C L A S S  D E S C R I P T I O N S

 

OPEN VINYASA

Designed for a range of practitioners and shaped by the lineage of Ashtanga yoga, open vinyasa is a moving meditation, a moderately challenging vinyasa practice that focuses on strong breath practice and thoughtful alignment.  Plenty of modifications are offered so students can choose to meet themselves, in their particular bodies and minds, wherever they happen to be. Some yoga experience encouraged.

BASIC  VINYASA

In a safe, supportive environment this class offers instruction in the fundamentals of yoga asana (the physical practice) and pranayama (breath practice) with instruction in the proper techniques of a vinyasa style.  Through the practice of standing and sitting poses as well as balance poses and backbends (heart openers) students will strengthen and lengthen muscles and explore ways to calm the nervous system.  Suitable for new students as well as those seeking to brush up on the building blocks of their practice.

 

RENEW/RESTORE

In this open level class, students build heat and lengthen and strengthen muscles with 45-60 minutes of  vinyasa practice and then restore and ease their bodies with 30-45 minutes of sweet, supported, restorative poses.  Expect plenty of props, long holds, and the opportunity to surrender and rest.

 

GENTLE COMMUNITY/ BEGINNER

In this hour long class, brand new yoga students will learn the building blocks of yoga asana (the physical practice of yoga) in a very gentle, slow manner.  Perfect for those who have never done yoga, have been away from yoga for many years, are recovering from injury or are managing age-related body changes, this class will focus on gently building strength and flexibility while incorporating simple breathwork to reduce stress and fuel movement. The emphasis will be on clear instruction and modifying poses to meet students where they are.
 

 

YIN/RESTORATIVE

This long, slow, deep practice is based on the principle of stillness and encourages students to listen to their body’s individual needs. A yin practice guides students past the muscle and into the connective tissue and areas of tension that are being held in deep layers of the body. Students in this class will learn an intuitive approach to working with the body that cultivates listening, facilitates the release of long held tensions and offers genuine relaxation.  No yoga experience necessary.

BASIC FORREST-INSPIRED

Basic Forrest-Inspired yoga combines a strong asana practice with breath work, energetic awareness and intuitive touch.   Inspired by the work and teaching of Ana Forrest, this practice involves long holds and deep core work.  All levels of experience and skill are welcome.

PILATES-MAT

In this one-hour class we use time-tested Pilates principles to become attuned to the functions of the core and the joints and how they work together to create strength, ease, and grace in the body. A well-rounded class that addresses all of the body, with a particular focus on good hip, pelvis and core function, students will leave feeling balanced, steady, and more centered overall.   All levels welcome.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

Restorative yoga, accessible for most bodies, is a slow, easeful practice that takes place almost entirely on the floor. In each gentle shape, the body is supported by a variety of props (blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps) in order to ensure the most amount of relaxation and opening for the body with the least amount of stress or muscular effort. Poses are held for for a long duration (up to several minutes) and steady, conscious breath-work may be guided and/or encouraged.

 (Prenatal and Postpartum classes are not currently being offered on the schedule, but please CONTACT CYH if you're interested in private instruction or a group class. )