Yoga Class Types

Yoga is awesome, and I teach a few different types of classes. ​Read on to see which type is right for you.

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Vinyasa Flow

​Vinyasa Flow classes take place on a mat, and use bolsters, blankets, and straps as props to help alignment and accommodate all body shapes, sizes, and types. Flow classes transition between seated, standing, and prone postures. One pose leads to the next, without returning to a specific start position each time.

Flow classes have different paces and characteristics based on the description in the class title. They are:

• Gentle/Slow Flow - Simple movements with more floor and prone postures. Focus is on relaxation and stretching. Best option for beginners and those with physical restrictions, but is an excellent practice for all levels!
• Basic Flow - Standard yoga poses moving at a steady pace. Focus is on introducing  yoga concepts, feeling the body in space, and observing sensations of stretch and contraction in the muscles. Also a good class for beginners. 
• Moderate Flow - Yoga poses are practiced with greater intensity and variation. Focus is on alignment, holding poses for longer periods of time, and building muscle strength.
• Spicy Flow - Yoga experience is recommended. This class moves quickly with frequent transitions between floor and standing poses, and more difficult poses are introduced. Get a workout that still includes meditation and relaxation at the beginning and end!
• All-Level Flow - It is what is says. Everyone's invited and modifications will be offered to suit your level and experience.

Chair Yoga

In Chair Yoga classes, the majority of the poses and movements are done while seated. We also practice some standing poses holding onto the chair for help with balance and alignment. However, ALL poses can be done while seated in a chair for students with very limited mobility.

Who could benefit from Chair Yoga?

• Those with Injuries and Medical Conditions - Chair Yoga is fantastic for people with injuries that prevent them from getting on and off the floor in an easy manner, like in a regular Vinyasa Flow class. If  knee, hip, and back issues plague you, Chair Yoga might be the solution you are looking for to gain mobility while keeping your joints safe and stress-free.​
• Those With Sedentary Jobs - The Chair Yoga class I regularly teach leads students to move EVERY joint in the body in every way the joint is supposed to move. And all while in a chair. If you are at a desk, a computer, or even in an airplane seat regularly for work, you can learn to strengthen and stretch muscles all while getting the job done. 
• Those Who are New and Unsure - Practicing Chair Yoga can give students an assessment of  balance and strength which can help determine the best type of yoga class for a regular practice.

Meditation

Meditation comes in all shapes and sizes. In this class, we will explore different types of meditation practices from a variety of traditions. We begin by establishing a comfortable upright seated position, and then move into the guided practice. Students will gain tools to establish a regular home practice.

Family Friendly Yoga

Just what it sounds like - fun for the whole crew! Yoga is great for kids of all ages from 1 to 100!  Family friendly classes either focus more on the adults in the room or more on the kids, depending on the class type.

• Family Yoga - This class is open to kids of all ages and caregivers, but is more geared towards the adults in the room while keeping the kids active and involved with lots of imagery and imagination. This is a great way for parents to get some yoga practice without worrying about arranging for childcare.​ And if your kids wander around and mostly play with the props, it's all good. You still get to do yoga, and they will probably make a friend.
• Kids Yoga - These classes are specifically created for kids of different age levels, although caregivers are welcome to participate. Expect lots of movement, silly imagery, animal noises, some songs,  and kid-friendly mindfulness and meditation techniques. The adults in the room tend to love the silliness too, so it's a win-win.

How is a class normally structured?

Every class, regardless of type or level, begins with a seated or lying down meditation practice. Meditation is fundamental to a well-rounded yoga practice, and is used at the beginning of class to quiet the mind and bring the body in a state of relaxation.

After meditation, class will often begin with the repetition of the "Om" sound, a singing bowl, or a call-and-response mantra. The incorporation of sound vibration is also a foundation of a complete yoga practice.

Then we move into the actual physical poses, the type and intensity of which depends on the class description. After the cool-down period of deep stretching, we then move into final relaxation (Savasana) for 5 to 10 minutes, or a final seated meditation in the case of Chair Yoga. Class concludes with a final chant and closing mantra. And then you (hopefully!) get to go to your next destination and interact with the challenges of your day with more ease and less stress.

​ If not, you come back and do more yoga!