Yoga
What is Yoga? 
Yoga is a system of integrated practices which are designed to help ward off or slow the aging processes of the body, mind and spirit and to keep the physical and mental faculties strong. Yoga has five major components: Proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, positive thinking and meditation. The purpose of yoga is to develop each of these five components to have a healthy body and mind, to delay the aging process to keep the physical and mental faculties strong.
Class Descriptions
Yoga Basics - This 75 minute class will focus on asanas (yoga poses) that help build strength, flexibility and balance in life. Students interested in experiencing how basic yoga poses can improve physical and mental health should take this class, which has an alternating weekly focus on either standing, seated, twisting, forward-bending, inverted, or restorative postures. In each class, students will experience the work of yoga and then restore to a restful state. Yoga philosophy, Sanskrit terminology, and hopefully some humor will round it out, so come ready for a mentally and physically challenging and transformative experience. All levels welcome. Taught by Stephanie Foxman.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Vinyasa is a flow of breath-synchronized movements. Unlike many yoga classes, Michael moves through the poses with you, calling out each inhale and exhale, making it easy for newcomers to get up to speed. The poses flow together and become like a dance in this 70 minute class. Nearly two dozen classic yoga poses are combined with Sun Salutations to create the flow. The fluid postures linked by the breath are designed to detoxify, stretch, and strengthen the body and build life force energy. The experience is both athletic and meditative. All levels welcome. Taught by Michael McCullers.
Power Flow Yoga - Power Flow is a sequence of poses to develop muscular and mental strength, flexibility, and balance. It's most related to the Ashtanga and Vinyasa schools of yoga. The primary goal of this class is to build and sustain internal, core heat via muscle synergy. The elevation of core heat catalyzes yoga's detoxifying effects, while providing greater range of motion throughout dynamic sequences and isometric poses. Stamina is also known to improve greatly with this practice. The rise and fall of the class is subtle, yet exhilarating. What to look forward to: Developing a deeper connection with your body, going home rejuvenate, and. having FUN! Beginners to advanced yogis are welcome. By no means is experience necessary; however, a mild introduction into Yoga is a plus! Taught by Annie Harbison.
Multi-Level Yoga - This 75-minute moderate yoga class is for anybody and everybody - all ages, body types, and fitness levels. Multi-level yoga will focus on the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga, and will be a steady balance between challenge and ease. There will be an emphasis on consciously following the breath throughout the practice to help students come fully into the present moment. Each student will work to strengthen, relax and heal his or her body and mind through a healthy combination of Pranayama (breathing) and Asana (postures). Taught by Caroline Young.
Yoga for Wellness - Experience how a practice utilizing the tools of asana, prananyama and meditation can develop core strength, increase range of motion, promote good alignment, expand breath capacity, deepen concentration and improve memory. For all levels. Taught by Pat Hudson.
Therapeutic Yoga - Therapeutic or adaptive yoga welcomes adults with neurological or autoimmune disorders, arthritis, mental-health issues, brain injury, stroke, chronic pain, and other disabilities. Traditional yoga is adapted through the use of props, partial postures or movements, pranayama (breathing practice), and yoga-inspired body awareness exercises, so that students, regardless of ability, can receive the benefits of yoga. We practice in straight-back chairs, wheelchairs, standing with supports if required, or on the floor, depending on the needs of the students. In some classes, we may work at a variety of levels. We use straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and chairs to make necessary modifications for the most comfort and benefit of each student. The needs of the students determine the goals of each adaptive class. It is possible to qualify for a free or reduced rate class through the MS Society - please email Terri for more information.
Pregnancy Yoga - Learn to use yoga postures, breath work and meditation to nurture, relax, strengthen and open as you move towards labor, motherhood and beyond. This slowly flowing class is appropriate for women during each stage of pregnancy, whether you have previous yoga experience or not.
Mom and Baby Yoga - Find your center, relax and connect with your baby. This class focuses on postures and breathing techniques for Mom. Special attention is given to the realignment of your body - especially your tense shoulders and aching back (consequences of carrying and nursing your growing baby). During the class, you have the option: either your baby can be close to you on the mat or can actually participate in the movements. As a bonus, babies are treated to a short session of gentle baby yoga and massage, relieving them of common discomforts.