YOGA CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

ALL LEVELS HATHA YOGA

All levels is a hatha class appropriate for all levels. After centering the mind and warming up the body we will move mindfully through a traditional hatha yoga sequence: sun salutations, standing and balancing poses, forward folds, backbends, twists and inversions. With three primary goals: Physical Vibrancy, Emotional Balance and Metal Clarity, this class will serve as a foundation for the discovery of deep peace and true personal power that lies beneath the activity of the mind. All levels welcome.

BALANCE YOUR LIFE YOGA

Our daily lives can lead to chronic problems of posture and muscular imbalances—especially now that many of us work from home. This class focuses on bringing the body and mind back into balance. We begin with purposeful and gentle asana sequences to warm up joints and muscles, then move into poses designed to lengthen shortened muscles, strengthen overstretched muscles, and relax tensed muscles. You’ll find balance in every way: balance of your body in space, balance within your body, and a relaxing balance between work and rest. We become so conditioned to “Go-Go-Go, Do More, Work Harder!” that sometimes our biggest challenge is slowing down long enough to provide some much needed refreshment to our bodies and spirits. This class is designed for newer and avid practitioners.

CANDLELIGHT RESTORATIVE

Let yourself completely relax by candlelight. Restorative yoga enables deep relaxation that leads you towards a healing experience. Restorative yoga can be practiced by anyone, from beginners to advanced yoga practitioners. Postures are typically supported poses by props to allow the body to release held tension and enter into a state of deep relaxation. Slowing down the pace of life allows you to disconnect from activity of daily life, especially if you are in need of stillness and balance in your life. Restorative yoga also soothes the nervous system, slowing your breathe and mitigate the effects of the regular fight-or-flight response that can be damaging to your physiology and well-being. Some other benefits of a restorative practice is to opens the doorway to a deeper understanding of your body, strengthening self-awareness, self- acceptance and creating a feeling of nurturing and safety. The main focus of Restorative Yoga is to relax into the pose, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, you can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. This practice is great for anyone looking to slow down, to relieve stress, to calm the excessive mind chatter,. Props: Mat, bolster, blanket/large towel, two blocks.

GENTLE BASICS

This class will begin with meditation centering and breath work. We'll progress to a comprehensive warm for all joints and then complete the basics of the traditional hatha yoga sequence. Sun salutation, core, balance, seated and standing forward folds, and gentle backbends with a slower flow then finishing in Shavasana.

GENTLE/PEACE

Gentle Peace yoga is geared toward the student who wishes to move at a slower pace. Gentle yoga because of its innate gentle nature, is perfect for those who cannot meet the demands of a physically straining exercise due to age, health complications, recovery from injuries or surgery or just in need to slow the pace of life.  We will focus on movement for all the joints and muscles in the body, including a deep focus on spinal movement. The combination of movement and breath techniques with an experienced teacher will help create enhanced range of motion, flexibility, balance and peace through both movement,  stillness and challenging times. These techniques will enhance and deepen relaxation to assist in softening muscle tension and calm the mind.  This class will guide you into decreasing physical, mental and emotional stress while calming the nervous system and leading you to a path of peacefulness.   Studies have proven beneficial for many health concerns, including pain, reducing the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as relieving anxiety and depression. 

Gentle yoga is a slow-paced, relaxing form of yoga. It provides a beautiful way to softly wake the body up and stretch yourself out. Gentle yoga because of its innate gentle nature, is perfect for those who cannot meet the demands of a physically straining exercise due to age, recovery from injuries or surgery. This practice combines physical postures (asanas) with guidance of an experienced teacher, breathing techniques (pranayama) and deep relaxation to help soften muscles and calm the mind. Studies have proven beneficial for many health concerns, including pain, reducing the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as relieving anxiety and depression. This class is geared toward the student who wishes to move at a slower pace. Recommended props but not necessary: bolster, 1 or 2 blocks, strap, blanket

GENTLE SLOW FLOW

This practice will revitalize your body, relax your mind, increase your energy and reduce stress. Simple movements will increase the range of motion of the major joints and improve flexibility. This gentle approach is ideal for those looking for a less strenuous practice. This class is appropriate for all ages and levels of yoga. Slow flow is not as gentle as gentle restorative but not as intense as all levels. Recommended props: 2 blocks, blanket, strap, bolster.

