On this
page:
TYV yoga styles
Class level descriptions
Principles of Vinyasa & Kripalu
How to get the most out of your practice
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).
Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation. (www.yogajournal.com)
Hatha
Vinyasa & Kripalu Yoga:
Hatha yoga generally refers to the physical yogic exercises (explained below). Within Hatha yoga there are numerous physical styles including Anusara, Astanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kundalini, Kripalu, Viniyoga, Vinyasa, and many, many more. We offer a variety of classes and programs that help students learn yoga according to their experience, level, condition and needs. Classes focus on breath, movement and awareness as ways to improve energy, mental and emotional focus, and physical health. From basic postures to more advanced practices, yoga can be a way to continually harmonize these components. We invite students to begin an exploration of their bodies and breath to bring about greater peace and physical well-being.
Hatha yoga generally refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body–especially the main channel, the spine–so that energy can flow freely. Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects–active, hot, sun–and feminine aspects–receptive, cool, moon–within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose. Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
Kripalu yoga is often described as "meditation in motion". The Kripalu approach to yoga incorporates awareness, compassionate self-inquiry and attunement to prana (also known as the life force, energy or Qi) into asana (posture) practice. According to Swami Kripalvanandaji, the founder of Kripalu yoga, "self awareness without judgment is the highest form of spiritual practice". This style of yoga is an integrated practice on and off the mat and serves as a catalyst for healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. (www.kripalu.org)
Vinyasa yoga is a popular, evolving form of Hatha yoga that focuses on integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, and your practice with your daily life. Through the practice of asanas, students learn to position and work the body in ways that stretch and strengthen the major muscle groups. Through a steady flow of breath, muscular effort and movement, asana practice creates a state of inner balance that encourages attention to proper alignment, strength in the muscle groups, and overall functioning of the inner organs. Asanas also work the deeper postural muscles that maintain the proper working of the joints and spine. (www.yogayard.com)
Vinyasa yoga originates from the yogic teachings of Sri T. Krisnamarchya. Krisnamarchya’s students are the founders of three of the main forms of yoga today: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar Yoga (BKS Iyengar), Viniyoga (T.K.V.Desikachar).
CLASS LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
Level 1/ Gentle: This is a good class for students new to yoga or for those seeking a more relaxing and restorative yoga practice. Students new to yoga often take this class when they are not able to attend the Intro to Yoga Workshop. Fundamental yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and sequences are taught in this class. Props are often used to help students to relax more fully into postures.
Level 2: This is a good class for intermediate students familiar with yoga fundamentals. Many of the basic asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing) and sequences are taught, while further integrating intermediate postures into the class. Modifications and options are provided to engage the student at their level of practice.
Level 3: This is a good class for advanced students familiar with beginning and intermediate yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing) and flow sequences. This is a more challenging class with emphasis on strength, movement, flow and more creative sequencing. More advanced postures are introduced in this class. Modifications and options for different levels are given.
Mixed: All levels are welcome to this class, though we recommend that students have some previous yoga experience. Classes tend to be more dynamic and movement focused than in the Level 1-2 classes. Modifications and options in poses for different levels are given.
Mommy
& Me/ Post-Natal: This class is designed to be a time
for you to come together with fellow post-natal women and babies to
commune with each other, to nurture yourself back into shape, and to
continue to bond with your baby through yoga!
Note: babies age 4 weeks to crawling.
Principles
of Vinyasa & Kripalu Yoga:
Movement
and breath are coordinated together.
Start
with the simplest poses and progress toward the more complex.
Use
counterposes to balance the effects of each asana.
Asanas
contain the two qualities of sthira (steadiness, alertness) and sukha
(inner joy, ease) and reflect the hatha yoga approach of the union of
opposites (solar/lunar).
Use
modifications of postures for different levels and for injury prevention.
Listen
to your body, always come out of a pose when your breath or equilibrium is
disturbed or if there is any strain in the body.
Cultivate
a gradual progression and understanding of your practice within each
session and as it develops over time.
How
to get the most out of your yoga classes
Try and arrive early. Getting to class about 10 minutes early can help you settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you’re waiting you can practice a pose, do a few stretches, or just sit or lie quietly, breathe, and get centered.
Remember to turn off your
mobile phone or pager.
Refrain from eating for two or
three hours before class. If you practice yoga on a full stomach, you
might experience cramps, nausea, or vomiting, especially in twists, deep
forward bends, and inversions. Digesting food also takes energy that can
make you lethargic.
Wear comfortable clothes you
can move in.
Let your teacher know about
injuries or conditions that might affect your practice. If you are injured
or tired, skip poses you can’t or shouldn’t do, or try a modified
version.
Bring a towel or your own mat.
Stay within your limits.
Instead of trying to go as deeply or completely into a pose as others
might be able to do, do what you can without straining or injuring
yourself. You’ll go farther faster if you take a gentle attitude toward
yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should
be.
Try not to leave early; relaxation or savasana is the most important pose - helping you to integrate all the benefits of your yoga practice!
