strength in the legs, back, and core of the body. Restorative poses also support the thyroid and offer stress relief. Through yoga practice, one gains an inner confidence and a new relationship with one's body.

This class is welcoming for beginners and offers challenges for those with more experience. The environment of the class is accepting and noncompetitive to allow everyone to find ease and comfort in yoga.

 

 

Senior Yoga

Senior yoga emphasizes stretching and strengthening using yoga techniques. Much of the class is done sitting in chairs or using the chair for support. Work is also done on balance, breath, and relaxation. 

Age range of current students is 70 to 92.

Photos from left to right:

Tree pose with the tressle; seated leg stretch; tree pose with chair support

 

 

Sun Salutes

When offered, this class practices traditional and modern Surya Namaskar and examines the poses within them.

For experienced students.

 

 

 

 

 

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is designed for a woman's changing body during pregnancy. As well as strengthening the body and alleviating common physical discomforts, yoga helps create a calm state of mind in preparation for labor and birth.

Classes are not currently offered though private sessions to create your own home practice are available. Please contact the studio.

 

 

 

Kids Yoga: Grades 2-5

Music, stories and games are used to introduce yoga to the younger set. In addition to increased flexibility and strength, yoga has been shown to greatly improve concentration and focus for children. Parents are welcome to stay in class until the child becomes comfortable.

Not offered every session. Please contact us if you would like to be notified before the next session is offered.

 

 

 

Teen Yoga: Grades 6—12

Adolescent bodies have different needs than those of adults.  Traditional yoga poses are presented in a more quickly paced class.  Along with flexibility, balance, and strength, relaxation and concentration are emphasized.

Please contact us if you would like to be notified before the next session is offered.

Photos from left to right:

Virabhadrasana I (warrior 1 pose); Salabhasana (locust pose); Virabhadrasna I (warrior 1 pose)