All our classes are progressive and ongoing. If you are a new student (or it’s been a while since you have enjoyed yoga with us) there is no need to book in for a class, just come to class 10- 15 minutes earlier to introduce yourself to the teacher and familiarize yourself with the studio. Beginners and General classes are open to everyone, but please be aware that if you are new to Yoga then it is suggested that you begin with the beginners classes, to introduce  (or re-introduce J) yourself to the without difficulty. If those times don’t suit just come along anyway and we will assist you as best as we can.

Beginners:

In the Beginners classes, the objective is to create a strong foundation for your personal yoga practice and progression into general classes. We go through asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing) in detail with focus upon correct alignment and personal modifications as you progress in your practice.

General Classes

General classes are for those that have had some yoga experience and are familiar with basic yoga asana and alignment. This class has a combination of both flowing vinyasa and stronger, sustained asana. Remember it will be a little stronger and possibly more challenging than beginners.

Intermediate Classes:

In the Intermediate class, it is recommended that students have at least 3 years of yoga practice or are of fit and healthy constitution. We do not instruct basic asana alignment in detail here. Classes are dynamic and are presented in a flowing vinyasa style encouraging “Meditative Movement”. More advanced Inversions and Pranayama techniques are synergistically partnered with this practice.

Yin Yoga:
The Yin aspect of Yoga (using postures that stretch connective tissue) is under-utilized but vital for a balanced approach to physical and mental health. Yin Yoga is specifically designed to address connective tissues and energy pathways (Nadis) throughout the body. The two major differences between a Yin and a Yang Yoga practice are that Yin postures are done with the muscles relaxed and are held for a longer period of time. This is because connective tissue does not stretch like muscle and will not respond well to brief stresses.

So why would Yin Yoga advocate stretching connective tissue? Although connective tissue is found in every bone, muscle, and organ, it's most concentrated at the joints. In fact, if you don't use your full range of joint flexibility, the connective tissue will slowly shorten to the minimum length needed to accommodate your activities. If you try to flex your knees or arch your back after years of underuse, you'll discover that your joints have been "shrink-wrapped" by shortened connective tissue.

Because the principle of all exercise is to stress tissue so the body will respond by strengthening it. Physiotherapists suggests that moderately stressing the joints does not injure them any more than lifting a barbell injures muscles. Both forms of training can be done recklessly, but neither one is innately wrong. We must remember that connective tissue is different from muscle and needs to be exercised differently. Instead of the rhythmic contraction and release that best stretches muscle, connective tissue responds best to a slow, steady load. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a yin pose for a long time, the body will respond by making them a little longer and stronger—which is exactly what you want.

Paul Grilley gives a great example of how the principles of Yin Yoga work: Try gently pulling on your right middle finger, first with your right hand tensed and then with the hand relaxed. When the hand is relaxed, you will feel a stretch in the joint where the finger joins the palm; the connective tissue that knits the bones together is stretching. When the hand is tensed, there will be little or no movement across this joint, but you will feel the muscles straining against the pull. Primarily, if the muscles are tense, the connective tissue won't receive the proper stress, to improve its function.

In addition to the physical benefits, Yin Yoga better prepares you for meditation, the closing focus for CoreYoga’s Yin Yoga class on Friday’s at 5:45pm. When the body experiences ease, we are in a more mindful space to move into meditation. Join Kate on Friday nights to melt away the stress from your week and float into your weekend!

Paul Grilley taught yoga for 13 years in Los Angeles, CA and now lives in Ashland, OR. He has studied Yin Yoga in Japan with Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama. www.yogajournal.com

Energizer:

When we warm and energize the physical body, the pulse of life quickens. The Energizer classes consist of flowing vinyasa sequences that focus on warming muscle tissue, flushing toxins and improving cardiovascular health. Awaken your body! Boost your metabolism! Tone your organs and muscles! Improve your strength and flexibility!