Gentle Yoga
Those coming to this class can experience the benefits achieved from the classical Hatha postures, performed in a modified way. Our purpose in a Gentle Yoga class is to use the Hatha Beginner postures and create modifications to accommodate and facilitate so that everyone can experience the benefits accruing to each pose. Like our other Hatha classes, the physical postures will be followed by a deep relaxation, pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation. This class is appropriate for anyone new to yoga, seniors, and people with injuries, disabilities or illnesses – or anyone who wants a more gentle approach to their practice.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is derived from the two Sanskrit words “ha”, which means sun, and “tha”, which means moon. Hatha Yoga thus unites these two opposite energies within the body, wherein ha represents the masculine energy and tha, the feminine energy.
Our Hatha instructors are Integral Yoga Trained. Integral Hatha Yoga is a comprehensive system for personal transformation. One’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being is enhanced through the practice of the physical postures (asanas), deep relaxation (yoga nidra), controlled breathing (pranayama) and meditation. These techniques help to release tension from the body, quiet the mind and increase energy flow.
Since our class environment is small, we teach to the level of the students who show up. This class is appropriate for beginners and all levels. As a traditional Hatha practice, this class is also recommended for anyone wishing to develop a foundation in yoga.
Kripalu Yoga
Come stretch, move, breathe, and relax. Kripalu Yoga is a tool for self-empowerment and personal growth. It is a practice that establishes balance within the body, a clear and relaxed mind, and an open, intuitive heart.
Kripalu, meaning compassion, is a yoga form that acknowledges and honors each person’s uniqueness. The practice emphasizes safe alignment, deeply beneficial breathwork, and a meditative inward focus. The ultimate goal of Kripalu yoga is to witness the self without any judgement.
Clear and compassionate self witnessing enables the ability to evolve and shift as desired, during yoga practice as well as off the mat in everyday life.
Prenatal Yoga
Practicing yoga during pregnancy helps Mamas-to-Be establish a deeper connection with their inner wisdom and strength. Linking breath with movement creates awareness of the body and thus awareness of the baby. This peaceful and slow-paced class will help strengthen pelvic muscles, improve circulation and increase overall comfort during pregnancy. Prenatal Yoga class is a great way to meet other moms, have a sense of community and embrace the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga postures gently stretch and rehabilitate the connective tissues around our joints. This is a gentle practice where in all the postures are practiced on the floor. A Yin practice quiets the mind and allows for an inward experience of yoga that enhances peace, healing and well-being. Yin is a wonderful complement to Yang yoga practices. Yin is appropriate for beginners and all levels.
What is Yin Yoga?
Although yin yoga is growing in popularity, in the West it is still less known compared to its yang counterpart. Most yoga practiced in the West is yang in nature. Through movement and repetition, Yang Yoga stimulates the muscles in the body, encouraging strength and physical health. In contrast, Yin stretches and rehabilitates the connective tissues of the body (i.e., hips, thighs, lower spinal region), aiding in the maintenance and health of the joints.
The Yin Practice
Yin Yoga is a prefect complement to the more vigorous styles of yang. It provides a deeper stretch targeting those areas that are often difficult to reach and, over time, a yin practice can lengthen the connective tissues and increase range of motion. Because connective tissue does not stretch like muscle, in a Yin practice, the postures are performed with the muscles relaxed and the poses are held for several minutes at a time. Yin is appropriate for beginners and all levels of yoga experience.
Benefits of Yin Yoga
- Increases in flexibility of connective tissues and maintains the health of joints
- Relieves back pain
- Slows the signs of aging
- Regulates energy levels (chi)
- Cultivates inward experience
- Improves well-being
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves concentration
Yoga with Danae
In this Yoga class we will Sweat, Smile, Shine together as we harness the power of our breath moving through asana with grace. Surya Namaskara is incorporated to ignite the body while creative sequencing is introduced to challenge both the body and mind. Partner work will be explored! Pranayama and meditation practices will be offered. Allow this class to serve as a playground for discovery of your inner and outer self… Consider the box of chocolates concept you never know what you are going to get alas it is chocolate after-all and you will experience Sukha (bliss/sweetness) provided you come with an open heart and a beginner’s mind as we cultivate a community of learning. All levels are welcome.