Ashtanga – Mysore Style/Led Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional practice made popular in the west by the yogi Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). It is the root of many mainstream styles such as Power and Vinyasa Yoga. At the center of this practice is the breath. The breath strings together all of the postures in the sequence, and allows the student to release deeply held areas of tension.
Mysore style is a method taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, founded by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. In these classes, there is an emphasis on students developing their own self practice, which can be done anywhere or anytime. Initially students work closely with the teacher, learning the fundamentals and the sequence of postures. This class is open to all, and especially suited to those looking for one-on-one interactions with their teacher.
In Led Ashtanga classes, the teacher guides students through each posture in the sequence. Students learn awareness of the connection between the breath and the body as they move in and out of postures. Classes focus on correct breathing, alignment, activating the core muscles of the pelvis, mental focus (dristhi) and releasing patterns of tension in the body.
Vinyasa means breathing and moving in sync – inhaling to open and expand and exhaling to root and release. In vinyasa classes the teacher emphasizes the synchronization of movement with the breath. Classes can be vigorous when the emphasis is on more movement and dynamic postures (in Vinyasa Vigorous or Core Power), or gentle (Gentle Flow) when the emphasis is on holding softer yoga poses for longer periods of time.
Community Classes reflect individual teacher’s trainings and are donation based. Instruction emphasizes alignment, full breath, and doing the poses attentively, deeply and non-aggressively. These classes are great for those new to yoga.
Anusara means “flowing with grace” or “aligning with nature.” Anusara Yoga, founded by John Friend in 1997, seeks to bring the practitioner into a more harmonious state of being. An uplifting philosophical theme is woven throughout each Anusara class along with skillful and concise alignment instructions. This empowers students to cultivate ever-expanding strength, flexibility, balance, and freedom in body, mind and spirit.
In Anusara – Level 1 the basics of common standing poses, seated poses, hip openers, and backbends are regularly practiced. These classes are suitable for those new to yoga or those who wish to build a solid alignment-based practice from the ground up. In Anusara – Level 2 arm balances, full backbends and work towards handstand and forearm balance at the wall are a regular part of the practice. Students should already have a steady yoga practice or have spent some time in an Anusara Level 1 class. Further refinements to alignment are used to go deeply into postures, breathing and meditation in Anusara – Level 3 classes. Students should be able to kick up to the wall in handstand and do a full backbend with straight arms.
Restorative Yoga allows the practitioner to reach a deep state of relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to lower the heart rate, blood pressure and stimulate the immune system. In restorative yoga classes, students use yoga props such as blankets, bolsters, blocks and straps to facilitate holding of poses for long periods of time (between 5 – 20 minutes). By letting go of muscular tension with the support of props, the body is given a chance to rest deeply, allowing chronic stress to dissipate and healing to occur at a deep level. This practice is a quiet and internal, allowing the practitioner to relax and release in both mind and body.
Prenatal Yoga helps moms-to-be reduce tension and prepare for childbirth through a combination of breath awareness, gentle and strengthening yoga postures, relaxation, and community with other expecting moms. Recommended for women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. No previous yoga experience needed. Prenatal students should eat something light one hour before class and bring a snack.
Kundalini Yoga combines breathing, movement, meditation, stretching and relaxation to balance the glandular system, strengthen the nerves, and expand lung capacity. Classes start with a focus on the breath, then progress to asanas that warm up the spine. This is followed by a “kriya,” or sequence of movements combined the breath to address and cleanse a particular area of the body. The kriya sequence is followed by a “savasana” or resting pose and a short meditation. No previous experience in yoga is required to attend these classes.
Pranayama is the use of the breath and the entire respiratory system to purify and strengthen the nerves. This leads to greater control of the senses, better capacity to handle stress, and a calm, clear, state of mind. When you develop a consistent practice, the effects of Pranayama last throughout the day. Classes give you the opportunity to be introduced and to practice the techniques in a supportive, watchful environment. Jessica has been directly trained by one of the only true authentic sources of Pranayama, Sri O.P. Tiwari.
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy promotes healing from within. A healing art developed by Michael Lee, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy combines yoga with elements of contemporary body-mind psychology. This is a one-on-one guided experience that allows practitioners to explore the connection between what’s happening in their bodies and what’s happening in their life. Using guided meditation, gentle stretches, and compassionate dialogue, Phoenix Rising reveals the root causes of stress, tension and anxiety in a confidential and non-judgemental environment.
