What
is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient system of guidelines for ethical discipline,
physical health, breathing, concentration and meditation. The
word“yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yug,”
which is typically
translated as “union.”
Which
classes should I take?
If you are new to yoga, begin with Basic or our Intro to Yoga
Class
Series. Move to Basic Level II class, and then to Ashtanga and
Vinyasa, as you build awareness of breath, alignment and posture.
How
often should I practice?
Many students practice yoga daily. Newer students should begin
slowly (1-2 classes per week), increasing their practice schedule
as
they become more comfortable with the basics of each class.
Why shouldn’t I eat before practice?
Food interferes with the body’s cleansing process and brings
a
feeling of heaviness to your practice.
What
should I wear to class?
You will feel most comfortable practicing in lightweight “workout”
clothing and bare feet. The practice room can get warm, so wear
layers of clothing that you can remove.
What
if I’m pregnant and I want to try yoga?
At any point during pregnancy, you can join the Basic classes, but be sure to inform your instructor that you are pregnant as certain postures should be avoided at certain stages. Check with your physician before beginning any physical routine.
Will yoga interfere with my other sports
activities?
No. On the contrary, yoga can enhance your performance in other
sports and activities by making you more flexible, balanced,
focused and toned.
What
can yoga do for me?
According to a recent study from Thomas Jefferson University,
one
hour of yoga significantly reduces the level of cortisol, the
hormone
that causes stress. Yoga has also been proven to increase vitality,
improve circulation, slim and tone the body, stimulate vital
organs
and glands, increase energy and help us connect with our higher
self.
The
Do's and Don't's
Do:
• Approach your practice with an open heart and mind.
• Arrive at least ten minutes prior to scheduled
class start time.
• Check-in at front desk prior to class.
• Bring your own practice mat, or obtain a loaner
if you don’t have one.
Don’t:
• Eat at least two to three hours prior to class.
• Wear perfumes, colognes or lotions.
• Bring pagers or cell phones into the practice area.
C
l a s s D e s c r i p t i o n s
Basic Level I
Yoga is designed to introduce
you to basic yoga postures, breath and concentration techniques.
Students are encouraged to work within their abilities and limitations.
Basic Level I with Meditation
Offers a mild asana(posture)
flow with guided meditation to create stability in the mind.
Backs
This class is designed for the
student who is looking to heal and/or maintain a healthy spine
through balance (flexibility, strength and posture). The emphasis
is on the physical, emotional and energetic characteristics that
directly influence the back or “core” region of the
body. This approach will include many helpful tips to use in
your everyday life.
Attention will be directed to individual needs so that progress
will be accelerated. Patty Clark’s extensive knowledge comes
from her own experience of searching and finding solutions for
a degenerative disc disorder that she was diagnosed with at the
age of twelve.
Yoga at the Wall
Yoga at the Wall is a practice that lets students use the wall as a prop. Practicing poses with the support of the wall enables one to take yoga to a whole different dimension. Whether you are recovering from an injury, fine tuning your alignment or anything in between … all levels can benefit from this class.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga uses props
to modify traditional yoga postures and gently open the body
to deep relaxation and rejuvenation. This class is recommended
for students of all levels -- from those new to yoga, to students
recovering from injury and illness, to those students who want
to integrate restorative postures and techniques into an already
strong practice.
Basic Level II
Yoga classes build on the foundation
established in Basic Level I Yoga classes by linking posture
and breath into a more vigorous flow of movement. Ujjayi (Victorious
breath), bandhas (locks within the body), sun salutations, backbends
and inversions will be introduced in these moderate classes.
Ashtanga Yoga
Is a traditional system, composed
of a series of specific postures, moving in a precise order creating
a powerful and vigorous flow. The practice combines ujjayi breath,
the bandhas, dristi (focused gaze) and the uninterrupted flow
of postures to create a moving meditation enhancing self-awareness
and concentration.
Tibetan Heart Yoga
Tibetan Heart Yoga blends two ancient traditions to create a holistic approach to your yoga and meditation practice. Using traditional yoga asanas, or postures, Heart Yoga weaves in a beautiful "compassion meditation" to work from the inside out in cultivating a strong body, calm mind and open heart. This class is recommended for students with previous yoga experience.
Vinyasa Yoga
The word Vinyasa means a “joining
or linking mechanism.” It is a method of yoga in which ujjayi
breath, bandhas, postures and mental awareness are combined into
a
creative and vigorous flow.
Intro to Yoga Series Part
1
UpDog’s popular “Intro
to Yoga” is a Series of eight (8) classes that are designed
to help a new student build a foundation of postures, breath
and technique to begin discovering the many benefits of a regular
yoga practice. Designed specifically for those with little or
no prior Yoga experience, the
Series builds on each lesson to create a sense of confidence
and
self-reliance in the student who wants to make yoga a part of
their
mental and physical fitness routine.
Dharma Essentials
This is a free class for the community to learn Dharma, which means universal truth, and meditation to calm your mind and open your heart.
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