QI GONG

Qi Gong is often called the art of effortless flow or power, and can transform stress into vitality. Learn to coordinate your breath with flowing movements and "knock" on key pressure points to increase energy and relax you at the same time. It is considered the parent of tai chi, yet it mostly involves faster movements, and is actually fun! Affirmations and intentions are spoken throughout the class and ends with a guided meditation, adding a little extra inspiration to carry you through your week. This class is ideal for all ages.

With regular practice, Qi Gong can get any stagnant or blocked energy flowing which can relieve pain and improve health. You will notice the difference right away.

Potential Qi Gong Benefits when practiced regularly:

• Reduces depression and relieves stress

• Lessens anxiety

• Can relieve chronic pain

• Improves bone and cardiovascular health

• Improves balance

• Lessens chronic fatigue

• Improves focus and concentration

• Strengthens the lungs and immune response

• Most importantly, it just makes you feel great. It’s very empowering!

VINYASA

Vinyasa yoga links movement and breathe while flowing seamlessly from one posture to the next. The flow blends breathe work, smart movement and focused alignment that will leave you energized, strong and more in tune with your body. This class is appropriate for new and experienced practitioners.

FITNESS CLASS DESCRIPTION

FLOW

Flow helps you build on your flexibility and strength in a yoga and Pilates inspired class. Choreographed moves and poses to music will guide you through controlled breathing, stretching, and strengthening of your entire body, leaving you feeling centered, balanced, and strong! All levels are welcome to this class.

CORE CONDITIONING

Core Conditioning uses resistance and light weights to condition your entire core. This quick and effective workout strengthens the muscles of not only your abs but also your back, butt, legs and shoulders. (Think of your core as everything between your shoulders and knees!) This workout is highly recommended for runners, bikers, swimmers, skiers...it's a great foundational class to make you better at all other activities! Functional strength training means you are strengthening the muscles you use in everyday activities! All levels are welcome and equipment is provided. 

COMBAT CARDIO

Combat Cardio is a high-energy, no contact cardio workout inspired by martial arts. You can work this class at any level. Fast paced music and choreographed moves will lead you through multiple kicks and punches that will leave you drenched in sweat and feeling like a super hero! This class is not intended to teach defensive combat but to help release all your stress and get a fantastic workout at the same time!

HIIT

High Intensity Interval Training class that packs a serious sweat session into a quick cardio/strength workout.
Intensity: High, best suited for intermediate to advanced
Duration: 30 minutes

LIIT

Low Intensity Interval Training class, like HIIT, focuses on cardio and strength but with less impact.
Intensity: Low, best suited for beginner to intermediate
Duration: 45 minutes

STRENGTHEN & STRETCH

This class is devoted to learning proper stretching techniques, as well as building foundational strength to improve overall fitness in all other areas of life.
Intensity: Low, best suited for beginner to advanced
Duration: 60 minutes

MEDITATION

The term 'Guided Meditation' is used to describe the process of meditating under the guidance of an experienced teacher or practitioner.

 Guided meditation is widely accessible, and there is no need for any level of experience - only the capacity to listen. As such, it is an excellent starting point for beginners, as well as for those looking for a deeper intellectual understanding of the practice.

Private Individual Yoga Instruction

Individual sessions or group classes are available. .  Please contact the instructor to learn more and schedule your session.

Registration for classes and workshops are MANDATORY for entrance. All registrations are handled through the MindBody system so when you click on any button to "View Schedule" or “Sign Up” you will be taken to the MindBody site to register.  If you do not already have an account with MindBody for Creative Wellness you may be asked to select us as the studio you are seeking and asked to create an account. You will then be able to purchase class passes, enroll and pay for workshops, book sessions with our independent providers, even purchase gift certificates. You will also receive appointment and class confirmations, reminders, and receipts this way.  If you are a fan of doing things on the go you can download the MindBody app for your phone or tablet from your appropriate app store. We encourage you to utilize this online system but should you have any trouble registering for a class or need more information please call the studio at 716-310-6268 We look forward to seeing you soon and Namaste!