Yoga

Yoga is an ancient meditation system that uses the breath as a means to connect the mind with the body. It comes out of the Vedas, the scriptures that birthed both Hinduism and Buddhism in India some 3500 years ago. The yoga we do in America focuses on the physical aspect of yoga called “hatha” yoga; the postures we practice, the “asanas,” the blend with ancient seated poses, which prepare the body for meditation, with movements from gymnastics and martial arts. Specific breathing exercises called “pranayama” are sometimes added to help control breathing when practicing asana and during daily life. The word “yoga” means to unite or join. Hatha combines the words “ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon. Hatha also means force or determined effort. Therefore hatha yoga implies that it takes strength and effort to unify opposing forces and bring together the body and the mind.

Ashatanga Yoga

From the teachings of Krishnamacharya in India and his prime student Patabhi Jois who still teaches today in Mysore, India. This method involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures guaranteed to produce internal heat and create purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) provides the foundation for each series. Students interested in building strength and stamina are attracted to Ashatanga Yoga. Along with an energized body one gains a quiet mind and a sense of lightness and balance.

Iyengar Yoga

From the teachings of Krishnamacharya and his most famous pupil BKS Iyengar who still teaches today in Pune, India. Known as the furniture yogi because of his reliance on props for those less flexible or injured. Mr. Iyengar created a system of yoga, which focuses on alignment and precision. There are a wide variety of poses, but standing poses are most often emphasized. Inversions, backbends or forward bends and twists while holding poses longer than in Ashatanga or Vinyasa. Students interested in flexibility as well as strength, going deeper into alignment and precision, will enjoy Iyengar classes. Iyengar yoga works well for beginners as well as the more advanced. Ask for modifications if new to yoga or if you are less flexible.

Vinyasa or Flow Yoga

These are based on the Ashatanga method created by Patabhi Jois, but do not adhere to a strict set of postures. These classes are energetic and heating, as they flow from one pose to the next in a seamless Vinyasa. Students interested in building stamina as well as strength will be attracted to this method. This style of yoga is for Intermediate to advanced unless it is a “Gentle Flow” class or Beginner Vinyasa.

Hatha Yoga

Although “Hatha” means Physical yoga, this style has come to mean a more eclectic range of poses with an emphasis on the breath. Classes in hatha seek to control the breath through pranayama (the body), through Asana (posture), and the mind through concentration. Remember Hatha yoga unites opposites concentrating on both movement and stillness, taking the body upside down and right side up, forward and back, and side to side. Students who like an energizing class with greater variety, coupled with a greater sense of balance and harmony will embrace this style of yoga. As a new student you can gain benefit form Hatha yoga, just make sure your teacher is aware you are new to yoga so that she can provide you with modifications.

Restorative Yoga

Great and necessary for everyone! Created by Geeta Iyengar, BKS Iyengar’s daughter, restorative yoga uses props to literally support you and allow you to completely relax, restore your energy and renew your spirit.

Can anyone do Yoga? Absolutely! But if you have any injuries or have never done yoga before, be sure to let your teacher know so she can help you modify when necessary. Come to class open, empty, and bare. Open your body, mind and heart to what yoga has to offer; come with an empty stomach (no eating at least 1 ½ hours before class) and bare feet to allow your whole body to participate in the experience. Bring your own yoga mat if you have one, but we have extras for first timers and those who forget theirs.