Class Descriptions

Foundation Active Beginner Yoga	A challenging class for the active individual to develop the essential skills to advance quickly in the practice of yoga using safe and effective techniques under the attentive and compassionate guidance of Ann Hyde, our master instructor on teaching Forrest Yoga. This is a required class for active beginners, and those seeking certification under our teaching program.
Active Beginner Yoga	A moderately-paced, Ashtanga-based & Forrest Yoga, Hatha yoga class designed to build core strength, flexibility, and a calm nervous system, with continued emphasis on breathing and healthy alignment of the body and mind. This class will include variations of standing poses, seated twists, forward bends, arm and leg strengthening exercises, and end with guided relaxation. The focus is to build uniform strength around each joint, improve muscular function, and increase both physical and mental flexibility and awareness. This is a physically challenging beginner class. Knowledge of yoga is not necessary, but the class is best experienced by those who already have some physical conditioning.
All Level Yoga	This class works with all levels of yoga ability. Adaptations of poses will be offered for those who find difficulty with poses.
Beginner/ Recuperative Yoga	Designed for beginners and those with physical challenges, or for those who just want a gentler class. The class focuses on creating muscular balance through proper alignment in yoga poses. Muscular strength and flexibility are improved through developmental techniques that focus on improving posture, motor skills, and body coordination.
Beginner Belly Dancing	The beginner class focuses on grasping a strong understanding of basic technique. Becoming familiar and comfortable with your body and more importantly, learning how to control each movement is an essential aspect of this class. You will also be exposed to an array of classical and modern (yes, even Shakira!) Belly Dance music, terminology, and moves. You will also be introduced to basic use of finger cymbals and veil. The instructors contribute to each individual’s progress through personal attention and positive critiquing. This class has a fun and friendly atmosphere and is open to all.
Boustany Method Yoga	Created by our founder, Robert Boustany, this yoga is practiced by several instructors in the studio. With a clear focus on the mechanics, anatomy, energetics, psychology and rapport, this class explores physical postures, their variations, and the breath that connects them all to unleash each of our unique and essentially universal potential. Open to all levels. Each class is specifically tailored to the group that is present.
Core Conditioning for Yoga	The focus of this class is to develop the muscle groups used in many yoga poses. Frequent muscle aches and strains, or lack of advancement in yoga skills, may indicate some missing links in fitness training. This class teaches simple but effective exercises to strengthen core muscle structures that stabilize the body. Resistance techniques and various props will be used and provided in class. The intensity level of this class can be modified to suit all levels of students.
Forrest Yoga	Forrest Yoga, developed by Ana Forrest, uses intense pose sequences, long deep breaths, active awareness throughout the body, and specific instructions for each pose, all are compassionately taught, to develop skills in awakening each of the senses, clearing stress from the body, and developing great skill, strength, flexibility and vitality. Forrest Yoga teaches you to bring aliveness, using breath, into every cell of your body ~This ignites your passion for living.
Hatha/Vinyasakrama	Every class will begin with the standing, Tadasana cycle, which are slow movements matched to long smooth even inhalations/exhalations; grounding the student in breath and balance. Then vinyasas and their sub-movements from the 11 groups of asanas will be explored. Beginning with simple movements, through slow repetition and infusion of the breath, the student will naturally move to more difficult postures. Special attention to alignment and use of the bandhas will be given. Time isbe allotted in every class for proper pranayama technique and breathing ratios. Pratyahara, the first step toward meditation will be practiced through the 6 hole seal –shanmukhi mudra. With regular practice, the yoking of mind and body takes place with the breath as the harness. Come experience classical yoga at its best. Asana, pranayama, chanting and meditation.
Intermediate Yoga	For hardy beginners or more advanced students. This class focuses on creating techniques to master some of the more difficult yoga poses. All are welcome and techniques can be modified to suit the less advanced student.
Intermediate Belly Dance	The intermediate class focuses on “layering”, or using more than one movement simultaneously. Remember, Belly Dance is the dance of isolation; learning to move each part of your body independently while remaining relaxed and focused. There is also a continuing emphasis on the use of finger cymbals and the veil. This class is fast paced and designed for individuals with some knowledge of the basic Belly Dance movements.
ITP	ITP is a long-term program for realizing the positive and healthy transformation of body, mind, heart, and soul, developed by world famous visionaries George Leonard and Michael Murphy of Esalen Institute. ITP is described in their book "The Life We Are Given" and online. ITP is integral in that it deals with the body (diet, exercise, somatic), mind (reading, discussions), heart (group process, community activities), and soul (meditation, imaging). ITP is transformative because it is aimed at positive change in the body and being, including changes that exceed conventional expectations. It is a practice for that it involves long-term, regular, disciplined activities that, above and beyond any specific external rewards, are of value in and of themselves.
Kid and Family Yoga	Children alone or children with mom and dad can play yoga together. Partner up with your child and learn balancing games, trust exercises, calming postures, plus spiritual and physical fun. Each class is specifically designed to cater to the ages of the child.
Multi-Level Yoga	Multi-Level classes combine strength building with flexibility and inner knowledge. The class structure varies from class to class, but students learn to strengthen their bodies while they become more flexible. A form of Vinyasa is practiced together with Hatha yoga techniques, alignment, and breathing.
Prenatal, Mom, and Baby Yoga	Prenatal classes keep the mother's body strong while relieving many of the symptoms pregnancy brings to women. The classes educate women about their bodies and feelings during this important time of their lives.
Qigong	Chinese internal exercise to develop and learn control of energy. Qigong is similar to Tai Chi in its look and feel.
Strong Intermediate Yoga	Intermediate Yoga is for students at a level who are familiar with traditional asanas. This class covers poses and their variations, including inversions as well as other challenging poses. Previous experience with asanas is necessary for this class.
Level 1	Gentle Beginner
Level 1-2	Beginner and Intermediate
Level 2	Intermediate
Level 2-3	Intermediate and Advanced
Level 3	Advanced
Level 1-3	All Levels