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SELECTING A CLASS 

Styles of Yoga - what approach do you prefer? Please read on....

Class Level - beginner, returnee, seasoned practitioner...it's all explained below

CONFUSED? Give us a call at 928-940-0996

IYENGAR YOGA - a progressive approach to learning hatha yoga in which attention is paid to alignment and progressive learning to insure the balanced improvement in strength, balance, flexibility and mental focus. Props are employed to help students go deeper into the poses and prevent strain.  Based on the teachings of Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras - codified over 2500+ yrs. ago.

 

• Intro to Yoga - for those new to yoga and new to Iyengar Yoga; these series are offered once or twice per year .  

 

• Gentle Iyengar Yoga - for beginners & those with some mobility balance or breathing issues; new students can begin here. 

           Mondays 12:30 - 1:30 pm begins May 16th 2022. 

• Level 1 Iyengar Yoga (Beginner) – basic fundamental asanas (poses) are taught to build a proper foundation for developing a yoga practice. Students learn greater body awareness, a developed focus of attention, and the coordinated use of the breath.  In the Iyengar method, standing poses, which safely establish flexibility, stability, strength and endurance are the primary focus for beginners.  In other styles more of a mix of poses is taught from the beginning. 

          Mondays & Thursdays  11am -12:15 pm  and  Sat. 8:30 - 10:00 am

 

• Level 2 Iyengar Yoga (Continuing Beginner to Beginning Intermediate) – students learn to refine their fundamental  poses and add more challenging poses based on their understanding of the basics.  In the Iyengar method seated, twisting, back-bending and inversions are introduced.  In other styles, the poses are held for longer periods building strength and endurance.

          Tue. 9 - 10:15 am; Thurs. 9 - 10:15 am ; Sat. 8:30 - 10:00 am

 

• Level 3 Iyengar Yoga (Intermediate) - here the “staying power” in poses is increased to deepen their organic effect and heighten the mental focus necessary for performing more intense asanas.  In the Iyengar method, Pranayama (breath work) practices are introduced and refined.  With the greater stability in the asanas at this level of practice, the “effortless effort” spreads the consciousness more globally and connects body to mind, mind to spirit to realize the purpose of yoga – to bring the consciousness to a steady one-pointed state.

           Tue. 9 - 10:15 am;    Thurs. 9 - 10:15 am.;   Sat. 8:30 - 10:00 am 

 

FORREST YOGA - Reputed for its intensity, the style emphasizes connecting to one's feelings in order to work through physical and emotional trauma. Lisa Gallinger, certified Forrest Yoga Instructor, brings a deep sense of how yoga integrates in life.

               Sundays, 11 am - 12:15 pm;  Tuesdays 6 - 7 pm;  Fridays 9 - 10:15 am 

 

FLOW YOGA – also know as “Vinyasa” (arranging something in a special way), is one of the most ubiquitous styles in the west.  In vinyasa yoga classes, students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next.  This dynamic style is an exploration of the many boundaries of the body and mind.  The poses (standing, seated, twisting, abdominal, inverting) are linked to and through Adho Mukha Svanasana, Downward facing Dog, one of the poses of Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutations. Beyond this, Krishnamacharya, the great yogi of the early 20th century, emphasized vinyasa as an artful approach to living, a way of applying the skill and awareness of yoga to all the rhythms and sequences of life, including self-care, relationships, work, and personal evolution.                       Mondays 9 am with Melissa begins May 30, 2022; 

           Wednesdays 9 am with Rosie begins May 18, 2022

FUNCTIONAL YIN YOGA  (Yin/Yang Yoga as practiced at OSYC) targets the fascia or connective tissue.  It is slow and static, like traction.  Muscles are relaxed and joints are exercised relieving stiffness and preventing degeneration.  It also stimulates synovial fluid which “oils the joints” and encourages the flow of chi (energy).”  Yin postures are held anywhere from 1 minute to 5 minutes depending on how advanced the student or class is. These postures mostly target the hips and spine. Props are used with the goal of achieving total relaxation as in Restorative Yoga. The Yin/Yang Class at OSYC starts with some Yang (flow) movement to stimulate the chi or life force that flows through all living things.  The practice ends in Pentacle (Savasana -total relaxation). The Yin practice encourages the release of expectations and to go toward stillness!  Yin Classes will meet in the Summer into the Fall. 

            Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Begins June 1, 2022

 

PULSE YOGA -  45 minute class with Maureen (Mo) in which micro movements and free weights to yoga postures increasing cardio vascular fitness and strengthening core. Bring 2-3 lb. hand weights for the class.  

             Fridays. 10:30 - 11:15 am. Begins May 20, 2022

YOGA THERAPEUTICS CLASS  - by appointment only

“ heyaṁ duḥkham anāgatam - The pains which are yet to come can and are to be avoided.”

Light on The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (II.16), BKS Iyengar

The purpose of yoga therapeutics as approached in the Iyengar method is to guide the student to the path of yoga for his/her total wellbeing. This class was created for those students who aren’t able to join general yoga classes, or who have health concerns that require yoga therapeutic intervention that can’t be addressed in a general class situation.  Individualized sequences are given to each student to address the student’s physical, physiological, psychological, or emotional issues.  Assistants are available to assist students and to ensure the effects of the poses are being realized.  Though yoga is not a quick fix, progress with the health concern is the goal.  Depending upon the student and their need at the time of practice, the therapeutic approach can include asanas/pranayamas 1) for pain relief (including traction, weights, restoratives) 2) to improve stability and mobility 3) that open the body and energy to affected areas 4) that stretch and strengthen the mind and body.

          Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12 pm 

 

FORREST YOGA - Reputed for its intensity, the style emphasizes connecting to one's feelings in order to work through physical and emotional trauma. Lisa Gallinger, certified Forrest Yoga Instructor, brings a deep sense of how yoga integrates in life.

               Sundays, 11 am - 12:15 pm;  Tuesdays 6 - 7 pm;  Fridays 9 - 10:15 am 

MEDITATION – is a path of inquiry leading one toward self-realization.  While it is typically perceived as sitting stoically with the legs crossed, there are a broad range of approaches and styles to this mysterious and amazing discipline.  As taught at Open Spaces, meditation is a shared group exploration of both eastern and western meditation traditions utilizing the breath, inner visualization, guided imagery and chant among others.  Meditation practice helps develop tranquility, equanimity, compassion and steadiness in the modern world.  Private sessions are available by appointment.

                 Sundays 9 - 10:15 am - ZOOM ONLY

HOLY YOGA - by donation only.  Connect body, soul & spirit through yoga postures; meditation on scripture, & worship music.  Gentle enough for all abilities.  

                 Sundays 4 -5 pm Begins June 5, 2022.  

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