class descriptions
Vinyasa (Flow): a dynamic sequence of sun salutations and traditional hatha yoga poses linked by breath. It integrates awareness, alignment, balance, strength, flexibility and grace. This quintessential yoga practice evolved from the teachings of Sri T. Krisnamarchya whose students head the 3 main forms of classical yoga taught today: Asthanga Vinyasa Yoga (Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar Yoga (BKS Iyengar ), Viniyoga (TKV Desikachar).
Yin: Yin Yoga is the relaxed practice of floor postures for three to five minutes at a time. A Yin practice emphasizes the connective tissues of the hips, thighs, pelvis and lower spine. It prepares the body and mind for longer meditation practices. By drawing the student’s awareness away from the muscles and deeper into the bones a deep level of relaxed focus is achieved.
Yin/Yang: Yin features seated and reclining poses passively held 3-5 minutes and focuses on releasing deep connective tissue; this approach marries asana and meditation to create a very deep and quiet practice, suitable for all levels; Yang refers to vinyasa (flow); Half of class is devoted to each style.
Heart Centered Yoga: permits the practice of yoga to unfold from both the inner and outer body. This is cultivated by using proper alignment in traditional poses, awareness on breath and harmony within the heart, body and mind. Class will include flowing and holding various postures.
Bollywood: Aerobic style dance ending with 15 minutes stretching.
Meditation: The path of Buddhist meditation: see www.pacifichermitage.org for detail; NO charge
Foundation Yoga: This class is designed for those new to yoga or students returning after a long absence from a regular practice. Asanas will focus on core strength and basic alignment principals assisting the bodies primary and secondary muscle groups to move beyond the basics.
Acuyoga: combines acupressure with traditional yoga with a focus on breath, alignment, and core strength to promote energetic balance.
Sukha Yoga 1: Sukha = Ease, not to be mistaken with an easy yoga class; this is a mixed level class , suitable for all levels. This format brings ease into every pose, buy unwinding the tension, and holding patterns held in the body. This class will present,some “pre yoga” movement along with the foundational postures with a strong focus and attention to alignment, and identifying pure range of motion, and thus improving function and relieving discomfort. Come to class with the expectation of feeling much better after class.
Sukha Yoga 2: Sukha = Ease, not to be mistaken with an easy yoga class; this class is also suited for all levels and brings easeinto every pose and unwinding the tension held in the body. This class will focus on assisting students find their optimal Range of motion, the balance between stretch and tension and establishing a new line of awareness of where bracing and holding in the body really are and how they hold us captive to discomfort in our yoga practice. This class will have more standing Asana, to bring the complexity of the traditional classical Yoga poses to challenge and strengthen our physical, emotional,spiritual practice of Yoga.
Class levels:
- Level 1: For beginning students and those interested in softer vinyasa
- All levels: modifications offered making the class suitable for all levels of experience; moderately vigorous vinyasa
- Level 2: Less instruction and vigorous vinyasa