Class Descriptions

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa (flow) Yoga combines precision and alignment with breathing and meditation into a fluid, flowing pattern of movement. This hybrid of the 5,000 year old yogic tradition brings together the wisdom of the ancients and contemporary training science to produce what may be the most comprehensive fitness system yet to evolve. While being either slow and calm or athletic and challenging, Vinyasa focuses on the "core essentials" of breathing (ujjayi), gaze (drishti) and subtle muscular contractions (bandhas) to create a dynamic and energizing practice. All levels, beginner to intermediate.

Yoga in the Anusara Inspired Style

What is Anusara Inspired Yoga? Anusara inspired yoga focuses on the universal principles of alignment identified by founder, John Friend. In class, students learn a specific system of alignment from the ground up – each class building on what was taught in the class before (thus, the requirement of registration for a block of classes). Each class will incorporate asana – the hatha yoga postures, as well as yogic breathing and meditation.
The Anusara inspired style class is appropriate for beginning students, as well as more experienced yogis. We will build strength through a mindful, focused asana practice. We concentrate on proper alignment and safety, carefully establishing our foundation in each pose. All students can benefit from the alignment principles and from the opportunity to practice each pose at a skill level that is appropriate for their experience and abilities.
Anusara means “flowing with grace” and is one of the most spiritually inspiring, therapeutically effective and physically transformative styles of Hatha yoga. The Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment allow the body, breath, and spirit to align so that we can tap into our potential for a full and radiant life. Classes are joyful celebrations of that life, and a great opportunity to laugh and experiment in a safe, non-judgmental environment.


Feldenkrais Method

Awareness through movement. Feldenkrais dramatically improves your posture, flexibility, coordination, vitality and ease of movement, regardless of your age or physical ability, and enjoy profound psychological and emotional growth. Enjoy relief from pain, tension, stress, movement restrictions and chronic emotional and physical habit patterns. Benifits include:

* Improves posture, flexibility and coordination.
* Enhances emotional and physical well-being.
* Eases chronic pain and movement restrictions.
* Helps overcome and prevent injury.
* Reduces stress and increases self confidence.
* Refines skills for athletes, musicians and dancers.
* Improves self-esteem.
* Develops self awareness and thinking ability.
* Regains childlike openness and creativity.
* Explores the relationship between movement, psychology, biology and the brain.

Tribal Style Bellydancing

Tribal Style dance is inspired and informed by the traditional dance forms of the Middle East, North Africa, and India. It celebrates the beauty, grace, and natural power of the female form and emphasizes the importance of the female tribal community. Originally developed as a part of spiritual expression and to aid in childbirth, the dance eventually moved into the public arena. Introduced in America at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the dance has since flourished on American soil and in the American culture.


Stott Pilates

Stott Pilates - Intelligent Exercise, Profound Results®
Stott Pilates is a contemporary approach to the work of the late Joseph Pilates. The repertoire of exercises develops deep abdominal and back strength thereby developing a body that is strong, firm, and flexible without encouraging bulk. With consistent practice, the mat based exercises develop a body that is lengthened, streamlined, and functionally strong. Joseph Pilates said “ In 10 sessions you will feel better, in 20 sessions you will look better, and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body!”


Tai Chi
What is Taijiquan?
Taijiquan (also known as T’ai Chi Ch’uan or T’ai Chi or Tai Chi) has long been a very familiar part of the Chinese landscape. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the United States as well. Anyone who has wandered into a park in Chinatown in the morning will certainly have been intrigued by the sight of huge numbers of Chinese practicing this slow and graceful form of exercise. However, most Americans still only have a vague idea about what Taijiquan is.

Taijiquan was originally developed in China as a martial arts training exercise. However, one does not need to practice martial arts to enjoy the benefits of Taijiquan. In China today, Taijiquan is practiced by young and old alike primarily to promote good health, reduce stress, improve movement and prevent disease. The unique "dynamic relaxation" of Taijiquan helps to harmonize the mind and body.

What are the health benefits of Taijiquan?
Studies have confirmed that regular practice of Taijiquan has many health benefits. These include:

Relaxation, stress relief and well-being: Through gentle, mindful movements and relaxed, deep breathing, Taijiquan helps reduce stress and tension, and generate a profound sense of harmony and well-being. Studies have found a significant drop in stress hormones during and after practice, as well as reduced tension, anxiety, fatigue, depression and improved mood.
Improved balance and coordination: Taijiquan can significantly increase balance, especially in older adults. Seniors who practice Taijiquan had a 47% decrease in falls as well as a reduced fear of falling. Taijiquan practitioners also gain improved strength, mobility, and endurance.
Lower blood pressure and cardiovascular benefit: Taijiquan can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. It is a safe exercise for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Osteoporosis: Research has shown that regular practice of Taijiquan can retard bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Joints and Muscles: Taijiquan gently stretches and strengthens the muscles and can increase joint flexibility.

Who can practice Taijiquan?
People of any age may learn Taijiquan. Young and old, male and female, weak and strong alike can and do benefit greatly. Taijiquan is particularly appropriate for elderly people who are at risk for falls, as well as those with osteoporosis. Taijiquan is a safe form of aerobic exercise for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Taijiquan can also be practiced by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, since it provides good exercise without exacerbating joint symptoms.

How should I Learn Taijiquan?
Although today Taijiquan is primarily practiced for its health benefits, nevertheless it was originally developed as a martial art. A student who has some knowledge (however superficial) of Taijiquan’s martial application will find it easier to practice correctly, even if he or she does not intend to use Taijiquan for fighting. As a martial art training exercise, Taijiquan helps to build balance, stability, strength, efficiency of movement, whole-body connectedness and energy. Over the years, it has undergone the most rigorous testing imaginable: the effectiveness of a martial art in China was not a matter of theory or opinion, but literally a matter life or death. If your practice was not effective, then you were defeated in combat.

Most books and many classes on Taijiquan merely teach the form, the series of choreographed movements. However, Taijiquan has nothing to do with the number of moves one learns or the different styles one knows. It’s the quality of each movement that counts. If you can do one movement with the correct quality and just repeat it over and over, you will get more benefit than if you do a complex set of movements without that quality.