Yoga Newbies!
A comfortably paced introductory class for those new to yoga. Our 6 week Sessions include an introduction to yoga philosophy, fundamentals of basic standing, seated, and restorative poses with an emphasis on principles of alignment, breathing, body-specific modifications, and use of props.
(Mon 9:30a ~ 7:30p)
Gentle Yoga
A gently pace and sequenced class for those looking for slower transitions between poses. Especially suited for beginning students and "Wounded Warriors" seeking rehabilitation from injury or illness. (Wed 6p)
For more guidance on how yoga can help with your specific wellness goals, we invite you to attend our next physical needs assessment (date TBA), conducted by our staff Physical Therapist, Sandra Nolting.
Limited to 4 "Warriors" $25~ preregistration required
Inner Goddess
Linking the breath with a continuous flow of yoga postures, connects us with our inherent awareness of mind, body, and spirit. Utilizing techniques of Iyengar inspired Hatha yoga, Aiko explores the realms of the "inner goddess"~ our common bonds as women. This class is appropriate for all women, in all phases of life. Come celebrate your inner beauty! (out of session at this time)
ABC (Absolute Beginners Class)
Designed for beginning yoga students who prefer or require a slow steady experience practicing yoga. This class focuses on increasing strength and flexibility through standing postures and introductory back bends and hip openers. Learn basic yoga poses, steady breath work and the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment™ over a 6 week session. (Tues 6p)
Vinyasa Flow
'Vinyasa', or to 'place in a special way', is a linking or continual flow of asana (postures) arising from the Sun and Moon Salutations. Initiated and tethered by the breath, this style becomes a moving form of meditation, strengthening our response and connection to life's 'present moments'. Drawing from several yoga traditions and creative intuition, this class is well suited for those with prior yoga experience seeking a moderate cardiovascular challenge. (Mon~Wed 12:15, Sun 10a)
Slow Flow
A slower paced version of the above class, for those students beginning their exploration of vinyasa style yoga. Knowledge of Sun Salutations and basic yoga postures is helpful, as to allow continuous flow between pose sequencing. (Mon 6p~ Fri 7:30p)
Yin, Yang, Yawn
A gentle themed integrated practice balanced in three dimensions.
Yin Yoga, as popularized by Paul Grilley of Ashland, Ore, is founded upon the theory of meridians (energy channels) which are believed to exist within the lattice of connective tissue throughout the body.
Yin Yoga postures invite muscles to relax and are held between 3-5 minutes, specifically to encourage gentle stretching of the connective tissue layers, where as Yang postures involve dynamic active muscle stretch. Class flows as an integration of Yin and Yang postures, concluding with a 'Yawn', or supported restorative postures. (out of session at this time)
Anusara Essentials
This class targets yoga practitioners familiar with the basic postures, wanting to explore Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment™
Anusara Yoga is a Hatha yoga system which integrates specific principles of body alignment with a celebration of the heart. These principles allow us to find the natural flow of our body, moving towards greater freedom and stability. (Wed 7:30p)
Nia
Nia draws from the disciplines of martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts, and can be adapted to fit individual needs and abilities. This sensory based empowering practice supports health and well being, and is enjoyed by persons of all shapes, ages and size, through connecting one's body, mind, emotions and spirit. The classes are enjoyed in bare feet to soul stirring music, combining 52 unique movements of the core, arms and legs. Laura invites you to come step into your own joyful journey!
(Thur 09:00, Sat 8:45-9:45a)
Homebody (Building your Home Practice)
Committing to a home practice can be met with a number of obstacles. This class will examine issues encountered in developing a home yoga practice and ways to overcome, thereby enrich and deepen your personal practice. Sequencing, pose modifications, use of props, and creative pose "fusions" will be explored. Weekly teaching format includes a short lecture, printed resources, question and insights, small group and individual creative study. Yes...there will be homework!
(next offering Spring 2012)
'Stickman' Yoga
"Stickman knows" to wear his helmet when bicycling, and to look both ways before crossing the street. He also knows that if he would get his 'Stickman self' to yoga, he would be as supple as a willow and strong as an oak. He finds comfort in knowing that the 'gumby girls' will not be there, because this is a special class designed just for him and other 'Stickman' friends. See ya at the BUDDHIO, Stickman. (Thur 6p)
Seriously, our upcoming Thur evening class, is for all the 'guys' who have requested a multilevel class designed for men with similar flexibility challenges...aka. "Stickmen" (Sorry guys, "man cave" not included.)
for more on Spokane's Stickmanknows safety program, visit: stickmanknows.org
Rising Dragon Tai Chi
An exercise system originating in China in the 13th century, Tai Chi has been passed on in family lines to the present. During the 20th century the exercise was introduced to the western world. Of the several family styles practiced, the Yang style solo free-hand form is more common, and the style presented. When practiced over a sufficient interval of time, this easy to execute form has been shown to be helpful in reducing stress as well as improving balance and flexibility. Medical studies suggest Tai Chi has cardiopulmonary and immunological benefits as well. Please join Sifu Elwyn on Saturday afternoons!
(Sat 1-2p)
Chakra Toning Chakras are energy centers that influence the functioning of our endocrine and nervous systems. They can become unbalanced or blocked from physical, psychological, spiritual, and environmental stress. When they are in harmony, we can function more fully, feel more alive! Vocalist, musician, LMP, Sheila Fox will lead the class through the seven major chakras using voice, color, element visualizations, and Taoist meridian tapping. Live and recorded sound and music will be played for warm up and cool down.
Come use your voice to balance your energy, relax your body and mind and learn some new exercises to add to your self-care tool box for 2012! Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle. (Jan 8, Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 26)
'Just Sitting'
This is an introduction to basic Insight (Vipassana) meditation, offered in the Spring and Fall. Once completing an initial 6 week session, students may attend without fee, or by donation. (Resumes Spring 2012)
Restorative
A class offered to mark each of the seasons as a reminder to take time for ourselves. Restorative poses are supported, relying little on muscular effort, allowing you to simply focus on 'letting go'. As you learn to observe the sensations of your body without identifying with them, this "non-doing" acts as a window to the core of your being. Turning deeper inward, you begin to realize how external perceptions are biased by internal emotions an sensations. Monthly on "Third Sunday", 3-4:30p. Pre-registration requested.