Yoga Descriptions

HATHA

Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

POWER YOGA

Power Yoga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A series of poses is performed in a continuous sequence. Power Yoga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant and flowing movement from one pose to the next.

IYENGAR

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

KRIPALU

Kripalu is a yoga practice with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation that overflows into daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward and moving at your own pace.

RESTORATIVE YOGA NIDRA

In restorative yoga, props are used for support the body so that you can hold poses for longer, allowing you to open your body through passive stretching. Restorative postures are usually adapted from supine or seated yoga poses with the addition of blocks, bolsters, and blankets to eliminate unnecessary straining.

LAUGHTER YOGA

According to the Laughter Yoga International website, the method originated in 1995 when Dr. Madan Kataria, having written on the health benefits of laughter, convened a group of students in a Mumbai, India park to test whether incorporating regular laughter into people's lives would improve their well-being. Though at first he relied on telling jokes to get the laughter started, he soon discovered that simulating laughter (chanting HO HO HO and HA HA HA) offered the same benefits as (and often led to) the real thing. A student of yoga, Kataria also incorporated deep breathing and simple stretches into his sessions.

Medical research has suggested that laughing is a good way to reduce stress and stimulate the release of the body’s feel-good hormones (endorphins). Kataria’s Laughter Clubs, as well as other forms of laughter therapy, are popping up all over. Kataria even offers laughter conference calls for those who don’t have a local Laughter Club.

DOWNDAWG YOGA

DOWNdawg Yoga is a fusion of a classic yoga practice and high energy, hip hop music. Flow yoga sequences and strength postures help to get your heart rate pumping while rocking to electric beats all class long. The ultimate fun, funky workout with the intensity of a power flow yoga class

PRENATAL YOGA

Is a gentle hatha yoga class suitable for participants that are in any trimesters of pregnancy. The yoga postures help to strengthen the body and prepare it for labour and delivery. Focus is on increased body awareness and breath work to help relax the mind and body during pregnancy.

YOGA FOR 50+

This is a gentle class that blends Hatha (postures), Raja (meditation) and therapeutic and restorative approaches to Yoga.

YOGA FOR ATHLETES

A hatha flow yoga class designed to help stretch, strengthen and stabilize muscles that are prone to athletic injuries or are typically tight. Postures are sequenced to improve balance, coordination and core stability. This class will enable athletes improve their flexibilitywhile becoming better physically and mentally prepared for athletics of all levels and types.