Levels & Types
Class Types
Hatha Yoga
Level of intensity: Low to Moderate
In a Hatha class students will learn a variety of asanas (postures). Expect to mindfully explore standing poses, backbends, twists and inversions. In Hatha Yoga, postures are held for several long, steady breaths to develop a deeper experience and understanding of alignment, unlocking the full benefits of each asana. Expect a challenging class that moves at a slower pace.
Vinyasa Yoga
Level of intensity: Moderate to High
In a Vinyasa class students will learn a variety of asanas (postures) including standing poses, backbends, twists and inversions. Let the breath guide movement in this dynamic practice linking various postures to create a “flow”. This flow provides a physically challenge and mentally calming effect. (Weight-bearing on hands is common in Vinyasa. Students should be relatively free from wrist and shoulder issues.)
Gentle Yoga
Level of intensity: Low to Moderate
Gentle Yoga is a mixed level class for new students or those simply wanting a more relaxed and nurturing experience. Students can expect relaxing breath work, various warm ups and an exploration of basic and modified postures at a fairly slow pace. But don’t let the name of this class fool you. Gentle Yoga is intended to be an accessible practice, not necessarily an easy practice.
Gentle Yoga is appropriate for anyone who is relatively free from injury and can stand, sit and kneel on the floor.
Yin Yoga
Level of intensity: Moderate to High
Yin Yoga is practiced seated or lying down. Postures are typically held for 3-5 minutes each. This practice aims to move past muscular tension to gain access to the fascia (connective tissue), allowing for the release of deep-rooted tension.
Yin Yoga is accessible to most students, regardless of your age or level of expertise. Please note that Yin Yoga may not be appropriate for students with hypermobility or connective tissue disorders. Consult your teacher if you are working with these conditions.
Yoga Nidra
Level of intensity: Low
Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) is a holistic, systematic meditation technique which, with proper guidance, allows us to incline the mind and body toward a healthy, productive state. A state of deep relaxation is achieved as attention is directed in a methodical, orderly way through the body. Students will be encouraged to build on their desire to reach their highest potential by nurturing and strengthening the positive traits they already possess. Yoga Nidra helps people to rest, balance, transform and tap into new sources of energy. Yoga Nidra is appropriate for everyone. (Yoga Nidra is a specialty class offered as a monthly workshop.)
Class Levels
We want you to have a safe and delightful yoga experience. Nothing can be more important than choosing the correct level. Be honest with yourself. You’ll enjoy feeling masterful in class that is right for you. If you need more guidance, send us an email or give us a call.
Level I
Our level I classes are powerful learning experiences in which you will re-discover your body, how it works, and what it can do. They are designed to give you the time and support to understand safe alignment of basic, foundational yoga asanas (postures), basic breathing techniques and the beginnings of meditation. All of our teachers are trained to help you build a safe, supported foundational practice.
Level I/II
Level I/II classes build on the fundamental postures introduced in Level I through creative and challenging sequences. Level I/II classes are also ideal for learning and practicing the basics of more challenging postures like arm balances, inversions, safely and effectively.
Level II
Level II classes are designed to expand on your strength, stamina and flexibility as you master advanced postures like inversions, arm balances, and backbends, as well as demanding sequences. Also, expect teachers to refer to postures in Sanskrit more frequently.
Level II/III
Level II/III classes presume students are familiar with intermediate yoga postures (including inversions and backbends). In these classes you will use your knowledge of postures and breathing to practice exciting, physically demanding and challenging sequences and variations. You will go deeper, and your teacher will help you achieve breakthroughs in your practice and your self-awareness. The pace of these classes is often faster, so we recommend you are injury-free and have a year of solid yoga under your mat before you join II/III classes.
All Levels
All Levels classes will guide students through a variety of asanas and offer both level I and level II options for various poses. Students should have several months of prior experience with yoga before attending an All Levels class.