Class Format

At Yoga For Life, all classes are taught in the traditional format of Classic Hatha Yoga. Each class begins with a short period of stillness to develop a deep, flowing, diaphragmatic breathing called ujjayi. This initial focus on the breath serves to calm the mind and body, affording a palpable connection between them. This mind-body connection, via the breath, affords a safe practice as the individual attunes mindfully to the body’s movement through the asana (pose) practice. Deep, deliberate breathing results in mental clarity and focus, and a sense of practicing with grace (sukha) and power (stirrha) simultaneously. As poses are experienced through the vehicle of the breath and mindfulness, then the correct alignment, balance, and edge of the pose may be more easily achieved.

Asanas are strategically sequenced to work the body and spine through their full range of motion and flexibility points. Each week classes are taught from a thematic approach emphasizing a key component of Yoga, including essentials such as: breath, balance, strength, power, renewal, etc. The practice of Classic Hatha leads the individual into a state of inner stillness, which releases our daily acquisition of tension and stress.

All classes conclude with a deeply restorative pose known as Savasana or “final relaxation”. This traditional approach to Yoga will leave you with a sense of relaxed vigor, and a feeling of whole body well-being.

LEVEL I:
This is a beginner class appropriate for ALL fitness levels. Classes at this level are designed for those new to Yoga or individuals with specific health concerns.

LEVEL II:
This is an intermediate class and most appropriate for practitioners with prior Yoga experience, a good fitness level, and no limiting health concerns.

LEVEL III:
This is an advanced class geared toward experienced practitioners with a strong fitness level, knowledge of asanas, and no limiting health conditions.

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A good choice for beginners or those who prefer an educational, slower-paced type of class. Teacher will provide clear instruction and offer individual assistance while breaking down basic yoga poses and techniques. Each class will explore a different posture series or key yoga principle, such as the Warrior series, balance postures, deep breathing, the energy chakras, or guided meditation. Props and modifications will be used to allow for ease and proper alignment in all postures. Yoga Basics will cultivate your balance and build your strength, preparing you for more advanced classes. (By appointment for  individuals or small groups for 90 minutes @ $40.)
 
LEVEL I (FOUNDATION SERIES):
This 2-hour class will include an exploration of diverse techniques for reaching the meditative state. Reaching this state results in a transformation of the mind-body-spirit connection. This class is designed for those new to the practice of meditation. (By appointment for individuals or small groups for 120 minutes @ $70.)
 
Hatha - All Levels is appropriate for those new to yoga and seasoned practitioners alike. Each class will include pranayama. So begins your journey to self-discovery, as yoga leads to a well-balanced, flexible body and a clear mind.  Improved health is achieved through asana, movement, and breath. Students will be encouraged to take as much or as little from each class on any given day.  Instruction will include modifications and/or props appropriate for the individual. Sessions will be topped off with guided relaxation. Throughout our lives, we are faced with stressful situations. Yoga is the antidote to stress.
 
Restorative Yoga is designed to promote deep relaxation, release stress, and replenish and renew mind and body. It is effective in restoring the nervous system and help release deeply held tensions within. Your supported body relaxes and opens, promoting well-being, and a sense of calm, clarity, and joy.
 
This class is meant to complement your regular asana flow with a deep, sustained practice of poses. It will begin with repetitive Sun Salutations to warm-up the muscles and connective tissues, and then proceed into the sustaining of 5-6 poses for 3-5 minutes. This will deeply penetrate and stretch not only the muscles, but also the connective tissues: ligaments, tendons, and fascia. This class will be conducted in a WARM environment.
Sukha-Stirha is a new offering on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with Deb. It is a blend of Yang (power, strength, balance), and Yin (deep restoration, supported stretching, contemplation). This practice will leave you feeling perfectly balanced, energized and restored. This practice is appropriate for all levels of practitioners.
When you attend Gentle Yoga, the goal is to gradually build your strength, your flexibility, and awareness of your body. As John Muir said, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." The same can be said of our bodies---move one part and another is affected.
Deb will be hosting a monthly meditation practice the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 7:30-8:00 p.m. It is FREE, and anyone is welcome to attend. The meditation focus will be thematic, and will emphasize a different mode for establishing the meditative state each month.

No matter what you are facing. You can heal your heart! These quarterly workshops focus on pulling through the pain of loss to move toward empowerment. The practice includes techniques for releasing tension, breath techniques for stress, movement for uplifting the spirit, final relaxation for letting go, and guided meditation for peace and relaxation. This workshop is two hours, and guided by Sophie. The cost is $25. Check the Special Events section of the website for dates, and registration.

Students speak: MJO-"So powerful I want to take it a second time." SK-"This experience released tension and stress that I was totally unaware of at this stage in life." JA-"An extremely powerful and helpful workshop."

Get your yoga glow on during the first 50 minutes of this class, which will incorporate an upbeat warm-up sequence, Sun Salutations, strength-building asanas, and plenty of balance exercises. Then it's time to restore and recharge. During the 25-minute cool-down period, you will be guided through a series of yin and restorative postures, ending in a lengthy shavasana. Glow & Restore will leave you feeling strong, energized, balanced, and renewed.
Gentle Yoga/Gentle Basics
A gentle yoga flow, perfect for beginners, seniors, or those suffering from injuries. Learn essential yoga poses that create the foundation for your practice. In this class, we will move slowly while using our breath to release unwanted tension and stress. This is an all-level class. Come re-balance and restore while creating strength and flexibility.
Restorative Yoga with Soothing Sound
This gentle, relaxing class invites students to let go of their muscular and emotional  bodies. Passive postures are held between five and 15 minutes using the support of props like bolsters, blocks, and blankets. Restorative yoga is an ideal way to start your yoga practice, rehabilitate injuries, find inner peace, or simply unwind after a hectic week. This type of practice can be especially therapeutic to those suffering from grief. Each class will incorporate a seated warm-up, one to two yin-based stretches, and three to four deeply nourishing restorative postures. As you melt into these supported postures, instructor will use breath work, aromatherapy, soothing sound, and guided meditation to help you relax even deeper. Summer is known for her calming voice, carefully planned sequences, and her love for unique musical instruments, such as crystal singing bowls and melodic drums. Come join her to quiet your mind and restore balance to your nervous system. Class offered every Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

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