Class Descriptions
Lead Primary - Practitioners are lead through Sun Salutations to warm the body and develop stamina; standing postures to develop balance; sitting postures to open hips, strengthen forward folding and develop spinal flexibility; back bending; plus a closing sequence with inversions to improve circulation and cool the body.
Although helpful for students to have significant movement and yoga experience, a typical class has a wide range of experience, from beginners to persons with many years of practice. Modifications are given to make the practice accessible to all body types and fitness levels .
Note: Once the sequence has begun practitioners are lead non-stop through about 90 minutes of asana practice and the flow of the class is seldom interrupted. You must also be prepared to sweat. The only real requirements to participation is desire, a sense of adventure and the willingness to connect with the transforming power of your breath.
Mysore Classes - This is the manner in which Ashtanga Yoga is taught in Mysore, India by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. Students learn the traditional sequence of asanas (postures) on an individual basis, one by one, yet in a group setting. The practice/class remains silent with soft spoken one on one individual instruction. The asanas are taught in a progressive system, where each builds strength and stamina, developing the student for the next asana. This is a very powerful and safe way of learning Ashtanga Yoga. The students then memorize the sequence, which becomes their personal practice.
Each student is given their practice according to their ability. Since asanas (postures) are taught one at a time, beginners tend to have a shorter practice than more experienced students. As the student progresses in strength, stamina, flexibility, concentration and the memorization of their sequence, additional postures are “given” by the instructor. The sense of the word “given” in this context comes from how the practice is taught in India, where a Yoga practice is something an instructor “gives” to a student as a spiritual sadhana (practice). In the West, people are accustomed to learning many postures at once, as in most group led-classes. One advantage of the “Mysore Style” format is that it is for EVERYONE, because it teaches according to one’s individual capacity.
The vinyasa (breath-linked movement) sequencing of Ashtanga Yoga was recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta (ancient text). This text was lost until rediscovered in the early 1900’s by the late great Yoga Master T. Krishnamacharya of Mysore, India. It was then passed down to his most senior student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who was entrusted with preserving, refining, and transmitting it to all that take its benefit. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois has been teaching this method for 70 years!
This ancient discipline utilizes the body to transform the mind. Ashtanga Yoga literally means “eight-limbed.” The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga were originally described by the sage Patanjali in the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras (believed to be compiled in 2500 B.C.)
Ashtanga Basics (lead half primary) This class, inspired by student feedback, will lead you through sun salutations, standing postures, basic forward bends, hip openers, twists and core strengthening before closing with mild backbending and a relaxing series of finishing asanas (postures). This class is perfect for beginners or individuals still learning the primary sequence. Modifications will be given to accommodate every student regardless of age, condition, gender, or experience. All students are welcome and all will benefit from this class.
Beginner - This class has a focus on basic postures with an emphasis on correct breathing, alignment, and hip opening, ideal for beginners and individuals with chronic injuries.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before class.
- Please refrain from eating 2 hours prior to class.
- Please let your teacher know about any prior injuries or if you are pregnant.
- Please make sure pager and or cell phones are off before class begins.
- Please do not wear strong perfumes or lotions to class
