New to YOGA?
If you are looking at this page, chances are that you are also searching for a way to get started with yoga. This could be the first step in a very interesting journey.
Because of yoga’s booming popularity, there are more and more offerings. It can be intimidating to figure out the best way to start a yoga practice. At Balance we offer several options for beginning students, and we encourage you to explore and find the right teachers and style of yoga for you.
Many students find that taking a Beginners Class or a Beginners Series with a group of newer students is a safe and comfortable way to start a practice. A Beginner’s Series is a “yoga course” in which you commit to a number of classes over a certain period of time. The teacher builds upon the previous week’s lessons. Students are given homework, or postures to practice in-between classes. Although we encourage you to commit to a set number of classes, we also welcome drop in students.
SPRING 2012 SERIES & CLASSES
Early bird special price $88 for eight weeks if booked by 2/26!
3/5 – 4/23, Mondays 5:30-7:00pm: Ashtanga and Therapeutics Beginner’s Series with Jessica Blanchard
Explore the link between the breath and the body’s ability to release deeply held patterns of tension. Ashtanga yoga primary series translates to “yogic therapy,” and when practiced intelligently, this system gently coaxes stiff parts of the body to relax while encouraging weak areas to strengthen. Jessica will also incorporate specific therapeutic postures which favor balancing out imbalances – in hips, pelvis and shoulders. This series will be detoxifying and therapeutic, and will include a handout to support a home practice.
3/5 – 4/23, Mondays 7:30pm-8:45pm: Anusara Beginners Series with Laura Flora
This series will introduce the system of Anusara Yoga. We will emphasize Universal Principles of Alignment which help the practitioner form a solid foundation for any future yoga practice as well as introduce some of the key concepts of a powerfully uplifting philosophy. The affirming philosophy and precise alignment combined with a fun sense of community offer the possibility for deep transformation. This series is perfect for the beginning practitioner or for anyone who wants a systematic introduction to this system of yoga. We hope you’ll join us. You can read more about anusara yoga at www.anusara.com and about Laura at www.alamkarayoga.com
3/7 – 4/25, Wednesdays 7:30 – 8:45pm: Mindfully Gentle Beginners Series with Amy Archinal
In this series the emphasis is on yoga and meditation for stress relief. Learn to move mindfully into postures and accept and welcome all feelings that arise. You will learn to love your spine and your breath. Gentle and accessible for all beginners.
Cost for 8 Week Series: Early Bird Special! $88 if paid by 2/26, $104 otherwise.
Ongoing Classes Suitable to Beginners
Sunday 10am Community Class with Tim
Sunday 6pm Unwind with Tamar
Sundays 4-5pm with Jessica Blanchard (class runs until 2/26)
Monday 9am Gentle Yoga with Amy
Tuesday 7:15pm Community Class with Seneca
Wednesdays 7:30pm Yin Yoga with Amy Archinal
Thursday 4:30-5:30pm Beginners Yoga with Cheryl
Saturday 10:45am Ansuara Level 1 with Laura
Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9am Mysore Style, new students may arrive anytime between 6:30 & 9am
Thursday 5:00pm-7pm Mysore style, new students may arrive anytime between 5:00 & 6pm
Ashtanga – Mysore Style for Beginners
In the Ashtanga Tradition, students are taught progressively over time. This means that your first class may be very short, as you learn the correct breathing style and Sun Salutations, then lay down to rest. During the next class you will learn some standing postures. The classes build upon each other over time, because one pose prepares your body on a gross physical and subtle level for the next pose. With the correct breathing and concentration the end result is a very relaxed and calm state of mind.
Beginners are welcome to all Ashtanga – Mysore Style classes. Come with an open mind. Expect to be in a room with seemingly more advanced students, and know that you will receive individual attention from the teacher. All Ashtanga students start this way. For clarification or questions email jessica@balanceyogawellness.com.
