This class is designed for the complete beginner. Learn basic alignment, breathing and sequences. Guided with gentle student focused instruction and led at a pace appropriate for beginners. No experience necessary. All props provided.

Core Yoga is a fun, high-energy flow class of asana and strength building with the focus on building core muscular energy, emotional energy, and stamina. Having a stronger core creates the direct benefit of vital muscular energy, but it also builds your emotional strength – with a strong core you will have a much safer and more energized practice on the mat, and also build energy to face the daily practice of life off the mat. The class is open to all levels of students.

Let it flow like water................... Within the physical body is a subtle flow of rhythmic, energy pulsations that we call prana, or life force. FLOW (Vinyasa) is a form of yoga in which each pose flows into the next in coordination with the breath and through carefully balanced sequences. The fundamental principals of internal alignment (bandhas), yogic breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), breath synchronized movements (Vinyasa) and the sequencing of traditional asanas (Iyengar Yoga), prepare the practitioner to open the body, develop steadiness of mind and freedom of vital life force energy. Using meditation to quiet the mind, and music to inspire, students are guided to more advanced levels of practice and spiritual development. Moving with the rhythm of the breath helps us recognize our experience as a reflection of the greater spanda (pulsation) of the universe, constantly pulsing— the rising and setting sun, the ebbing and flowing tides, the beating of the heart. Move through the forms in a flowing state of grace. The breath leads the way. This is Flow.

STHIRA SUKHAM ASANAM (2:46) sthira=steady; sukham=comfort; asanam=posture. Asana is a steady, comfortable posture. "True asana is that in which the thought of Brahma flows effortlessly and incessantly through the mind." The Iyengar form focuses on three aspects; technique, sequencing and timing. Technique means that in practice one learns ever finer adjustments in the alignment of how to performs the asana and pranayama. Correct alignment allows the body to develop energetically and harmoniously in an anatomically correct way so as to avoid pain and injury. We begin with the alignment of the joints and the bones, and then move to the muscles, ligaments, skin etc. Guruji (B.K.S. Iyengar) has developed the use of props (such as blocks, straps, and blankets) to adapt the posture to the student in propper alignment. Sequence refers to the order of postures or pranayama. There is a powerful cumulative effect achieved by practicing asanas in particular sequences. By varying which postures are practiced after which, the mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified in a manner not otherwise possible in order to bring about changes to the whole being including ones spiritual evolution. Timing- postures cannot be done quickly or without awareness. It takes time to move into a posture and become stable. When this has been achieved then one remains stable for some time to intensify the depth of the posture and so extract its benefits. The prolonged practice of asana and pranayama affects the individual on an organic (physiological), mental and spiritually level as well as just physically.

This moderate paced practice emphasizes breath work, postural alignment and "honoring the wisdom of the body." Classes explore the release of blocked energy and the integration of emotion through mindful yoga practice with gentle compassionate instruction. "Kripalu Yoga is a tool for self empowerment and personal growth. The practice teaches you to tap into your own inner-knowing rather than being dependent upon guidance from external authorities. You learn to be open to what others have to offer without giving away your powers to reason, discriminate and make our own decisions. At the same time, you are also establishing an intimate and nurturing relationship with your body. Every sensation becomes sacred and is responded to with tenderness and compassion, and each session is approached with an attitude of prayer. In Kripalu Yoga your body becomes the temple in which you invoke the presence of the divine. This intention can take you to new depths in your practice and in your life." Deva Parnell

"Our body exists in the past and our minds in the future. Yoga brings them together in the present." Restorative yoga is a gentle practice that allows the body to open at its own pace. Using props for support, we hold poses without effort or force. This is an excellent practice for restoring the body after injury or illness or to simply slow down an active lifestyle. Students leave the class feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed.

Toddler Yoga This 45 minute class offers an age appropriate flow of yoga asanas to introduce your toddler to the joys of yoga. The class is filled with a careful flow of asanas, songs and stories to enhance your tots physical and social development while deepening the parent/child bond. This fun, active and compassionate class is designed to allow expressive freedom of movement and activity for the busy toddler while introducing such poses as down-dog, tree, warrior and heart opening backbends. Parents/caregivers must attend and are encouraged to participate in all poses. Class is taught by Itsy Bitsy Yoga trained Cristen Willis. Class appropriate for children ages 20 months to 3.5 years. Only one child/caregiver please. Dads too are encouraged to attend! Space is limited to 12 tots. For more info and to register please email Cristen at totsyoga@gmail.com